Folklorama 2025 kicks off at Assiniboine Park

Folklorama officially launched at Assiniboine Park over the weekend, with a showcase of the upcoming festival.

It’s time for festivity.

Folklorama 2025 officially launched Saturday with a vibrant kick-off event at the Lyric Theatre and Field in Assiniboine Park.

The celebration was the only opportunity for visitors to see all 43 pavilions and their ambassadors gathered in one place. The event featured ethno-cultural performances, a children’s area, food trucks and a pavilion expo.

“It’s like having 43 different festivals all over the city — half in the first week, the rest in the second,” said Teresa Cotroneo, executive director of Folklorama.

Cotroneo reflected on the festival’s growth since its inception.

“It started with 21 pavilions in 1970. We’re at 43 this year. From seven days to 14 days. From 71,000 attendees to over 300,000 visits annually,” she said.

She added that Folklorama holds a special place in the hearts of many Winnipeggers.

“It’s something that’s really unique to Winnipeg. We’re truly part of the fabric of the community,” Cotroneo said. “It’s important to a lot of people — everyone has a Folklorama story.”

The 2025 Folklorama Festival runs from Sunday, Aug. 3 to Saturday, Aug. 16. Pavilions will be hosted across Winnipeg, and attendees are encouraged to consult the festival’s travel guide for schedules and locations.