Winnipeg’s Winterruption festival returns

Jorge Requena Ramos, executive artistic director, previews Winterruption and its citywide lineup bringing music, art, and community warmth to Winnipeg.

Winnipeg’s January is often cold and dark, with early nightfall making the season feel long and quiet. But every year, the Winterruption festival brings fresh energy to the city, filling local venues with music and performances that invite people to gather and celebrate creativity despite the chill.

The six-day, multi-venue festival runs Jan. 20–25, activating spaces across the West End, West Broadway, and South Osborne. Presented by Real Love Winnipeg and the West End Cultural Centre, Winterruption brings together local artists alongside touring acts from across North America and beyond, offering both discovery and familiarity during the slowest month of the year.

“There was definitely a lull of concerts happening in January,” says Gil Carroll, co-founder of Real Love Winnipeg. “It’s often kind of a dark and cold month, and it just made sense to create something that brought people out and brought the community together when it can feel a little lonely.”

Built for winter—and built to grow

Winterruption launched in January 2020, just weeks before the pandemic shut down live performances. Carroll says seeing the festival return and expand has been both validating and energizing.

“We’re feeling super excited and proud,” he said. “Each year it’s gotten bigger and bigger. We sold out a ton of shows last year, and a lot of the shows this year are on pace to sell out as well.”

The growth, he said, is less about scale and more about intention. Winterruption is curated with variety in mind—stylistically, culturally, and generationally.

“We’re really trying to appeal to many different communities and music scenes,” Carroll said. “So, there’s a bit of everything. Old punk bands, contemporary hip hop, psychedelic music, indie rock, folk.”

That approach has made Winterruption a reliable place for discovery. Audiences show up not only for headliners like Los Angeles punk band FEAR, rapper and comedian Open Mike Eagle or folk songwriter Hiss Golden Messenger, but also to encounter artists they may not have sought out otherwise.

“We encourage people to come in with an open mind,” Carroll said. “Hopefully they walk out having discovered their new favourite band.”

Jane Inc. returns with a record shaped by rupture and release

Toronto-based Carlyn Bezic, known professionally as Jane Inc., is back at Winterruption this year after performing in 2024. She describes her previous Winnipeg experience as “really, really fun.” This visit comes ahead of a lengthy tour that will end in Los Angeles.

“I’m excited,” Jane Inc. said. “These shows are a good way to get my sea legs—get back into the groove of playing a bunch of shows—and Winterruption feels like a soft landing. It’s a cool festival with a built-in audience, and Winnipeg has always been a great time.”

Her music blends danceable indie pop with infectious rhythms and emotional depth. The name Jane Inc. reflects her vision of herself as a one-woman creative machine.

“My middle name is Jane,” she explains. “It’s kind of like Jane Doe—a blank slate, an everywoman who is both me and not me. ‘Ink’ is a nod to dance music artists like Love Ink and Lips Ink, reflecting that clubby vibe.”

Jane Inc. manages all creative duties herself, treating the project like a factory she runs solo.

Her latest album, A Rupture, a Canyon, and a Birth, grew from intense personal experiences and tackles large themes like life, death, love and heartbreak. Despite the weighty subject matter, the record is “very dancey and poppy,” a cathartic invitation to move and feel.

“I wanted to make something fun and sparkly, despite the heaviness of the themes,” she says. “A lot of the music came together organically. Sometimes a drumbeat inspires lyrics; other times, lyrics inspire music. It’s an evolving process.”

Live, Jane Inc. offers energetic performances with guitar playing and interaction with the crowd. “I like to react in the moment,” she says. “My body is an instrument too.”

After Winterruption, Jane Inc. hopes audiences walk away feeling inspired, released and ready to dance.

“I think it’s going to be fab and fun. And I’ll have merch for sale too, if anyone wants to snag something.”

Ayozak makes his live debut

For debut performer Ayozak—born Ayoub Moustarzak—Winterruption marks a milestone filled with excitement and reinvention. The 25-year-old Winnipeg-based artist has a strong background in visual arts and photography.

“This is my debut show as Ayozak,” he said. “I’ve performed before, but this is different—I’m challenging myself and stepping into something new. I feel privileged that my first show is at Winterruption, especially alongside Chip Vintage’s seventh anniversary.”

Ayozak’s music and visuals are intertwined as parts of a larger project. “Everything I create is part of a bigger picture—music, imagery, video—it all comes together.”

His work is set in a fictional dystopian world, filled with characters and stories that dramatize real-world issues through metaphor and theatricality.

“It’s like daydreaming,” he said. “I put Ayozak into these characters, and the songs tell their stories. There are double meanings and references, but it’s always wrapped in drama and theatrical flair.”

He urges audiences not to underestimate artists who evolve: “This show is me stepping outside the box and showing that I can create beyond what people expect.”

For Ayozak, Winterruption’s community spirit shines during Winnipeg’s harsh winters.

“Winter here is often seen as a dreadful time,” he said. “But for creatives, it’s a chance to dive deep into art. When you can’t go outside, you create inside—some of the best art comes from this time.”

There are no nerves, only excitement. “I’m ready to share my stories and my work. Whether it’s received or not, I’ll feel happy knowing I did it.”

He promises some surprises in 2026. “I have releases and collaborations coming. Expect lots of twists—alternative pop might be the starting point, but I’m not limiting myself to any one genre.”

His closing message is clear: “Support the arts. Support your local artists and small businesses. People often overlook those around them in favour of big names. Let’s lift each other up.”

Strawberry Punch brings sweetness and bite

Strawberry Punch, Winnipeg’s all-girl queer-fronted band, delivers a seamless blend of shimmering indie pop and moody riot grrrl garage punk. The four members—Daniell McDonald, Tuva Bergstrom, Freja Haight and Brandy Lafond — bring diverse influences together into a distinctive sound.

“It’s really about taking turns and locking in on whatever vibe feels right at the moment,” McDonald said. “One of our favourite songs, Lavender and Maple, started with a chord progression that had been sitting around for years. Then Brandy’s lyrics and Freya’s bassline brought it to life. It just clicked.”

Their collaborative process reflects deep friendship, often weaving personal stories, crushes and shared experiences into the songs.

“That closeness makes the music really honest,” Bergstrom said. “We write from our own queer girlhoods, and that resonates with our fans.”

Live shows are an infectious mix of dance energy and heartfelt connection. Their fans create spaces where jumping, singing along and hanging out outside are all part of the fun.

“We’ve been lucky to have such a welcoming crowd,” McDonald said. “It’s like a big dance party with your closest friends.”

Returning for a second year at Winterruption, Strawberry Punch is excited to open for The Shivas, whose surf-rock energy is influencing their set this year.

“We’re bringing some new songs and a fresh vibe—more rock and roll,” McDonald said. “But we’re still playing the songs people know and love.”

After Winterruption, they’ll play Festival du Voyageur before releasing their second single, Pocket, on Valentine’s Day.

For first-timers, the band’s invitation is clear: expect fun, connection and plenty of dancing.

“You’ll meet the best people,” Bergstrom promises. “A room full of beautiful women, singing and in love.”

More than music

While music remains at Winterruption’s core, the festival continues to expand. This year’s programming includes wrestling at the West End Cultural Centre, family-friendly events at The Forks, a film screening and a theatrical performance by Kevin McDonald of Kids in the Hall.

“It’s mostly music-focused,” Carroll said, “but it feels exciting to branch out a bit.”

What keeps him motivated is the community response.

“Walking into a venue and seeing friends and people we’ve never seen before connecting with the artists we brought in—that’s everything,” he said.