Categories > Guides and Tips

Discover Folklorama: Your World Ticket to Celebrate Multiculturalism in Canada
- What is Folklorama?
- What are Folklorama Pavilions?
- Things to Do in Folklorama
- Taste authentic cuisine at Folklorama Pavilions
- German Pavilion
- Punjab Pavilion
- Latin American Pavilion
- Greek Pavilion
- Watch performances at the pavilions
- Check out the marketplace
- Bring Folklorama to your home
- How to Get Tickets for Folklorama
- Group Tours
- Multi-Packs
- Tips When Attending Folklorama
It’s no secret that we’re a melting pot of diverse cultures. And when it comes to celebrating and sharing traditions and cuisine, Winnipeg knows how to do it best!
Every year, the city hosts Folklorama, which is basically a ticket to the world without going to the airport! This festival celebrates all cultures and heritage, allowing all of us to expand our horizons just by going to different areas in Winnipeg.
There’s really no excuse to miss out on this Canadian festival. So grab your bag and see what it has in store for you!
What is Folklorama?
Folkorama is an annual multicultural festival in Winnipeg that runs for two weeks in August. It’s the longest and largest festival of its kind in the world.
This Canadian festival provides a space for ethnocultural communities to celebrate and share their traditions with fellow Canadians and other nationalities. It has approximately 40 pavilions scattered throughout the city, which feature various cultures and cuisines.
Folklorama started as a Centennial Folk Festival back in August 1970 as a one-week event. It was originally planned to be a one-time festival but it was so successful that it became a yearly occasion.
The only time it was cancelled was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It came back the following year in a virtual capacity and has resumed to its original conditions since then.
What are Folklorama Pavilions?
Media credit: folklorama
Each community that participates has their own pavilion, which is basically a venue where they can share their storied past and ethnic cuisine. It’s like travelling the world without leaving the city, where you can taste their food and learn their traditions.
But it’s not just about the food! At these pavilions, you can also watch talented performers sing and dance along with their traditional music. It’s also a way to learn about the history and culture of different ethnocultural communities.
To give you an idea, some of the communities featured in the past are Greek, Tamil, Caribbean, and Latin American. But there are so many to see and visit—there are about 40 pavilions overall, you know!
Things to Do in Folklorama
Media credit: folklorama
Folklorama is a family-friendly event. There are so many things to discover and stories to hear. If you’re planning to go to this multicultural festival, here are things you can do!
Taste authentic cuisine at Folklorama Pavilions
Media credit: folklorama
The full capacity is 40 Folklorama Pavilions, which are spread throughout Winnipeg. The first week will launch usually about half, then the rest will follow in the second week.
The main thing the pavilions offer—and our favourite—is the food! Various international cuisines are available for you to try, which is the ultimate time to try new dishes!
There are different venues, so the best way to find the pavilions is by checking out the Folklorama Travel Guide. Before the festival officially kicks off, make sure you have it ready so you can plan your week ahead!
If you feel overwhelmed, don’t worry! We’re sharing with you some of our favourite pavilions!
Pro Tips:
Hit up two pavilions a day—more than that can feel overwhelming. Since Folklorama lasts for two weeks, you can try out many cuisines without cramming so many visits in one day.
Try a VIP tour for hassle-free pavilion visits.
German Pavilion
Media credit: officialgermanpavilion
Who knew that beer and schnitzel could make your day brighter? Germany is known for its really, really good beer—and we’re happy to report that this pavilion doesn’t disappoint!
Of course, there are other types of food as well, like bratwurst, sauerkraut, and wine straight from Germany! Try the delicious confectionaries for your dessert!
Punjab Pavilion
Media credit: punjabpavilion
While there are many Indian restaurants in Canada, it can be tough to find authentic food sometimes. That’s why we love having Punjabi cuisine at Folklorama—you get authentic meals that will take your tastebuds on a delicious adventure!
You get the popular meals, like samosa and curries. The Punjab Pavilion offers different types of appetizers and main meals, which all actually go together—don’t forget to get a salted lassi (a creamy drink with a salty flavour) to cleanse your palate.
Latin American Pavilion
Media credit: latinamericanpavilionwpg
My mother used to say, “Don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like empanadas.” Frankly, I’ve carried that motto all my life.
The Latin American Pavilion has consistently impressed us with its delicious empanadas (a turnover with meat filling) and enchiladas (a tortilla with meat, veggies, and cheese). If you go and they have flan, you have to try it at least once in your life!
Greek Pavilion
Media credit: greekpavilion
One of the originals in Folklorama is the Greek Pavilion. It has been here since the very beginning, serving delicious meals and sharing traditions!
Greek cuisine tastes fresh with tangy flavours. It usually serves chicken skewers and Greek salad because everybody loves those (including us!). For dessert, Baklava is always a good idea, as well as the frappe, which is made the Mediterranean way!
To get you through the days before Folklorama begins, try our favourite Greek restaurants in Canada for authentic meals!
Watch performances at the pavilions
Media credit: folklorama
Sampling different cuisines is not the only thing you do at the pavilions—watching performances is also one of the highlights of this festival. By doing so, you can expand your knowledge about communities outside your bubble.
All the shows are spectacular because you’ll hear their music, watch their folk dances, and see their traditional attire. The colours, style, and vibe are different with each pavilion, so you’re getting a new experience every time!
Pro Tip:
Visit pavilions you haven’t been to before. You know what to expect at your usual places, but checking out new ones is a good way to add something new to your Folklorama experience every year.
Check out the marketplace
Media credit: folklorama
Pavilions also sell treasures and handcrafted stuff that represent its culture and heritage. You’ll see a wide variety of options like clothing and beauty products, especially if you go to several pavilions during Folklorama.
This is also one of the best ways to support the ethnocultural communities! You see, the money that the pavilion earns stays there!
Pro Tip:
Bring cash in case card payments aren’t accepted.
Bring Folklorama to your home
Media credit: folklorama
…or school or work! Folklorama doesn’t stop at its pavilions—it also brings the event to you! If you have a special occasion and want it to be different and creative, you can hire the Folklorama team to make it come true!
This is a great way to add something unique while supporting ethnocultural communities. You can book a workshop or a performance, but you can make it even more special by adding a mini pavilion.
With a mini pavilion, you can bring Folklorama to your event. You can serve delicious cuisines from other countries without planning a destination party while supporting local ethnocultural businesses.
Pro Tip:
Contact the team months in advance to ensure you get a reservation slot. It also allows for more planning time to avoid party stress.
How to Get Tickets for Folklorama
Media credit: folklorama
You can only get your Folklorama tickets on the website and at the pavilion entrance. How it works is you purchase a ticket for a pavilion—so the number of pavilion you want to see is also the number of tickets you have to buy.
Tickets cost $7.50 plus service fee. Children under the age of 12 are free to enter, given that they’re accompanied by an adult—do note that you need to book a free ticket for the child to enter the pavilion.
We recommend you purchase your tickets in advance. You should know that many pavilions, especially popular ones, do get sold out pretty quickly.
Group Tours
Media credit: folklorama
One way to ensure you get to experience Folklorama at its fullest is by checking out the group tours. There are two kinds, the Custom and the VIP tour.
The Custom Group Tour is ideal for people who want a more tailored touch to their experience. You get a tour guide, reserved seating for the shows, table service, and a guaranteed visit to three pavilions!
It doesn’t end there! Aside from Folklorama, you’ll also get a chance to visit other places in Winnipeg. It’s like a two-in-one trip—perfect for travellers or Winnipeggers who want to feel like a tourist for a day!
You also have the VIP Tour, which gives you a VIP experience! You get luxury transportation, skip the queue, have reserved seating, and eat progressive meals in different pavilions.
The inclusions depend on the kind of tour you want to take. There are lots of choices, but they sell out, so make sure you book your ticket in advance!
Multi-Packs
Media credit: folklorama
The multi-pack is basically a chance to check out multiple pavilions at a discounted rate. You also get guaranteed entrance to the pavilions of your choice at your preferred showtime.
This is ideal if you want to visit at least 10 pavilions during the festival because you don’t have to purchase separate tickets. Plus, you can save money!
Folklorama Admission Options | ||
---|---|---|
Ticket Type | Price | Inclusions |
Single Ticket | $7.50 + service fee (based on 2024 admission) | Single entry to one pavilion |
Custom Group Tour | Depending on the coverage | VIP access, reserved seating, table service, tour guide, Winnipeg attractions |
VIP Tour | Depending on the type of tour | Motorcoach transportation, tour guide, VIP entrance, reserved seating, progressive meals |
Multi-Pack | Depending on the year’s discounted rate | Ticket discount, multiple tickets, showtime reservation |
Tips When Attending Folklorama
Media credit: folklorama
Since Folklorama doesn’t have just one venue, it may be confusing (or overwhelming) for first-time goers. How do you maximise your time? How should you plan?
No worries! We’re seasoned goers who have made a couple of mistakes here and there, so we now have a good idea of how to make your Folklorama as incredible as the pastries sold at the French Canadian Pavilion!
Check out these fool-proof tips for a smooth experience for first-timers, locals, and tourists!
- Plan your schedule. Look at the venues and visit pavilions close to each other—you might find ones that are near your home for a hassle-free commute (some may even be within walking distance of each other).
- Secure your tickets in advance. Pavilions do get sold out, especially popular and original ones, so purchase your tickets online instead of at the door.
- Check the pavilion socials for updates. Some pavilions will still have extra tickets left, which are usually posted on Instagram, giving you a chance to secure one before it all sells out!
- Look into group tours if you want to swing by two to three pavilions in one day. These include transportation, which will make things super convenient for you instead of rushing from one place to another.
- Arrive early to secure the best seats and avoid long lines. This will ensure you’ll get the best view of the stage and you can queue up for the food as soon as you can.
- Save the travel guide and see what pavilions will meet your needs. Not all venues have accessibility options, so it’s a good idea to visit pavilions that can cater to you for a smooth experience.
- Don’t be afraid to try new food. Expand your horizons and see what you like and don’t like.
- Visit new pavilions and venture outside of your comfort zone. It’s okay to visit your favourite pavilions, but trying out something new is a great way to embrace new experiences.
- Talk to the ambassadors and ask about their culture and cuisine. There’s nothing wrong with asking questions if you want to learn more, and Folklorama is about celebrating and sharing other cultures.
- Enjoy your day! Don’t let small issues ruin your time at Folklorama because we bet you’re going to want to return next year!