PRIDE
MAY 26 – JUNE 7
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The parade attracts around 10,000 people, with the festival looking to double or triple its pre-pandemic attendance of 30-35,000.
through the windows on the second floor of the Canada Life Centre. A similar quiet area is planned at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. There will also be described audio descriptions at the parade and festival stages. A food-truck runner will deliver orders to people with limited mobility. “We’re focusing on building access,” Karlenzig said. Winnipeg Pride events will also aim to minimize their environmental impact through initiatives such as a waste sorting station in partnership with GFL, meaning organiz- ers will divert as much trash as possible from landfills. Groups will sort all garbage into groups so it can be prop- erly recycled and composted. When you attend Winnipeg Pride events, you’ll also be supporting local and Canadian businesses. Karlenzig said the beer tent will feature some of the best Canadian beer available. Local egg suppliers have been recruited. At Pride Mart, local artisans will showcase a range of locally-produced wares. Karlenzig said 90 people and groups applied for the 44 available spaces. Some groups pooled their resources and jointly reserved a space. That’s all part of a focus on expanding the community zone and offering something for everyone. “What we’ve tried to do is to take the corporate space away from the festival,” Karlenzig said.
Photo by Jin Lee
On Sun., June 7, the 2026 Winnipeg Pride Rally begins at the Manitoba legislative building at 10 a.m., with the 2026 Winnipeg Pride Parade starting at 11 a.m. Once again, The Forks will host a day full of entertainment on three stages — the mainstage, the Mamawi stage and a kids’ stage — highlighted by a performance from Simone Denny, the four-time Juno Award-winning singer for Love Inc. “She is a queer icon and queer person of colour from Toronto,” Karlenzig said. Regular attendees will notice many changes designed to make the weekend enjoyable for everyone. Before the parade, people will be able to fill their water jugs at Memorial Park. Parade lovers who prefer a quieter space can watch the parade pass by along Portage Avenue
PRIDE WINNIPEG PRESIDENT BARRY KARLENZIG (RIGHT) WITH HUSBAND EMERY WILSON AND DOG SCOOBY-DEE. Supplied photo
On Sun., June 7, the 2026 Winnipeg Pride Rally begins at the Manitoba legislative building at 10 a.m., with the 2026 Winnipeg Pride Parade starting at 11 a.m.
Photo by Jin Lee
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