Festival du Voyageur is February 12-21, 2016. (HANDOUT)
WINNIPEG — Festival du Voyageur may end up playing matchmaker for single visitors this year.
The 47th edition of the popular winter festival is introducing several new themed nights for 2016, including a singles night on Valentine’s Day.
That’s just one of many new additions visitors can look forward to in the new Université de Saint-Boniface Portage Tent. A karaoke night and board game night — in collaboration with Across the Board Game Café — will also take place on both weekends.
Also new is the ability for local artisans to get their wares in front of visitors during two special Market Days held February 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More musicians than ever before
Between Voyageur Park and nine other official sites, more than 140 musical artists will perform over the 10-day event.
Franco-Manitoban acts Carmen Campagne, Jocelyne Baribeau, Marijo, Ça Claque! and more will be performing this year. The Festival will also welcome artists from outside the province such as Cœur de Pirate (Quebec), Les Poules à Colin (Quebec), Les Hay Babies (New Brunswick), Vishten (Prince Edward Island), and Sweet Crude (Louisiana). Many Anglophone acts are also part of this year’s programming, including The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer (British Columbia), Del Barber (Manitoba), Rosie & the Riveters (Saskatchewan), and Andino Suns (Saskatchewan).
Canadian Museum for Human Rights outdoor exhibit
A new outdoor exhibit this year will celebrate 100 years since women first won the right to vote in Canada. “Let Them Howl: 100 Years in the Women’s Rights Struggle” features large reproductions of portraits (mostly from Library and Archives Canada) of women who broke gender barriers: from Nellie McClung to Beverley McLachlin.
Passes on sale now
10-Voyageur passes are on pre-sale until January 15 by visiting 233 Provencher Boulevard, calling (204) 233-ALLO or online at HeHo.ca. Regular priced passes are available at Safeway for $32 (adults) and $16 (youth aged 13-17), and $11 (children 6-12). Admission is free for children 5 and under.
Festival du Voyageur runs February 12-21.
