85+ Bands in 10-days at This Year's Festival du Voyageur

The cold weather has returned just in time for snow sculptures and Caribou in ice glasses at Manitoba’s premier winter event, Festival du Voyageur.

For those who haven't been to Festival du Voygauer for years, the February institution is about more than just trading posts, dog sleds, and beard-growing contests; it's also a busy music festival. For over four decades, it has offered visitors a celebration of Franco-Manitoban culture with music playing a central role. The 10-day event, which kicks off February 18 and includes performances by over 80 musical acts, many of which call Manitoba home. 

The festival has built a reputation for booking diverse acts covering just about every genre imaginable, from traditional fiddle music to country to indie rock to roots. This year also boasts an outdoor party Le Grand Hé Ho!, a Cajun night, and the return of the popular DJ night. Check out the Live Music Calendar for concert details or visit the Festival du Voyageur website.

This year's impressive list of artists includes some of the hottest local names in both French and English, including: Jodi King, Les Surveillantes, Enjoy Your Pumas, The Magnificent Sevens, Oh My Darling, Don Amero, Inward Eye, James Struthers, Tracy Bone, The Crooked Brothers, Daniel ROA, Eagle & Hawk, Ariel Posen, Dust Rhinos, Jerry Sereda, Melissa Plett and These Guys,  Keith & Renee, Ya Ketchose, The F-Holes, Red Moon Road, JD Edwards Band, Alphabet Soup, Element Essentiel, Craig & Ash, Jason Gordon, Kin, Johnny Cajun, Marie-Josee Clement, Voldis and the Melodicas, Cyclist, and this year’s Festival poster boy, Justin Lacroix. 

Music happens throughout the day and night at various venues including those at Voyageur Park in St. Boniface.