Your guide to this month’s best fests!
NORTHWESTFEST
When: May 5–14
Where: Various venues
Admission: $13 per show; $120 festival pass
About: View films from around the world commenting on global human rights, social and environmental issues, and the strength of the human spirit at Canada’s longest-running documentary film festival.
Don’t miss: Fran Stine, director of Hired Gun, will attend the film’s closing-night screening! The documentary follows the stories of touring musicians who are regularly hired by famous bands, including Metallica and KISS.
NUOVA OPERA & MUSIC THEATRE FESTIVAL
When: May 20 – June 30
Where: Various venues
Admission: Tickets for mainstage productions start at $20; Festival passes start at $60
About: Canada’s only summer opera festival celebrates emerging Canadian vocal artists through an accessible blend of classical performances that will engage and entertain all audiences.
Don’t miss: The mainstage productions this year include Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel, Eugene Onegin, and Patience.
RAINMAKER RODEO & MUSIC FESTIVAL
When: May 26–28
Where: Kinsmen Fairgrounds, 47 Riel Dr.
Admission: $15 adults; $5 kids
About: Pull on your cowboy boots and enjoy exhibition excitement complete with a parade, market, midway rides, rodeo, family activities, and a live music series on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Don’t miss: Alberta country star Brett Kissel will headline the festival on May 27!
INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
When: May 30 – June 4
Where: St. Albert
Admission: $13 per performance
About: At this annual and magical all-ages festival, the only limitation is your imagination! Musicians, dancers, storytellers, artists, and puppeteers from around the globe converge to delight the young and young-at-heart with upbeat music, crafts and games, and funny stage performances.
Don’t miss: Combining traditional and contemporary movements and music, Winnipeg’s Aboriginal School of Dance will give an energetic and mystical performance in Niniimi’iwe on June 3 and 4.
