Every June, something happens in Winnipeg that turns ordinary weeks into memories. The Red River Ex returns to Exhibition Park for ten full days of rides, live music, fair food, creative competitions, and the world’s largest travelling midway. If you have been waiting for summer to officially begin, this is the announcement you needed.

By Maplestime Events Desk | Winnipeg, Manitoba | May 22, 2026

Key Takeaways

• The Red River Ex runs Friday June 12 to Sunday June 21, 2026 at Red River Exhibition Park
• Free admission is available on June 12 and June 14 — arrive early as lines build fast
• The world’s largest travelling midway returns with 50+ rides including Mach 3 and Mega Drop
• Live music, agricultural displays, juried art competitions, and over 200 hours of entertainment
• Tickets available now at authentigate.ca — $1 per ticket service fee applies
• Winnipeg Transit now offers pickup and drop-off at the new west entrance

Ten Days of Pure Winnipeg Summer — What the Red River Ex Is All About

The Red River Exhibition, affectionately known as The EX, is a beloved annual event held at Red River Exhibition Park in Winnipeg. Scheduled from June 12 to June 21, 2026, this vibrant celebration promises an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages. Visitors can immerse themselves in a lively atmosphere filled with thrilling rides, captivating entertainment, and a diverse array of food vendors showcasing local and international cuisines.For Winnipeg families, the Red River Ex is not just an event — it is a summer tradition that spans generations. There is something about the smell of fair food, the sound of midway games, and the sight of kids losing their minds over roller coasters that makes the EX feel like the official starting gun of Manitoba summer.

The EX offers fun for absolutely everyone — discover the most thrilling rides, delicious food, incredible performers and attractions, and the best local music Manitoba has to offer. It is big adventure and even bigger smiles for ten days in June.

The Free Admission Days You Need to Plan Around

Here is the information that every budget-conscious Winnipeg family has been searching for. The Red River Ex offers several free admission opportunities throughout its ten-day run.

Free admission is available on June 12, June 14, and June 21. During these free admission periods, donation buckets will be available at the entry gates to support the Red River Exhibition Foundation scholarship fund. Every dollar donated helps support Manitoban post-secondary students while allowing visitors to enjoy hours of free entertainment, attractions, and activities across the grounds.

If you are planning to attend during one of the free entry windows, arriving early is highly recommended. Lines at admission gates can become long shortly before the free admission periods begin.

Special Days Worth Marking on Your Calendar

Opening Day — June 12: Free admission on Opening Day makes it one of the most popular and family-friendly days of the entire Red River Ex.

Seniors Day — June 21: Seniors aged 60 and over pay just $7.50 gate admission when presenting ID at the ticket booths. Seniors also receive one free ride on both the Merry-Go-Round and the Giant Ferris Wheel.

Free Family Day: A FREE pancake and sausage breakfast is served from 10:30 to 11:30 am while supplies last. Kids under 10 years old can purchase a pass at the park to ride all they want on Kiddieland rides for only $15 including GST.

The Rides — The World’s Largest Travelling Midway Returns

This is what the kids have been waiting for.

North American Midway Entertainment — the world’s largest travelling midway — is back and bringing fun and excitement to The EX 2026. All your favourites are back, including the Mach 3, Polar Express, Mega Drop, and so many more.

With over 50 midway rides covering everything from family-friendly Kiddieland attractions to full-throttle thrill machines, the midway alone is worth the visit. All rides require a wristband or pass card credits, and riders must meet height requirements for each attraction.

Live Music — Included With Your Admission

This is one of the things that genuinely sets the Red River Ex apart from other fairs across Canada.

It is common for large fairs to charge an extra admission ticket price to access the headlining concerts — but The EX does not charge extra to see musical performances. Over 200 hours of live performances from big names and community groups are included with gate admission.

The EX is one of only two fairs left in Canada that does not receive operational funding from the government. Red River Exhibition Park, with events running over 240 days a year, is operated by the Red River Exhibition Association — a volunteer-driven non-profit committed to bringing the community together. The fact that they continue to include live music in the base ticket price is a genuine community commitment worth appreciating.

Beyond the Rides — What Else Is Happening at The EX

Agricultural Displays and Creative Competitions

The EX features agricultural displays and juried art, photography, and quilt competitions — a celebration of creativity, skill, and the passion that lives within the Manitoba community. If you have never wandered through the creative competitions building, it is a genuine Winnipeg hidden gem — showcasing the talent and craftsmanship of Manitobans in a way that feels personal and community-rooted.

The Wedding at the Midway

On Saturday June 13 at 2:00 PM, right in the heart of The EX midway, a special area will be set up and decorated for a celebration featuring a photography package, officiant, horse and carriage ride by KB Clydesdales, a room at Best Western Plus Winnipeg West, a private helicopter ride for two by Prairie Helicopters, and floral arrangements. Yes — someone is getting married at the midway. Winnipeg really does things differently.

Getting There — Transit Update for 2026

Winnipeg Transit now picks up and drops off at the new west entrance of Red River Exhibition Park. This is a meaningful upgrade for families who want to skip the parking hassle. Check Winnipeg Transit’s website for routes and schedules running to the new west entrance on Portage Avenue.

Everything You Need Before You Go

Dates: Friday June 12 to Sunday June 21, 2026 Location: Red River Exhibition Park, 3977 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg — West Gate off Festival Drive Free admission days: June 12 (Opening Day) and June 14 Tickets: authentigate.ca — note the $1 per ticket service fee Transit: Winnipeg Transit now stops at the new west entrance Rides: Wristbands and pass card credits required — available on site Parking: Exhibition Place Parking Lot off Portage Avenue

Is It Worth Going? Here Is the Honest Take

The Red River Ex is one of those Winnipeg events that earns its reputation year after year. The combination of free live music, the world’s largest travelling midway, agricultural and creative competitions, and multiple free admission days makes it genuinely one of the best-value family events in Western Canada.

For newcomers to Winnipeg — this is a Manitoba summer institution. Going to the EX at least once is not optional if you want to understand what Winnipeg summer actually feels like.

For long-time Winnipeggers — you already know. Mark the free days, get there early, and bring cash for the midway games because everyone always ends up spending more than they planned.

Are you heading to the Red River Ex this June? Which rides are your family’s favourites? Tell us in the comments — and share this with every Winnipeg parent who needs to start planning.