10 fun things to keep you busy this Canada Day in Manitoba
6 things to do in Winnipeg, 4 if you're elsewhere in the province
What to do in Winnipeg
1. Free cake and barbecue in Transcona
Location: Transcona Centennial Square, 135 Regent Ave.
Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
On top of the free food there will also be inflatable toys for kids, face painting and balloon animals, and live music.
2. Free pony rides at the Downs
Location: Assiniboia Downs, 3975 Portage Ave.
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Head to the Downs for free pony rides, a petting zoo and more inflatable toys.
3. Be a part of Winnipeg's living flag
Location: Shaw Park, 1 Portage Ave.
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The event's fifth year marks the 50th birthday of Canada's national flag. Red and white T-shirts will be handed out on a first come, first serve basis between 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. with the photo being taken at 11 a.m.
4. Hit up St. Norbert's farmers market
Location: St. Norbert's farmers market, 3514 Pembina Hwy
Time: 11 a.m. to dusk
The day ends with fireworks at dusk but before that, there will be a barbecue, games, pony rides and fun on the splash pad.
5. Picnic in the park
Location: Assiniboine Park, 15 Conservatory Dr.
Time: 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Parking is available at the Canadian Mennonite University and the Asper Jewish Community Campus so that you can make it to the park for the magicians, face painting, Manitoba's "largest selfie" and fireworks.
6. Festivities at the Forks
Location: The Forks, 1 Forks Market Rd.
Time: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Starting at noon and going until 11 p.m. there will be live performers. Other activities involve an obstacle course, touch football, and arts and crafts — with fireworks kicking off at 11 p.m.
What to do outside the city
1. Winnipeg Beach festivities
Location: Winnipeg Beach
Time: 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
The day involves all the Canada Day staples from horse-drawn wagon rides, inflatable bouncy houses, free face painting and a relay obstacle course. Fireworks start at 11 p.m.
2. Stony Mountain family festival
Location: various places in Stony Mountain
Time: 5 p.m. to dusk on June 30; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 1
The fun starts Tuesday with family activities ranging from pony rides to bingo and fireworks. Wednesday there is a pancake breakfast, parade and community water fight.
3. Thompson celebrates Canada's 148th
Location: Thompson Regional Community Centre
Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The day starts with a community brunch, live concerts, kids games, and lots of food — and it ends, of course, with fireworks.
4. Selkirk's annual celebrations
Location: Selkirk waterfront
Time: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The more unique activities of the afternoon involve horse and carriage rides, geocaching, a 5 kilometre run, and a game show. Fireworks start at 11 p.m.