A First Timer’s Guide to the Hottest Summer Music Festivals at The Cube in Winnipeg
If Chicago has The Bean, Winnipeg has The Cube. Both are interesting art pieces that attract hordes of crowds every year—but we’d argue that the latter is much cooler.
The Cube isn’t just a captivating art installation but also a functional event space that brings the community together all year round.
Here, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of The Cube in Winnipeg. We’ll also tell you why it looks like it came straight out of a sci-fi flick.
About The Cube
Measuring 28 feet long, wide, and tall, The Cube is a marvel of modern art and design standing in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District. It’s now the focal point of Old Market Square, replacing an old bandstand.
In the hope of revamping this small park, the city of Winnipeg ran an open competition, asking for a design that fit the functional requirements of a stage. The Cube was one of three designs submitted by 5468796 Architects, and it was their winning piece.
When it opened in 2010, it wasn’t well-received by the local musicians who had to perform on it. But given that it was only 85% done, we think the early critiques aren’t a great representation of its functionality today.
The Cube was finally completed in 2013. Since then, this event space has become a favorite venue for a variety of annual festivities.
Most of the year, you can see the art installation up close without paying any fees. During music festivals and other community events, you might be required to buy a ticket to see the performances at The Cube.
How do I get to The Cube in Winnipeg?
Walk: The Cube is located across City Hall, making it easy to access on foot from anywhere in downtown Winnipeg. It’s only a 15-minute walk from Central Park if you follow Edmonton Street, Ellice Avenue, and Smith Street to reach King Street.
Bus: From Forks Market or the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, you can reach The Cube by getting on the 65/66 Bus on Westbound Boardway at Main.
Get off at Northbound King at McDermot. From there, The Cube should be two minutes away on foot if you just go straight onto King Street to reach the Old Market Square.
Car: If you’re driving from Forks Market, it should only take you six minutes to reach The Cube via Main Street. Make a left when you reach Bannatyne Avenue and simply follow it all the way to Old Market Square.
Best Time to Go to The Cube in Winnipeg
Summer is the best time to visit The Cube in Winnipeg because it hosts music festivals between June to July. The clear skies and warm weather during this time of year also make the live music experience better.
Towards the end of the year, when it becomes too cold for live outdoor performances, The Cube serves mostly as an art installation.
Even when everything is covered in powdery white snow, it glistens and draws the attention of locals and tourists alike. You’ll often see Christmas lights hung around it, making Old Market Square festive and full of life in the winter.
What Festivals to Attend at The Cube in Winnipeg
The most popular thing to do at The Cube is to attend a summer music festival.
Although they are held annually at this venue, their schedules will vary per year, so follow your favorite festivals on their socials to find out the exact dates.
Here’s a list of the most well-loved summer festivals that are held annually at The Cube.
TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival
— Media credit: adventureswithinmedia
Now in its 35th year, the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival is the largest downtown music event and one of the most popular. This 10-day celebration brings together local and international artists for live music and dancing every day.
Concerts at The Cube are usually free to the public, but performances in other venues around the Old Market Square might require tickets.
Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival
Winnipeg’s annual Fringe Theatre Festival is the second-largest event of its kind in North America. It’s often held in July.
Every year, 150+ companies from all over the world come together to present independent theatre performances. They usually offer free admission to their shows at The Cube and around Old Market Square.
SOCA Reggae Festival
Another event we will never miss is the Socca Reggae Festival, which celebrates rhythms of Afro-East Indian and Caribbean origins. It’s always a fun, colorful celebration held around July.
Around The Cube, they’ll have stalls for snacks and cold beer so you won’t have to wander too far between sets.
Memetic Festival
Short for the Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition, the Memetic Festival usually takes place in early June. This movement is dedicated to promoting digital creativity in music, sound, and audio-visual art.
The Cube is the perfect venue for this event as it merges all art forms into one fun, innovative space.
Where to Eat Near The Cube in Winnipeg
King’s Head Pub
Right across from The Cube is the King’s Head Pub, serving great beer with classic British and Indian comfort foods. If you come here on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, you can enjoy your meal with some live music.
Their curries are always a standout, which are served with basmati rice and naan (or papadam for a gluten-free alternative). While you’re here, you should also try their butter chicken poutine because it’s one of the best in town.
Clementine Cafe
One of the best brunch spots near The Cube is Clementine Cafe, which has everything from light, fluffy Brussels-style waffles with caramelized banana custard to fried pork belly on Mexican chilaquiles.
If you ever see their burgers on the menu, get them! Their big, generously seeded buns are always stuffed with thick, savory meats, quality cheeses, and fresh vegetables, and then slathered with homemade sauces for that extra oomph in flavor.
Across The Board Game Cafe
Just on the corner of Bannatyne Avenue, two minutes away from The Cube, you’ll find a charming cafe called Across The Board. They’ve got 1600+ games, excellent milkshakes, and a wide selection of snacks.
Their sandwiches, burgers, and wraps are perfect for a quick grab-and-go meal if you have a music festival to go to. However, we prefer taking our time inside the cafe with good company, a fun board game, and perhaps a cocktail or two.