Assiniboine Park gears up for family-friendly Canada Day festivities

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Assiniboine Park is offering a diverse array of free, family-friendly activities and entertainment this Canada Day.

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Organized by the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, the event promises a day packed with live music, cultural experiences, and community spirit.

Beginning at 11 a.m., the festivities will kick off with a citizenship ceremony at the Lyric Theatre, marking a significant moment for new Canadians.

Throughout the day until 5 p.m., visitors can enjoy a variety of performances at both the Lyric Theatre and The Gardens at The Leaf, featuring artists like Viva Brazil Canada, Son of Dave, and Jace Bodner. The lineup also includes interactive workshops by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and fire teachings in the Indigenous Peoples Garden.

Food enthusiasts will find plenty to indulge in with food trucks scattered across the park, offering diverse culinary options. Families with children can explore bouncy castles, while those seeking a quieter moment can visit the Pavilion pop-up patio or browse through the Happy Solstice Market.

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Picnic sites cannot be booked on Canada Day and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There will be no fireworks at Assiniboine Park. There have not been fireworks at the Park on Canada Day since 2017.

Due to expected high attendance, organizers advise arriving early and suggest utilizing alternative transportation methods such as carpooling, public transit, or biking. A park and ride service will operate from Canadian Mennonite University, with shuttles running between the university and the park throughout the day.

This celebration forms part of Assiniboine Park’s Summer Entertainment Series. It reflects the park’s commitment to providing inclusive, engaging events for the community.

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For more information on activities and logistics, including the detailed schedule and parking recommendations, visitors are encouraged to visit the Assiniboine Park website.

In alignment with recent tradition, fireworks will not be part of the festivities, maintaining the park’s peaceful ambiance on Canada Day.

For those planning to extend their visit, the Assiniboine Park Zoo, Pavilion art galleries, and The Leaf’s biomes and restaurants will maintain extended hours over the long weekend.

Long weekend hours

• The Assiniboine Park Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
• The Pavilion art galleries are open daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
• The Park Café restaurant is open daily from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
• The biomes at The Leaf are open daily from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. 
• Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar at The Leaf is open daily from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm. 

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