Days to the Festival
Winnipeg Folk Festival

Improving Accessibility

Latest News

As the Winnipeg Folk Festival, we have signed a petition that calls for stronger legislation to create a more accessible Manitoba for people with disabilities. The message has been sent to Minister Jennifer Howard – that the legislation recommended by the Manitoba Accessibility Advisory Council (MAAC) must be stronger and more effective. Minister Howard is set to respond to MAAC’s recommendations and the public’s feedback by January 18, 2013.

To learn more about this, visit barrierfreemb.com

As you plan for the Festival

  • The Winnipeg Folk Festival offers free admission through an Accessibility Pass for those who need support at the Festival. Please contact the Winnipeg Folk Festival office in advance of buying your ticket for more information.
  • An accessible camping area is available in the Festival Campground.
  • Text versions of selected sections of the program book are available online for screen-reading software.
  • Large-print schedules are available online.
  • Download the Winnipeg Folk Festival App to schedule your Festival experience. The iPhone App from the Apple App store and the Android App from Google Play.

Getting there

  • All Winnipeg Transit buses on the free Festival Express service from Winnipeg to Birds Hill Provincial Park are wheelchair accessible.
  • Service dogs are welcome.
  • There is special needs parking located near the Main Gate Box Office.

Once you get there

  • We’ve installed a low counter at the Main Gate box office.
  • POS Debit machines at Main Gate – low/no vision friendly – have keypads, not touch screens.
  • ATM will be accessible for wheelchairs and low/no vision – 37” high; keypads.
  • Many of the volunteers and all staff have taken the Disability Awareness Resource Training (DART) through the Independent Living Resource Centre.
  • We’ve increased the number of wheelchair accessible port-a-potties to meet the needs of our guests.
  • There is a dedicated area for accessible seating at the Main Stage.
  • Power is available for guests at Audience Services, near the village, and at the accessible seating area at Main Stage.
  • Sign language interpretation is offered for the entire daytime schedule of the Family Area Chickadee Bigtop stage and at select concerts at various daytime stages (see program book).
  • Large-print schedules are available at Audience Services during the Festival.
  • There will be an adult changing table in the back of the first aid tent. People should bring their own changing pads, disinfectant and wipes.
  • An accessibility liaison on the Community Folk Volunteer Crew is located at Audience Services.

After the Festival please contact eo@winnipegfolkfestival.ca with comments, concerns or suggestions. We will be implementing many new initiatives over the next few years. We want to get both positive feedback and suggestions for improvement so we can make your Festival as accessible as possible.