A small town with big festival energy
As the Niverville Fair approaches its highly anticipated return, General Manager Dustin Krahn is feeling confident. "It doesn't feel like it's just over a week away," he says with a laugh, "but it'll be here before we know it."
Running strong for nearly 30 years, the Niverville Fair has become a staple of Manitoba's spring festival season, drawing visitors from across the region with its jam-packed schedule of entertainment, food, family fun and music.
New twists and big air
This year promises "more of everything," says Krahn, including expanded musical lineups and jaw-dropping stunt shows. A highlight for 2025: the addition of a snowmobile to the popular motocross event. "They'll be jumping that giant sled through the air," he says. "It'll be thrilling or terrifying – depending on your point of view."
The family-friendly Canine Circus, featuring magic and skilled pups, and returning staples like Wonder Shows, a vibrant parade, and a fully loaded Kids Zone with bouncers and climbing walls, round out the fun.
Music that brings the crowd
The Friday night lineup blends nostalgia and energy, with tribute acts Simply Spice (Spice Girls) and The Incredibly Hip (Tragically Hip), plus Vinyl Revival covering decades of classics.
Saturday night brings the star power, with the Great Canadian Roadtrip featuring Doc Walker, Michelle Wright, and Jason McCoy. And Jess Moskaluke hits the stage at 9:30pm with her infectious hooks and powerful voice.
"We’ve had our eyes on bringing in a prominent female headliner for a few years,” Krahn says. “Jess has been around for a long time and has an impressive career, and we’re glad it all came together this year.”
Behind the scenes
While the event runs for one weekend, the planning is a year-round effort. Grants for future years are often due during peak festival season. "You're planning, doing budgets, and applying for next year’s grants while you’re right in the middle of executing the current year,” Krahn notes.
Volunteers play a crucial role, particularly for Saturday night. "Everyone wants to be at the concert, not at the ticket booth," he says. “So that’s always kind of the last spot we need to fill – but it’s shaping up pretty good.”
Krahn adds that the fair has been engaging high school students for setup and teardown to build the next generation of community leaders.
Wrap-up vibes and must-try moments
When asked about his favourite part of the fair, Krahn points to the moment the final concert starts. "That's when the weight lifts off. Everything's in motion and you can breathe."
He recommends visitors check out the nightly concerts on the PlayNow stage. "It's a good little wrap-up party – kind of like a mini social," he says. Running from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., it's where dancing and celebration cap off each night.
Why Niverville fair stands out
"People are often surprised by the scale of what we pull off here," shares Krahn. "We're not a small town anymore, and we deliver something that impresses even people from Winnipeg."
Whether it's seeing a snowmobile fly in June, discovering new music, or catching a bit of fairground magic with your family, Niverville Fair offers something unexpected and unforgettable every year.
"You just have to come and experience it," invites Krahn. "Everyone has fun once they're here. They just have to show up." For tickets and information, check out www.NivervilleFair.com.