The Killarney Lakeside Festival was a resounding success, with one standout element rising above all: the people, says event organizer, Giselle Beaupre.
It was the Killarney-Turtle Mountain Arts Council that brought this festival to life last weekend. With over two days of outdoor concerts starting Friday night and going straight until Sunday afternoon. Facepainting, outdoor summer lawn games, and even tattoos for the very brave, were all part of last weekend's festival at the Heritage Home for the Arts and the Killarney Ag Grounds.
Musicians came from across Manitoba and beyond, with many hailing from rural communities despite currently residing in Winnipeg. Their performances were not only musically impressive but also rich in storytelling and connection. Two performers event traveled from Calgary and Edmonton, bringing creativity to the youth art camp held earlier in the week, and helped children write songs, learn performance skills, and put on a show on Sunday afternoon!
Music, Markets, and Meaningful Moments
Beaupre says they were pleased by the turnout, as audience members showed up in large numbers to support what began as a small dream. Building on past experiences and hard work, the planning committee was thrilled to see their vision come to life through the energy and enthusiasm of attendees.
Beyond the audience, the festival was enriched by the presence of talented musicians, their guests, and even family members who came along. The sound crew from Look Music Services delivered exceptional support, and the artisan market vendors—each bringing their own charm—added to the vibrant atmosphere.
The festival was described as a “big wheel with many spokes,” featuring an artisan market, youth performances, and a special Sunday family day. Ticket holders enjoyed a catered brunch by Big City Bites, known for their bagel burgers but offering wraps, fruits, vegetables, and sweet treats for the occasion.
The market also drew visitors who may not have attended the performances but still contributed to the event’s success. Food trucks provided delicious options and worked tirelessly throughout the weekend adding to the festivities!
"But the other really big group of people that just made the weekend for me was our big, terrific, wonderful group of volunteers," shares Beaupre. "And I feel so grateful today and yesterday, and I just feel like all these people, I want them to know, that we saw them, we saw all of you and we love you. We're so grateful that you came!"
The event struck a perfect balance—busy enough to feel exciting, yet intimate enough to foster genuine connection. From Friday through Sunday, the festival created a sense of community and togetherness that left a lasting impression on everyone involved, says Beaupre.
Stage Goals & Sweet Spaces: Killarney’s Outdoor Venue Steals the Show!
"And another big highlight for me is we heard this from our musicians ... from our out-of-town guests - and even from our own Killarney-ites, the fact that that outdoor stage is so amazing," shares Beaupre. "It is a stage that was built by the Killarney Ag Society but sponsored and paid for by the Westoba Credit Union. And our musicians would come around the corner and go, WOW!, what a great stage! And music services loved working with that stage!"
"And just the fact that we had just the right space between the stage and the Ag building, where the artisan market was, the washrooms were ... just putting all of that together, the space itself really brought it all together and we are so grateful to the municipality and to the Ag Society because they really do a lot in this area and these facilities are stunning!" she adds.
"Like, we are so lucky to have these places, these buildings, this space to make use of. It's just perfect for what we were trying to do and what we kind of did last weekend. I have to admit, I think we pulled it off!"