The Winkler Harvest Festival is back this August with a full weekend of community celebration, local flavour, and big-name entertainment. Organizers say this year will be one of the most inclusive and exciting events the city has seen. The free three-day event, running August 8 to 10, offers something for every age and interest. Whether you’re a fan of live music, local vendors, midway rides, or cool indoor activities, there is no shortage of things to experience. Behind the scenes, Karina Bueckert and the team at KB Marketing have been working hard to make it all happen. “I am so ready,” said Bueckert. “Our team and our volunteers have been working so hard. The energy in the office is buzzing.” “We get calls every day asking how much the tickets are, how early to come, how many seats are available and people are surprised when they hear it’s all free.” - Karina Bueckert of KB Marketing Inclusive fun for all ages One of the most meaningful additions to the festival is the return of the Quiet Morning, designed specifically for individuals with sensory sensitivities. This year, the experience has been expanded to two full hours on Saturday morning, from 10 a.m. to noon, thanks to support from Clover Creek and Wonder Shows. “Last year we introduced the idea of one hour of quiet during the parade,” Bueckert explained. “This year, we extended it, and Kenny from Wonder Shows is opening all the rides with no music and no lights. It’s going to be more inclusive than ever.” This is part of a broader effort to ensure everyone feels welcome at the Harvest Festival. “You don’t always think about these things unless it’s in your day-to-day life,” she said. “But now that we can think about it, let’s just do better.” Big performances with no ticket required Live music continues to be one of the biggest draws to the festival, and once again, all shows are completely free thanks to strong support from local sponsors. “We get calls every day asking how much the tickets are, how early to come, how many seats are available,” said Bueckert. “And people are surprised when they hear it’s all free.” Friday night kicks off with a trio of standout performances including Joe Wilson, Catie St Germain, a rising country star and granddaughter of Ray St Germain and viral sensation Owen Riegling. On Saturday night, Canadian rock legends Big Sugar will headline the mainstage. Sunday features a faith-filled lineup with performances by The Color and 10th Avenue North, followed by a fireworks display at 10 PM. “We’re really proud to feature both local artists and nationally recognized acts,” Bueckert said. “It’s an amazing showcase of talent, and it reflects our community’s values and culture.” Related stories: Winkler Harvest Festival Celebration Recap How Winkler’s Harvest Festival is building a more inclusive experience More than just the midway While the midway remains a family favourite, organizers have ensured there are plenty of options that are not weather-dependent. Indoors, festival goers can explore Prairie Exotics (yes, there will be snakes), check out video game tournaments with EtherLAN, or visit the Fawn and Cub Market featuring a wide variety of local vendors. “I bit the bullet,” said Bueckert, joking about Prairie Exotics bringing in snakes. “I tried to get them not to, but I’m making decisions for the greater good, even if I personally stay outside!” Also indoors is free swimming at the RCU Aquatic Centre, available each afternoon, sponsored by WBS Construction. Powered by local support From stage acts to train rides, nearly every part of the festival is made possible by the support of Winkler’s business community. “We can only offer these amazing shows for free because of our sponsors,” Bueckert said. “This is a big undertaking, and they help make it happen. We are truly grateful for their support.” Local businesses also help bring the family-friendly features to life, including the ever-popular kids train, which will be driven by special guests from the Winkler Flyers hockey team. Festival-goers may even have the chance to meet the team’s new captain, Kam Thomas. A celebration of community The Winkler Harvest Festival continues to grow, not just in size but in spirit. With more people, more ideas, and more energy poured into each year, the event reflects what makes Winkler special; a place where people come together. From quiet moments to exciting concerts, and from train rides to fireworks, the 2025 Winkler Harvest Festival offers something for everyone and promises to be a weekend the community will remember long after the last note plays.