Continuing until July 29, North America’s second-largest Fringe Festival showcases more than 140 local, national and international theatre companies, offering more than 1,000 performances of comedy, drama, improv and dance. Festival -goers of all ages are invited to enjoy live family entertainment at Old Market Square in the Exchange District, where buskers, street performers and bands perform from noon to midnight daily. www.winnipegfringe.com

August 5-18 Experience the energy of the largest and longest-running multicultural event of its kind in the world in Folklorama. From traditional authentic meals to electrifying nightly performances by local, national and international entertainers, Folklorama creates a feast for the senses as you experience 40-plus cultural pavilions. The VIP World Tour lets you enjoy three pavilions for one price. Tours include luxury motorcoach transportation, bypassing line-ups, and a progressive meal. New for 2012, Cycle Tours include visits to two pavilions that you travel to and between on your own bicycle. www.folklorama.ca

August 17-19 The Winnipeg BBQ & Blues Festival will feature the best in local, national and international blues performers along with a “Pit Masters” BBQ competition. The Main Stage concert lineup over the weekend will include Grammy and Juno award winning Blues artists including the legendary Jimmie Vaughan and the Tilt a Whirl Band, Little Miss Higgins, The Sojourners, Jim Byrnes, Romi Mayes, Steve Dawson, The Perpetrators and Winnipeg BBQ & Blues ambassador Big Dave McLean. www.winnipegbbqandblues.ca

July 26-29 in Austin, the Threshermen's Reunion and Stampede  offers a free grandstand show each afternoon, complete with  a parade of vintage farm equipment. There is a rodeo each evening, including Sunday, and the dancing on an open-air dance floor.  www.ag-museum.mb.ca

Altona's Sunflower Festival July 27-29 There’s a town-wide scavenger hunt, Gallery in the Park featuring works by Don McMaster and Ivan Eyre, and the festival street dance with Celtic Rock band the Dust Rhinos. www.townofaltona.com

Northwest Round-Up and Exhibition, July 26-29, Swan River. Events include a parade, chuck wagon races, midway, concert, horse shows, rodeo and more. www.northwestroundup.ca

Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival, August 3-5. This annual festival celebrating Ukrainian culture features dancing, music, arts and cuisine at Selo Ukraina Hillside Amphitheatre. www.cnuf.ca

Islendingadagurinn - also known as the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, August 3-6 in Gimli includes a Viking encampment, (and a Viking warfare demonstration!), sandcastle contest, music, sports tournaments and other activities to celebrate the history of Icelandic settlement in Manitoba. www.icelandicfestival.com

Harvest Sun Music Fest, August 17-19, Kelwood. Families are at the heart of this festival, with entertainment for all ages and an all-Canadian lineup of musical artists.  www.theharvestsun.com

Corn & Apple Festival, August 24-26, Morden. With performances by Kim Mitchell Friday night, and Kenny Shields and Streetheart Saturday night, a parade, midway, and free hot buttered corn on the cob and ice cold apple cider this is festival makes sure you get your fill of fun.

Subway Asessippi Music Fest, August 25 – From acoustic folk and bluegrass, to jazz and classic rock, you’ll hear a bit of everything at this family-oriented event. www.musicfest.asessippi.com