Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival
First hosted in 2006, the Festival features regional, national, and international storytellers, and encompasses a School Program and Public Events in both English and French.
Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival
Storytelling on the Path to Peace | Se raconter une nouvelle histoire de paix
Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival 2026
We were very excited to be planning the 20th edition of the Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival - English in April/May 2026. This year's Festival will include a school program for K-12 schools, storytelling workshops and events for local teachers and storytellers, and public performances by local and international storytellers.
Information about the 2026 Festival du Conte de Winnipeg featuring French storytelling, generously supported by the Le Bureau de l’éducation française de Manitoba can be found here: Le Festival du Conte de Winnipeg
Thank you to the Winnipeg School Division for collaborating again in 2026. We will also be expanding programming to schools from other school divisions and independent schools in 2026.
Since 2006, the Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival has been welcoming as many as 4,500 to 5,000 students and teachers to the Storytelling Festival every year (pre-pandemic).
There is no cost to participate in the festival. Schools are responsible for arranging and paying for transportation.
A Grade K-8 class visit to the Storytelling Festival includes participation in the following:
(i) Storytelling Workshop (Storyshop – 55-minutes) A grade-level-specific, facilitated storytelling workshop designed for students to consider their own personal stories and to express that through the activity. Different methods include puppetry, theatre-based approaches, written stories, weaving/beading approaches, among others.
(ii) Storytelling Show (Storyshow – 55-minutes) Four classes come together in one auditorium to watch a traditional storytelling performance. Two local storytellers or one local storyteller and one featured visiting international storyteller, are paired and present one Storyshow.
For more information about bringing your K-8 class to the Storytelling Festival, please contact mauro.institute@umanitoba.ca
To get involved as a storyteller, storytelling workshop facilitator (for the K-12 School Program), and/or as a volunteer, please contact mauro.institute@umanitoba.ca