Special Events

Throughout the year, a series of special events take centre stage in Killarney. These weekends are popular favourites among locals and visitors, drawing people to celebrate some of Killarney's oldest and best loved traditions. You're invited to join the fun!

The summer kicks off with the annual Agricultural Fair, held each year on the last weekend in June. The fair is a true celebration of our rural roots. Livestock and homecraft displays combined with talented local entertainment and fun and games for the kids make it the perfect opportunity to take in a country fair.

In mid-July Prairie Pioneer Days celebrates our agricultural heritage and has become a time-honoured tradition attracting flywheel enthusiasts from Canada and the United States. A stroll through the grounds takes you back to the days of steam engines and threshing machines. If you feel like pitching a bundle, join in! You can catch a log sawing competition in action or watch a traditional blacksmith at work. The popular equipment parade showcases gas tractors shined and polished, reflecting a time gone but not forgotten.

As the long hot days of July take over, it's time for the annual Beach Festival. This celebration of sun, sand and surf centres around the main beach at Killarney Lake. The kids can test their creative skills in the sand-castle building contest with the adults competing in heated games of beach volleyball. Whenever the action gets too hot, the lake is just steps away for a refreshing swim.

The last weekend in July and first weekend in August feature back-to-back weekends of harness racing action at the Little Irish Downs when Manitoba's Great Western Harness Racing Circuit comes to town. There's plenty of racing excitement and a chance to wager on the ponies with parimutuel betting.

Winter doesn't stop people from getting together in Killarney to celebrate the holidays. The annual Santa Claus parade, held on a Friday evening in early December, has proven to be a popular event. Crowds enjoy the festive display of lights making their way through the business district along with an appearance from Santa Claus himself. It's also a chance to do some Christmas shopping while you visit with friends and neighbours over a warm cup of hot chocolate or cider.