Once the May long weekend rolls around and the summer like temperatures start creeping into the daily mix, weekend events at Manitou Beach truly get into swing. One of the key spots for summer fun is always the Little Manitou Art Gallery in the resort village.
Sarah McKen, owner of the Gallery, is back with another full slate of entertainment in the gorgeous gallery setting that houses the work of an ever-expanding number of prairie-based artists and craftspeople.
As usual, we have visual arts displayed around the Gallery,” McKen reminds visitors, “There are cabin venues around the gardens featuring the artwork of over 380 artists.”
Among the events taking place at the Gallery is the Pow Wow event held on National Indigenous People’s Day, June 21. Dancing Horse Troupe will be on hand with their drummers, singers and dancers for a day of celebration and learning.
That’s followed up by the annual Busking Festival which has become a summertime staple. The event invites musicians and performers to apply for a spot in the Festival and play “for the hat” as part of a network of singers, dancers, dramatists and others. The idea was born out of the pandemic when social distancing was required, and the idea became so popular that Manitou Beach has now adopted the idea as a great summertime getaway event. The event goes from June 27-29.
“This is a community event, and we really enjoy being a hub that facilitates performances here and throughout the community,” McKen says.
The very next day, Pride takes over with a drag show at the Gallery, supported by Pride Watrous, which leads into Canada Day celebrations in both Watrous and Manitou Beach. That’s five straight days of events for festival lovers.
Saskatchewan talent takes to the outdoor stage at the Little Manitou Art Gallery every Saturday night. The slate of performers starts in mid-June and goes every Saturday right through the September long weekend.
Among the Saturday presentations is the Wonder of Words (WOW) Literary Festival on August 16. Noted Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Brian Paul DG will be on hand to lend his musical stylings as MC. Local and prairie-based writers of note will be on hand to present their works.
The pinnacle event of the summer comes on the closing weekend with the annual Music Fest. It’s a collection of some of the province’s hottest bands gathered at the Gallery stage for a day long cavalcade of sounds and sights. This year will be a chart-topper, says Sarah.
“I already have some amazing bands booked, but I’m saving that for a big announcement, but put in your calendar that August 29-31 will be fabulous.”
As well, the Gallery will serve as one of the venues for the Salt Shaker Festival whose anchor facility at Danceland will be packed on Friday July 11, followed by concerts and gatherings throughout Manitou Beach venues from July 11-13.
Something new this year for a casual get together is the Thursday night drop in bonfire. Sarah promises a laid-back and creative vibe where people can bring by DIY projects. Guitars are welcome for this creative community venture.
There’s new management and a new chef at Splash Cafe on the Gallery site. There are twenty new items on an exciting and varied menu. There is also an Air B&B at the Gallery for a complete weekend or festival getaway that pairs perfectly with the offerings at Splash Cafe.
It’s a combination of new and old at the Little Manitou Art Gallery as it gets set for another summer filled with great music, dance, spoken performances, and of course stellar artwork.