WINNIPEG LIVING · BY ALIA LIVING
The Red River Ex: Build a Fair-Day Budget Before You Go
Separate entry, rides, food and extras when planning Winnipeg’s summer fair.
The EX brings midway rides and fair entertainment to Exhibition Park on Winnipeg’s western edge in June. It can be a substantial family outing, so decide what you want from the day before comparing admission and ride products.
Give the budget four parts
Set separate amounts for entry, rides, food and optional games or purchases. Check the current ticket descriptions carefully: general admission and unlimited rides are not necessarily the same purchase. Compare the actual needs of each person rather than assuming one package suits everyone.
Choose an arrival plan
The grounds have multiple approaches, and the organizer publishes current entrance guidance. Confirm which entrance is operating for your visit and how you will travel home. Do not rely on an entrance you used years ago.
Make a fair plan with children
Let each child identify a few priorities before arriving. Explain the spending limit for games and snacks in advance, and agree on a meeting point. Check ride restrictions directly rather than promising a particular ride based on a photograph.
Allow time for breaks and look beyond the midway in the daily program. A family interested mainly in entertainment may plan differently from one focused on rides. Save your tickets, note any re-entry rules and review weather-related updates on the day. The fair’s dates, hours and packages can change, so the latest official information should guide every purchase.
Plan your visit: The EX official FAQs. Seasonal planning guide; check current dates, access and prices with the organizer. Reviewed November 1, 2026.