Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Hacks Every Local (Or Tourist!) Should Know
I remember the first time I watched the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. I was in college, and my parents brought me with them as a “treat,” even though I’d much rather have been in a dive bar with my classmates.
I thought it was going to be two hours of boring music. Boy, I was wrong.
When the strings swelled and the horns kicked in, something shifted—the way the music filled the hall was magical. At that moment, I was low-key hooked.
Now, catching a WSO performance has become a semi-regular thing for me. Sometimes, I even bring my parents along (I guess it’s my turn now).
If you’ve never been, or you’re planning to go, here’s a chill, no-fuss guide to enjoying the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra like a pro.
Where is the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra?
The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra mostly performs at the Centennial Concert Hall, located at 555 Main Street in downtown Winnipeg. The WSO also tours around Manitoba and pops up at festivals and community venues.
How to Get to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
By Bus:
The Centennial Concert Hall has its own transit stop on Main Street. You can also hop off at the City Hall Stop across the street, or the Westbound Disraeli at Martha Stop, which is only a quick 2-minute walk away.
By Car:
To catch a WSO performance, head north on Fort Street, then turn right onto Portage Avenue (this turn is restricted on weekdays from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM). Use the second lane from the left to turn onto Main Street.
By Bike:
If you’re downtown, cycling is also an option. Head south toward Fort Street, turn right onto Fort, and continue onto Notre Dame Avenue. From there, make a series of turns—right on Albert, right on McDermot, left on Rorie, and then on Market Avenue.
Turn right, then right again (yep, there are stairs), and the hall will be on your right. You’ll find bike racks in both the indoor and outdoor parking areas.
On Foot:
Walking from downtown? Go north and take the stairs toward Rorie Street. Continue along Rorie, turn left on Market Ave, then right onto Lily Street. Take one more left (another stairway), and you’ll spot the entrance to the concert hall.
Best Time to Visit the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
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The best time to visit the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is during its regular concert season, from September through May. For something extra special, check out their December holiday concert or summer festival appearances.
Things to Know about the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
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History
The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra started in 1947 and played its first concert in 1948, led by founding music director Walter Kaufmann. In 1968, WSO moved into its current home, the Centennial Concert Hall.
Through the 70s and 80s, the WSO hit its stride under conductors like Piero Gamba and Kazuhiro Koizumi, hosting world-famous soloists. In 1992, Bramwell Tovey helped launch the New Music Festival, now one of Canada’s most exciting classical events.
The early 2000s were tough financially, but the orchestra bounced back and cleared its debt by 2005. Since then, music directors like Mickelthwate and Raiskin have kept the WSP growing with bold programs and strong community connections.
Parking
| Parking Option | Details |
| Indoor Parking Lot | The entrance is on Lily Ave, just behind the hall. |
| Event Parking | $25 flat rate (first come, first served)Mon – Fri: After 5 PM, Valid until 1 AMWeekends: 2 hrs before the showPay at lower-level pay stations. |
| Pre-Purchase Parking | Available for some commercial events.It may cost more than event-night rates.Check the Event page or contact WSO. |
| Pre-Purchase for Arts Orgs | Contact directly:WSO – (204) 949-3999 |
| Evening Hourly Parking | $5/hour, Max $20 (5 PM – 11:59 PM)Pay at the pay station on exit.Lost ticket: $35 |
| Monthly Parking | Weekdays 1 AM – 5 PMCall (204) 956-1360 for details |
| Accessible Parking | Reserve through WSO. |
Ticket Information
Where to Buy
You can buy Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra tickets directly from the official website, where you can browse upcoming concerts and reserve your seats.
Another option is buying tickets in person at the Centennial Concert Hall box office, located in the front lobby. It opens one hour before all the WSO performances.
Ticket Prices
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra ticket prices vary depending on your concert and seating choice:
- Single tickets: Single tickets generally range from $40 to $80 for adults (based on typical pricing for Section 2 to 4 seats).
- Trio Pass: Trio Pass is a discounted option, where you can see 3 concerts for $99 plus fees.
- Subscription Packages: WSO has subscription packages for Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday Classics that start at around $147 to $151 for five concerts.
- Youth & Senior Discounts: Youth/students and seniors also benefit from lower pricing, with examples from off-site WSO performances showing students at $12.50 and seniors around $49.
- WSO Unlimited: If you’re a regular, consider WSO Unlimited ($29/month access to eligible concerts at a $5 ticket rate).
- Soundcheck Program: The Soundcheck Program offers youth or early-career discounts starting at $20 per ticket plus guest rates.
Accessibility
There are ramps at Centennial Concert Hall’s main driveway and the southwest corner on Market Ave. Inside, there are wheelchair-accessible spots in specific rows and a special elevator that takes you right up to Row 32 in Portal 16.
Some regular seats can be swapped out for folding chairs without armrests, if that works better for you. And if you need visual or hearing support, the Guest Services office has free listening devices—just give the box office a heads-up.
Inclusivity
Relaxed Experiences at the WSO are specially designed to create a welcoming, judgment-free concert environment. This is geared for neuro-diverse audiences, including those on the autism spectrum or with sensory or learning differences.
That said, these concerts are also open to anyone who prefers a laid-back vibe, like parents with young kids, or someone living with Tourette’s.
Coat Check Service
Coat check is available at most Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra shows held at the Centennial Concert Hall—you’ll find it tucked right behind the feature mural in the main lobby. This service costs just $2 per item.
If you’re heading to a WSO performance at the Burton Cummings Theatre or Knox United Church, just a heads up—there’s no coat check service at those venues.
Refreshments
For a drink or a snack before the show or during intermission, there are bars and concession stands in the lobby and at the Piano Nobile level. You’ll find everything from wine, cocktails, and beers to coffee, tea, juices, and even ice cream, plus light snacks.
You can bring your drink into the theatre, too—just ask the attendants for a disposable cup with a lid. Note that bringing in plastic bottles is fine.
WSO to GO App
With the WSO to GO app, you can buy mobile tickets and share your concert passes straight from your phone—no printing or waiting around required. You can even save them to your digital wallet for quick entry.
The app also gives you early access to digital programs, lets you browse upcoming shows through the event calendar, and makes donating to the WSO as easy as a single tap with Apple Pay or Google Pay. Plus, it’s packed with parking tips and venue details.
Things to Do in the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
Attend Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday Classics
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Thursday Classics start with dinner discounts at select restaurants, followed by a pre-show performance on Piano Nobile. The 85-minute concert begins at 7 PM and wraps up with an informal Q&A lounge featuring guest artists.
You can also attend Saturday Classics, with beloved masterworks and renowned guest soloists, all led by Music Director Daniel Raiskin. It’s perfect for classical music lovers, with five-concert packages available.
Lastly, Sunday Classics offer a relaxed matinee alternative, featuring the same popular programs from Saturday night (ideal for daytime concertgoers). This laid-back series offers various five-show packages as well.
Book a fun BMO Night at the Movies
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BMO Night at the Movies turns your favorite films into a totally unique experience. Watch iconic movies like Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Star Wars: A New Hope, and other Hollywood blockbusters while the WSO performs the score live.
From beloved classics to action-packed hits, there’s something for every film fan. Packages start at $166, and all shows are held at the Centennial Concert Hall.
Catch a Manitoba Liquor Marts Live Concert
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Manitoba Liquor Marts Live at the WSO is a fun, crowd-pleasing series that blends symphonic music with traditional, contemporary, and pop sounds—complete with guest artists. You can choose between an evening show and a matinee option.
All concerts take place at the Centennial Concert Hall. Three-show packages start at just $94, making it an easy pick for music lovers looking for something different.
Check out an UnTuxed show
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UnTuxed is the WSO’s casual, come-as-you-are concert series that offers a relaxed way to enjoy orchestral music. These shorter performances give you a behind-the-scenes peek into how the music was prepared, followed by a live show and Q&A.
Held at the hall, the four-concert package is only $36—a perfect intro to the symphony. And true to its name, no tux is required here (whew!).
Turn up at the WNMF
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WSO New Music Festival, or WNMF, is a celebration of contemporary and experimental music launched in 1992. It’s known for pushing creative boundaries and spotlighting new works by Canadian and international composers.
The festival spans several days each spring (beginning the last week of January). It features world premieres, artist talks, workshops, and interactive events that involve the audience in the creative process.
Volunteer with the WSO
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Volunteering with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is a great way to support the arts while making an impact behind the scenes. As a WSO volunteer, you can help with concert promotion, raffles, merchandise tables, and pre-show activities.
In return, you’ll gain valuable resume experience, enjoy special concert invites (based on the hours worked), and be celebrated at annual appreciation events. If you’re interested, just reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].
Where to Eat near the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
Peasant Cookery
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Website: http://www.peasantcookery.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peasantcookerywpg/
Address: Travellers Building, 283 Bannatyne Ave
Hours: Monday: 4:30 PM – 10 PM
Tue – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Fri – Sat: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (204) 989-7700
Peasant Cookery is one of the WSO’s Participating Restaurants, and it’s a great spot to kick off your concert night, since it’s only an 8-minute walk from the hall. They offer 10% off food every Thursday for WSO ticket holders—simply show your ticket while ordering.
Can’t make it on a Thursday? No worries! They also have nightly specials all week long. Swing by for $10 martinis on Mondays, Wine Night on Tuesdays (50% off), or Buck-a-Shuck oysters every Wednesday.
Blufish Japanese Restaurant
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Website: https://www.blufish.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blufishwpg/
Address: 179 Bannatyne Ave
Hours: Mon – Wed: 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM –9:30 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM –11 PM
Saturday: 4:30 PM –11 PM
Sunday: 4 PM –9 PM
Contact: (204) 779-9888
Blufish is another WSO participating restaurant, which is only a 6-minute walk away from Centennial Hall. Simply present your symphony ticket, and you’ll be given a nice 10% discount on any day!
This modern Japanese dining spot is known for its wide range of amazing sushi rolls and authentic sake options. The Classic Dragon Roll is my favorite here, which is a lovely mix of BBQ eel, shrimp, avocado, tobiko, and mayo.
Where to Stay near the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
Fairmont Winnipeg
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Website: https://www.fairmont.com/winnipeg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairmontwinnipeg/
Address: 2 Lombard Place
Hours: Check-in time: 4:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM
Contact: (204) 957-1350
Fairmont Winnipeg is WSO’s official hotel partner, and it’s only a 7-minute walk away from the Centennial. It’s impossible to get a bad night’s sleep here since their luxury rooms offer premium bedding, down comforters, and Egyptian cotton sheets.
For the full experience, book their Harmonious Escape package, which pairs your concert night with an overnight stay and a delicious breakfast the next morning. You can even squeeze in a quick visit to the Manitoba Museum (only a 10-minute walk away).
Hampton Inn by Hilton Winnipeg Downtown
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Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ywgwghx-hampton-inn-winnipeg-downtown/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamptoninn.winnipegdowntown/
Address: 330 York Ave
Hours: Check-in time: 3 PM
Check-out time: 11 AM
Contact: (204) 942-0101
Hampton Inn is another top pick for Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra fans, thanks to its convenient location—only a 2-minute drive from the Winnipeg International Airport and a 6-minute drive from the hall. Plus, it’s close to city highlights like The Forks.
Included in your stay are free WiFi, TVs with streaming, in-room refrigerators, and a hot breakfast buffet. After a WSO concert, you can relax with a bite or drink at Tivoli Cafe, work out at the fitness center, or chill on your room’s balcony and relive the music.