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History

River City Rumble was established in October 2012 as a non-profit, volunteer-run performing arts organization for the purpose of staging an annual two-day rockabilly music festival in downtown Winnipeg. The 1st River City Rumble was held August 3-4, 2013 at the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre. The festival and its sponsors support Winnipeg’s artistic community by drawing strongly from its ranks and ensuring that these artists are prominently featured and strongly promoted.

FAQs

What is River City Rumble?

River City Rumble is an annual rockabilly festival in Winnipeg. This year’s festival is action packed and features 15 live bands, a classic car show, burlesque performances, a rockabilly jive swing dance competition, a pin-up competition, films, a rooftop patio tiki bar, vendors, and workshops in vintage hair and makeup, guitar, burlesque and swing dance.

Where does River City Rumble take place?

River City Rumble is held at the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre (MET), located at 281 Donald Street, Winnipeg. Parking is available at the Impark lot at 265 Smith Street. The majority of bands will perform indoors on the main stage, with some live music on the rooftop tiki patio and in the parking lot during the Sunday car show.

Who organizes River City Rumble?

River City Rumble is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization made up of local small business owners, artists, musicians, and assorted regular folk who have a love of rockabilly culture.

How do I get tickets for River City Rumble?

Tickets can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.ca or in person at Rockabetty – 121B Osborne Street, Winnipeg. Tickets may be available at the door but we recommend getting them in advance.

How much are tickets to River City Rumble?

You can get your weekend wristband at the early bird price of $65 until May 31, 2014. The regular price for a weekend wristband is $75.

Can I purchase a ticket for a single day?

We’ve decided to offer a limited number of one-day tickets for Saturday and Sunday. Get them for $40, while they last.

Can I bring children to River City Rumble?

Children are welcome at River City Rumble and kids under 13 are admitted to the festival for free. We do want to make parents aware, however, that there will be burlesque performances and that some of the bands have been known to belt out a cuss word here and there.

Can I buy something at River City Rumble?

At River City Rumble we offer souvenirs that you can see at specific places in the halls. You can also buy some great items for presents provided by 50thanniversarygiftideas.ca – one of our online supporters.

Does River City Rumble support any charities?

Yes we do. River City Rumble is holding a food drive in support of Winnipeg Harvest. We ask that people attending the festival bring a food item for our collection bins. Furthermore, our admission fee for car exhibitors is a food or cash donation to Winnipeg Harvest.

I want to show off my machine at River City Rumble’s classic car show. Tell me more about that.

Owners interested in showing their cars at River City Rumble are asked to register with Alain. The car show takes place on Sunday August 03 in the lot adjacent to the MET at 266 Smith Street. Further details are available under the “Vintage Car Show” icon.

I’d like to attend one of the workshops. Tell me more about that.

Anyone with a wristband can attend any workshop. Please check our schedule for time and dates.

I’d like to enter the pin-up contest. Tell me how?

Register at www.eventbrite.ca or in person at Rockabetty. The pin-up contest is open to wristband holders only and a registration fee of $10 is required. Further details are available under the “Pin-Up Contest” icon.

I’ve got my dancing shoes and would like to enter the swing dance competition. Tell me more.

To reserve a spot in swing dance competition, please contact Mike.

Further details are available under the “Contact us” icon.

I’m going to get hungry and thirsty while at River City Rumble. Are food and drink available?

Yes. The live bands perform in the MET Grand Hall, where food and alcohol are served. We also have a rooftop patio tiki bar and a full service restaurant.

I’ve got the rockabilly fever and River City Rumble is still months away. What can I do?

River City Rumble holds festival fundraisers called “Rumblers” throughout the year. These will be posted on our website and Facebook pages.

I’m coming from out of town. Can I stay at your place?

No, but we’ve got a place for you with River City Rumble rates at the Radisson and various Canad Inns locations. Get details under the “Venues” section.

