FAQs

Rock the River Festival is a one-of-a-kind outdoor curling bonspiel held right on the frozen river in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The event brings together curlers of all levels for a weekend of fun, teamwork, and community spirit — all while raising funds for two incredible causes: the Heart & Stroke Foundation and KidSport Manitoba.

The festival takes place each winter on the Red River, near downtown Winnipeg.
Exact dates and rink locations are announced closer to the event on our website and social media channels.
Be ready to bundle up — it’s Manitoba winter curling at its finest!

Everyone is welcome!
Teams can include friends, families, coworkers, or anyone who loves the idea of curling for a good cause.
No previous curling experience is required — just bring your enthusiasm and team spirit.

Registration is easy!
Go to the Registration page on our website, complete the online form with your team details, choose your preferred draw time, and pay the entry fee.
Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to register early!

Your team name must be unique among other teams — here are some tips and ideas for selecting a team name.

To create a new team, CLICK HERE.

Fundraising: Your team will pay any required registration fees to register your team, part of which will go to the charity you chose during registration (either the Heart & Stroke Foundation or KidSport Manitoba). Donations made in the name of your team will also go to the charity you chose during registration.

Volunteering: Your team is made up of volunteers and does not have to pay the registration fee (you will need a volunteer code from the committee to complete your team registration). Donations made in the name of your team will go to the charity you chose during registration.

Sponsored: Your team represents a sponsor partner, and does not have to pay the registration fee (you will need a sponsor code from the committee to complete your team registration). Donations made in the name of your team will go to the charity you chose during registration.

High School Tournament (NEW!): Your team represents a Manitoba high school and you could be playing against other teams from your high school or from other high school teams from around the province! The first high school teams to pay (until we fill up) get in, and the high school team that goes undefeated will take a championship banner back to their high school for permanent display, along with an annual trophy to show off until the following year (trophy returned in January). For more details, please visit our website at https://rocktheriver.ca/HST

We supply the rocks and set up the ice sheets.
Players should bring their own broom and wear warm, layered clothing along with boots or shoes that have good traction.
Helmets are strongly encouraged, especially for younger players.

Your registration fee directly supports our partner charities and covers essential event costs such as ice preparation, safety equipment, and volunteer support.
Each registered team is guaranteed a minimum number of games and full access to all festival activities and entertainment.

We’re always grateful for our amazing volunteers!
Send us your contact details to help with setup, registration, safety, or hospitality. Volunteering is a great way to be part of the event, even if you’re not curling.

Yes — and we truly appreciate it!
If you can’t curl but still want to support the cause, you can donate securely online through the Donations page.
Every contribution goes directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation and KidSport Manitoba to help make a real difference in our community.

Absolutely!
Rock the River is more than just a bonspiel — it’s a full community festival.
There will be music, food vendors, warm-up tents, and plenty of space for spectators to cheer on their favorite teams.
Bring your family and friends and enjoy a true Manitoba winter experience.

When teams register they pick which of our two partner charity organizations — the Heart & Stroke Foundation or KidSport Manitoba — they will be fundraising for.
Once the event is over and all the bills are paid, surplus proceeds from the festival are then split between our two partner charity organizations to help top them up.
After the event, we will share a donation summary highlighting the total amount raised and how it helps support local programs.

Stay connected by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) for announcements, photos, and weather updates.
You can also subscribe to our newsletter to get important information about schedules, registration deadlines, and special promotions.