37 years of hugs, hope, and healing at Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Community event hosted by Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba set for Sunday, September 27

Winnipeg, MB (September 15, 2026) – Dr. Goodbear, Manitoba’s mascot for hope and healing, is inviting families to prepare for a very special community event. The 37^th annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic, presented by Johnston Group, is set for Sunday, September 27 at Assiniboine Park from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm and new details will help kids and caregivers plan their day.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic by Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is a Winnipeg tradition started by a group of dedicated volunteers. Since it began in 1987, Picnic has welcomed over one million children with their bears to learn about important topics such as health and wellness, what happens in hospital and the fun of science and research. Plus, programming at Picnic is all delivered in an entertaining and inclusive way.

“Teddy Bears’ Picnic is possible thanks to the incredible dedication of over 1,000 volunteers and supporters,” says Scott McDonald, Chair, Teddy Bears’ Picnic. “From planning and setup to welcoming families and creating memorable experiences for kids, the generosity, commitment, and energy of volunteers bring this event to life year after year. We’re so grateful to everyone giving their time and talent to create a day filled with joy, connection, and meaningful moments for families.”

Activities

• Picnic features over 20 activity tents with a goal of helping kids learn about health care and wellness in a developmentally appropriate way. For a full list, check out the Picnic site map at goodbear.ca/TBPMap.
• The Dr. Goodbear Clinic put on by frontline staff from HSC Children’s Hospital is where kids’ stuffies are triaged and go through a variety of medical tests and treatments including MRIs, X-rays, casting, and more. The Clinic opens at 9:00 am, with the last kids accepted for appointments at 3:00 pm. Families can pre-book at goodbear.ca/TBPBookAppointment until all spots are full, and walk-ups are welcome.
• The I Want to be a Scientist tent put on by Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) encourages imagination through fun science-based activities and showcases how they can be used in medical settings. Families can pre-book at goodbear.ca/TBPBookAppointment until all spots are full, and walk-ups are welcome.

Food

• Start the day with delicious pancakes at the Teddy Bears’ Pancake Breakfast by IHOP from 9:00 am – 12 pm. Purchase your $5 pancake breakfast tickets in advance at goodbear.ca/TBPBreakfastTickets or by cash, debit, or credit at the event.
• Other food options include local food trucks and the Assiniboine Park snack shack. Cash, credit, and debit accepted. Or pack your own picnic lunch.

Entertainment

Main stage entertainment runs at the Lyric Theatre from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm and includes performances by Juno nominees LuLu and the TomCat, Mason Hoop Dancers, Heather’s Pretty Parties, India School of Dance, Paul Ong, Kids Etc. Youth Movement Company, and so many more. Manitoba’s own country-rock superstars, Petric, will close the day with a special family-centred show.

Getting there

• Park and ride shuttles will run every 30 minutes from 7:00 am – 6:30 pm.  Park and ride lots: St. Paul’s High School at 2200 Grant Ave. an Shaftesbury High School at 2240 Grant Ave.
• The free Bike Valet will be located by the duck pond in Assiniboine Park and will be operational between 8:45 am – 3:30 pm. Riders must pick up their bikes by 4:30 pm.
• The free Assiniboine Park Trolley will run on a loop within Assiniboine Park every 30 minutes from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Helping kids in hospital

All proceeds from Teddy Bears’ Picnic support child health care research for kids in your community. You can make a difference by:

• Purchasing 50/50 tickets at goodbear.ca/5050 (this is an online raffle and you do not need to be present to win).
• Purchasing merchandise on-site, including the new Dr. Goodbear picnic blanket, iconic Dr. Goodbear stuffies, bear ears, pins, socks and more are available for purchase at the Dr. Goodbear Store.
• Donating at goodbear.ca.

Programming at Teddy Bears’ Picnic is free, thanks to generous sponsors, including:

• Presenting sponsor: Johnston Group
• Entertainment sponsor: The John and Bonnie Buhler Foundation
• Main stage sponsor: Endless Events Group
• I want to be a Scientist tent sponsor: University Medical Group
• Pancake Breakfast sponsor: IHOP
• Share Bear tent sponsor: Winnipeg Kinsmen
• Kids’ Activity tent sponsor: Princess Auto
• Countless more generous supporters

“The Foundation team and Board are so grateful for generous community leaders, supporters, and volunteers who make Teddy Bears’ Picnic possible for families in our community,” says Stefano Grande, President & CEO, Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We know kids make meaningful memories at Picnic every year, and that is only possible because of the incredible people who generously give their time, talents, and support. Their commitment helps create a day filled with fun for thousands of children and families, and we are deeply thankful for all they do.”

Learn more and plan your day at goodbear.ca/TeddyBearsPicnic.