World AIDS Day Cabaret: Mythologies, Fantasy and Folklore

World AIDS Day Cabaret is brought to you by title sponsor: CUPE Manitoba World AIDS Day Cabaret returns on Friday, November 27, for an unforgettable evening of storytelling, imagination, and magic. Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Nine Circles Community Health Centre with a captivating event designed to transport you to another world. About this theme: Selected by the Nine Circles' HIV Lived Experience Advisory, Myths and folklore have always been ways for societies to understand struggle, identity, survival, and hope. In the same way, HIV stories are modern legends of resilience—filled with heroes, challenges, and triumphs. These traditions connect us to collective memory, reminding us that storytelling is how communities endure, teach, and heal across generations. What to Wear? Costumes strongly encouraged (but not mandatory)! Step into a world of fantasy, folklore, and mythology with your finest medieval dresses, enchanted attire, and fantastical costumes which can be human, fae, beast, or otherwise! Come dressed as your favorite mythical creature, legendary hero, folklore figure, or magical being. Don whatever garb makes you feel the most magical! Event Program Cocktail Hour (Brought to you by Adam & Eve, The Pollard Family Foundation, and Gilead): 7:00-8:00pm • Live music on The Great Hall Stage by Sierra Nobel (brought to you by MERCK) • Walkaround magic by Evan Morgan • Photography by Kendra Hope Photography • Complimentary grazing station by WOW Catering • Exclusive drink specials (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options) • Bid or purchase raffle tickets with prizes that will surpise and delight! (we accept cash, debit, and credit) • Enjoy both the Main Hall and Ilavut (Qaumajuq) areas and take in the beautiful artwork and magical ambiance • Learn more about the work of Nine Circles in our 25th Anniversary Information Garden (brought to you by UM College of Community and Global Health) • Visit our Indigenous Cultural Support and Connection Point displays in the Ilavut Main Stage: 8:00 PM – 8:40 PM • Land Acknowledgement • Cheron Sharelike - Introduction • Shane Thevenot - Comedy • Lumora Arts - Circus • Jamie Allwood - Drag • Virginia Draghi - Pole Performance INTERMISSION Mainstage: 9:20pm-10:30pm • Lumora Arts - Circus • Jamie Allwood - Drag Performance • Speeches from Nine Circles • Nila Ganda - Drag Performance • Venus Von Tramp - Burlesque • Kim Bailey - Closing thoughts from Executive Director • Closing Thanks to our friends at the Winnipeg Folk Festival and our World AIDS Day Cabaret event sponsors, we are excited to announce our annual “Donate to Win” prize that will keep your toes tapping into 2027. Win (2) 4-day Festival and Camping passes for the 2027 Winnipeg Folk Fest! For every $10 you donate = 1 entry to win. It’s just that easy! www.ninecircles.ca/donate Donate now until World AIDS Day to support essential community programs including: group programming and peer leadership opportunities, vital supplies for our Pit Stop harm reduction program, Indigenous cultural support, and our HI-5 economic support fund. Donate: www.ninecircles.ca/donate Eligible donations made now until 11:59 p.m. on 12/01/2026 Draw: Friday, December 4th, 2026, at 12 PM. You must be 18+ or older to enter, full info on our website. LGCA 6226-RF-51995 Disclaimer: We celebrate and support our performers' right to express themselves through their art. However, their performances, views, and artistic choices do not necessarily reflect the values or opinions of our organization. We encourage thoughtful, respectful interpretations of folklore and fantasy, and ask that costumes avoid harmful stereotypes or caricatures. Event schedule times and performers are subject to change. Tickets are non-refundable. Thank you for your understanding and support of our fundraiser.