Mac DeMarco and Vicky Farewell Live In Winnipeg, MB - Night One

On December 12, 2025, Mac DeMarco turned the Burton Cummings Theatre into a warm, woozy living room for night one of two completely sold-out shows in Winnipeg. Additionally, his first time performing in the city in just over ten years. It felt fitting that a venue known for its elegance and history would host an artist whose music thrives on intimacy and imperfection—songs that sound best when shared with a room full of people ready to sway, smile, and sing along.

Vicky Farewell. Photos by Samuel Stevens.

Opening the night was Vicky Farewell, kicking off her very first show of the tour—and her first run through Western Canada—with a set that quietly commanded attention and playing some of her own tunes that have gained some traction online like "Are We OK?" and "Kakashi (All of The Time)." Her understated presence and gentle songwriting served as a soft exhale before the main event, easing the crowd into the evening rather than trying to overwhelm it. There was a palpable sense of curiosity and goodwill in the room, as fans leaned in, clearly aware they were witnessing the start of something new for the tour.

When Mac DeMarco and his band finally took the stage, the reaction was immediate and deafening. Launching into “Shining” and “For the First Time,” DeMarco set the tone early: relaxed, sincere, and effortlessly charming. The setlist spanned nearly every era of his career, rewarding longtime fans while remaining inviting to newcomers. Songs like “Sweeter,” “On the Level,” and “Phantom” flowed seamlessly, each met with loud sing-alongs that filled the ornate theatre from floor to balcony.

Mac DeMarco. Photos by Samuel Stevens.

The heart of the show leaned heavily into nostalgia without feeling stuck in the past. “Salad Days” and “Still Beating” landed with particular weight, reminders of just how deeply DeMarco’s music has embedded itself into people’s lives over the years. Tracks like “Passing Out Pieces,” “Home,” and “Heart to Heart” slowed the pace, allowing the crowd to collectively breathe and soak in the moment.

As the night wore on, the energy ebbed and surged naturally. “Freaking Out the Neighbourhood” jolted the room back to life, while “Moonlight on the River” stretched out beautifully, showcasing the band’s patience and chemistry. Closing the main set with “My Kind of Woman” and “Chamber of Reflection” felt almost ceremonial—two songs that have transcended their original recordings to become defining moments in DeMarco’s live shows.

The encore, a pairing of “Nobody” and “One More Love Song,” was understated yet deeply satisfying, sending the audience home on a gentle high rather than a bombastic finale.

Night one at the Burton Cummings Theatre wasn’t about spectacle—it was about connection. Mac DeMarco proved once again that his strength lies in creating a space where thousands of people can feel like they’re all part of the same quiet, shared moment. With another sold-out show still to come, Winnipeg was more than ready to do it all over again.