Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

It feels like festival season is in full swing. Food, music, art, and culture, there’s something happening in every part of the city right now.

From neighbourhood block parties to massive outdoor shows, this weekend’s looking like another busy one.

Now, in today’s edition:

• Top 5 Things to Do in Winnipeg This Weekend

• MPI Expands Driver Z Program Ahead of Fall Registration

• Winnipeg Jets Announce 2025–26 Season Schedule

• Jimmy John’s Is Opening its First Location in Winnipeg

• 50+ Events this weekend & Live Music!

— Jas Singh

News

Top 5 Things to Do in Winnipeg This Weekend

We’re heading into one of the busiest weekends of the summer, and you can feel it just walking around. Markets are setting up, patios are filling, and there’s something going on in every corner.

From outdoor comedy and live theatre to tacos, rodeo action, and night markets, this weekend brings together some of the biggest once-a-year events and the kind of local favourites that only come around every summer.

Here are 5 of the biggest ones to check out:

• Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival (July 18–27, Exchange District and The Cube)
  One of North America’s biggest Fringe fests: 170+ shows, street performers, and live entertainment from noon to midnight. (More Info)

• The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival (July 18–20, Assiniboine Park)
  Outdoor laughs, food trucks, cold drinks, and some of North America’s top comedians, all with the park as your backdrop. (More Info)

• Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition (July 18–20, Morris)
  Head south to Morris for Manitoba’s only professional rodeo: complete with chuckwagon races, fair rides, and country entertainment for the whole family. (More Info)

• Tacos and Tequila Festival (July 19, Blue Cross Park)
  Throwback artists, chef-created tacos, margaritas, and a whole lot of tequila. This one’s 18+ and strictly for fun. (More Info)

• Manitoba Night Market and Festival (July 20, 3PM–11PM, Assiniboia Downs)
  With live bands, 15+ food trucks, over 100 vendors, kid-friendly activities, and a tattoo pop-up, this evening market is a one-stop summer night out. (More Info)

And that’s just the start.

So no matter where you are in the city, or what kind of weekend you’re after, there’s no shortage of things to do in Winnipeg.

Be sure to scroll below to see the full list of 50+ events happening this weekend!

Together with the Canadian Condominium Institute – Manitoba Chapter!

Winnipeg’s Condo Owners Deserve Better Support

Living in a condo can be pretty great, until something goes sideways. A surprise assessment, a disagreement at a board meeting, or just not knowing what your rights are as an owner.

That’s why a lot of condo owners and boards across the province are getting connected with CCI Manitoba.

They’re a local non-profit that helps owners and boards stay informed, supported, and ready for whatever comes up. When your condo joins, every unit owner gets access to resources that actually make a difference.

Here’s what that includes:

• Free webinars and learning sessions that break down bylaws, rights, and responsibilities

• Templates and documents to help boards manage meetings, budgets, and decisions

• Regular updates on rule changes, new laws, and practical condo tips

• A direct line to trusted experts and other condo communities

• A province-wide voice pushing for stronger support for condo owners

If you’re on a condo board (or know someone who is), this is worth bringing up at your next meeting. And if you’re a condo owner, it’s the kind of support you’ll wish you had sooner.

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Community Digest

MPI Expands Driver Z Program Ahead of Fall Registration

If you’ve got a teen who’s ready to start driving, mark your calendar.

MPI’s Driver Z program is back for fall, and this year they’ve added more spots to meet the growing demand.

Registration opens at 8AM on July 23, but there are a few things you can do ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss out.

• Nearly 4,700 spots are available this fall across Manitoba

• You can preview course options starting today on MPI’s Course Finder

• Set your teen up as a customer and pay in advance to speed things up

• Training includes online lessons, classroom sessions, and 14 hours of in-car practice

• Teens need a co-pilot (usually a parent) to log at least 45 hours of driving

It’s one of those big steps that sneaks up fast, and having a plan can make all the difference. With more spots available this year, now’s a great time to get set up.

So, if you or someone you know has a teen who’s ready to drive, be sure to share the link below with them!

Click Here: To get ready for Driver Z registration!

Winnipeg Jets Announce 2025–26 Season Schedule

The Jets just released their full 2025–26 schedule, and there’s plenty to look forward to.

They’re opening strong with a home game against Dallas on October 9. That’s the same team that ended our playoff run last spring, so you can bet the energy in Canada Life Centre will be high.

Here are some key dates and highlights from the schedule:

• The longest homestand runs March 3–17 with 8 games at home

• A 6-game road trip in November will test the team early

• Winnipeg plays 15 games against other Canadian teams, including 7 at home

• There’s a 20-day Olympic break from Feb. 5–24

• And big matchups include the Stanley Cup champs, the Florida Panthers, in January

Hockey season will be here before we know it. And with all the free agency moves this summer, who knows…

This just might be the year we bring the Cup home. So mark your calendars and get ready as the single game tickets go on sale August 7.

Click here: To check the full Jets schedule!

City Updates

Jimmy John’s Is Opening its First Winnipeg Location

Winnipeg’s about to get a new sandwich spot, and we’re already thinking about what to order first.

Jimmy John’s, the U.S. sandwich chain known for quick subs and simple classics, is opening its very first Winnipeg location this fall.

Here’s what we know so far:

• The first shop opens this fall at 1740 Pembina Highway

• It’ll be the first Jimmy John’s in Canada with a drive-thru

• A second location is already planned for 1430 Ellice Avenue

• With more Manitoba stores on the way as the brand continues to expand

So, if you live nearby or just like checking out new sandwich spots, this one’s worth watching. We’ll be keeping tabs on opening day and might even head down early for a first bite!

Click here: To check out the Jimmy John’s menu and plan your first order!

Exciting Events: July 18th - 20th

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please search them up before going.

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Calgary Stampeders | 7:30PM, July 18 (Tickets)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

• Super-Spike 2025 | July 18-19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Maple Grove Rugby Park

  • Description: Summer's hottest party is back! Super-Spike is Western Canada’s largest outdoor volleyball tournament, ultimate tournament, and two-day concert series, all set in a festival atmosphere.

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, July 19 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks - The Canopy

• Zumba in the Park | 10-11AM, July 19 (FREE)

  • Location: Riley Family Duck Pond

• Winnipeg Valour FC vs Calgary Cavalry | 2PM, July 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

• DND Run Club | 8:15AM, July 20 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (Main Elevator)

  • Description: Theme - Green/White

Community Fun🎆

• Summer Line-Up: Paper Bag Kites | 11AM-3PM, July 18-20 (FREE)

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

  • Description: From 11AM-3PM daily, enjoy special activities that include crafts, games, and so much more.

• Play at The Forks | Daily (FREE)

  • Skateboarding with Pitikwé: 12PM-4PM, July 18-20

    • Location: The Plaza Skatepark

• Baby Bison Walk | 10:30AM & 1:30PM, July 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Feel a connection to the herd as you see the miracle of baby bison.

• Bison Bus Tour | 10:30AM & 1:30PM, July 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: See North America’s largest land mammal from just metres away, interacting in their natural habitat.

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

• The Market at FortWhyte Farms | July 18 (FREE)

  • Location: FortWhyte Farms

  • Description: Our summer market is the place to buy fresh, naturally grown, in-season produce, and delicious baked goods

• Alleyways in The Exchange | 5PM-10PM, July 18 (More Info)

  • Location: Exchange District

  • Description: Explore curated markets, live performances, and hidden gems in the alleys of the Exchange District. Takes place on the third Friday of each month, featuring a market, audio performances, an art lounge, and dance performances all against the backdrop of a National Historic Site in Winnipeg’s most walkable urban neighbourhood.

• St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 8AM-2PM, July 19 (FREE)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

• Bronx Park Farmers Market | 9AM-2PM, July 19 (FREE)

  • Location: Bronx Park

• Under the Big Top Pop Up | 12PM-6PM, July 19 (FREE)

  • Location: Centre Cultural Franco-Manitobain

  • Description: Join us for a Pop Up during Fringe Festival!

• Manitoba Night Market & Festival | 3PM-11PM, July 20 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: With over 20 food trucks offering delicious treats, 100+ local artisans and vendors showcasing their talents and products, live bands, Tattoo pop up and kid’s activities to keep the little ones engaged, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Performances🎭

• Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival | July 18-27 (More Info)

  • Location: Winnipeg Exchange District and The Cube

  • Description: North America’s second-largest Fringe Festival showcases more than 170 local, national and international theatre companies, offering performances of comedy, drama, improv, dance and more. Festival-goers of all ages are invited to enjoy live entertainment at Old Market Square in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District, where street performers and bands perform from noon to midnight daily on the outdoor stage.

• Tacos and Tequila Festival | 2PM, July 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Blue Cross Park

  • Description: Leave The Kiddos at Home, this Event is Strictly 18+ Grab your crew and enjoy a night out kickin’ it at Blue Cross Park with your favorite throwback artists, while chowing down on the best taco vendors throughout the festival.

• Ruzz Guitar's Blues Revue #3 | 8PM, July 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: For one very special evening, we've got Blues at The Basement! Featuring Ruzz Guitar's Blues Revue. From Bristol UK, Ruzz's band brings a Gretsch fueled, high energy show from start to finish.

Comedy❗

• The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival | July 18-20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park

  • Comedians include: Bert Kreischer, John Mulaney, Martin Short, Trailer Park Boys & Theo Von!

  • Description: Enjoy live comedy in the great outdoors! Don’t miss seeing some of today’s top comedians with nature’s backdrop.

• Mike Cronin | July 18-19 ($)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Through years of road work, he has become one of the funniest, most well-respected comedians working today.

• Open House Comedy | 8:30PM, July 18 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: An All-Star Lineup of Winnipeg's best comedians showcasing their stuff at The Basement! Tickets only $5!

Special Events/Concerts 🥂

• 2025 Corydon Avenue Concert Series | 7PM-10PM, July 18-19 (FREE)

  • Location: Lilac Street S and Hugo Street N

  • Description: Bring a lawn chair and sit back and enjoy the warm Winnipeg nights with the sounds of Jazz, Rock, Pop, Soul and Blues music (or hit the dance floor and practice your best moves).

• Garden Concerts: Fernanda | 11AM-12PM, July 19 (FREE)

  • Location: The Leaf - Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Join us for Garden Concerts at The Leaf, part of Assiniboine Park's Summer Entertainment Series! All concerts are FREE!

• Cat Lovers Convention | 11AM-4PM, July 19-20 (More Info)

  • Location: Norwood CC

  • Description: We love all animals but this event is EVERYTHING CATS. Come out and meet all the talented Manitoba creators with a variety of awesome cat merch that you are going to want to purchase. Meet some local rescues and their super cute kitties waiting for their forever homes!

• Guided Nature Walks | 11AM, July 19 (FREE)

  • Location: Living Prairie Museum

  • Description: Visit the tall grass prairie with a Living Prairie Museum naturalist! Explore the sights, smells, and sounds of the prairie. Get up close with the grasses, flowers, and animals that live here. Learn about what makes this place so special, and how you can help continue our prairie legacy.

• Summer Showcase Toys & Collectables 2025 | 10AM-5PM, July 20 (More Info)

  • Location: Deer Lodge Community Centre

  • Description: The Summer Showcase 2025, a one-day market exploding with both amazing new and returning vendors offering: Toys, Comic Books, Collectables, Funko Pops, Pokémon Cards, Unique Homemade Crafts, 3D Prints, And SO MUCH MORE!

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food.

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Monday!