Hey Winnipeggers!

There’s a lot happening this weekend! So make the most of it, while it’s still warm out. With 40+ events packed into today’s edition, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• $650M Transformation of Portage Place

• $15M Donation to Red River College!

• Bisons Homecoming Game + Tailgate

• 40+ Weekend Events & live music.

— Jas Singh

News

$650M Transformation of Portage Place

Big things are happening downtown! The plan to redevelop Portage Place into a massive $650 million hub for housing, healthcare, green spaces, and more is finally moving forward. Mayor Gillingham says this is one of the biggest changes downtown’s seen in generations, and it’s sure to bring a lot of life back to the area.

The city’s throwing in about $40 million in grants to help make it all happen, covering everything from affordable housing to street upgrades. So, what does this mean for the community? More affordable places to live, better accessibility, and a major improvement to downtown’s overall experience.

Downtown Winnipeg has already seen big growth in recent years, and this project will only add to that—making the area more fun, livable, and safer for everyone. Watching this project come to life feels like a new chapter for Winnipeg, and we’re all here for it!

Watch Out for Fake Taxis

We usually don’t highlight negative news, but this is IMPORTANT!

There’s a scam happening around town that you should know about. People are using fake taxis to get access to your debit card. They hang out in busy areas, and a "passenger" will approach you, saying they need help paying the fare with your card because the taxi doesn’t take cash. If you agree, they’ll skim way more than the fare amount.

Remember, real taxis accept cash and have proper decals and ID numbers on their doors. If you see something suspicious, warn others and report it. Stay safe out there.

Local Updates:

$15M Donation to Red River College!

Big news for Manitoba’s creative scene! RRC Polytech just received its largest gift ever—a huge $15 million from the Schroeder Foundation to launch the new Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts.

This is going to help grow local talent in film, animation, and creative arts right here in Winnipeg. With new programs in the works, like Animation and Entertainment Production Management, RRC Polytech is gearing up to produce top-notch grads ready to take the industry by storm. More local talent means more productions, more jobs, and more opportunities for our city’s creative industries!

Donald Street Offices Set to Reopen

As a lot of folks know, the Manitoba Housing office at 352 Donald St. has been closed for a bit due to flooding. Good news though—it’s reopening on September 16!

If you need to visit the Family Resolution Service, including Child Support and the Maintenance Enforcement Program, those offices will be back in action on September 23. Be sure to call ahead or check online before heading over. This is a big help for anyone who’s been waiting to get things sorted!

Walk This Way: Celebrating 150,000 Steps Together

After a week of walking, rolling, and strolling, the Walk This Way campaign wraps up today with a celebration at True North Square Plaza.

From noon to 1 p.m. join the fun with live performances, a photo station, a candy bar, and even a beanbag toss contest! Let’s come together to support the United Way Winnipeg and kick off their 2024 fundraising efforts. Whether you’ve been part of the walk or just want to join the fun, this is a great way to spend your lunch hour and support the city!

Winnipeg Sports:

Goldeyes Head to the Finals

The Winnipeg Goldeyes pulled off a huge win in Game 3, taking it 3-1 and earning their spot in the Wolff Cup Final! It’s been a tough battle to get this far, and now they’re just one series away from bringing home the championship. But this is when they need us the most—our cheers, our support, and all the energy we can give.

Now’s the time to rally behind them, Winnipeg! Let’s show the Goldeyes we’ve got their back as they head into the finals.

Bisons Homecoming Game + Tailgate

Want to see the next generation of football stars? Head to the University of Manitoba this Saturday to catch the Bisons take on the Alberta Golden Bears.

It’s Homecoming, and this is your chance to support up-and-coming talent right here in Winnipeg. Plus, there’s a family-friendly tailgate party before the game, so bring the whole crew for some pre-game fun. If you’re a UM alum, don’t forget you can snag up to four free tickets using the promo code UMALUMNI24. Get out there and show some love to our local Bisons!

Exciting Events: September 13 - 15

This section only includes events until the next edition on Monday, so here’s what’s happening Friday till Sunday!

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Sept 14 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

Family Fun🎆

• Corn Maze @ A Maze In Corn | Sept 13 - Oct 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze In Corn (1351 Provincial Rd 200)

  • Description: Enjoy the country views while wandering through the corn maze, climb the giant bale pyramid, and visit the petting zoo.

• Dakota Community Family Fun Days | Sept 13-14 (More Info)

  • Location: 1188 Dakota St, Winnipeg, MB

  • Description: Enjoy kid’s activities, an outdoor movie night, a fireworks display, and a stage featuring live local entertainers.

• Open House at Dakota Community Center | Sept 13 (More Info)

  • Location: 1188 Dakota St, Winnipeg, MB

  • Description: Enjoy free access to fitness classes, pickleball, hockey and more!

• Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra | 7:30PM, Sept 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall (555 Main Street)

  • Description: Experience classical music in traditional fashion.

• Live Harness Racing | 1PM, Sept 14 (Free)

  • Location: The Loop at Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Come see the best of Manitoba’s standardbred horses at The Loop, the brand new racetrack and venue at Red River Exhibition Park.

• Second Saturdays at Dalnavert Museum | 12-4PM, Sept 14 (Free)

  • Location: Dalnavert Museum (61 Carlton Ave)

  • Description: Stop by for Second Saturdays, a free program inviting families to explore the past!

• Chinatown Night Market | Sept 14-15 (More Info)

  • Location: Chinatown Winnipeg

  • Description: From savory dumplings to sizzling skewers and delectable desserts, there's something for every food lover.

• Bison Safari | 10:30AM & 1PM, Sept 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Fort Whyte Alive

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

• We Are All Treaty People Celebration | 12PM, Sept 15 (Free)

  • Location: The Forks (field by Peace Park)

  • Description: Enjoy an afternoon of music and dance by Indigenous and non-Indigenous performers, information about Treaties, Indigenous arts and crafts, free food, family-friendly games and fun!

• Free Admission to Canadian Museum for Human Rights | 10AM - 5PM, Sept 15 (Free)

  • Location: 85 Israel Asper Way

• Assiniboine Park Events | Details

  • Event: Behind the Scenes Zoo Experiences - Snow Leopards | 10AM, Sept 13 (Tickets)

  • Event: Behind the Scenes Zoo Experiences - Harbour Seals | 1PM, Sept 14 (Tickets)

  • Event: Behind the Scenes Zoo Experiences - Tigers | 10AM, Sept 15 (Tickets)

  • Event: Gardener Chats at The Leaf | 11:30AM, every day (More Info)

Summer Markets

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM-2PM, Sept 14 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Bronx Park Farmer’s Market | 9AM-2PM, Sept 14 (More Info)

  • Location: Bronx Park Community Centre

• Farmers Markets at Shelmerdine Garden Center | 10AM-3PM, Sept 14-15

  • Location: Shelmerdine (7800 Roblin Blvd)

  • Description: Over 40 vendors and 5 food trucks per market day – all Made in Manitoba! Enjoy FREE ADMISSION and family fun! For the kids, jump in their giant bouncy castle, and have face painting done, all for just $5.

• Tyndal Community Market | 12-9PM, Sept 14-15

  • Location: Tyndal Park Community Center (2255 King Edward St)

  • Description: Live Entertainment, Youth + Local Vendors, Food Trucks, Free Zumba, Local Artists, Family Games, Prizes & Giveaways!

Special Events 🥂

• Brew at the Zoo | Sept 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Brew at the Zoo is an after-hours, adults-only event at the Zoo showcasing Manitoba’s craft brewers. Enjoy unlimited samples of craft beer, cider, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks plus live music, games, and a great atmosphere!

• Jon Rudnitsky Comedy | Sept 13-14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club (190-2025 Corydon Avenue)

  • Description: Former SNL cast member, has starred in Home Again, Catch 22, Set It Up, The Big Leap, and is a regular at NYC’s Comedy Cellar.

• Saturday Swing Out | 6:30-11PM, Sept 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Live music + dance. No experience or partner is necessary and everyone is welcome!

• Minitoba Tabletop Games Market | 10AM-7:30PM, Sept 14 (Free)

  • Location: Archwood Community Centre (1 Evan Rue)

  • Description: Enjoy open gaming sessions, discover a range of vendors and artist offering games, merchandise and more!

• Manitoba EV Fest | 10AM-4PM, Sept 14 (More Info)

  • Location: IKEA, Sterling Lyon Parkway

  • Description: Display many outstanding plugin vehicles (cars, trucks, SUVs, bikes, scooters, and more). Owners are welcome to bring their plug-in vehicles to show off and share with other enthusiasts and anyone curious about EVs.

• Fishing at The Forks | Sept 15 (More Info)

  • Location: 1 Forks Market Road

  • Description: Ever wanted to try fishing but didnt know where or how to start? Well now you do!

School Events 🏫

• Manitoba Bisons vs University of Alberta | 2PM, Sept 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

Live Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food or tickets available at the door or may be free.

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