Happy Monday, Winnipeggers!

It felt like the perfect Winnipeg weekend. Hot, breezy, and yep, even with that smoky haze in the air, the weather still delivered.

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to the Summer of Locals market! Whether you stopped by to say hi, snapped a photo with Ariel, or helped out behind the scenes, we appreciate you so much. It means the world to finally meet some of the amazing folks who read this little newsletter every week.

Here’s everything you need going into the week, plus a quick catch-up on what you might’ve missed over the weekend.

In today’s edition:

• Air Quality Alert in Winnipeg Due to Wildfire Smoke

• Jonathan Toews Is Coming Home to Play for the Jets

• Restaurant of the Week

• Measles Exposure Reported at Winnipeg Children’s Hospital

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Air Quality Alert in Winnipeg Due to Wildfire Smoke

If the air’s felt a little heavier lately, you’re not imagining it. Wildfires up north have blown a haze into much of Manitoba, including right here in Winnipeg.

This weekend, Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for our region. And it’s one of those reminders that even if we can’t see the fire, we’re still feeling its effects.

What you need to know:

• Smoke is drifting into areas like Winnipeg, Steinbach, and Lac du Bonnet

• Visibility and air quality might shift quickly, even hour by hour

• Folks more vulnerable: seniors, pregnant people, little ones, or those with health issues, are being urged to take it easy and avoid outdoor exertion

If you’re feeling off (headaches, coughing, short breath), it might be time to head indoors. It’s a good idea to keep windows closed and run a clean air filter or fan if you’ve got one.

Check on your neighbours, especially those who might need a little extra help. We’re all breathing the same air, let’s look out for each other.

Click here: To check the current air quality and stay updated.

Jonathan Toews Is Coming Home to Play for the Jets

We already knew he was coming home, but now we’ve heard it straight from him.

Jonathan Toews held his first press conference since signing with the Jets, and seeing him back home, speaking to media in his own city, made it all feel real. After two tough years away from hockey, he’s suiting up for his 16th NHL season, and doing it in the city where it all began.

For a lot of us who grew up watching him lift the Cup, this full-circle moment hits deep.

• Toews signed a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets for his 16th NHL season

• He’s been out since 2023, battling long-term health issues, including long COVID

• The 37-year-old says he felt a “pull” back to the game, and back to Winnipeg

• Over his career, he’s won 3 Stanley Cups, 2 Olympic golds, and a Conn Smythe

• He says it just felt right to come home: “I knew in my heart this is what I wanted to do”

It’s not every day a hometown kid returns with that kind of legacy. This one’s special.

Let’s give him the warmest welcome back.

Click here: To read the full announcement!

Restaurant of the Week: Arctic Dessertz

This one’s for the sweet tooths. Arctic Dessertz just might be Bridgwater’s coziest dessert spot. And it’s open late, which makes it even better.

It’s the kind of place you pop into after dinner or when you're out for a late-night drive and suddenly need something cold, warm, or chocolatey (or all three).

What makes it great:

• The gelato is super smooth, with bold flavours that change often

• Waffles, croffles, and crepes are made fresh, hot, and loaded with toppings

• Their cheesecakes are rich, smooth, and just the right amount of decadent

• Pairs perfectly with their coffee or iced drinks

• Open late every day (until midnight on weekdays, and 2AM on weekends!)

📍 Find them at 335 North Town Rd, Unit 7–8 in Bridgwater
🕐 Open 1PM–12AM daily, and until 2AM on Fridays and Saturdays

Whether you’re celebrating something or just craving something sweet, Arctic Dessertz is always a good idea. It’s a cozy little spot that makes dessert feel like an occasion.

Click Here: To check their full menu!

Community Digest

Cool Gardens Turns Winnipeg Into a Citywide Outdoor Art Gallery

There’s something pretty great about stumbling onto art when you’re not expecting it. That’s exactly what Cool Gardens is doing again this summer: turning everyday spots across Winnipeg into creative, interactive spaces.

From parks to downtown sidewalks, these installations are meant to make you pause, play, and see the city a little differently.

Here’s what to check out:

• 9 art pieces are set up across the city until September 28

• One is a giant bike-powered fan called Anything for a Breeze

• Another is a canopy made from soda cans, plus harvest gardens filled with local plants

• Locations include The Forks, Graham Avenue, Osborne Village, and Assiniboine Park

• Artists were encouraged to reuse materials and plan how their work will live on after summer

It’s all free, it’s outdoors, and it adds a little extra joy to wandering the city. Definitely worth keeping an eye out for next time you’re out and about.

Click here: To check out the Cool Gardens map and plan your walk!

A New John Travolta Movie Is Being Filmed in Winnipeg

You might’ve done a double-take walking through Norwood Flats this week. Turns out, Winnipeg’s doubling as 1960s America for a new film. And yes, John Travolta is in it.

The movie’s called November 1963, and crews have been setting up shop right in the neighbourhood.

• Filming started around July 3 in Norwood Flats

• The cast includes John Travolta, Mandy Patinkin, and Dermot Mulroney

• The film looks at the Mafia’s alleged role in JFK’s assassination

• The streets have been dressed with vintage cars and props to match the era

• No release date yet as it’s still early in production

It’s always a bit surreal seeing Winnipeg transformed like this. So if you're out on a walk and things look a little more retro than usual, now you know why.

Click here: To read more about November 1963 and who's starring in it!

City Updates

Measles Exposure Reported at Winnipeg Children’s Hospital

No one likes a late-night ER visit, but if you or someone you know had to bring a kid to the Children’s Hospital last week, this is something to be aware of. Public health just confirmed another measles exposure in the emergency waiting room.

It’s not meant to scare anyone, just a heads-up to keep a close eye on symptoms and check in on your vaccine records, especially for the kids, grandparents, or anyone with a weaker immune system.

• The exposure happened June 30 at 11:10 p.m. to July 1 at 1:25 a.m. in the ER waiting room

• If you were there, watch for symptoms until July 23

• Early signs look like a cold: fever, red eyes, cough, followed by a rash

• Anyone born after 1970 should make sure they’ve had both MMR shots

• Babies under 6 months, folks with health concerns, and pregnant people should talk to a doctor

Click here: To check the latest measles update and full exposure list

New Memorial in Scurfield Park Honours Victims of Flight PS752

Some moments stay with you. For many in Winnipeg, the crash of Flight PS752 was one of those moments. A tragedy that touched families across the world, including here at home.

Now, there’s a quiet place to honour them.

Scurfield Park in south Winnipeg is now home to Canada’s first permanent memorial for the 176 lives lost in the crash. It’s simple, peaceful, and full of meaning.

What you’ll find there:

• A memorial wall with the name of every passenger

• Trees, shrubs, and a quiet seating area with four benches for reflection

• A plaque honouring the victims and the search for truth and justice

• The memorial was funded by the Province, City, and the victims’ families

• It was approved this May through the Welcoming Winnipeg process

The space is there for all of us. To mourn, remember, reflect, and to quietly stand with the families who’ve never stopped seeking justice.

It doesn’t try to explain the loss, but it gives the community a place to hold it.

Click here: To learn more about the new memorial.

Coming up this week:

This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!

• Exchange Summer Fitness – Bootcamp | 12-12:45PM, July 9 (FREE)

  • Location: 201 Portage Plaza

• Thunder Concert Series | July 9-10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

  • Description: Rockin’ Thunder and Country Thunder Music Festival. Two days of incredible live music and unforgettable experiences.

• Downtown Farmers' Market | 10AM-2:30PM, July 10 (FREE)

  • Location: Manitoba Hydro Place along Graham Avenue

  • Description: The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s popular Outdoor Farmers’ Market has been bringing local food and goods downtown for more than 12 years.

• Full Moon Ceremony at the Forks | 9:45PM, July 10 (More Info)

  • Location: Oodena Celebration Circle

  • Description: This Ceremony is open to the community at large; all genders and cultures are invited to join together for teachings about feminine energy’s relationship with Grandmother Moon.

• Transcona BIZ Night Markets | 4PM-8PM, July 10 (More Info)

  • Location: 131 Victoria Ave West

  • Description: The markets showcase a rotating variety of locally grown fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, specialty teas, artisanal oils and vinegars, homemade sauces and jams, baked goods, jewelry and much more.

• Winnipeg Folk Festival | July 10-13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Birds Hill Park

  • Description: Enjoy some of the best, most diverse folk music from around the world featuring legendary and up-and-coming musicians. This internationally acclaimed festival features over 70 acts, nine stages, an award-winning family area, camping and delicious local and organic food all in a beautiful prairie park setting.

• Summer Concert Series: VÍÍK & Brazilian Vibe curated by Folklorama | 7PM-9PM, July 10 & 13 (FREE)

  • Location: Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Join us for the Summer Concert Series at the Lyric Theatre, part of the Assiniboine Park's Summer Entertainment Series! All concerts are FREE!

• Ai-kon 2025 | July 11-13 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Come connect with your favourite voice actors, writers, and artists! It’s a place to gather and appreciate everything there is to love about anime, Japanese culture, and the community of fandom.

• Food Truck Rally | 12PM-9PM, July 12-13 (FREE)

  • Location: IKEA Winnipeg

  • Description: Join us for 2 days filled with high-octane fun, live music, and dynamic performances at the second FOOD TRUCK RALLY Featuring Show Ur Ride at IKEA. We are excited to bring together food lovers, car enthusiasts, music lovers, and dance aficionados for an unforgettable evening.

Exciting Events: July 7th & 8th

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg National Bank Challenger | July 7-13 (Tickets)

  • Location: National Bank Tennis MB Hub at West St. Paul

  • Description: Every July, over 60 tennis players descend on Winnipeg to vie for tennis greatness in the Winnipeg National Bank Challenger (WNBC). This one-week event has winnings of $100,000.

• Exchange Summer Fitness – Yoga | 12-12:45PM, July 8 (FREE)

  • Location: Stephen Juba Park

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, July 8-9 (Free/Learn More)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

• Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Sioux Falls | 6:30PM, July 8-10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Blue Cross Park

Music 🎵

• Keith MacPherson | 11:45AM-2:45PM, July 7 (FREE)

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

• Amigo the Devil | 7PM, July 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: Park Theatre

  • Description: Danny Kiranos, known professionally as Amigo the Devil, is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and banjo player. His music is influenced by American folk, country, rock, and heavy metal, with themes of murder, death, and other dark subject matters which has led to his music being called "Dark Folk" or "Murderfolk".

• Mark Conroy/Rob Ivany/Shandra Levreault/Aidan Ritchie
  | 11:45AM-2:45PM, July 8 (FREE)

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

• Downtown Sounds Concert Series: The Love Letters | 12PM-1PM, July 8 (FREE)

  • Location: Richardson Centre Plaza

  • Description: Hungry for good music with your lunch? Enjoy FREE live performances every Tuesday from June 17 to August 26, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the 2025 Downtown Sounds Concert Series!

• Curtis Nowosad Album Release Concert | 6:30PM, July 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Cornerstone Arthouse

  • Description: Surprise! Curtis Nowosad is celebrating the release of I AM DOING MY BEST in Winnipeg featuring special guests Joey Landreth & Jocelyn Gould.

• John Garcia & Telekinetic Yeti | 7PM, July 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Park Theatre

  • Description: JOHN GARCIA, former vocalist of KYUSS, playing all his classics on the Bastards Rata 2025 Tour with guests Telekinetic Yeti.

Community Fun🎆

• Summer Line-Up: Mosquito Life Cycle | 11AM-3PM, July 7-13 (FREE)

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

  • Description: Join us all summer long for hands-on programming inspired by the season and our summer exhibition, Attack Of The Bloodsuckers! From 11AM-3PM daily, enjoy special activities that include crafts, games, and so much more.

• Paddle Nights | 6PM, July 8 & 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Spend an evening paddling before sunset for the perfect summer night. Paddle Nights are a 45-minute session with a canoe or kayak, with help available to get you started. No experience is required.

• Play at The Forks | Daily (FREE)

  • Location: CN Field and Stage

    • Basketball with Basketball Manitoba: 6PM-8PM, July 7 & 9

    • Drop-in Dance with Dance with Genie: 6PM-8PM, July 8

• Naawi-Oodena Seasonal Market | July 8 (FREE)

  • Location: Oodena Gas & Convenience Store Parking Lot

  • Description: Designed to showcase Indigenous entrepreneurs, artists, and food vendors, the market is an opportunity to bring people together in celebration of culture, creativity, and local commerce.

Special Events 🎨

• Paranormal Cirque | July 7-14 (Tickets)

  • Location: St. Vital Centre

  • Description: A crazy yet fun fusion between Circus, theatre, and cabaret in perfect harmony with the evolution of a show that brings you back to when we dream... and when we had nightmares and fantasies.

• Rock of Ages | July 7-12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rainbow Stage

  • Description: The broadway musical Rock of Ages tells a love story between a small-town girl and a city boy set against the backdrop of 1980s Hollywood’s Sunset Strip.

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