Happy Monday, Winnipeggers!

We hope you had a weekend full of snacks and summer fun, as there was a lot going on! From festivals to markets, patios to pop-ups, Winnipeg showed up like it always does in these summer months.

If you're feeling even a little bit of FOMO, don't worry. That’s exactly why we’re here… to make sure you’re never out of the loop. Whether you’re new to the newsletter or have been reading since day one, we’ve got everything you might’ve missed since last Friday, plus a full list of events coming up this week.

And hey, at the very end, we finally added a little check-in: a quick poll to hear what you think of the newsletter so far. We love reading your comments. Whether it’s your first week or your fiftieth, your voice matters, and we’d really love to hear how you’re liking it. (All feedback is welcome!)

Let’s make this week a good one. And thanks for being here.

In today’s edition:

• Wildfire Smoke Brings Air Quality Warnings Across Manitoba

• Restaurant of the Week

• Spruce Woods Provincial Park Gets $2M in Upgrades

• The Prairie Green Landfill Search Comes to a Close

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Wildfire Smoke Brings Air Quality Warnings Across Manitoba

If you were out at Fringe, Great Outdoor Comedy Fest, Alleyways in the Exchange, or any other event this weekend, you probably noticed the haze in the air. That wasn’t just summer heat, it was smoke drifting in from wildfires across the province.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued air quality warnings for most of Manitoba, including Winnipeg, Brandon, and the Interlake.

• Winnipeg’s air quality climbed from “low risk” to “very high risk” (Level 10+) within hours on Saturday and stayed there Sunday

• Outdoor events adapted fast: Fringe handed out KN95s to volunteers and let performers choose whether to go on

• Experts say the health effects can hit fast, even without pre-existing conditions

• With over 120 wildfires burning right now, the province remains under a state of emergency

So if you made it to any events this weekend, we hope you stayed safe and looked out for one another. And if you’re heading out today for any reason, best to check the air quality first, just in case it’s another stay-inside kind of day.

Click here: To check the latest air quality warning and see what the skies are looking like near you.

A message from Canlan Sports!

Hockey Programs Still Open for Kids and Adults This Summer

If you or your kid can’t imagine a summer without hockey, you’re in luck. Canlan Sports’ summer programs are in full swing. And yep, there’s still time to sign up.

Whether you’re looking to stay sharp, build skills, or just have something active to look forward to each week, there’s something here for everyone.

Here’s what’s on the ice:

• Youth Hockey League (YHL) – 3-on-3 action through August

• Adult Summer Hockey League (ASHL) – Weekly games, same energy, less winter gear. Runs until end of August!

• Summer Hockey Camps – 4 hours of daily ice time, plus off-ice activities to keep things fun and balanced

• Just opened – New summer programs for all levels:

  • Learn to Skate

  • Skills and drills for youth & adults

• Planning ahead? Fall and Winter programs are already open too

📍 Canlan Sports Winnipeg
⏰ All programs run ‘til the end of August

So if you or someone you know, your partner, a friend, or anyone in the community, might be interested, be sure to click the link below to learn more!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Restaurant of the Week: Frenchway Café

You know those places that feel like a secret, but in the best way? That’s Frenchway Café. Nestled on a quiet corner just off Corydon, this cozy café has been serving up thoughtful, made-from-scratch meals since 2008… and somehow, not everyone’s caught on yet.

Walk in and you’ll see regulars greeting the staff by name, fresh pastries cooling behind the counter, and plates that make you wish you had room for seconds. It’s warm, welcoming, and the kind of café where you can taste how much love went into every bite.

Here’s what makes Frenchway special:

• Every ingredient matters: local greens, house-made breads, and pastries baked fresh each morning

• Their all-day breakfast is a local favourite

• Coffee and tea are both locally sourced

• They’re great with dietary needs: lots of gluten-free, vegan, and special order options

Even after all these years, Frenchway still feels like one of Winnipeg’s best-kept secrets. If you haven’t been, go. If you have, well, you probably don’t need convincing.

📍 238 Lilac St, near Corydon
🕐 Open Tues–Sat 7am–5pm (kitchen closes at 3), Sun 9am–4pm (kitchen until 3)

Click Here: To check out the menu or plan your visit!

City Updates

Spruce Woods Provincial Park Gets $2M in Upgrades

If you’ve ever spent a sunny weekend exploring the Spirit Sands or hanging out at the campground in Kiche Manitou, you’ll be happy to know Spruce Woods is getting some well-deserved improvements.

The province is investing over $2 million into park upgrades this year, just in time for a summer of free entry. It’s a big win for families, campers, and weekend wanderers.

Here’s what’s coming:

• A new floating boardwalk and viewing platform on the Isputinaw Trail

• A repaired pedestrian bridge on the Spring Ridge Trail

• 70 new electrical sites for campers at Kiche Manitou

• New equipment and a relocated maintenance yard to keep the park running smoothly

So, whether you’re heading out for a quiet hike or a full week of camping, it’s shaping up to be a great time to visit. And the best part? Entry is free all year.

Click Here: To see all the upgrades planned and start planning your next trip!

Community Digest

The Prairie Green Landfill Search Has Come to a Close

It’s a moment many in Manitoba have quietly held space for. After months of painstaking work, the search at Prairie Green Landfill has come to an end.

Private ceremonies were held with the families of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran last week to honour their lives and the strength they’ve shown through unimaginable loss.

• The search began in December and ended on July 9

• Remains of both women were recovered earlier this year

• They were originally from Long Plain First Nation and among four women taken in 2022

• Families, community leaders, and search teams gathered to mark this moment with care and ceremony

• The next phase will shift to Brady Road Landfill, where the search for Ashlee Shingoose will continue

This journey has touched so many in our community. And while it isn’t over, Morgan and Marcedes have finally been brought home.

Click here: To read the latest update.

Gabriel Vilardi Signs On for Six More Seasons with the Jets

It’s always special when a player truly clicks with a city, and it looks like Gabriel Vilardi has found that here in Winnipeg. The 25-year-old just signed a six-year extension with the Jets, and after the season he had, it’s easy to see why.

Whether you’re all-in on every game or just catch the playoffs, you’ve probably seen his name pop up more and more this past year.

• Vilardi put up 61 points last season, his best yet

• He scored 27 goals, added 12 power play goals, and led some clutch wins

• Played 71 games and made an impact in every one

• And has only played 270 NHL games so far and has plenty of runway left

Jets fans have a lot to look forward to. Six more seasons of Vilardi means more consistency, more highlight reels, and maybe even another shot at a deep playoff run.

Click here: To check the full announcement!

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 23 (FREE)

  • Location: 201 Portage Plaza

• Ballet in the Park | 7:30PM, July 23-25 (FREE)

  • Location: Lyric Theatre at Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Join us for a special evening of live art under the prairie sky, where movement, music, and community come together in a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience on the Lyric Stage in Assiniboine Park.

• Matt Fraser - America's Top Psychic Medium | 7PM, July 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Join Matt Fraser, America’s Top Psychic Medium, LIVE for an unforgettable night of psychic readings.

• Cinema Under the Stars 2025 - Big Brother | 9:30PM, July 24 (FREE)

  • Location: Ruins of St. Boniface Cathedral

  • Description: Movies Under the Stars offers screenings of French-language films, accessible to all thanks to the presence of English subtitles. This is a completely free event that takes place every Thursday during the summer in the ruins of St. Boniface Cathedral.

• Downtown Farmers' Market | 10AM-2PM, July 24 (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.

• Transcona BIZ Night Markets | 4PM-8PM, July 24 (More Info)

  • Location: Transcona Centennial Square

  • Description: The markets showcase a rotating variety of locally grown fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, specialty teas, and much more.

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Calgary Surge | 7:30PM, July 25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Downtown Furry Fridays | 10AM-2PM, July 25 (More Info)

  • Location: True North Square

  • Description: We partner with local vendors who bring a fantastic selection of goodies for dogs, from tasty treats to fun toys and accessories. Bring your dogs to splash around in the puddle pools, make new furry buddies, and say hello to some special guests from local animal rescues.

• Zoo Nights | 6PM-10PM, July 25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Join us for some Friday fun and and grown-up good times at the Zoo! Each themed adults-only evening will include live music, zoo chats, summery sips and snacks, and more.

• GameFest Winnipeg | July 25-27 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Forks CN Stage & Field

  • Description: It’s THE most exciting family-friendly event in Winnipeg! Whether you’re a kid, a teen, or just a kid at heart, GameFest Winnipeg is packed with non-stop fun for everyone. We’re bringing the joy of play back to the heart of Winnipeggers!

• Katy Perry Lifetime Tour | 7PM, July 26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Since Katy Perry’s Capitol Records debut in 2008 with One of the Boys, she has racked up a cumulative 115 billion streams alongside worldwide sales of over 70 million adjusted albums and 143 million tracks.

• Folklorama Kick-Off Event | 4PM-8PM, July 26 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park

  • Description: There will be ethno-cultural performances and a Pavilion expo, children’s area, activations by some of our partners, food trucks, and much more. Don’t miss it!

Exciting Events: July 21st & 22nd

Sports🏀

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, July 22-23 (Free/Learn More)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

Music 🎵

• Shandra Levreault | 11:45AM-2:45PM, July 21 (FREE)

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

• Downtown Sounds Concert Series: The Band at the Bottom of the Sea | 12PM-1PM, July 22 (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!

• Amber Epp (Solo, Trio Bembe, Papa Mambo) | July 22 (FREE)

  • Location: The Beer Can

  • Description: Relaxing vocal jazz under the evergreens at the Beer Can.

• Every Ghost Tour (Kelsey Waldon/Mariel Buckley) | 7PM, July 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Park Theatre

  • Description: Prepare for an unforgettable night of heartfelt, honest songwriting and soulful country roots as Kelsey Waldon brings her Every Ghost Tour to The Park Theatre! Known for her razor-sharp lyrics, authentic Kentucky storytelling, and undeniable charm, Kelsey is one of the most powerful voices in modern Americana.

• Derek Robertson / Mark Conroy / Rena Semenko / Mitchell Klyne Duo
  | 11:45AM-2:45PM, July 22 (FREE)

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

• Scott Nolan/Sweet Alibi | 8:30PM, July 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Blue Note Park

  • Description: Scott Nolan and His Band and Sweet Alibi co-headline a summer highlight bill at Blue Note Park!

Community Fun🎆

• Summer Line-Up: Raised Salt Paintings | 11AM-3PM, July 21-27 (FREE)

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

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

• Paddle Nights | 6PM-8:30PM, July 22 (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.

• Naawi-Oodena Seasonal Market | 11AM-8PM, July 22 (FREE)

  • Location: Oodena Gas & Convenience Store parking lot

  • Description: The Treaty One Development Corporation is excited to launch the first-ever Naawi-Oodena Seasonal Market — a new community initiative taking place bi-weekly throughout the summer of 2025. 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.

• The Market at FortWhyte Farms | 10AM-3PM, July 22-25 (FREE)

  • Location: FortWhyte Farms

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

• Play at The Forks | Daily (FREE)

  • Location: CN Field and Stage

    • Basketball with Basketball Manitoba: 6PM-8PM, July 21 & 23

    • Drop-in Dance with Dance with Genie: 6PM-8PM, July 22

Special Events 🎨

• Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival | July 21-27 (Tickets)

  • 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.

• Ben Walker | July 22-26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Ben is a veteran comedian whose quick off-the-cuff style engages himself to the audience. A three-time semi-finalist for Sirius XM’s Next Top Comic.

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