Hey Winnipeg, let’s keep it short today.

As we’ve got a longer newsletter than usual, packed with community updates, new city initiatives, and over 50+ events happening this week!

So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get into it.

In today’s edition:

• Winnipeg Launches New Neighbourhood Action Teams

• Free Entry to Parks, Museums & More with The New Canada Strong Pass

• Manitoba Gives $640,000 in Grants to Local Businesses

• Brad Paisley to Headline 2025 Grey Cup

• Wildfire Update: 7,000 Evacuees Are Finally Heading Home

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Launches New Neighbourhood Action Teams

When you’ve lived in Winnipeg long enough, you get used to the little things piling up, potholes here, broken signs there, maybe a sidewalk that’s seen better days. But starting now through October, the City’s trying something new that might actually make a dent.

They’re called Neighbourhood Action Teams, and they’re coming ward by ward this summer with one goal: clean up as much as possible in just four weeks.

Here’s what they’re doing:

• Three cross-trained six-person teams will rotate through every ward this summer

• They’ll handle potholes, broken sidewalks, debris, damaged signs, and hazardous tree branches

• Each crew will spend ~4 weeks in the most high-need areas of each ward

• No need to call 311 as they’ll fix things street-by-street, request or not

• The focus is on the worst spots, identified by 311 data and local councillors

The goal? Make our neighbourhoods feel cared for again, with crews that don’t just show up to work, but actually talk to you and explain what’s going on.

So, if you want to see their full schedule and when they’ll be in your area or just want a peek at what they’ll be fixing, click the link below.

Click Here: To check the full schedule and see when they’ll be in your neighbourhood.

Free Entry to Parks, Museums & More with The New Canada Strong Pass

If you’ve been meaning to explore more this summer but the cost has been holding you back, this is for you. The Canada Strong Pass is here, and it’s made to help Canadian families get out there and enjoy the best of the season, without breaking the bank.

From now until the end of the year, families can save big on parks, museums, and even train rides:

• Free museum entry for kids 17 and under

• Half-price museum tickets for ages 18–24

• Free entry to all national parks and historic sites

• 25% off camping fees

• Free VIA Rail for kids with an adult, plus 25% off for young adults

The idea is to make it easier for families to explore Canada’s culture and outdoors. Whether that’s your first train ride out east or your annual summer hike.

It’s simple, wholesome summer fun. With no pass to print or apps to download, just plan your trip and go. More info and full list of what’s included below!

Click Here: To learn more and start planning your next trip.

Together with The EX 2025!

The EX Is On And It’s Happening Right Now!

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect summer outing with friends or the kids… this is it.

The rides are rolling, the mini donuts are hot, and the energy at Red River Exhibition Park feels like pure childhood joy. Whether you’re heading out for date night, family day, or just to snack your way through the food trucks, The EX is only here until this Sunday!

Here’s what’s going down this week:

• 50+ rides from little kid-friendly to adrenaline junkie-approved

• 45+ food trucks serving everything sweet, salty, and deep-fried

• 40+ local vendors selling handmade goods, art, and homegrown treasures

• Themed days, including Caribbean, Filipino, Country, and Family Day

• Live music every night, from tribute bands to Classic Rock & Country

📍 Running now through June 22 at Red River Exhibition Park
🎟️ Tickets start at $20 and are flying fast

If you’ve been meaning to go, this is your sign. Take the kids, surprise your parents, or treat yourself to a night that’s all about fun and food. There’s still time to make a memory.

Click below for the full schedule, food lineup, and to grab your tickets!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Community Spotlight

Manitoba Gives $640,000 in Grants to Local Businesses

If you run a business, or even know someone who does, you’ve probably heard how those U.S. tariffs hit hard. Even though the news has quieted down, the impact is still very real for a lot of small businesses trying to stay afloat and keep people employed.

To help with that, the province just gave funding to nine Manitoba businesses working on new ideas, with more support available for others who are ready to grow.

• Over 100 full-time jobs are expected over the next five years, providing good work for Manitobans.

• $36M in new export sales projected, helping more local products reach beyond our borders.

• Up to $100K in grant funding is available for small and mid-sized businesses.

• And it’s already working. Polywest used past support to build a chemical management system, and they’re now hiring more folks in Winnipeg!

Investing in local ventures is an investment in all of us, sparking pride, creativity, and a future we can share. That kind of support keeps our economy growing, turning real ideas into real opportunities for our province.

If you know a local business with something exciting in the works, let them know: applications close June 30.

Click Here: To learn how to apply for the Growth Program.

Community Digest

Three Canadian Rock Legends. One Concert.

Winnipeggers, get ready to crank the volume! Three of Canada’s hardest-hitting rock bands: The Tea Party, Headstones, and Finger Eleven are uniting for one epic night at Canada Life Centre. This lineup is pure Canadian rock gold.

• When & Where
  December 1 at Canada Life Centre.

• Ticket Drop
  General sale kicks off June 20 at 10AM via Ticketmaster.

With three decades of hits, unforgettable guitar solos, and a crowd ready to rock. Be sure to set your alarm for ticket day and prepare for a rock marathon you won’t forget!

Click Here: To learn more about the tour and get your tickets this Friday!

Brad Paisley to Headline 2025 Grey Cup Festival in Winnipeg

Staying on the topic of concert announcements, here’s some big news for country fans: Brad Paisley is rolling into town this November as the official Friday-night headliner of the 2025 Grey Cup Festival. His Truck Still Works World Tour stops at Canada Life Centre on Friday, November 14, just in time to kick off the championship weekend!

• Date & Venue: November 14 at Canada Life Centre.

• Tour Highlights: Paisley’s been delivering chart-topping hits and unforgettable live shows for nearly 25 years.

• Tickets On Sale: Friday, June 20 at 10 AM sharp.

• Separate Pass Required: This concert isn’t covered by the festival’s concert series pass, so be sure to grab a standalone ticket if you’re planning to go.

Click Here: For more info on the tour and to get your tickets this Friday!

City Updates

Wildfire Update: 7,000 Evacuees Are Finally Heading Home

After weeks of uncertainty, nearly 7,000 people from Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake) are finally making their way back home as of June 16.

It’s been a heavy few weeks for these communities, waiting, hoping, and staying strong while wildfires burned close. But now, the evacuation order has been lifted, and folks are heading home to their families, homes, and routines.

Here’s the latest:

• 18 wildfires are still active across the province, with 120 total so far this year

• Cross Lake and nearby areas are safe to return to, while other areas like Lynn Lake and Pukatawagan remain evacuated

• Manitoba remains under a province-wide fire state of emergency until June 26

• With campfire bans and travel restrictions remaining in place

As more families return, let’s keep looking out for each other and sharing helpful info with our neighbours.

And if you want to stay updated with all alerts and resources, don’t forget to check out Manitoba’s new MB Ready website with the link below.

Click Here: To check out Manitoba’s new emergency website.

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!

• Alleyways in the Exchange 2025 | 5PM-10PM, June 20 (FREE)

  • Location: Exchange District

  • Description: Explore curated markets, live performances, and hidden gems in the alleys of the Exchange District. Featuring a market, audio performances, an art lounge, and dance performances all against the backdrop of a National Historic Site!

• Hairball - 80's Rock Spectacle | 6PM, June 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: With tributes to KISS, AC/DC, Motley Crue, Queen, and many more! It’s like 20 concerts in one night!

• Rocking & Wrestling | 6PM, June 20 ($)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Get ready for an action-packed night of body slams and guitar jams at Rocking & Wrestling, where live music meets live mayhem!

• Wondershow Carnival | June 20-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: IKEA Winnipeg

  • Description: Enjoy a weekend of thrilling rides, tasty treats, and unforgettable family fun. Plus, IKEA Family members enjoy an exclusive 10% off on unlimited rides admission!

• Brunchfest | 11AM, June 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Upper Fort Garry Park

  • Description: Brunchfest brings together the city's best local restaurants, vibrant cocktail and mocktail stations, live DJs, garden games, and hundreds of brunch lovers for an unforgettable afternoon of food, drinks, music, and community vibes.

  • Note: Plus, Winnipeg Digest subscribers get $10 off their tickets!

• Homeland of the Red River Métis: Downtown Winnipeg Walking Tour 
  | 2PM, June 21 ($)

  • Location: Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre

  • Description: Step into history with the Dalnavert Museum’s Metis history walking tour! Learn about the beginnings of the Métis Nation during early colonial period.

• Multicultural Market Daze | 12PM-9PM, June 21-22 (FREE)

  • Location: 709 Keewatin St.

  • Description: An exciting array of cultural performances, international cuisine, artisan crafts, and interactive activities that highlight the rich tapestry of our multicultural community.

• Manitoba Museum Bead-a-Thon | 10AM-3PM, June 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

  • Description: The day will include mini ‘learn to stitch’ tutorials, pop-up visits from our stunning historical beadwork collection, and most importantly, time with the community to share, learn, and bead.

Exciting Events: June 18th & 19th

Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

Sports🏒

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, June 18 (Free, more info)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

• Thursday Night Thunder | 4:30PM, June 19 ($)

  • Location: Victory Lanes Speedway

  • Description: Less than 10 minutes outside Winnipeg, this WISSOTA-sanctioned track offers high-octane race nights all summer long. From stock cars to modifieds, it's dirt-track action at its most thrilling.

• Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Sioux City Explorers | June 19-22 ($)

  • Location: Blue Cross Park

Community Fun🎆

• Community & Crafting | 6-8PM, June 18 (Free)

  • Location: The Forks Market Patio

  • Description: A cozy, casual night of crafts + craft beer on the patio at The Forks. Bring your current craft project, whether it’s needlepoint, loom weaving, felting, air-dry clay, cross-stitch, jewellery making, or something else fun and portable

• South Osborne Farmers’ Market | 4PM-8PM, June 18 (FREE)

  • Location: Lord Roberts Community Centre

• 201 Talks: Honey Bees Buzzing with Purpose | 12PM-1PM, June 18 (FREE)

  • Location: 201 Portage Conference Centre

  • Description: This interactive presentation features a live observation hive, completely enclosed for safety. So you can see bees in action!

• The Ex 2025 | June 18-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Discover the most thrilling rides, delicious food, incredible performers and attractions, and the best local music all in one place!

• Paddle Nights | 6PM, June 19 ($)

  • Location: Fort Whyte 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.

• Bison Bus Tour | June 19 & 22 ($)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

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

• Jeudis Franco Thursdays | June 19 (FREE)

  • Location: Saint-Boniface

  • Description: A vibrant cultural event series that takes place every Thursday from June to August in the St. Boniface quarter to celebrate French culture and language with a diverse range of activities, including a street market, live music, film screenings, art exhibits, and more.

Performances🎭

• Macbeth, by William Shakespeare | June 18 - July 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

  • Description: This popular ‘Shakespearean noir’ is exciting as a murder mystery, but it is its palpable and sensual atmosphere that really grabs us. For gloomy intensity, there’s nothing like it in all of Shakespeare.

• Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare in the Ruins | June 18 - July 6 (Tickets)

  • Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

  • Description: SIR’s 2025 season embraces the theme of destiny.

    Samuel Beckett’s absolute masterpiece, and one of the most important texts of the last century: Waiting for Godot has surely become one of the most canonical and enigmatic plays since Shakespeare.

• Grease Lightning Musical | June 19, 21 & 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

  • Description: Greetings, Winnipeg High class of 1959, you are all invited to the biggest Rock and Roll reunion this town has ever seen!

Special Events/Comedy🥂

• BIZ Beats & Greets | 5PM-9PM, June 18 (FREE)

  • Location: The Riverside

  • Description: A fun-filled community celebration hosted by the Old St. Vital BIZ! Come down to the Riverside: Kitchen & Bar 531 St Mary's for an evening of connection, entertainment, and local flavor.

• Matt Nightingale Comedy | 7:45PM, June 18 ($)

  • Location: Rumor’s Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: A stand-up comedian and writer from Winnipeg. His blend of observational and absurdist comedy styles has made him a favourite among comedy lovers wherever he goes.

• Winnipeg International Jazz Festival | June 18-21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Exchange District

  • Description: As the city’s largest music event, it transforms the heart of downtown’s historic Exchange District into a vibrant hub of live music. Drawing tens of thousands of festival-goers each year!

• Tox on Tap | 6PM-8PM, June 19 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks Market

  • Description: Join Dr. Peter S. Ross, an internationally recognized expert in ocean pollution, for a public lecture on environmental toxicology.

• Cinema Under the Stars 2025 | 9:30PM, June 19 (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.

• Mike Feeney Comedy | June 19-21 ($)

  • Location: Rumor’s Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Mike Feeney is a New York City-based comedian. His high energy and sharp wit captivate young and old audiences alike.

Music 🎵

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

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].