Happy Friday, Winnipeg!

What a stretch of weather we’ve had the last few days. We hope you’ve been enjoying it and found some time to step outside, grab a coffee, go for a walk, or even check out a few local spots.

With the weekend just around the corner, it’s a nice chance to slow things down and make a few simple plans. Whether that means getting outside while it’s warmer, spending time with family, or heading to one of the events happening around the city, there’s lots to choose from.

We’ve pulled together a few things below to help you plan your weekend and make the most of it. Take a look, pick what works for you, and enjoy the days ahead.

In today’s edition:

  • Costco Officially Announces a New Business Centre is Opening in Winnipeg

  • Multiple Scholarships for Manitoba Students!

  • Homes of the Week

  • Free Family Events This February!

  • 50+ Events this weekend & Live Music!

— Jas Singh

News

Costco Officially Announces a New Business Centre is Opening in Winnipeg

Source: Costco Wholesale Canada

If you’ve driven past the old St. James Costco lately and wondered what was happening behind those doors, we finally have a clear answer.

Costco has made it official. After closing the St. James warehouse last fall, the location is reopening as a Costco Business Centre, and it’s now been fully confirmed for Winnipeg.

They teased the news by calling Winnipeg the Slurpee capital of the world on Wednesday, and shortly after, the details were confirmed.

Here’s what’s been confirmed so far:

  • Opening day: March 27, 2026

  • Location: 1315 St. James Street, Winnipeg

  • This will be a Costco Business Centre, not a regular warehouse

  • The focus is on restaurants, offices, and small businesses

  • Shoppers can expect bulk food, supplies, and commercial items for business use

  • Items like clothing, seasonal décor, electronics, and the food court will not be part of this location

For everyday shoppers, this won’t replace a typical Costco run. But for small business owners, community groups, and anyone buying in serious bulk, it adds a new option in the city.

It’s a big shift for a familiar spot, and now it’s officially on the calendar.

A Message from Red River Exhibition Park!

Multiple Scholarships for Manitoba Students!

If you’re a student planning for post-secondary, already in university or college, or you know someone navigating those next steps, this is worth a closer look. No matter the path, tuition, books, housing, and day-to-day costs can add up quickly.

And to help with that, each year, the Red River Exhibition Foundation awards thousands of dollars in scholarships and bursaries to help ease that financial pressure and support students across Manitoba.

What makes these scholarships stand out is how broad they are. They’re meant to support a wide range of industries, skills, and careers that keep Manitoba’s communities strong.

Scholarships are available for students studying in areas like:

  • Agriculture and rural life

  • Business, tourism, and hospitality

  • Performing arts and aerospace

  • Education, trades, and sports-related programs

There isn’t just one award or one type of student they’re looking for. Instead, there are multiple scholarships with different criteria, timelines, and award amounts, which means many students may find something that applies to them.

Most deadlines fall on the second Friday in May, giving students time to explore their options and apply thoughtfully.

If you’re a student planning ahead, or you know someone who could benefit from extra support, this is worth sharing.

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Winnipeg Digest? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Homes of the Week:

Home 1: Under $450k

  • Price: $135,000

  • Address: 106 540 Waterfront Drive / Exchange District

  • Details: 631 sqft / 1 Bed / 1 Bath

  • Built in: 2017

  • Parking Type: Other

Home 2: $450k - $650K

  • Price: $619,000

  • Address: 76 Morningside Drive / Fort Richmond

  • Details: 1856 sqft / 4 Bed / 3 Bath

  • Built in: 1975

  • Parking Type: Attached Garage

Home 3: Over $650k

  • Price: $2,985,000

  • Address: 514 Bower Boulevard / Tuxedo

  • Details: 3141 sqft / 4 Bed / 4 Bath

  • Built in: 2025

  • Parking Type: Attached Garage

Community Digest

Looking for Free Family Plans This February? Start Here

Source: City of Winnipeg

If you’re looking for simple, low stress plans this February, this is a good one to keep on your radar.

I Love to Read Month is running all February at the Winnipeg Public Library, with free programming for families across the city. It’s an easy way to get out of the house, especially on winter evenings and weekends.

Library branches are hosting special activities throughout the month, with something a little different happening at each location.

Here’s what families can expect:

  • Free programs all February, evenings and Saturdays

  • Story times, music, magic, and puppetry at different branches

  • Activities designed for kids of all ages, with parents welcome

  • Online programs if you’d rather stay home on colder days

  • And a chance for kids to sign up for their own library card, including new card designs

There’s also a new session of Winter Early Literacy programming, which is great for younger kids who are just getting started with books.

So if you’re hoping to make some plans with your kids this month, this is an easy place to start.

PS: If you know someone with kids, grandkids, or little ones who are always trying to keep busy this winter, feel free to share this with them, too.

Hometown Hooper Emmanuel Akot Is Back With the Sea Bears

Source: CEBL.ca

There’s something special about watching local talent come full circle, especially when they choose to keep playing for the city that raised them.

The Winnipeg Sea Bears have announced that Emmanuel Akot, a Winnipeg native, is officially returning for the 2026 season.

Akot was a key part of the Sea Bears’ run last year, and his return keeps that hometown connection strong.

Here’s what he brought to the team last season:

  • Played in 19 games during the 2025 season

  • Averaged 11.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists

  • Delivered big performances when the team needed momentum

  • And helped push the Sea Bears to the Western Conference Finals

If you were in the stands last summer, you’ll recognize his impact right away. And if you’re planning to catch a game this year, you can expect to see him back on the court, doing what he does best for his hometown team.

Looking ahead, the 2026 Sea Bears schedule is available, which makes it easy to start planning the games you want to attend. Season tickets are also on sale, especially helpful if you’re hoping to make a few nights at Canada Life Centre part of your summer routine.

City Updates

You Could Have Money Sitting in Your CRA Account

We usually keep our focus on what’s happening right here in Winnipeg, but this is one of those updates that can quietly affect a lot of local households.

New federal data shows that billions of dollars in government cheques have gone uncashed, and many of them belong to everyday Canadians who simply didn’t realize the money was waiting for them.

Here’s what those unclaimed payments can include:

  • Tax refunds and benefit cheques issued by the Canada Revenue Agency

  • About $42.8 million in Canada Child Benefit payments that were never deposited

  • Around $141 million in carbon rebate cheques

  • And other federal benefit payments sent by mail

The key thing to know is this. Government cheques do not expire. Even if a program has ended or the cheque was lost, it can still be replaced.

A move, an old mailing address, or a cheque that got set aside can all lead to money being missed. It’s a quick thing to check, and it could make a real difference.

Be sure to take a minute to double-check your account, and let family members know too.

Exciting Events: February 6th - 8th

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

Sports🏀

  • Rock The River Festival | Feb 6-8 (More Info)

    • Location: Redboine Boat Club

    • Description: A community not-for-profit hosting a bonspiel that brings people together each year to celebrate health, inclusivity, and local spirit

  • Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Feb 7 (FREE)

    • Location: Forks Main Elevator

Community Fun🎆

  • First Fridays | 5-9PM, Feb 6 (More Info)

    • Location: Multiple locations

    • Description: See the power of an Artist's imagination, hear live music & performances, taste a delectable meal, get in touch with your own creativity.

  • The Snow Maze | Feb 6 - End of Winter (Tickets)

    • Location: A Maze in Corn

    • Description: Home of the Guinness Book of World Record's Largest Snow Maze! Enjoy warming areas with bonfires, slide down the giant snow mountain, relax in the warming barn or hop on a sleigh ride!

  • Lights on the Exchange | Feb 6 - March 21 (More Info)

    • Location: Various Venues in the Exchange District

    • Description: From brick and terracotta building facades, to storefronts and alleyways, Lights On the Exchange – Explore our iconic neighbourhood and engage with a collection of artwork by over 30 contemporary Canadian and Manitoban artists, featuring installations, large-scale digital projections, and live performances and events.

  • Saturday Guided Snowshoe in The Park | 10AM-11:30AM, Feb 7 ($)

    • Location: Riley Family Duck Pond Shelter

    • Description: A member of our Education and Programming team will guide you through one of Manitoba's iconic winter wonderlands, while educating you along the way. We will provide snowshoes, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

  • Moonlight Snowshoe Walk | 7PM-8:30PM, Feb 7 (Tickets)

    • Location: Oak Hammock March Wetland Discovery Centre

    • Description: Explore the Marsh on snowshoes with our guide and experience the wetland by moonlight followed by a bonfire. Expect to be snowshoeing for approximately 60 minutes.

  • Ram Motorsports Spectacular | Feb 7-8 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

    • Description: The Monster Truck Challenge will feature seven of the world’s toughest monster trucks in a car crushing challenge with appearances by Rockstar, Power Up, Identity Theft, Mixed Up, Spitfire, the all-new Roughneck and Crude Behavior.

  • Learn to Winter Activities | Feb 7-8 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: The Forks

    • Description: Skate and Snowshoe Lessons, DJs by The Canopy, Yoga, Ice Basketball, Warming Hut Tours and more!

Markets🎡

  • St. Norbert Farmers’ Market | 10AM-2PM, Feb 7 (FREE)

    • Location: Le Marché St Norbert Farmers Market

    • Description: For more than thirty years the St.Norbert Farmers’ Market has been serving Winnipeg and the surrounding area with fresh farm foods and handcrafted goods made in Manitoba.

Performances🎭

  • Happy Daze Again | February 6 - April 12 ($)

    • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

    • Description: Arnold’s is the hottest spot in town—jukebox blaring, milkshakes swirling, and everyone ready to tear up the dance floor. But this isn’t just any night, it’s the annual talent show and under the glow of a full moon, the energy’s electric, the music’s wild and something in the air has everyone acting a little… strange.

  • Holland Play | Feb 6-21 ($)

    • Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse

    • Description: This world premiere is a hilarious madcap adventure, an unflinching look at disability rights and a love letter to everyday heroes who will do anything for their people.

  • Candlelight Concerts | Feb 6 & 8 (Tickets)

    • Feb 6 & 8: Tribute to Adele

    • 8:30PM, Feb 6: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

    • 6:30PM, Feb 8: A Tribute to Taylor Swift

      • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery

      • Description: Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Winnipeg.

  • Murder on the Orient Express Play | Feb 6-7 (Tickets)

    • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

    • Description: Detective Hercule Poirot is aboard the Orient Express when a fellow passenger is murdered. As the famous detective investigates, he encounters a cast of intriguing passengers, including the glamorous Mrs. Hubbard and the enigmatic Princess Dragomiroff.

  • Tad and Birdy Play | Multiple times, February 7 (Tickets)

    • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

    • Description: Tad, a bird-voiced tree frog tadpole, and Birdy, a lovebird who knows everything except how to be happy, form an unlikely friendship. As Tad emerges into the world, they find themselves in a messy bedroom, where Birdy has been living for much longer.

Comedy❗

  • Annie Lederman | Feb 6-7 ($)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: Annie Lederman is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, writer & actress known for her quick-witted observation and uncensored, unapologetic comedic stylings.

  • Brett Martin Comedy | Feb 6-7 ($)

    • Location: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club

    • Description: With an effortlessly charming and commanding stage presence, and subject matter that oscillates from insightful to absurd at any time.

  • The Big Three | Feb 6-7 ($)

    • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

    • Description: Nathan Hare, Sam Burns and Ben Stager are bringing their unique brand of hijinx and chicanery to Winnipeg for two nights at The Basement.

Special Events🥂

  • At the Heart of this Land Art Exhibition | Feb 6-13 (More Info)

    • Location: Manitoba Legislative Building

    • Description: This inaugural Indigenous art exhibition honours and amplifies Indigenous voices through creative expression, showcased within the heart of Manitoba’s legislative institution.

  • Four Seasons – RV Show & Sale | Feb 6-16 (Tickets)

    • Location: Exhibition Place at Red River Exhibition Park

    • Description: Come and shop North America’s top selling brands of fifth wheels, travel trailers, parts, accessories and more – indoors!

  • Bob Marley: How reggae changed the world | 7PM, Feb 7 (Tickets)

    • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq

    • Description: In partnership with Black History Month Manitoba celebration Committee, Toronto-based singer-songwriter Duane Forrest presents his captivating, award-winning music-storytelling show to the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

  • WSO presents Murdoch Mysteries – Murder in F Major | 7:30PM, Feb 7 (Tickets)

    • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

    • Description: This exclusive event explores how music for the series is brought to life with award-winning composer Rob Carli. Blending television drama and live orchestral performance, witness the craft of how orchestral magic brings pivotal scenes to life.

  • Threads: A Fashion Demonstration | 2PM, Feb 8 (FREE)

    • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

    • Description: A fashion show featuring local designers Inspire D’Elykia and Chogah Customs. From stunning bridal gowns to chic corsets, this show will set trends in Winnipeg fashion.

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!

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