Happy Monday, Winnipeg!
If it feels like there's something going on in the city every single weekend right now, you're not imagining it. Summer has fully arrived, and the calendar is overflowing.
This edition is a big one for exactly that reason…
We've got markets, festivals, and a handful of spots worth getting out for. And since the good stuff tends to fill up fast, we also put together a free summer events list you can save and pull up anytime you need a plan.
Now, in today’s edition:
An Important Heads Up for Winnipeg Parents
Restaurant of the Week: Exchange District Bakery Behind Fruit-Shaped Desserts
Free Summer Events Worth Bookmarking in Winnipeg
Winnipeg's Biggest Free Outdoor Market Is Back
And multiple events this week
— Jas Singh

News
An Important Heads Up for Winnipeg Parents
As you know, we try to keep things light around here and steer clear of bad news. But this one's too important to skip.
If there's a kid in your life who games or chats online, and these days that's most of them, this one is worth a couple of minutes.
Winnipeg Police have issued a public safety advisory warning that organized online groups are deliberately targeting kids on the apps they use daily, including Roblox, Minecraft, Snapchat, Discord, Telegram, and Twitch.
These groups look for kids who seem lonely or are going through a hard time, earn their trust by pretending to relate, then slowly pull them toward darker and more harmful spaces.
Police say it can escalate quickly, which is exactly why catching the early signs matters.
Here's what they're asking parents to watch for:
Unexplained injuries, marks, or signs of self-harm
Sudden withdrawal from family or longtime friends
Secretive or distressed behaviour around their devices
Exposure to disturbing content or unfamiliar online contacts
Changes in mood, language, or how they see the world
Noticing one of these doesn't mean the worst. It's just a good reason to gently check in, ask a few questions, and really listen.
If something doesn't feel right, you can reach Winnipeg Police at 204-986-6222 or report to Cybertip, and call 911 in an emergency. They've also shared a full guide on the warning signs and how to start these conversations.


The Alaska Trip You Keep Saying "Someday" To
There's a trip most of us have been meaning to take for years. We see the photos, we say "someday," and then another Winnipeg winter slips by.
For a lot of us, that trip is Alaska.
Towering glaciers. Humpback whales. Quiet coastal towns.
And mountains rising straight out of the water.
Some mornings you'll catch yourself wondering if you're still dreaming. It's one of those places that's hard to put into words until you've seen it yourself.
That's why Bonaventure Travel has an 11-day Viking ocean cruise from Vancouver to Seward, sailing through some of the most beautiful scenery in North America.
Here's what makes it special:
Scenic sailing through Alaska's famous Inside Passage
Stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, and more
Up-close views of the spectacular Hubbard Glacier
Smaller ships, quieter spaces, and no guests under 18
A private veranda in every stateroom
And for Winnipeg Digest readers, there's an exclusive bonus!
Book before June 30, 2026, and a $25 deposit locks in your 2027 sailing.
That's right. Just $25 holds your spot.
Alaska sailings book out fast, and the best cabins go first. So if this has been sitting on your bucket list, this is the year to finally cross it off.
Click below to explore available dates and lock in your spot before they're gone!

Restaurant of the Week: Cake-ology

The Exchange District Bakery Behind Fruit Shaped Desserts
If you've seen those hyper-realistic, fruit shaped desserts floating around your feed lately, here's a fun little surprise.
Turns out you can find them right here in Winnipeg, made fresh in the Exchange District at Cake-ology, and they're honestly kind of magical to look at.
Their Fruit Entremet Series looks exactly like real mangoes, cherries, and bananas sitting on a plate. Then you cut one open and find a chocolate shell filled with mousse and real fruit tucked inside. That little surprise is what makes it feel like more than just dessert.
A few things to know:
The Fruit Entremet Series comes in flavours like mango, raspberry, blueberry, banana, cherry, apple, lemon, pistachio, coffee bean, and cocoa bean, with more on the way
Each one runs around $11
They also bake custom cakes, cupcakes, cakettes, and flaky pastries like kouign-amanns
Between the fruit shaped desserts, the pastries, and the cakes, there's plenty here worth a try. So if you've got a sweet tooth or you're just in the mood for something a little different, this one's a lovely spot to check out.
📍 85 Arthur St.
🕒 Tuesday to Sunday
Click here: To check out their full menu!
P.S. Send this to the friend who screenshots every pretty dessert they see!

City Updates
Six Brand New Cabins Are Coming to St. Malo Provincial Park
If you've ever loved the idea of camping but not the part where you wrestle a tent into place in the dark, St. Malo just made things a whole lot easier.
Six brand new mini cabins are currently under construction in the Sunset Shores area of the park, made in Manitoba and built with comfort camping in mind.
Here's what you can expect:
Each cabin comes with beds, an outdoor cooking area, and electrical hookups so you only need to bring your own bedding and cookingware
Cabins will be bookable through Manitoba Parks once construction wraps later this summer
Nightly rate is $89.60 including tax, with a maximum stay of 7 nights
The cabins are part of a $2.5 million investment in the park, which also brought a brand new washroom to the main beach this spring.
Whether you're already picturing a cozy weekend later this summer or just want a new reason to get outside, check out St. Malo's new cabins and reserve your spot below.
Click here: For reservations and updates on the new cabins.
A Gentle Reminder: Property Taxes Are Due June 30
If your property tax bill turned up in the mailbox this month, here's your friendly reminder. Winnipeg property taxes are due Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The nice part is you've got plenty of ways to pay, so there's no need to stress about it.
Whether you like handling things online, prefer to drop by in person, or want to spread the cost out over the year, there's an option that fits how you do things.
Here's a quick look:
Online or in person through your bank, using your roll number
By mail, postmarked on or before June 30
In person at a 311 counter (510 Main St. or 170 Goulet St.)
Monthly through the TIPP plan, so it's never one big lump sum
One thing to keep in mind: the city doesn't take credit cards directly, but a third party service like Plastiq can, for a fee.
Late payments come with penalties, so it helps to get things sorted a few days early. Future you will be glad you did.
Community Digest

Free Summer Events Worth Bookmarking in Winnipeg
There's no shortage of ways to make the most of a Winnipeg summer, and plenty of them won't cost you a thing.
From outdoor movies to gallery nights, there's something happening around the city almost every week of the season.
So we rounded up the best list of free events you can bookmark now and pull up whenever you need a plan.
Here's what's on the list so far:
Catch an outdoor movie under the stars at Assiniboine Park
Enjoy outdoor jazz at the International Jazz Festival, happening this week
Visit the Winnipeg Art Gallery on WAG Wednesday Nights
Take in the free outdoor shows at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, and many more
Whether it's a solo afternoon out, a family outing, or a plan with friends, there's something here for just about everyone.
So save this one for later, and click the link below for the full list of free events worth adding to your summer calendar.
Click here: To save the full list before summer flies by.

Winnipeg's Biggest Free Outdoor Market Is Back This Weekend
You know that weekend feeling when the kids are bored, you don't feel like spending a fortune, and you just need somewhere easy to go?
This is your answer.
The Summer of Locals is back at Outlet Collection Winnipeg this weekend, July 20 and 21, and the best part is it's completely free to walk in.
No tickets, no cover, just show up!
It's the kind of place where you plan to pop by for an hour and somehow lose the whole afternoon.
You wander the rows, the kids find the bouncy castles, you grab something fresh to eat, and before you know it you've bumped into three people you know.
Here's what's waiting for you:
60 to 80+ local vendors and makers
Bouncy castles, Disney characters, and family activities
Fresh food and tasty treats from countless food trucks
Live music throughout and more!
It's easy to get to, easy on the wallet, and packed with the best parts of a Winnipeg summer. Bring the kids, bring a friend, or just come hungry and see where the day takes you.
And if you know a small business that would be a perfect fit out here, the Summer of Locals is always on the lookout for new vendors for future markets this summer!
Click the link below to apply, or share it with someone who should.
Events 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!
Soul Supreme Live In Concert: A D’Angelo Tribute | 7:30PM, June 17 (Tickets)
Location: Burton Cummings Theatre
Description: Soul Supreme brings its full concert experience to the historic Burton Cummings Theatre as a part of the 2026 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. Curated by Keisha Booker, the night celebrates the timeless music of D’Angelo, one of R&B and soul’s most influential voices.
WAG Wednesday Nights: Sounds by Bret Parenteau in Abraham Anghik Ruben | 5PM-9PM, June 17 (FREE)
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq
Description: Inspired by the artwork of world renowned Inuit artist Abraham Anghik Ruben, and performed in the gallery space featuring Ruben’s work, join sound artist Bret Parenteau as he interweaves sounds and music inspired by the exhibition.
PTE Pairings | 7PM, June 17 (Tickets)
Location: 3rd Floor, Portage Place
Description: Sample dozens of premium wines + delicious local bites at PTE PAIRINGS – one delectable evening in support of local arts + businesses!
Quilt Canada 2026 | June 17-20 (Tickets)
Location: RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg
Description: The creativity of quilting in Canada continues to evolve as new techniques combine with the traditional. CQA/ACC is dedicated to preserving the traditions of quilting, supporting current trends in quilt making and providing a forum for Canadian quilters of all ages and levels to share and learn about the Canadian quilting scene.
Victory Lane Speedway | June 18 (Tickets)
Location: Victory Lane Speedway
Description: Victory Lane Speedway is a WISSOTA sanctioned track less than 10 minutes south of Winnipeg on Highway 75. Coming this summer is a drive-in movie theatre - the biggest addition in the history of the speedway!
Jeudis Franco Thursdays | 6PM, June 18 (More Info)
Location: Saint-Boniface
Description: This celebration of French culture and language offers a diverse range of activities, including a street market, live music, film screenings, art exhibits, and more.
Shakespeare in the Ruins presents - An Iliad | June 18 - July 5 (Tickets)
Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park
Description: This searing, cheeky and moving adaptation of Homer’s epic poem The Iliad brings the ancient story of the Trojan War vividly into our time. A single poet conjures the fury of Achilles, the grief of Priam, the stolen Helen - whose beauty launched a thousand ships.
Can’t Buy me Love – The Beatles Forever | June 18, 20 & 21 (Tickets)
Location: Destination Dinner Stage
Description: It’s the swinging ’60s! Step back into the halls of “Liverpool High”, where four lads with mop-top dreams are about to shake up the school talent show. Four students form a band to impress their crushes, two exchange students, all the way from Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - In Concert
| 7:30PM, June 19-20 (Tickets)Location: Centennial Concert Hall
Description: The 250 musicians on stage from the FILMharmonique Orchestra, Prairie Voices family of choirs, Winnipeg Youth Chorus and Winnipeg Boys Choir will transport you to the heart of Middle-earth in the quest of the Fellowship of the Ring.
Zumba in the Park | 10AM-11AM, June 20 (FREE)
Location: Riley Family Duck Pond
Description: Join instructor Daisy Villegas as she guides you through a free Zumba class, a full-body workout focused on blending rhythmic Latin music with high-intensity cardio dance moves. It'll be a party every Saturday morning! All ages welcome.
Miles Electric Band | 7:30PM, June 21 (Tickets)
Location: Burton Cummings Theatre
Description: M.E.B. (Miles Electric Band) — founded by EMMY- and GRAMMY-winning drummer/producer Vince Wilburn Jr., nephew and bandmate of Miles Davis — brings together Miles Davis alumni and today’s top innovators to ignite the bold, adventurous spirit of Miles’s electric era
Wings & Wheels: Father’s Day Car Show | 10AM-5PM, June 21 (More Info)
Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
Description: Whether you’re celebrating with Dad, bringing the whole family, or simply love great machines, Wings & Wheels is the perfect way to spend the day. Vintage planes, motorcycles, and cars - all in one place
Exciting Events: June 15th - 16th
Sports 🏀
Location: #7-2 Donald St
Description: FREE Class! Challenging without wrecking your joints — perfect if you’re new to fitness or coming back after a break.
Live Racing | 7:30PM, June 16-17 (Tickets)
Location: Assiniboia Downs
Description: Horse racing, 140 VLTs and fabulous dining - it’s fun you can bet on!
Music 🎵
Midbrain Surfers - The Return of Kiva Simova Lewsh Shaw | 7PM, June 15 ($)
Location: Royal George
Songwriter Showcase 3 (Doug McArthur/Rachel Colman/Troy Rayner/Chandler Pretty) | 7PM, June 15 ($)
Location: The Handsome Daughter
Lenny Pearce: Toddler Rave World Tour | 5:30PM, June 16 ($)
Location: Burton Cummings Theatre
Description: Driven from his passion as a father, and his strong commitment to his home life, Lenny’s ability to make songs and videos, and perform live shows that enchant families is second-to-none.
Community Fun🎆
The EX! | June 15-21 (Tickets)
Location: Red River Exhibition Park
Description: Discover the most thrilling rides, delicious food, incredible performers and attractions, and the best local music!
Paddle Nights | 6PM-8:30PM, June 16 & 18 (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.
Special Events🥂
Shakespeare in the Ruins presents - As You Like It | June 15 - July 5 (Tickets)
Location: Trappist Monastery Park
Description: One of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies; in As You Like It, you get love-at-first-sight, banishment, an incognito heroine, and a groovy jazz bar where all the cool cats hang! Cheekily inspired by the HBO hit series White Lotus, welcome to the spa La Forêt D’Ardenne, where desire blooms and you are free to discover the transformative power of love.
PIMOOTAYOWIN: A Festival of New Work | June 15-19 (Tickets)
Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse
Description: Pimootayowin is about the journey of discovery of local Indigenous voices, and their skills in storytelling and playwriting. The Pimootayowin: A Festival of New Work is the culmination of work developed by the artists over the past year.
Soap Scum - 90s: Season Finale Comedy Show | 7:30PM, June 16 (Tickets)
Location: Sidestage
Description: Soap Scum presents: Scummercise ’87, our steamiest show yet, we are going back to the 80’s to celebrate the birth of the aerobics craze!
TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival | June 16-21 (Tickets)
Location: Exchange District
Description: During 6 days of outstanding live music, more than 30,000 music fans fill the heart of the city to enjoy exceptional local, national and international artists in the historic Exchange District.
Mike Green | 7:45PM, June 16-17 ($)
Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club
Description: Comedian Mike Green has told jokes for years on stages all across the country.
Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Wednesday!

