Hey Winnipeggers!

After countless false alarms, the snow is finally here to make Winnipeg feel like, well, Winnipeg. I can officially say the holiday season is just around the corner, now that the city’s getting its winter coat!

In today's edition of The Winnipeg Digest:

• Katy Perry & The Beach Boys Are Coming to Winnipeg

• Manitoba’s $62 Million Boost for Municipalities

• Charity of the Week

• Indigenous-Led Family Care Centre

• Multiple events this week & more!

— Jas Singh

News

Katy Perry & The Beach Boys Are Coming to Winnipeg

Canada Life Centre is on a roll! First, they announced Tate McRae for August, and now two more big names are set to hit the stage in 2025.

• The Beach Boys bring their 'Endless Summer Gold' tour to town on March 29.

• With Katy Perry following up with her ‘Lifetimes Tour’ on July 26.

So If you’re a fan, mark your calendars for this Friday, November 29, at 10AM because that’s when tickets for both shows go on sale!

Two huge concerts, one venue. So, whether you’re all about the timeless classics of The Beach Boys or can’t wait to dance along to Katy’s hits, these are shows you won’t want to miss!

Manitoba’s $62 Million Boost for Municipalities

Premier Wab Kinew just announced the new One Manitoba Growth Revenue Fund, which will commit $62 million over the next five years to help municipalities tackle rising costs and improve services.

At the annual fall convention for the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, The Premier highlighted the province’s focus on treating municipalities as true partners. After years of funding freezes, this move brings some much-needed relief.

In addition to the growth fund, the province’s 2024 budget is already delivering $221 million in unconditional funding, with a 2% bump to the Municipal Operating Grant. Combined, that’s a 7.6% funding increase for municipalities, meaning better support for the services Manitobans rely on every day.

This provides local communities with the tools they need to grow and thrive. Whether it’s fixing roads, improving public spaces, or keeping essential services running smoothly, this funding promises to make life a little better across the province.

A message from Magic Room Spa!

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Treat Yourself (or Someone You Love) This Holiday Season!

With the holidays around the corner, it’s one of my favourite times to relax and give my body a full reset. And to help with that, Magic Room Spa is offering special holiday packages that’ll leave you glowing, hydrated, and ready to take on the season.

From festive manicures and pedicures to rejuvenating facials and massages, their treatments are designed to bring you warmth and relaxation during the winter months.

Or if you’re looking to gift some relaxation to a loved one. Their Black Friday Gift Card Sale has you covered:

• $50 Gift Card for $45

• $100 Gift Card for $90

• $200 Gift Card for $160

• And $500 Gift Card for $400

So, whether it’s a day for yourself, your mom, or your partner, this is your chance to make the season extra special.

To check out their holiday packages, gift card details, and book your appointment. Click the button below and treat yourself—or someone you love—this holiday season!

Charity of the Week:

Boys & Girls Club Winnipeg

Growing up in St. Vital, the Boys & Girls Club felt like a second home to me. I spent countless evenings at Victor Mager School, playing basketball in their program from grade 6 through 12. It wasn’t just a place for play, it kept me and so many of my friends out of trouble and gave us a supportive, safe space to grow.

That’s why I wanted to highlight the amazing work they do for kids in Winnipeg. Boys & Girls Club Winnipeg provides much-needed programs that empower children and youth to dream big, develop confidence, and build skills for life. Their vision is simple: give every child a chance to succeed, no matter their background.

You can support their mission by:

• Donating to help fund their life-changing programs.

• Hosting a fundraiser to spread the word.

• Volunteering your time to make a difference at their facilities and more!

Organizations like this are the backbone of our community, and their impact lasts a lifetime. If you’re looking for a way to give back this holiday season, check them out. Let’s help them continue creating safe spaces for the next generation of kids to thrive.

Community News

Indigenous-Led Family Care Centre

With young Indigenous people being Winnipeg's fastest-growing population, a new facility is coming to support Indigenous families in a big way. As reported by CTV News, The Larsen Family Care Centre, led by Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, will transform the East End Cultural & Leisure Centre in Elmwood into a hub for kids and families.

With $4.2 million in federal funding, $300,000 from the province, and $800,000 from community partners, the Larsen Family Care Centre will provide drop-in programs, family resources, and support services for Indigenous families all under one roof.

It’s more than just a new facility—it’s about creating a space where families can connect, kids can thrive, and the community can grow stronger. For Elmwood and beyond, it’s a bright step forward for Winnipeg families.

Transit Safety Team Expansion

If you rely on Winnipeg Transit, this one’s for you. The Community Safety Team, started with a one-time provincial grant, has made a huge impact in just ten months, and now the city is stepping up to fully fund the program starting in 2025.

Here’s what they’ve accomplished so far:

• 2,200 incidents handled, including violence, mental health crises, and addiction-related emergencies.

• 1,500 well-being checks performed to support vulnerable Winnipeggers.

• 6 lives saved through life-saving interventions like CPR and naloxone administration.

This expansion will mean more officers on buses, faster response times, and safer transit for everyone. With this program being so crucial to community safety, let’s hope we find out more about its funding when the City of Winnipeg’s 2025 Budget Update is tabled on December 11, 2024. Stay tuned for more updates!

Sports

The Jets Secure Another Win!

The Jets are just not stopping! Connor Hellebuyck stole the show with an unbelievable 43 saves, leading Winnipeg to a 4-1 win over the Wild.

Now sitting at a league-best 18-4-0, the Jets showed their grit in this game—shaking off a slow start and locking it down in the final stretch to secure the win.

With performances like this, they’re giving fans plenty to cheer about this season. If you haven’t been following along, now’s the time to tune in—this team is something special!

Wesmen Volleyball Team’s Historic Start!

If you’re a Winnipeg sports fan, you’ve been hearing all about the Jets’ historic run and the Bombers’ Grey Cup appearance. But let’s not forget about our university teams!

As reported by City News, The Wesmen men’s volleyball team is on fire, starting their season with a perfect 8-0 record and holding the best spot in the country. They are packed with local talent, with 17 of their 18 players coming from Manitoba, and they are chasing their first national championship in 17 years. With the USports championships set to take place right here in Winnipeg in 2025, the timing couldn’t be better.

As much as we all love what the Jets are doing, let’s make sure we support the rest of our teams as well. The Wesmen are making big moves this season and deserve a full hometown crowd cheering them on!

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!

• Hotel California The Original Eagles Tribute | Nov 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: The Original Tribute To The Eagles When The Eagles stopped to catch their breath a few decades ago, having sold over 100 million records, collected six Grammy’s, and enjoyed six #1 albums.

• Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | Nov 29 - Jan 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition- Exhibition Place

  • Description: Manitoba’s largest drive-thru light show and provides a brilliant presentation of over one million lights.

• Diversity Hires Canadian Comedy Tour | Nov 29-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement, 3740 Portage Ave (Speakeasy)

  • Description: As seen on Just For Laughs, Canada’s Got Talent, Sirius XM, CBC, and Funny or Die.

• Russell Peters RELAX* World Tour | 8PM, Nov 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Celebrating thirty-five years as a stand-up comic, the prolific global comedy superstar Russell Peters returns with his Russell Peters RELAX* *it’s not that serious World Tour.

• Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra presents Winnipeg Sings Along | 7:30PM, Nov 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery

  • Description: Join us for a performance of reimagined Winnipeg Favourites including audience sing-a-longs and special guest hosts.

• The 12th Annual Indigenous Arts & Crafts Sale| Nov 30 - Dec 1

  • Location: Neeginan Centre (181 Higgins Ave)

  • Description: Opportunity for the community to buy quality handmade Indigenous arts and crafts directly from the Artists.

Exciting Events: Nov 27th & 28th

Music 🎵

• Exodus | 6PM, Nov 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Exchange Event Centre

• Nadia Douglas | 6:30PM, Nov 27

  • Location: SMITH Restaurant (75 Forks Market Road)

• Greenwing/Leon's Getting Larger/Hallfield Community Home | 7PM, Nov 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Handsome Daughter (61 Sherbrook Street)

• Full Band Open Mic | 7:30PM, Nov 27

  • Location: Park Alleys (730 Osborne St)

• The Spirit of Christmas | 8PM, Nov 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: West End Cultural Centre

  • Performer: Michael Kaeshammer

• Mary Anne Nurmi | 6PM, Nov 28

  • Location: The Forks (2nd floor lounge)

• Seven Kingdoms/Striker/Lutharo/Osyron | 7PM, Nov 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Sidestage Winnipeg (700 Osborne St)

• The Canal Tour | 8PM, Nov 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Handsome Daughter

  • Performers: Delachute/Bluebloods/Joseph Visser

• Jace Bodner | 8PM, Nov 28 (Door Cost: $5)

  • Location: The Osborne Taphouse (112 Osborne St)

• Andrina Turenne/LOGS | 8:30PM, Nov 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club (234 Main St)

Family Fun🎆

• Zoo Lights | Nov 27 - Jan 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Wander through a winter wonderland and enjoy stunning light displays, tasty treats, and endless joy and cheer.

• All That Glows | Nov 27 - Dec 1 ($5 per person)

  • Location: Manitoba Electrical Museum (680 Harrow St)

  • Description: The exhibit educates visitors on the ways Christmas lighting and decorations have been revolutionized since the 1880s.

• The Great Solar System Adventure – Planetarium Show | Nov 27 - Dec 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

  • Description: From the sun-scorched surface of Mercury to the icy expanses of Pluto and beyond, prepare to be subjected to the myriad dangers and wonders of our Solar System

• Winnipeg Christmas Market | Nov 28 - Dec 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Perfect for doing your Christmas shopping, while supporting local! Include 125 Artisans under 1 roof.

Special Events 🎨

• Crafts and Cocktails | 6-10PM, Nov 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Casino

  • Description: Featuring over 40 unique vendors, and samples from their amazing beverage partners, you do not want to miss this market!

• The Leaf After Dark: Adults Only Nights | 7-9PM, Nov 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf Assiniboine Park

  • Description: A relaxing adults-only atmosphere with live music, wine and beer, as well as charcuterie plates.

• Birdsong & Boughs: A Holiday Migration | 2-3:30PM, Nov 27 - Jan 12 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park - The Leaf

  • Description: This display blends the vibrant beauty of holiday boughs with the soothing sounds of birds, inviting visitors to experience the season through nature’s migrations.

• Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - Little Women | Nov 27 - Dec 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Main Stage (174 Market Ave)

  • Description: In 1860s Massachusetts, Jo March and her sisters struggle to make ends meet while their father is away serving in the Civil War.

• Rob Bebenek Comedy | Nov 27-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Rob has firmly established himself as one of the brightest comedic voices to come out of Canada.

• Laura Ramoso - The Sit Up Straight Tour | 7PM, Nov 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Laura was named a 2023 Just for Laughs New Face of Comedy.

CHEERS!

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! I’ll see you again on Friday!

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