Happy Monday, Winnipeg!
Hope you had a chance to slow down this weekend, whether that meant catching up with family, getting outside between the cloudy stretches, or just taking it easy at home. Either way, a fresh week is here.
In today's edition, we're catching you up on a few big stories from around the city, plus a new spot worth checking out this week.
Grab your morning coffee, settle in, and let's dive into what's happening around Winnipeg.
Now, in today’s edition:
Manitoba Could Be the First Province to Ban Social Media for Kids
Restaurant of the Week: New Korean Comfort Food Spot
Hundreds of Bikes Up for Auction at the City's Annual Sale
Controlled Burns Starting in Natural Areas Across the City
$19.5M Federal Investment to Bring 150+ New Jobs
Multiple events this week
— Jas Singh
News
Manitoba Could Be the First Province to Ban Social Media for Kids
Social media has brought a lot of good our way.
From staying close to family to discovering new local spots in seconds.
But on the flip side, you've probably seen kids disappear into their phones for hours at a time. And Manitoba wants to help fix that.
Premier Wab Kinew announced on Saturday that the province plans to ban kids from using social media accounts and AI chatbots.
He says these platforms are built to hook young minds. And the province wants to step in.
Here's what we know so far:
The plan covers both social media accounts and AI chatbots, though no age limit has been shared yet
Australia passed a similar law last December, becoming the first country in the world to do it, with fines for companies that don't comply
The conversation is picking up federally too, with PM Mark Carney saying the idea is worth a serious look
We'll keep you updated as more details roll out. But, in the meantime, you can hear it straight from the Premier.
Together with The EX!
Manitoba’s Favourite Summer Tradition Is Back This June
Summer plans don’t get much easier than this.
One place.
Something for everyone.
And somehow the whole day just works.
The EX is back June 12 to 21 at the Exhibition Park, with ten full days of rides, food, music, and everything you need for a full summer day out.
If you’re looking for something to do this summer, this is one of those plans that always delivers.
Here’s what’s waiting for you:
49 thrill rides and family attractions for all ages
300+ hours of free live music and entertainment across three stages
55+ classic fair food options plus new treats worth trying
Juried art, photography, and quilt competitions featuring Manitoba talent
Special events like Marriage on the Midway, a Mardi Gras parade, Pokémon GO Day, and a DJ foam party!
Go with friends, bring the kids, or turn it into a night out.
It’s one of those places where you don’t need to overthink anything, there’s always something happening around you.
Click below to see all the rides, food vendors, performances, and everything happening at The EX this year!
Restaurant of the Week: Winni Katsu
A New Korean Comfort Food Spot Has Opened in the West End
If you're a fan of Korean comfort food, you've got a new spot to check out.
Winni Katsu just opened on Sargent, and the early reviews are looking strong!
The space is small and casual, but the menu makes it worth the visit. It focuses on crispy katsu, kimbap, Korean fried chicken, and noodles, with separate lunch and dinner menus depending on when you go.
Here’s what’s standing out early:
Crispy, tender katsu served with a sweet and tangy sauce
Korean fried chicken that’s juicy with a sweet and spicy kick
Chewy, refreshing cold noodles that stand out on the menu
A simple, no-frills space that keeps the focus on the food
📍 570 Sargent Avenue
🕓 Tuesday–Thursday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM
🕓 Friday–Saturday: 11:30 AM–8:00 PM
❌ Closed Sunday & Monday
It’s still brand new, so expect a bit of a wait, especially during peak hours.
But for a fresh addition to the neighbourhood, it’s already shaping up to be a go-to.
Click Here: To take a look inside this new Sargent spot!
Community Digest
Hundreds of Bikes Up for Auction at the City's Annual Sale
Source: City of Winnipeg
Summer's almost here, and if you've been thinking about a new ride for those sunny days ahead, the city's annual bicycle auction might be your best bet.
Over 500 bikes are going up for auction this year, with online bidding running from April 30 to May 7.
Many of them have already been tuned up and are ready to ride, thanks to a partnership with the Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub (WRENCH), who fixed up about 200 of them.
A few quick details:
You can view all the bikes online before bidding opens on April 30
Pay by Visa, MasterCard, e-transfer, cash, or Interac
Pick up your bike from May 8 to 15 at 7130 Roblin Blvd
It's a great way to grab a solid bike at a fraction of the price, just in time for summer rides around the city.
Click here: To check out the bikes and place your bid.
P.S. Share this with anyone who might be interested!
Filipino Pop Stars Coming to Winnipeg This Summer
Source: Canada Life Centre
The summer concert calendar is getting fuller by the week.
As Filipino pop sensation BINI brings their SIGNALS World Tour to Canada Life Centre on August 24.
If you haven't heard of them yet, you probably will soon.
The eight-member group has racked up more than 1 billion global streams, earned the title of the Philippines' "Nation's Girl Group," and just made history as the first Filipino group on the Coachella 2026 lineup.
A few things to know:
Tickets go on sale May 15
The show hits the Canada Life Centre on Sunday, August 24
Expect viral hits like "Cherry On Top" and tracks from their album FLAMES
With concert announcements stacking up week after week, this is shaping up to be one of the busiest summers Winnipeg's had in a while.
City Updates
Controlled Burns Starting in Natural Areas Across the City
If you spot smoke or flames in a prairie patch around the city over the next few weeks, don't worry. It's all part of the plan.
The City of Winnipeg is starting its annual controlled burns this week, and they'll continue through about June 12, weather permitting. The burns only happen when wind conditions are right and proper fire guards are in place.
The reason behind it is pretty cool. Fire actually helps preserve and restore our tall grass prairies, which are some of the most endangered plant communities in the province. Without it, weeds take over and crowd out native species.
The city's been doing these burns since 1986, so this is a long-running tradition that quietly keeps our natural areas healthy year after year.
$19.5M Federal Investment to Bring 150+ New Jobs to Winnipeg
Good news for Winnipeg's manufacturing scene. The federal government just announced $19.5 million in funding for three local companies, and the projects are expected to create more than 150 new jobs across the city.
The money is going toward expanding defence and dual-use manufacturing right here in Manitoba, with each company taking on a different piece of the puzzle.
Here's how the funding breaks down:
StandardAero: $8 million to expand its Winnipeg campus by 70,000 square feet for aerospace maintenance and repair work
Magellan Aerospace: $8 million to launch an advanced machining centre for military aircraft parts
Win-Shield Devices: $3.5 million to build a new manufacturing facility for protective equipment, including inclusive respirators
Beyond the new jobs, the projects are also expected to maintain over 100 existing roles and support more than 10 small and medium-sized businesses across the province.
Nicole Hacault Personal Real Estate Corporation
Royal LePage Top Producers, 485 St Anne's Rd. Winnipeg MB R2M 3E2
A Better Way to Plan Your Next Move in Winnipeg
Buying a home, selling one, or thinking about something smaller. Each one comes with its own set of questions.
You start running the numbers in your head.
You wonder if now's the right time.
You scroll listings late at night just to see what's out there.
And then nothing happens for a few months.
That in-between part is the hardest. Not because the decision is impossible, but because it's tough to know what you actually need to figure out first.
Nicole Hacault put together three free guides, one for each stage, so you can start with the one that fits where you're at:
Buyer's Guide for folks starting to look and wanting to make smart calls in today's market
Seller's Guide for anyone thinking about listing and curious about timing, pricing, and prep
Downsizing Guide for the season when your current place feels like more than you need
They're free, quick to read, and built for Winnipeggers. No pushing, no pressure. Just a clearer picture of what your next step could look like.
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!
WAG Wednesday Nights: Kelly Bado live! | 5PM-9PM, April 29 (FREE)
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq
Description: WAG-Qaumajuq transforms Wednesday nights into an after-hours experience designed for people who want more from their week — more creativity, more connection, more inspiration.
Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival: The Heron’s Journey
| 7PM-8:45PM, April 30 (Tickets)Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange
Descriptions: This performance art piece is filled with magic, challenges to opposition, and transformation. Audience members have found themselves deep within the story, echoing themes such as immigration, orientation, ability, spiritual freedom, and self-awareness.
First Friday in The Exchange | 5PM, May 1 (FREE)
Location: Exchange District
Description: First Fridays in the Exchange is dedicated to bringing together artists, artist-run centres, galleries, businesses and the public for a greater understanding, appreciation and promotion of the arts in the thriving Exchange District community.
Candlelight Concerts | May 1 (Tickets)
6:45PM: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
8:30PM: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery
Descriptions: Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Winnipeg.
Guided Wine Tasting & Winery Tour | 6:30PM, May 1 (Tickets)
Location: Shrugging Doctor Beverage Company
Descriptions: Shrugging Doctor maintains the first and only commercial wine vineyard in Manitoba on our scenic Pembina Valley farm. For the first time, we are opening up our Winnipeg location for a guided tour so you can see how the wine is made!
Old Dominion | 7PM, May 1 (Tickets)
Location: Canada Life Centre
Descriptions: In their early days, Old Dominion was a bunch of friends who bonded while slugging it out in the Nashville songwriting machine. They decided to form their own band and drove a beat-up van around regional tours in the southeastern United States.
Spring Night Market | 5PM-9PM, May 1 (More Info)
Location: 421 Mulvey Avenue East
Descriptions: Back again with another Spring Night Market May 1st inside Mulvey Market. We will be open from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 421 Mulvey Ave E.
Winnipeg Tattoo Show 2026 | May 1-3 (Tickets)
Location: RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg
Descriptions: Winnipeg's biggest tattoo show. Great artists gathered together right here in the centre of Canada tattooing you live over three days!
2nd Annual Grant Park Spring Pop Up | May 1-3 (More Info)
Location: Grant Park Shopping Centre
Descriptions: We are back this spring! Thank You to the community for all your support!
Bloom In The Dark - Night Market | 5PM-10PM, May 2 (Tickets)
Location: West End Cultural Centre
Descriptions: Bloom in the Dark is no ordinary market - it’s an after-dark gathering of mystery, creativity and beautifully strange delights. Step into a spellbound evening filled with moody ambience, curious treasures, and a touch of the otherworldly. Browse a carefully curated selection of local artists, makers, and mystics offering handcrafted goods, unique art, and intuitive readings.
Comedy Battle Royale | May 2 (Tickets)
Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge
Descriptions: Mike Green's long-running Battle Royale has been featured at numerous comedy festivals around the country and has been featured on Bell TV. It's an audience-favourite that pits teams of comedians against each other to test their joke-writing skills and comedic instincts under some seriously high pressure.
Otosan | May 2-17 (Tickets)
Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People
Descriptions: Featuring puppets, real wildlife footage projections, highly physical storytelling and an original score, Otosan is based on playwright Skizuka Kai’s real life experiences of trying to connect with her father, a dedicated wildlife documentary videographer.
Exciting Events: April 27th - 28th
Music 🎵
Open Mic | 8PM, April 27 (FREE)
Location: The Toad in the Hole
Lorna Shore | 7PM, April 27 (Tickets)
Location: Burton Cummings Theatre
Descriptions: After dominating 2025 with their explosive new album I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me (named one of the best of the year by Kerrang, Metal Hammer and Loudwire), Lorna Shore is ready to do it all over again in 2026 with a massive global tour.
Open Mic (Hannah Turner) | 8PM, April 28 (FREE)
Location: The Osborne Taphouse
Tuesday Night Jazz Jam | 8PM, April 28 (FREE)
Location: Park Alleys
Nadia Flett-Carriere Memorial Concert w/ The New Standard
| 8PM, April 28 (Tickets)Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge
Descriptions: Join us for an evening of music, friends, family, and fundraising for Ikwe Widdjiitiwin in memory of Nadia Flett-Carriere.
Brent Parkin | 8PM, April 28 (Tickets)
Location: Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club
Community Fun🎆
Mini Mondays: Clothespin Dragonfly Craft & Parachute Roll Activity
| 10AM-2PM, April 27 (Tickets)Location: Manitoba Children's Museum
Descriptions: A fun-filled day of stimulating play designed for our youngest visitors, children under 4 years old! We provide tailored crafts to help develop fine motor skills, activities that aid in dramatic play, and/or a special story time at 11:00AM and 1:00PM.
Toddler Tuesdays at The Leaf | 9:30AM-10AM, April 28 (Tickets)
Location: The Leaf Assiniboine Park
Descriptions: Your little one will enjoy music and games while discovering the joy of movement in the beautiful Mediterranean Biome. There will be a mix of different activities throughout the weeks, including music, dance, yoga, and drama.
Ride The Musical | April 28 - May 2 (Tickets)
Location: The Berney Theatre
Description: Annie Londonderry set out to be the first woman to cycle around the world in 1894 and became an international sensation. This new musical, direct from London’s West End, spins her unbelievable journey into a dazzling, empowering ride through history, media, and reinvention.
Special Events🥂
Mark Forward | April 28 - May 2 ($)
Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club
Descriptions: Mark Forward, was born on June 17th, 1974, and was raised in Oakville, Ontario by the lovely Reg and Joanne Forward. After taking Theatre in College, he quickly found himself using those skills to enter into the world of stand up Comedy.
Warehouse Scrubs Sale | April 28-29 (More Info)
Location: Best Western Plus Winnipeg Airport Hotel
Descriptions: Join us for a two-day warehouse scrubs sale with thousands of premium brand scrubs at clearance pricing. Up to 70% off retail!
Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Wednesday!
