Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

The heat has officially rolled in, and it’s sticking around this weekend with temperatures climbing into the 30s. Whether you’re out running errands or just looking for a reason to step outside, it’s one of those weekends where summer really starts to show.

In today’s edition, we’ve got everything you need to stay safe and in the loop. From wildfire updates and how the city’s stepping up to help evacuees, to ways you can beat the heat with hydration stations and cooling spots across Winnipeg.

And of course, we didn’t forget about the fun stuff: markets, festivals, local events, and everything else that makes this city feel alive.

Now, in today’s edition:

• Manitoba Declares State of Emergency

• A Winnipeg Farewell for a Canadian Legend

• City Sets Up Hydration Stations Across Winnipeg

• Folklorama Tickets Go on Sale for Summer 2025

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

Manitoba Declares State of Emergency

Here’s Everything You Need to Know

It’s hard to imagine leaving home with nothing but the clothes on your back. But that’s exactly what over 17,000 people from northern Manitoba are facing right now.

With wildfires spreading fast, Manitoba has declared a province-wide state of emergency, marking one of the biggest evacuations in decades. Entire communities, including Flin Flon and the First Nations of Pimicikamak and Mathias Colomb, were ordered to evacuate by midnight on Wednesday.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Over 22 active wildfires are burning, with 102 total this year, way above average.

• The Canadian Armed Forces have been called in to help move evacuees.

• Winnipeg has activated its Emergency Operations Centre and opened the reception centre at Billy Mosienko Arena (709 Keewatin St) for evacuees who can’t go anywhere else.

• With the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg also offering free access to evacuees for showers, kids programming, and more.

This isn’t just about fire, it’s about people. And we’re all in this together.

Click Here: To see the latest updates on the wildfires.

Here’s How You Can Help

Thousands of people have arrived in Winnipeg with nowhere to go. No extra clothes. No plans. Just trying to stay safe.

So now, it’s our turn to step up, like Winnipeg always does.

Here’s what you can do:

• Donate to the Canadian Red Cross’s 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal.

• Tell evacuees to register at www.redcross.ca/2025manitobawildfires or call 1-800-863-6582.

• Spread the word about YMCA’s support for evacuees—they’re offering free access to all their locations across the city.

• If you know someone affected, check in and see if they need a hand.

This is a tough time for a lot of families. But it’s also a moment for us to remind each other what being part of this community really means. Let’s make sure every evacuee feels safe, welcomed, and cared for.

Click Here: To donate to the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal​

Together with Canada Soccer!

A Winnipeg Farewell for a Canadian Legend

Some moments don’t come around twice. And this one is happening tomorrow.

For one final time, Winnipeg’s own Desiree Scott will step onto the pitch in red and white, right here at home. After 14 years of representing Canada, winning Olympic gold, and becoming a role model for thousands, this is her farewell.

And it’s not just any match.

It’s the first time in 8 years that the Canada Women’s National Team is playing in Winnipeg. They’ll face Haiti in an international showdown at Princess Auto Stadium, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most heartfelt nights this city has seen.

Bring your kids. Bring your friends. Bring your love for the game and for one of the greatest athletes our city has ever raised.

📍 Princess Auto Stadium
📅 Friday, May 31 (tomorrow) at 1PM!
🎟️ Tickets still available (but not for long)

Let’s fill those stands and give Desiree the home send-off she deserves. This isn’t just a game. It’s a memory we’ll carry with us for years to come.

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

City Updates

City Sets Up Cooling Spots for the Heat Ahead

As we mentioned in the last edition, it’s going to be a hot one this week, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 33°C by Sunday.

And if you’re working outside, getting in a walk, or just spending more time in the sun, it’s easy to feel the heat fast. Thankfully, the City’s stepping in to make sure everyone has somewhere to cool off, rest, and stay safe.

Here’s what’s available:

• Hydration stations with clean, cold drinking water are set up at nine locations across Winnipeg.

• Libraries, leisure centres, and indoor pools are all open during regular hours if you need a break from the heat.

• Spray pads are also running for families looking to splash around and cool down.

• With lastly, 24/7 Safe Spaces, like Velma’s House and N’Dinawemak, being open around the clock for those needing extra support.

It’s these kinds of efforts. Quiet, thoughtful, and easy to overlook, that make a real difference. Whether it’s a cold drink, a shaded spot to sit, or just knowing there’s a safe place to go, it all adds up. Let’s keep checking in on each other this week and make sure no one’s left out in the heat.

Click Here: To see all the locations for the hydration stations

Manitoba Invests $2.5M in Pride Month

For years, Winnipeg’s 2SLGBTQ+ community has been working toward something more permanent than pop-ups and borrowed spaces. A true home. And now, it’s finally becoming a reality.

The province just announced a $2.5 million investment into the Rainbow Resource Centre’s Place of Pride project, helping bring to life a downtown space built on safety, support, and community. For the over 270,000 Manitobans who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and their families.

Here’s what the funding is supporting:

• A new 1,200 sq. ft. community space for programming, support groups, and events

• Indoor and outdoor gathering areas like a kitchen café, rooftop patio, and green space

• A newly refurbished centre offering space for counselling, ceremony, and connection

• A place that already houses 30 seniors aged 55 and up, with plans to welcome many more.

For decades, the 2SLGBTQ+ community has been dreaming of a permanent home. And now, it’s finally happening, right here in the heart of our city!

Click Here: For more information on the Place of Pride project

Community Digest

Folklorama Tickets Are Now Live for Summer 2025

There’s something magical about Folklorama. Maybe it’s the food, the music, or the way each pavilion lets you step into a new culture for the night. Whatever it is, it’s a summer tradition that makes our city feel a little more connected.

This year’s festival runs from August 3 to 16, and tickets are officially on sale now.

Here’s what you need to know:

• 44 pavilions are planned this year, representing the many different cultures that make up our city.

• Two brand-new additions are joining in: the Mabuhay Philippine and Modern Chinese pavilions.

• Longtime favourites like the Argentina “Tango”, Métis, and Africa pavilions are making a return as well.

• With single admission tickets costing just $7.50, with discounted multipacks available.

There’s also a free kick-off party on July 26 at Assiniboine Park’s Lyric Theatre, featuring performances, food trucks, and a pavilion expo.

So be sure to mark your calendars, get your tickets in advance, and check out all the pavilions to see which ones become your favourites.

Click Here: To see all the different pavilions!

Manitoba’s First Converted Electric School Bus Hits the Road

This might look like any other yellow school bus, but under the hood, it’s a whole new story.

RRC Polytech has just finished converting a regular diesel school bus into an electric one, making it the first of its kind in Manitoba.

Instead of buying expensive, brand-new electric buses, they’ve created a local, affordable way to retrofit the buses we already have. That means big savings, less pollution, and more opportunities for local jobs and innovation.

Here’s what makes it so exciting:

• The conversion kit was developed locally by RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre, in partnership with Noble Northern and Seven Oaks School Division

• It can cut over $100,000 in costs compared to buying a new electric bus

• Each converted bus saves up to $11,000 in fuel and reduces 21.6 tonnes of CO2 every school year

It’s good for the environment, good for our schools, and good for the next generation of mechanics and makers.

Click Here: To learn more about the Converted Electric School Bus

Exciting Events: May 30th - June 1st

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

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Ottawa BlackJacks | 7:30PM, May 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8:00AM, May 31st (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

• Canada Women’s National Team Soccer vs Haiti | 1PM, May 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

  • Performers: A celebration of one of Winnipeg’s greatest, Desiree Scott. First Canada Women’s National Team match in Winnipeg in 8 years!

• Valour FC vs. Pacific FC | 3PM, June 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

• The River City Dragon Boat Festival | June 1 (More Info)

  • Location: 80 Churchhill Drive

  • Description: In support of the Never Alone Cancer Foundation

• DND Run Club | 8:15AM, June 1st (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Note: Dash N’ Dine Run Club!

Family Fun🎆

• 2025 Winnipeg International Jewish Film Festival | May 30 - June 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: Berney Theatre, Rady JCC

  • Description: The films we have chosen encompass the joy, pain, humour, richness, and creativity of the Jewish experience.

• Grease Lightning Musical | May 31 & June 1 (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!

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

• 2025 Ellice Street Festival | May 30-31 (More Info)

  • Location: West End Cultural Centre

  • Description: Featuring the Art From The Heart market and live musical performances. Featuring 75 local artists, live music nights, one-of-a-kind, original pieces, with artists keep 100% of their sales.

• Winnipeg Rib Fest | May 30 - June 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: What to Expect: Award-winning ribs, additional food and drink vendors, Beer Gardens, Live bands, Fun kids’ activities & more!

• Family Fun Spring Fair | May 30 - June 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: IKEA

  • Description: Multiple rides, games and food trucks for you and your friends to enjoy!

• St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 8AM - 2PM, May 31st

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

  • Description: Summer hours have started at Manitoba’s Largest Farmers’ Market!

Comedy❗

• Chelsey Grewar Comedy | 8:30PM, May 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge (3740 Portage Ave)

  • Performers: Fresh off a successful run at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, comedian, actor, and producer of Toronto's super popular Yee-Ha!

• AJ Wilkerson Comedy | May 30-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: With his nervous charm, endearing smile, disarming disabilities, AJ has quickly become one of the most relevant young comedians in America, making appearances at Limestone Comedy Festival, Nashville Comedy Festival, Atlanta’s West End Comedy Festival, and Rip City Comedy Festival.

• Kevin Stobo Comedy | 7 & 9:30PM, May 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club

  • Description: Since high school he has continued to entertain and impress across the country with his friendly, relatable style of comedy.

• Saturday Comedy Showcase | 8:30PM, May 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge (3740 Portage Ave)

  • Performers: An All-Star Lineup of Winnipeg's best comedians showcasing their stuff at The Basement!

• Paul Reiser Comedy | 7PM, June 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: ​Reiser is widely celebrated for his roles in two hit shows for Netflix: Stranger Things and Chuck Lorre’s The Kominsky Method, for which he received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor. While also being voted by Comedy Central as one of the Top 100 Comedians of All Time!

Special Events/Concerts 🥂

• Dance Spectrum | May 30-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Performers: Royal Winnipeg Ballet School’s annual year-end showcase that celebrates students ages 4-18 on the big stage. Audiences will enjoy an impressive mix of genres, including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre and hip hop!

• C Weeds Cabaret Talent Search Winners | 7PM, May 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Performers: Winnipeg favourites, C-Weed Band, featuring the winners of the C-Weeds Cabaret Talent search (Nigel Settee, Tayller McKinney, Trevor Bird, and Tiarra Wilson)

• Pride Winnipeg Festival | May 31 - June 1 (More Info)

  • Location: Multiple Locations

  • Description: Bringing the 2SLGBTQ+ community and its allies together to celebrate during a series of Pride events. Including shows from musicians, dancers, comedians, and more!

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!