Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

Summer’s in full swing, and this weekend proves it, with 50+ events, more markets than we can count, and everything from live music to community parties happening across the city.

Whether you're planning to wander a farmers’ market, catch some outdoor music, or just soak up the sun with something cold in hand, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of it.

So take a scroll through today’s edition and see what you want to fill your weekend with. There’s something for everyone!

Now, in today’s edition:

• Manitoba Lifts Some Fire Bans

• Brunchfest Is Happening Tomorrow, And You Get $10 Off!

• Ancient Japanese Theatre is Coming to Winnipeg

• Broadway Musical Comes to Winnipeg with Rock of Ages

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Maniotba Lifts Some Fire Bans After Recent Rain

The air has felt a little lighter this week, and not just from the rain.

After a long stretch of wildfires and travel restrictions, some of our favourite parks are finally opening back up. It’s not all clear yet, but for folks near Birds Hill or planning a weekend at Winnipeg Beach, it’s a sign we’re getting there.

• Fire and travel restrictions have been lifted for Birds Hill, St. Malo, Winnipeg Beach, Asessippi, and multiple other parks

• Campfires are being allowed again in some areas, but only between 8:00PM and 8:00AM.

• Backcountry travel is still limited in high-risk areas unless you have a travel permit

• With parks like Wallace Lake and Flin Flon still remaining under evacuation or closure

So, if you're heading out this weekend, be sure to double-check the map before you go!

Click here: To see the full list of areas with lifted fire bans and current restrictions.

Together with Brunchfest!

Brunchfest Is Happening Tomorrow, And You Get $10 Off!

If you love a good patio brunch but wish it came with a DJ, games, and a mimosa in hand, you’ve got until 3PM today to grab your tickets!

Brunchfest is back at Upper Fort Garry Park, and it’s bringing together some of the city’s best brunch spots, drinks, DJs, and backyard games for one big daytime party downtown. And here’s the best part: Winnipeg Digest subscribers get $10 off tickets, but only if you get your tickets before the portal closes at 3PM today, Friday.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• Food from local favourites like OEB, Fête Ice Cream, Aroma Bistro and more!

• DJ DLO on deck to keep the music going!

• Mimosas, mocktails, craft beer, and specialty coffee

• Multiple lawn games, picnics, and lots of brunch lovers all in one place

📍 Upper Fort Garry Park
🗓️ Saturday, June 21 at 11:00AM - 1:55PM
☀️ This is an 18+ event - $10 off for Digest readers until 3PM today!

Come hungry, stay for the music, and make a little downtown memory while you’re at it. Rain or shine, it’s going to be a good time!

Click below to check everything else planned for this year’s Brunchfest. Get your tickets while the $10 off deal is still live, only until 3PM!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Community Digest

Ancient Japanese Theatre is Coming to Winnipeg…

It’s not every day you get to see 700-year-old tradition up close, especially right here in Winnipeg.

But on July 4, two master artisans from Japan are visiting to share the magic of Noh theatre, one of the oldest forms of performance art in the world, dating back to the 1300s. If you’re into theatre, storytelling, or just love learning about other cultures, this one’s worth checking out.

Here’s what to expect:

• The event is free and open to everyone on Friday, July 4 at 1:30PM to 4:00PM.

• Noh mask-maker Hideta Kitazawa will show how these emotion-rich masks are made

• While the textile artist Miyoko Yoshiya will demo traditional hand-dyeing for Noh costumes

You don’t need to know anything about Japanese theatre to enjoy it, just bring your curiosity. These two artists have spent decades preserving this art, and they’re coming here to share it.

It’s rare to catch this kind of tradition shared in person.

So if you enjoy learning about art, history, or culture, be sure to RSVP below while spots are still open, and pass it along to a friend or family member who might want to come along.

Click here: To RSVP by June 30th to save your seats. (for free!)

Broadway Musical Comes to Winnipeg with Rock of Ages

From hand-carved Noh masks to glam rock and leather pants, it’s a big few weeks ahead for live theatre in Winnipeg.

Rainbow Stage is kicking off its summer season with Rock of Ages, opening next Wednesday, June 26, at Kildonan Park.

The show’s a full-blown, feel-good throwback to the 1980s, with a live band and a soundtrack loaded with hits from Foreigner, Whitesnake, Pat Benatar, and more. The story follows a small-town girl and a city boy chasing dreams on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, complete with heartbreak, guitar solos, and all the denim you can handle.

A few things to know:

• It’s running June 26 to July 12, and is recommended for ages 15+

• Shows at Rainbow Stage tend to sell out fast, especially on opening week

• It’s outdoors and always a highlight of summer in the city

So, if outdoor theatre is on your summer list, don’t wait too long to grab tickets. And share the link below with all of your friends and family you want to go with!

Click here: To purchase your tickets before it sells out!

2025 Manitoba Marathon Sets New Records

This weekend, Winnipeg made marathon history.

More than 12,000 people laced up for the 47th annual Manitoba Marathon, the biggest turnout the city’s ever seen. From little kids to longtime runners (one 88-year-old finished his 30th race), the community showed up in a big way to move for a cause, raising support for Manitobans with intellectual disabilities.

What made this year’s run special?

• Two Winnipeg locals, Caleb de Jong and Janine Zajac, crossed the finish line first in the men’s and women’s full marathon.

• The youngest runners were under 8 years old, and the oldest was 88, finishing his 30th half marathon

• It also marked over $7 million being raised since the event began, supporting independent living for Manitobans with intellectual disabilities

The energy carried from the University of Manitoba all the way to Princess Auto Stadium, where proud families, volunteers, and strangers cheered from the sidelines.

City Updates

New $16M Fire and Paramedic Station Opens in Windsor Park

It’s not every day your neighbourhood gets a $16 million upgrade, but that’s what just happened in Windsor Park.

The brand-new Station 9 is now open, bringing together emergency crews, ambulances, and the city’s hazardous materials team under one roof.

Here’s what’s new:

• Replaces two older stations (including the one on Marion) with one efficient hub

• First city building to use geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling

• Expected to cut emissions by 98.6% compared to a regular station

That kind of drop isn’t just impressive, it could set the standard for every new public building in Winnipeg.

And for folks in the area, it means faster emergency response and a greener, safer future.

Click here: To learn more about the new building.

Manitoba is investing $215,000 in Crane Training for Local Workers

There’s something powerful about learning a skill that builds your city, literally.

The province just announced $215,000 to help launch a brand new crane training facility this summer through the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Manitoba.

Here’s what it means:

• The first group of trainees could start as early as this fall

• Helping meet demand for crane operators, with 46 new jobs expected in the next 5 years

• Training will focus on safety and high standards for construction and manufacturing

• It’s a long-term investment in keeping Manitobans working right here at home

As Minister Jamie Moses put it, cranes on the horizon mean growth. And this is how we grow: by investing in local hands, local skills, and the next generation of builders that shape the province.

If you know someone looking to get into a well-paying, in-demand job while helping grow our city…

Click here: To learn more about the program.

Exciting Events: June 20th - 22nd

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

Sports🏀

• Goldeyes vs Sioux City | June 20-22 ($)

  • Location: Blue Cross Park

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8:30AM, June 21 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

• Zumba in the Park | 10-11AM, June 21 (FREE)

  • Location: Riley Family Duck Pond

• DND Run Club | 8:15AM, June 22 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Note: Dash N’ Dine Run Club!

• Winnipeg Valour FC vs Forge FC | 3:30PM, June 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

Family Fun🎆

• Evening Canoe Excursion | 7PM-9PM, June 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Ducks Unlimited Canada Wetland Discovery Centre

  • Description: Dusty Molinski guides you through some lesser-explored regions of the Marsh on this two-hour evening paddle.

• Baby Bison Walk | 10:30AM & 1:30PM, June 21 ($)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Come see the 9th largest land animal at its smallest and cutest!

• National Indigenous Peoples Day | 9AM-5PM, June 21 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Create a bison herd with Ojibwe artist Alice RL, experience traditional storytelling with a Kookum fashion show, a handmade market, food trucks and more!

• Indigenous Peoples Day | 11AM-5PM, June 22 (Free)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park

  • Description: A day filled with music, entertainment, and fun in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day. All activities take place at the outdoor Gardens at The Leaf and inside The Leaf classroom.

• Grease Lightning | June 21-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

  • Description: This immersive dinner theatre performance reimagines the world of Grease twenty years later, with classic rock and roll vibes, fun twists, and a hearty dose of nostalgia.

• Bison Bus Tour | 10:30AM & 1:30PM, June 22 ($)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: See North America’s largest land mammal from just metres away, interacting in their natural habitat.

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

• Alleyways in the Exchange 2025 | 5PM-10PM, June 20 (FREE)

  • Location: Exchange District

  • Description: Explore curated markets, live performances, and hidden gems in the alleys of the Exchange District. Featuring a market, audio performances, an art lounge, and dance performances all against the backdrop of a National Historic Site.

• The Ex 2025 | June 20-22 ($)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Discover the most thrilling rides, delicious food, incredible performers and attractions, and the best local music all in one place!

• Wondershow Carnival | June 20-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: IKEA Winnipeg

  • Description: Enjoy a weekend of thrilling rides, tasty treats, and unforgettable family fun.

• St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 8AM-2PM, June 21

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

• Bronx Park Farmers Market | 9AM-2PM, June 21

  • Location: Bronx Park

  • Description: Shop fresh produce, handmade goods, and enjoy our splash pad and used tool sale at the woodshop.

• Multicultural Market Daze | 12PM-9PM, June 21-22 (FREE)

  • Location: 709 Keewatin St.

  • Description: An exciting array of cultural performances, international cuisine, artisan crafts, and interactive activities that highlight the rich tapestry of our multicultural community.

• Summer Jamboree | 1PM-3PM, June 22 (FREE)

  • Location: Fort Garry Community Centre Hobson Site

  • Description: This special event celebrates 80 years of the Fort Garry Community Centre with bounce castles, water slides, bubble soccer, face painting, and plenty of tasty treats.

Comedy❗

• Mike Feeney | June 20-21 ($)

  • Location: Rumors Comedy Club

  • Description: A New York City-based comedian. His high energy and sharp wit captivate young and old audiences alike.

• Winnipeg Wolfpack Fundraiser | 8:30PM, June 20 ($)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Comedy Fundraiser for the Winnipeg Wolfpack Women's Football Team! Comedians include: Benji Rothman, Kristen Einarson, Tyler Kotowski, Emmanuel Lomuro

• Open House Comedy | 8:30PM, June 21 ($)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: An All-Star Lineup of Winnipeg's best comedians showcasing their stuff at The Basement. Tickets only $5! Lineup Includes: Brandin David, Jay Vanjani, Brady Holm, Darren Springer

Special Events/Concerts 🥂

• Rocking & Wrestling | 6PM, June 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Get ready for an action-packed night of body slams and guitar jams at Rocking & Wrestling, where live music meets live mayhem!

• Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare in the Ruins | June 20 - July 6 ($)

  • Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

  • Description: Samuel Beckett’s absolute masterpiece, and one of the most important texts of the last century: Waiting for Godot has surely become one of the most canonical and enigmatic plays since Shakespeare.

• 2025 Corydon Avenue Concert Series | June 20-21 (More Info)

  • Location: Corydon Avenue

  • Description: Bring a lawn chair and sit back and enjoy the warm Winnipeg nights with the sounds of Jazz, Rock, Pop, Soul and Blues music.

• Sesame Street Live! Say Hello | 1PM, June 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: The live show will bring the beloved characters from the iconic Sesame Street to life in a brand new interactive production.

• Urban Retreats Garden Tour | 10AM-4PM, June 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Deer Lodge area

  • Description: A self-guided tour of 14 gardens in the Deer Lodge area. All ticket proceeds support 1JustCity!

• Hairball - 80's Rock Spectacle | 8PM, June 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: With tributes to KISS, AC/DC, Motley Crue, Queen, and many more! It’s like 20 concerts in one night.

• Macbeth, by William Shakespeare | June 21 - July 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

  • Description: This popular ‘Shakespearean noir’ is exciting as a murder mystery, but it is its palpable and sensual atmosphere that really grabs us. For gloomy intensity, there’s nothing like it in all of Shakespeare.

• Manitoba Museum Bead-a-Thon | 10AM-3PM, June 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

  • Description: The day will include mini ‘learn to stitch’ tutorials, pop-up visits from our stunning historical beadwork collection, and most importantly, time with the community to share, learn, and bead.

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!