Happy Monday, Winnipeg!

There’s no slowing down this week. From Nuit Blanche lighting up the streets, to new markets popping up, wine festivals and so much more, the city feels alive with energy.

So be sure to step out while the sun’s still out and before the snow comes knocking.

We’ve got all the highlights lined up for you today, so let’s dive in.

In today’s edition:

• Manitoba Gives Out First Mosaic Awards to Celebrate Local Newcomers

• Winnipeg Wine Festival Returns This Weekend

• Restaurant of the Week

• Winnipeg’s Resident Joins New Season of MasterChef Canada

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba Gives Out First Mosaic Awards to Celebrate Local Newcomers

When someone moves to a new place and still finds a way to lift others up, that’s something worth celebrating.

This week, Manitoba introduced the first-ever Mosaic Awards, honouring newcomers, immigrants, refugees, and community members who are making their neighbourhoods feel warmer, safer, and more connected.

Here are just a few of the names recognized:

• Serena Aguinaldo and Abdikheir Ahmed - Community Spark Award

• Oyinda Alaka and Avinashpall Singh - Young Bridge Builder Award

• Nina Condo and Marinel Santos - Heart of the Community Award

• Hector Argueta, Peaceful Village Inc., and Bliss Gourmet Baked Goods - Welcoming Community Champion Award

Each award tells a story of kindness, courage, and quiet leadership. Whether it’s mentoring youth, creating safe spaces, or simply showing up for neighbours, these folks are helping shape a Manitoba where everyone feels they belong.

It’s the kind of goodness that doesn’t always make the news, but sure makes a difference.

Click Here: To see all the awardees and read their stories!

Together with Special Olympics Manitoba!

Sip, Support, and Celebrate at the Winnipeg Wine Festival

There’s something special about coming together over a good glass of wine, and this weekend, Winnipeg gets that chance.

The Winnipeg Wine Festival is back September 26 & 27 at the RBC Convention Centre, and if it’s been on your list, this is your last chance to grab tickets.

This isn’t just another night out. It’s hundreds of sparkling wines from around the world, all poured in one place, and every sip helps support over 2,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across Manitoba.

Here’s what makes it worth going:

• Explore a world of wines — try what you love, skip what you don’t

• A festival that’s welcoming to everyone, from first-time tasters to seasoned sippers

• Every ticket supports inclusive sports and joyful competition right here in our province through Special Olympics Manitoba

So whether you’re raising a glass with friends or searching for a new favourite bottle, this weekend is about more than wine. It’s about community, connection, and giving back.

Tickets are almost gone, so grab yours n ow and be part of something worth toasting.

Restaurant of the Week: ⁠Naan Culture

It was our first time at Naan Culture this weekend, and we’re still thinking about it. The Chicken Tikka Masala naan was rich and comforting, while the Mushroom, Truffle & Parm? Totally unexpected. Warm, creamy, earthy, and packed into fresh naan straight from the oven.

It’s not something we’ve had before in Winnipeg, and that’s what made it so exciting.

The whole menu is built around that idea: taking the flavours people grew up with and reimagining them in a way that feels fresh, playful, and personal. From classics like Butter Chicken and Philly Cheesesteak to sweet twists like Apple Crumble, every stuffed naan is a mix of story and flavour.

A few reasons to check it out:

• Creative combos that go beyond the usual

• Fluffy, house-baked naan made fresh for every order

• Vegetarian-friendly options that hold their own

• A menu that celebrates heritage, family, and food in one bite

Naan Culture is something new for the city, and it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to bring a friend back with you next time.

📍 1700 Corydon Ave #20
🕒 Mon–Sat 11AM–10PM (Closed Sundays)

Click Here: To check out their full menu or order online!

Community Digest

Winnipeg’s Chef Joins New Season of MasterChef Canada

There’s something extra special about seeing a familiar face on national TV. And this time, it’s someone from right here at home.

Daniel E., a 38-year-old Winnipegger who works in IT sales, is trading the office for the kitchen as one of the newest contestants on MasterChef Canada. His style? Plant-forward dishes packed with bold, unforgettable flavour.

Daniel’s not just a great cook. He’s got heart, charm, and a clear passion for food. And whether you’re a longtime MasterChef fan or just watching for Daniel, this season’s going to be a good one.

The new season kicks off Thursday, October 2 on CTV, with episodes streaming the next day on Crave.

Click Here: To see all the contestants joining Daniel this season.

Online Appointment Booking Now Open for Selkirk and Steinbach Clinics

We usually stick to stories right here in the city, but this one’s worth sharing, especially if you’ve got family or friends outside the Perimeter.

People in Selkirk and Steinbach can now book same-day and next-day appointments at their local QuickCare Clinics online. It’s a small change that could make a big difference, especially for folks who don’t want to wait at walk-ins or don’t live near an ER.

• Same-day and next-day appointments are available through the Medinav portal

• Also works for other participating clinics across Manitoba

• And helps keep emergency rooms clear for the people who truly need them

It might seem like a small thing. But if you’ve ever tried to book a last-minute appointment while managing work or taking care of family, you know how much of a difference this makes.

So if you know someone in Selkirk or Steinbach (a friend, a parent, a neighbour), this is worth passing along.

Click Here: To book an appointment or check clinic hours through Medinav.

City Updates

Manitoba Invests $1.2M to Upgrade Wildfire Tracking and Weather Systems

Anyone who’s seen wildfire smoke drift over the city this summer, or watched those hazy skies from the porch, knows how fast things can change. And in the communities closer to the fires, every second matters.

That’s why the Manitoba government is putting $1.2 million toward upgrading how we track weather and wildfires across the province.

The goal is simple: faster updates, better decisions, and more lives protected.

Here’s what’s happening:

• New fire-mapping and weather systems will replace outdated tech

• Real-time data tools will give emergency crews faster, clearer info

• Quicker, more accurate reports will help officials act faster during fire season

• Part of a multi-year upgrade, with full rollout expected by 2026

We all hope the worst never happens. But when it does, this kind of behind-the-scenes upgrade can make the biggest difference.

It means families have more time to react. Firefighters have the information they need. And communities have a better shot at staying safe.

Click Here: To read more about the upgrades and what they mean for Manitoba.

New $500K Fund Open to Support Manitoba Child-Care Centres

Across Manitoba, child-care centres do more than just look after kids. They create safe spaces where little ones can grow, explore, and feel like they belong, while giving families peace of mind through life’s busiest seasons.

Now, a new round of provincial funding is available to help those centres grow, improve, and keep creating spaces where kids can thrive.

Here’s what’s included:

• Up to $25,000 for licensed centres and $5,000 for home-based providers

• Funding for repairs and upgrades that keep spaces safe and welcoming

• Support for inclusive, accessible program improvements

• Staff wellness initiatives and training for specialized care

• Priority for centres serving Indigenous, rural, newcomer, and low-income families

More than $500,000 is available this year, and the goal is to lift up the people who are lifting up our kids.

If you’ve ever felt grateful for the care your child receives, or know a centre doing amazing work, this is something worth sending their way.

Click Here: To learn more or share the grant info with a centre you trust.

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!

• The Leaf After Dark: Adults Only Nights | 7PM, Sept 24 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Join us for an evening of botanical bliss at The Leaf After Dark! Enjoy a relaxing adults-only atmosphere complete with live musical entertainment.

• Winnipeg's Funniest Person with a Day Job | 7:45PM, Sept 24 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: After several rounds of competition, tonight is the night where we crown the winner of Winnipeg's Funniest Person with a Day Job, with the grand prize of $1,000.

• Korn: Kanada Tour 2025 | 6:30PM, Sept 25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Two-time GRAMMY-award winning band Korn will bring their show to fans across Canada this fall with Korn: Kanada Tour 2025.

• BreakOut West Festival Winnipeg 2025 | Sept 25-27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Various locations

  • Description: Gather the crew and get ready to venue hop across six venues over three nights, discovering the most exciting music being made!

• Candlelight: Sept 26 (Tickets)

  • A Tribute to ABBA: 6:45PM

  • A Tribute to Pink Floyd: 8:45PM

    • Location: Cresents Art Centre

    • Description: Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Winnipeg.

• Alive at the Museum | 9PM-2AM, Sept 26 (Sold Out)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

  • Description: An after-hours takeover of Manitoba’s most iconic cultural space, featuring local musicians, performers, and artists.

• Winnipeg Wine Festival | Sept 26-27 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg

  • Description: Indulge in a variety of exciting new tasting experiences and sample some of the world's best wines.

• Manitoba's Largest Collectible Sale | 10PM, Sept 27 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: The largest fall vintage and collectible event in Manitoba, with over 180 tables. If you're looking for something special or just looking this is will be the place to be!

• Nuit Banche Winnipeg | 1PM-2PM, Sept 27 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Various Locations

  • Description: This will be an exciting night of contemporary art installations & performances from Winnipeg's most venerated art institutions, independent curators, and 35,000 art animators in one night.

• Warren Zeiders | 7:30PM, Sept 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Warren Zeiders is one of Country music’s newest and most-promising stars.

Current Events: September 22nd - 23rd

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Jets vs Edmonton Oilers Pre-Season | 7PM, Sept 23 ($)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Live Racing | 7:30PM, Sept 23-24 (FREE)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Experience the thrill of watching and wagering on horse racing at Assiniboia Downs.

Music 🎵

• Live at Belle's (Shandra Levreault) | 12PM-2:45PM, Sept 22 (FREE)

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

• Mad Caddies/Authority Zero/The Corps | 8PM, Sept 22 ($)

  • Location: Park Theatre

• Park Theatre 20th Anniversary Event (Symphony X) | 6:30PM, Sept 23 ($)

  • Location: Park Theatre

  • Description: Symphony X is an American progressive metal band from Middletown, New Jersey.

• Grant Simpson/Tannis Tyler/Daniel Jordan + Sheena Rattai/Two out of Three | 11:45AM-11PM, Sept 23 (FREE)

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

• The Road to BreakOut West Showcase (Bobby Dove/Catie St.Germain/Mise en Scene/S.C.U.D.) | 5:30PM, Sept 23 ($)

  • Location: Public Domain

• Welcome to Dashville (Dasaha) | 7PM, Sept 16 ($)

  • Location: Park Theatre

  • Description: Gained significant fame after her 2023 song "Austin (Boots Stop Workin')" went viral on TikTok and charted at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100..

• Blurring Time: The World Tour (Bells Larsen/Dom & Jacob) | 7PM, Sept 23 ($)

  • Location: The Handsome Daughter

Community Fun🎆

• Smudge the North End Community Walk | 10:30AM-12PM, Sept 22 (FREE)

  • Location: North Point Douglas Women’s Centre

  • Description: Join us as we walk together to smudge, connect, and bring good energy through the North End on the Fall Equinox.

• Journeys Through the Zoo | 10AM, Sept 22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Join us for Journeys Through the Zoo, an engaging program specially crafted for individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

• Corn Maze | Sept 22 - Nov 2 (More Info)

  • Location: A Maze In Corn

  • Description: Enjoy the country views while wandering through the corn maze, climb the giant bale pyramid, and visit the petting zoo.

• Bear Grease | 7PM, Sept 23-24 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: This all-Indigenous musical parody infuses hip-hop and comedy into a pow wow-powered love story that’s equal parts hilarious homage and cultural celebration

Special Events 🎨

• Fall Equinox Sacred Fire | 10AM-5PM, Sept 22 (FREE)

  • Location: Fire Node, Indigenous Peoples Garden at The Leaf

  • Description: Born in Winnipeg, Wayne Lalman is of Cree/Trinidadian descent and is Coordinator of the Restoring The Sacred program at Ka Ni Kanichihk.

• Culture Days Manitoba | 7PM, Sept 22-Oct 12 (FREE)

  • Location: Various location

  • Description: Culture Days Manitoba is a collaborative pan-Canadian volunteer movement that raises awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities.

• Winnipeg Design Festival | Sept 22-27 (FREE)

  • Location: Various location

  • Description: Join us for interactive installations, collaborative workshops, and engaging conversations, to help us consider how design can establish new relationships between people, places, and ideas.

• Leonard Cohen & Joni Mitchell: The Untold Love Story | 7:30PM, Sept 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell: The Untold Love Story immerses audiences in the passionate but brief romance the iconic duo shared that shaped their songs, their lives and music history.

• Jordan Welwood | 7:45PM, Sept 23 ($)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Jordan Welwood is a Winnipeg born comedian and writer. In 2015 he won Runner up in Sirius XM’s “Canada’s Top Comic”at JFL42.

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Wednesday!