Midweek check-in, Winnipeg 💙
Hope your week is going smoothly so far. Over here, we're feeling the love this week, and we know a lot of you are probably starting to think about Valentine's Day plans.
Whether you're looking to surprise someone special, spend quality time with your person, or just find something fun to do this weekend, we've got you covered. Plenty is happening around the city, and we're here to help you sort through it all.
So settle in, maybe pour yourself a warm drink, and let's plan the rest of your week together.
Now, in today’s edition:
Winnipeg Invests $1.8M Into Community Centre Upgrades
Country Rising Festival Returns to Winnipeg This Summer
Festival du Voyageur Returns This Friday
Valentine's Day Without the Basic Dinner
Multiple events this week & more
— Jas Singh
News
Winnipeg Invests $1.8M Into Community Centre Upgrades
Community centres are the heart of every neighbourhood. They're where kids play sports, families gather, seniors stay active, and volunteers put in countless hours to keep things running. When these spaces are well looked after, the whole community feels it.
That's why the City has announced $1.83 million in new funding through its Community Centre Renovation Grant Program. The money will support repairs and upgrades at 24 City-owned community centres across Winnipeg.
The funding covers practical improvements like safety fixes, accessibility upgrades, and building repairs that many centres need but struggle to afford on their own.
Some of the centres receiving grants include:
Assiniboia West
Bourkevale
Deer Lodge
Garden City
Riverview
Tyndall Park
And 17 more
These are the kinds of upgrades that keep programs running smoothly and spaces open for families, volunteers, and community groups.
Since the program began in 2012, the City has invested more than $20 million into community centre renovations. It's a quiet, steady effort that helps neighbourhood hubs stay strong for years to come.
If you’re curious whether your local community centre is on the list, click the link below to see the full details.
A Message From Modo Yoga
An Easy Way to Spend Valentine’s Month Together
February is a good excuse to spend a little more time together, especially in ways that actually feel good. And with Valentine’s just around the corner, this is an easy way to do that without overthinking it.
For February, Modo Yoga Winnipeg is offering an exclusive 5-class pass for $50 (over 70% off). It’s a simple option whether you’re coming with your partner, a close friend, or carving out a few intentional moments for yourself.
The pass is flexible and low-pressure. You can try different classes and times, whether you’re brand new to hot yoga or easing back into a routine.
Here’s what you can expect from class:
45 to 60-minute hot yoga or hot pilates classes
Classes running from early morning to evening, with 85+ options each week
A focus on strength, flexibility, stress relief, and overall wellness
Your choice of the Waverley or Donald Street studio
Modo Yoga has been part of Winnipeg’s wellness community since 2007, offering thoughtfully taught classes in a space that feels welcoming and accessible, no matter your experience level.
The 5-class pass is valid for 30 days, making it easy to build a short routine or try a few classes at your own pace. Only 50 passes are available!
If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, click below to grab your passes while they’re still available and take advantage of this exclusive February offer.
Community Spotlight
Downtown Winnipeg Offers Grants to Host More Events
Source: Downtown Winnipeg
If you’ve ever wished downtown felt a little busier, livelier, or more full of things to do, this is a step in that direction.
Downtown Winnipeg is now accepting applications for its 2026 Host It Downtown Event Grants, a program designed to help bring more events into the heart of the city.
The goal is simple: support new events, help existing ones grow, and encourage organizers to move their events downtown.
These grants can support everything from small community gatherings to larger public events that bring people together and add energy to downtown streets, parks, and venues.
Here’s how the application timing breaks down:
Apply now for events happening January 1 to April 30, 2026
March 15, 2026 deadline for events running May 1 to September 30, 2026
Ans lastly, July 29, 2026 deadline for events happening September 1 to December 31, 2026
Applications need to be submitted at least three weeks before your event.
If you’re an event organizer, part of a community group, or know someone who’s been thinking about hosting something downtown, click the link below!
Community Digest
Country Rising Festival Returns to Winnipeg This August
Source: Country Rising Festival
Summer plans are starting to stack up, and if country music is your thing, this is one to keep on your radar.
Country Rising Festival is returning to Winnipeg with a one-day outdoor show at Blue Cross Park on Friday, August 21st. The lineup leans into modern country with a fresh, high-energy feel that sets it apart from a typical country night out.
Here’s what’s coming to the park:
BigXthaPlug headlining, along with Corey Kent, Dylan Marlowe, and Redferrin
An open air concert right in the heart of Winnipeg
Line dancing, interactive games, and a mechanical bull
Local food and drinks, plus VIP options if you want to make a full night of it
It’s produced by the same team behind Tacos & Tequila Festival, so expect a lively crowd and a fun, festival-style atmosphere that’s easy to enjoy with friends.
Tickets are already on sale, so if you’ve got friends who love country music or summer festivals, click the link below and share this with them!
Festival du Voyageur Returns This Friday
Source: TravelAwaits
Festival du Voyageur is back, and with it, 10 days of music, food, dancing, and one of Winnipeg's favourite ways to celebrate winter. From the first song to the last cup of hot chocolate, it's one of those events that reminds us why people keep showing up, year after year.
The festival kicks off Friday, February 13, and runs until February 22, celebrating winter with Francophone culture, music, food, and plenty of family friendly fun. Now in its 57th year, it remains one of the city's most loved winter staples.
Here’s what to expect this year:
Over 150 artists are performing throughout the festival
Live music, dancing, and cultural performances across multiple stages
Free activities for families, including games, contests, and hands on fun
Classic Voyageur traditions, from fiddling and jigging to winter food favourites
Indoor and outdoor sites, making it easy to enjoy no matter the weather
Every year, Festival du Voyageur draws tens of thousands of people from across Winnipeg and beyond to celebrate culture, history, and winter traditions that bring the community together.
Whether you go for an afternoon or the full 10 days, it's one of the best ways to embrace the season.
Valentine's Day Without the Basic Dinner
If you’re planning something for Valentine’s Day but don’t feel like fighting for a reservation at 7:00 PM, you’re not alone.
There’s actually a lot happening around Winnipeg this week that goes beyond the typical dinner date. From hands-on workshops to cozy concerts and low-key wellness plans, the options are more creative than you might think.
Whether you’re planning something for your partner, your friends, or just carving out time for yourself, we pulled together the best Valentine’s experiences happening around the city so you don’t have to scroll for hours.
These are the kinds of plans that feel thoughtful without being over the top.
Click below to see the full list and pick the one that feels most like you.
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!
Festival du Voyageur | Feb 13-22 (Tickets)
Location: Whittier Park
Description: This festival showcases the arts of several disciplines, including music, dance, sculpture and visual arts, while prioritizing francophone and indigenous artists. Outdoor family activities, more than five performance stages for all ages, historical interpretation, snow sculptures, artisanal souvenirs, and traditional food enrich the festival-goers' experience.
Candlelight Valentine’s Day: Classical Romance | 6:30PM, Feb 13 (Tickets)
Location: Crescent Arts Centre
Description: Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Winnipeg.
Partner Portrait Paint Night! | 7PM-9PM, Feb 13 (Tickets)
Location: Cartizan Studio
Description: Spend the evening painting each other’s portraits in a relaxed, playful atmosphere—no experience needed. Guided step-by-step by Ue Enkhbold, you’ll learn basic portrait techniques while embracing the fun of capturing your partner’s personality (not perfection!).
Valentine's Day Wine Tasting | 4PM-10PM, Feb 14 (Tickets)
Location: Shrugging Doctor Beverage Company
Description: A night of wine tasting from Manitoba's Only Vineyard. Grape Wine, fruit wine, mead, sangria, cider, wine coolers. Home made food and more!
NOURISH Dinner & Tour | 6PM-9PM, Feb 14 (Tickets)
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery
Description: Join us on February 14th for NOURISH our exclusive Signature Dinner & Tour experience. Begin your night with a gourmet three-course dinner prepared by WOW! Catering, featuring a thoughtfully curated menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and refined flavors.
Bad Advice Comedy | 8:30PM, Feb 14 (Tickets)
Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge
Description: Bad Advice is ½ stand up comedy show (to make you laugh) and ½ half therapy session (to fix your sad and stupid love life). Tyler Kotowski hosts a new lineup of hilarious pro comics who will perform for you, and then sit together on a panel to give advice based on anonymously submitted audience troubles, worries, etc...
Heated Rivalry marathon (& bingo) | 5PM, Feb 14 (FREE)
Location: Little Brown Jug Brewing
Description: Every episode - one night. Join us in the taproom for a Heated Rivalry marathon (& bingo). Grab your valentine (or some friends) and maybe learn some Russian?
Free All-Day Pilates / Yoga / Workout | Feb 14 (FREE)
Location: Modo Yoga Waverley Studio
Description: A free workout day with coach led classes running all day! Classes run from 8:30 to 9:30am, 10:30 to 11:30am, 12:30 to 1:30pm, and 2:30 to 3:30pm. Matcha Mami will be there throughout the day, making it an easy plan if you want to move your body and hang around after.
The Notebook - Dinner and Movie At The MET | 5PM, Feb 14 (Tickets)
Location: The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre
Description: Join us at The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre for a romantic evening of love and deliciousness! Indulge in a mouth-watering buffet dinner, paired with the heartwarming movie, The Notebook.
Winnipeg Wellness Expo | Feb 14-15 (Tickets)
Location: RBC Convention Centre
Description: The Winnipeg Wellness Expo has accepted the challenge, not to be a larger show, but to be the best show of its kind in Canada.
WSO presents Bernstein & Rachmaninof | Feb 14-15 (Tickets)
Location: Centennial Concert Hall
Description: Who doesn’t love a debut? This concert has two of them: violinist Kevin Zhu, a first-prize winner at the Paganini International Competition, and conductor Robert Moody, longtime music director of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
Current Events: February 11th - 12th
Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!
Community Fun🎆
WAG Wednesday Nights | 5-9PM, Feb 11 (More Info)
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq
Description: Enjoy weekly free admission to the galleries and more from 5-9pm. 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.
The Snow Maze | Feb 11 - End of Winter (Tickets)
Location: A Maze in Corn
Description: Home of the Guinness Book of World Record's Largest Snow Maze! Enjoy warming areas with bonfires, slide down the giant snow mountain, relax in the warming barn or hop on a sleigh ride!
Lights on the Exchange | Feb 11 - March 21 (More Info)
Location: Various Venues in the Exchange District
Description: From brick and terracotta building facades, to storefronts and alleyways, Lights On the Exchange – Allumez le quartier invites you to explore our iconic neighbourhood and engage with a collection of artwork by over 30 contemporary Canadian and Manitoban artists, featuring installations, large-scale digital projections, and live performances and events.
Performances🎭
HARDY Concert | 7PM, Feb 11 (Tickets)
Location: Canada Life Centre
Description: HARDY’s new album COUNTRY! COUNTRY! is a return to his roots.
Holland Play | Feb 11-21 (Tickets)
Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse
Description: This world premiere is a hilarious madcap adventure, an unflinching look at disability rights and a love letter to everyday heroes who will do anything for their people.
Happy Daze Again | February 12 - April 12 (Tickets)
Location: Destination Dinner Stage
Description: Arnold’s is the hottest spot in town—jukebox blaring, milkshakes swirling, and everyone ready to tear up the dance floor. But this isn’t just any night, it’s the annual talent show and under the glow of a full moon, the energy’s electric, the music’s wild and something in the air has everyone acting a little… strange.
Special Events🥂
Four Seasons – RV Show & Sale | Feb 11-16 (Tickets)
Location: Exhibition Place at Red River Exhibition Park
Description: Manitoba’s largest RV show and sale, presented by Four Seasons, is back and coming to you from February 6 to 16, 2026! Come and shop North America’s top selling brands of fifth wheels, travel trailers, parts, accessories and more – indoors!
Ryan Belleville | Feb 11-14 (Tickets)
Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club
Description: Ryan Belleville is one of Canada’s best known comedians and comedic actors. GQ magazine called him “Not just a great Canadian comic, but one of the best around anywhere.” One of the stars of the hit Netflix show Workin Moms, where he plays fan favorite Lionel. GQ magazine called him one of the best comics working today.
At the Heart of this Land Art Exhibition | Feb 11-13 (More Info)
Location: Manitoba Legislative Building
Description: This inaugural Indigenous art exhibition honours and amplifies Indigenous voices through creative expression, showcased within the heart of Manitoba’s legislative institution.
The MET Dinner & A Movie: Casablanca (1946) | 5PM, Feb 12 (Tickets)
Location: The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre
Description: The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre is proud to present our Dinner & Movie program featuring the classic movie “Casablanca 1942” and our Signature Dinner Buffet. Quite easily the best way to enjoy a great movie, time with your friends, and family with a unique dining experience.
Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights! | 5PM-8PM, Feb 12 (FREE)
Location: The Forks Market
Description: Patio season doesn’t have to end in summer. Join us every Thursday this winter for fresh oysters and seafood paired with a drink from The Common. Whether you are skating in or stopping by, settle in by the fire and enjoy the winter ambiance.
Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity | 7PM, Feb 12 (Tickets)
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq
Description: Catch the screenings of the best films from the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity!
Music 🎵
Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Friday!
P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].