Midweek check-in, Winnipeg!

This weather’s been all over the place. One day it’s hot, and the next you’re reaching for a hoodie. But it’s finally warming up again, and just in time.

Our second summer market is happening this weekend on June 14–15 at the Outlet Collection Mall, and it’s going to be a big one! We’ve got over 70 vendors coming out, with everything from handmade goods to tasty local snacks.

And with Father’s Day this weekend, it’s the perfect excuse to head out with your dad, grab something cool, and check out what local makers are up to.

There’s a bunch more happening too, from markets, festivals, live shows, you name it.

So be sure to read till the end to plan your weekend right!

In today’s edition:

• Manitoba’s New $1 Billion Cancer Centre

• Survey to Help Build a Bilingual Manitoba

• Downtown Winnipeg’s Signature Summer Events Are Here

• Manitoba Asks Tourists to Pause Travel

• Winnipeg’s Biggest Summer Markets Are Back This Weekend

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba’s New $1 Billion Cancer Centre Is Finally Happening

Some stories hit close to home. Cancer has touched almost every family in Winnipeg, including mine. And for years, our province has needed a better space to care for folks going through the toughest fight of their lives.

And that’s finally happening:

• Manitoba is moving ahead with a brand new $1 billion CancerCare centre, right on the Health Sciences Centre campus.

• New facility: A 162,000 sq ft building beside the 2003 clinic. More exam rooms, larger treatment areas, and modern research labs.

• The new space will bring together clinical trials, diagnostics, patient care, and cancer research, all under one roof

• It’ll be brighter, bigger, and built for the future, with room for modern tools and better patient comfort

Construction starts in August 2026, with the province already setting aside money in Budget 2025 to kick things off. Anticipated to open by 2030, this centre aims to set a national standard and attract top experts to Winnipeg.

After years of delays, this is a huge step forward for Manitoba families who deserve world-class care right here at home.

Click Here: To learn more New Cancer Centre!

Together with Magic Room Spa!

The Perfect Graduation Gift 🎓

Graduation season is here, and if there’s someone in your life who’s about to cross that stage, your daughter, nephew, cousin, or someone you've watched grow up, here’s a gift that goes beyond flowers or cash.

Magic Room Spa is offering summer packages that give grads a chance to slow down, take care of themselves, and feel their best before they dive into whatever’s next.

Show them you’re proud and treat them to:

• Hydrating and brightening facials to help them glow for graduation.

• Manicures and pedicures for grad photos or patio season.

• Nail extensions and gel polish for a little extra glam.

• Hot stone massage to melt away the last bit of school stress.

That’s just some of what they offer. Perfect for a pre-grad pamper or a post-grad reset! Either way, it’s a thoughtful way to say you did it, and now you can relax.

Not sure what to choose? You can also grab gift cards and or choose from custom spa packages to let them pick what feels right.

Click below to book something special for the grad in your life!

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Winnipeg Digest? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]

Community Spotlight

Help Shape Manitoba’s Bilingual Future

Winnipeg’s roots run deep in both French and English, and this spring the province is asking every Manitoban to join that story. The government just launched public consultations to turn Louis Riel’s dream of a truly bilingual province into reality, and they want your ideas:

• The province just launched a public survey to hear your ideas on building a more bilingual Manitoba.

• They’re looking for ways to better support francophones in both their personal and professional lives.

• You can take part through a quick online survey and help shape the province’s next steps!

Whether you speak French fluently or just want to live in a more inclusive place, this is a chance to be part of something meaningful. The survey only takes a few minutes and could help shape a more connected, welcoming Manitoba.

Click the link below to share your thoughts. And don’t forget to send it to any friends or family who care about making Manitoba a more welcoming and inclusive place.

Click Here: To check out the survey!

Community Digest

Downtown Winnipeg’s Signature Summer Events Are Here

Downtown Winnipeg BIZ just dropped their summer signature series—and it’s packed with reasons to get outside, explore, and fall back in love with the heart of the city. Whether you work downtown, live nearby, or just haven’t visited in a while, here’s what you need to know.

Here are the 5 signature events happening this summer:

• Downtown Sounds with free live music popping up across downtown

• Furry Fridays where you and your pup can enjoy some fun together

• Family Movie Night under the stars with feel-good films for all ages

• The Downtown Farmers’ Market filled with local vendors, fresh food, and handmade finds

• Chinatown & Dim Sum Tours if you’re hungry to try something new and explore a part of the city that’s full of history

And there’s more good news.

• Pedestrian traffic downtown is already up nearly 30% from last year

• With Portage and Main reopening to foot traffic next month

• And Graham Avenue is getting a fresh new look with art, seating, and space to enjoy the summer

This summer’s all about connection, community, and supporting what makes our city special. Whether you’re heading out with friends, family, or your furry sidekick, there’s something for everyone.

Click the link below to see the full event list and start planning your summer.

Click Here: For more information on all the events!

City Updates

Manitoba Asks Tourists to Pause Travel

It’s been a heavy few weeks in Manitoba. With wildfires still burning and thousands of people forced to leave their homes, the province is stepping up to make sure everyone has a safe place to stay, and that means making room wherever we can.

Right now, Manitoba is asking folks across the country to hold off on non-essential travel so those displaced have a roof over their heads.

• Around 21,000 people have been evacuated from 27 different communities.

• The province is responding to 29 active wildfires, already way above the seasonal average.

• Reception centres have been set up in Winnipeg, Brandon, and Thompson.

• With four emergency shelters now open, and hotel rooms across Manitoba are being prioritized for evacuees.

Tourism is a huge part of our province’s economy, and this wasn’t an easy ask for the government to make. But right now, it’s about taking care of our neighbours first, many of whom left home with little to nothing.

So, if you’ve got family visiting or had local trips planned, maybe hold off a little while longer. Let’s give folks who need it most the space to rest, recover, and feel safe.

Click Here: To see the latest wildfire updates!

$60M Plans Revealed to Revive Pantages Theatre

It’s not every day you get to bring a piece of history back to life. But that’s exactly what’s in the works for the old Pantages Theatre. After sitting closed since 2018, the building is finally getting the love it deserves.

As reported by the Winnipeg Free Press, the Performing Arts Consortium of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra have unveiled their plans to restore and modernize the iconic space.

• The new design includes a deeper stage, an orchestra pit, and better sightlines

• The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will be the main tenant, using it for both rehearsals and concerts

• The space will be shared with other arts groups, opening up more opportunities for local performances

• The design will preserve the historic charm while adding much-needed updates to HVAC, rigging, and accessibility

The total cost is expected to hit $55 to $60 million, with half coming from government support and the rest from private fundraising.

It’s a big project. But one that could bring life, music, and memories back to a space that means so much to Winnipeg’s arts community.

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!

• Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare in the Ruins | June 13 - July 6 (Tickets)

  • 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.

• The Ex 2025 | June 13-22 (Tickets)

  • 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!

• Ukrainian Village Festival | June 13-15 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks Market & Grounds

  • Description: Celebrate the rich culture and spirit of Ukraine at this three-day festival featuring traditional dance, music, handmade crafts, authentic Ukrainian cuisine, and interactive family-friendly activities.

• Locked Zoo - LIVING LARGE | 5PM-9PM, June 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: A new escape event being held after-hours at the Zoo. Find clues, answer questions and have a bunch of fun working as a team to solve the puzzle before time runs out. This is an adults-only experience (18+).

• Summer of Locals Market | June 14-15 (FREE)

  • Location: 555 Sterling Lyon Parkway

  • Description: Explore a buzzing weekend market featuring 70+ local artisans, handmade goods, food trucks, live music, and kid-friendly activities.

• Manitoba Reptile Breeders Expo | June 14-15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Sunova Centre

  • Description: With over 1,000 reptiles under one roof, this is Manitoba’s go-to expo for all things scaly and fascinating. Browse reptiles, meet breeders, learn from interactive exhibits, and maybe even take home a new cold-blooded friend. Kids 12 and under get in free.

• Wings and Wheels | 10AM-5PM, June 15 (More Info)

  • Location: The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

  • Description: Fast cars. Fast planes. Vintage rides on wheels and wings. It's the perfect Father's Day weekend event!

• Father’s Day Bison Walk | June 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Celebrate Father’s Day with FortWhyte’s newest parents. Come see the 9th largest land animal at its smallest and cutest!

• Dad's Special Day | 11AM-3PM, June 15

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

  • Description: The Children’s Museum is offering dads half-price admission all day long – and don’t miss stopping by our craft area where you can make-and-take your very own Dad Face Rock Paperweight.

Exciting Events: June 11th & 12th

Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

Sports🏒

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, June 11 (Free, more info)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Montreal Alliance | 7PM, June 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Get loud for the home team as the Sea Bears take on the Montreal Alliance in this midweek matchup.

• Victory Lanes Speedway Season Opener | 4:30PM, June 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Victory Lanes Speedway

  • Description: Less than 10 minutes outside Winnipeg, this WISSOTA-sanctioned track offers high-octane race nights all summer long. From stock cars to modifieds, it's dirt-track action at its most thrilling.

Family Fun🎆

• Community & Crafting | 6-8PM, June 11 (More Info)

  • Location: The Forks Market Patio

  • Description: A cozy, casual night of crafts + craft beer on the patio at The Forks. Bring your current craft project, whether it’s needlepoint, loom weaving, felting, air-dry clay, cross-stitch, jewellery making, or something else fun and portable

• Macbeth, by William Shakespeare | June 11 - 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.

• A Streetcar Named Desire | 7PM, June 11-15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Gas Station Arts Centre

  • Description: Tennessee Williams’ iconic drama comes to life with a bold new Winnipeg production. Follow Blanche DuBois as she navigates heartbreak, desire, and tension in the steamy New Orleans setting.

• Paddle Nights | June 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Fort Whyte Alive

  • Description: Spend an evening paddling before sunset for the perfect summer night. Paddle Nights are a 45-minute session with a canoe or kayak, with help available to get you started. No experience is required.

• Bison Bus Tour | June 12 & 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: See North America’s largest land mammal from just metres away, interacting in their natural habitat. Go on an adventure into our prairie past and leave knowing more about how bison have shaped Canada’s history.

• Grease Lightning Musical | June 12, 14 & 15 (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!

• Jeudis Franco Thursdays | June 12 (FREE)

  • Location: Saint-Boniface

  • Description: A vibrant cultural event series that takes place every Thursday from June to August in the St. Boniface quarter to celebrate French culture and language with a diverse range of activities, including a street market, live music, film screenings, art exhibits, and more.

Special Events/Comedy🥂

• Full Moon Ceremony at The Forks | 10:15PM, June 11 (More Info)

  • Location: Oodena Celebration Circle

  • Description: A community gathering for anyone who identifies with or respects feminine energy, this Full Moon Ceremony honors the spiritual connection to Grandmother Moon. All genders and cultures are welcome to attend and observe or participate in the teachings.

• Sunee Dhaliwal at Rumor’s Comedy Club | June 11–14 ($)

  • Location: Rumor’s Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: From Just for Laughs to XM Radio, Sunee Dhaliwal is one of Canada’s fastest-rising comedy stars. His sharp wit, magnetic presence, and fresh take on everyday absurdities make him a crowd favorite.

• Wired for Happiness fundraising event | 8PM, June 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Park Theatre

  • Description: An evening to celebrate 15 years of HMC. Enjoy the positive energy of guest speaker Deri Latimer, belly laugh with Comedian Harriet Roenbaum and raise money in support of Bravestone Centre and Agape Table, plus a few more surprises.

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].