Midweek check-in, Winnipeg! 💙
Wednesday always feels like the turning point. You've made it through the hard part!
So grab your coffee and let's get you prepped for the rest of the week.
Now, in today’s edition:
UNIQLO Officially Opens Its Second Winnipeg Store Next Month
A Free Week Of Workout Classes For Winnipeg Digest Readers
New Downtown Program Will Help Theatre-Goers Get Home Safely
WestJet Adds Two New Direct Routes From Winnipeg
Multiple events this week & more
— Jas Singh
News
UNIQLO Officially Opens Its Second Winnipeg Store Next Month
Source: Business of Fashion
If you've been to St. Vital Centre lately, you've probably noticed a new store is on the way.
Now, we finally know when the doors will open.
UNIQLO's second Winnipeg location officially opens on August 21, just a few months after its popular Polo Park debut, making it a much shorter trip for many Winnipeggers to shop one of the city's newest favourites.
Here's what you can look forward to:
A new 15,000-square-foot store inside St. Vital Centre
Free strawberry-matcha crullers from Crumb Queen and Maro Matcha lattes for the first 300 people in line
A taiko drumming performance, ribbon-cutting ceremony, exclusive gifts with purchase, opening weekend prizes, and special in-store offers
Until then, you can always swing by the first location at CF Polo Park to get your fix early.
And if you're already planning your first visit, it might be worth browsing the collection now so your wishlist is ready when the doors open.
A Message From Modo Yoga!
A Free Week Of Workout Classes For Winnipeg Digest Readers (Limited Spots Available)
You've been meaning to get active since January.
Then January turned into March. March turned into now.
And before you know it, you're nearly seven months into the year.
Sound familiar? You're not alone. Most of us do the exact same thing.
But this time, you've got a reason. Here's one you can't say no to…
Modo Yoga is giving Winnipeg Digest readers a free week of unlimited classes. Worth over $200. Completely free.
Not one quick trial you forget by Friday. A whole week.
Think about it. Every class, both studios, seven full days, for nothing. The only way to lose is to sit this one out.
Every class included, from hot yoga to hot pilates and more
Two studios, Donald St and Waverley, with over 70 classes a week
A guest pass to bring a friend for FREE
No card and no commitment
Here's the thing. Modo can't offer this to the whole city. So it's only for Winnipeg Digest readers, and spots are limited. They go fast, and once they're gone, that's it.
So do two things right now. Claim your spot. Then send this to the friend you'd want beside you, because there's a guest pass and it's always better together.
P.S. Spots are limited, so don't sit on this. Share it with your group chat now and go claim your week together.
Community Spotlight
New Downtown Program Will Help Theatre-Goers Get Home Safely
Source: Instagram
A great show doesn't end when the lights come up.
It ends when everyone gets home safely.
As the city keeps working to bring more people back downtown, Mayor Scott Gillingham has announced the new Performing Arts Wayfinder Program, a safety initiative built to give theatre-goers, performers, and staff a little extra support before and after a night out.
Backed by $100,000 from the Mayor's Office, the program runs from September through June 2027. Wayfinders will offer courtesy walks and visible patrols around some of Winnipeg's busiest performing arts venues.
Here's what the program includes:
Courtesy walks to and from your vehicle before and after performances
Patrols cover the Centennial Concert Hall, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, and nearby parking lots
Extra patrols during rehearsals to keep the theatre district feeling welcoming all season
These courtesy walks can be requested through the Downtown Community Safety Partnership app or simply by speaking with a Wayfinder outside participating venues.
It's a simple idea, but one that could help more people end a great night downtown with a little more peace of mind.
City Updates
Winnipeg Just Had Its Biggest Homebuilding Start On Record
Buying your first home can feel nearly impossible these days.
But that could start to change.
More than 3,100 new homes started construction during the first half of 2026, making it the strongest start to a year on record and putting the city on pace for its biggest year of homebuilding ever.
Here's what the latest numbers show:
3,124 new homes started between January and June, up from 2,221 last year
Housing starts are up more than 40%, while the national average is down 1%
2,625 homes have already been completed, the second-highest first half on record
Winnipeg is on pace to set a new annual record for housing construction
The City says changes like modernized zoning, faster approvals, and infrastructure upgrades are helping more projects get off the ground.
If you're hoping to buy your first home, find a new place to rent, or simply see more housing options across the city, this is one of those updates that's encouraging to see.
Community Digest
WestJet Adds Two New Direct Routes From Winnipeg This Winter
Booking a Christmas vacation in July might sound a little early... until you remember how quickly the cold sneaks up on us.
If your idea of winter escape includes palm trees, warm sunshine, and a week by the beach, WestJet just made it a little easier to get there straight from Winnipeg.
The airline is adding two new direct routes out of James Richardson International Airport, giving locals a direct path to warmer weather without the extra layover.
Here's what's new:
Direct flights to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, starting November 28
Direct flights to Belize City, Belize, starting December 14
Both routes will operate weekly and depart non-stop from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport
The new routes are part of WestJet's expanded winter schedule, which will see the airline serve 50 sun destinations from 15 Canadian cities, more than any other airline in the country.
Your Free RRSP vs TFSA vs FHSA Guide
There are more places to park your money than ever, and no one hands you a manual on which one is actually right for you.
You're trying to do the right thing with your money, but every account has its own rules, its own tax quirks, and its own "well, it depends."
So you open a few tabs, read a few articles, and somehow end up more confused than when you started. Which one are you even supposed to be using?
You're not alone. This is where a lot of Canadians quietly get stuck.
The account you pick can matter more than how much you save. Some savings get taxed on the way out. Some can even shrink your government benefits. Over the years, that gap can add up to tens of thousands of dollars.
That's why Crescent Financial Group, a local Winnipeg firm, put together a free guide on the three accounts every Canadian should know:
RRSP: a tax break now, tax paid later when you withdraw in retirement.
TFSA: no break upfront, but every withdrawal comes out tax-free.
FHSA: a newer one for first-time home buyers, with perks going in and coming out.
But knowing the difference is one thing. Knowing which one fits your life right now is another.
Saving is the easy part. Getting the accounts right is what can save you thousands.
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!
Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs Calgary Stampeders | 7:30PM, July 24 ($)
Location: Princess Audio Stadium
Downtown Winnipeg Night Market | 2PM-10PM, July 24-25 (FREE)
Location: True North Square
Description: We're bringing a fresh musical vibe to downtown with live bands and talented solo artists performing throughout the evening, creating the perfect soundtrack for your summer night.
2026 Corydon Avenue Concert Series | 7PM-10PM, July 24-25 (More Info)
Location: Corydon Avenue Lilac & Hugo
Description: Enjoy the warm Winnipeg nights with the sounds of Jazz, Rock, Pop, Soul and Blues music (or hit the dance floor and practice your best moves).
Crave the Nite | July 24-26 (FREE)
Location: The Forks CN Stage & Field
Description: Experience a reimagined late-night festival designed to satisfy your hunger for culture, craft, and connection. Crave Nite is a curated summer destination where food, local artistry, and great Manitoba vibes meet.
Prince 1999 - The Ultimate Prince Experience | 8PM, July 24 ($)
Location: Club Regent Event Centre
Description: This immersive stage show experience pays tribute and reverence to one of the greatest musical pioneers of our time.
Folklorama Kick-Off Event at the Lyric Theatre | 4PM-8PM, July 25 (FREE)
Location: Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park
Description: Explore 45 unique ethno-cultural Pavilions throughout the city and enjoy authentic cuisine, immersive experiences, curated cultural displays, and captivating performances that will have you stomping your feet and dancing in your seat.
Stuff You Should Know Live | 7PM, July 25 (Tickets)
Location: Burton Cummings Theatre
Description: Stuff You Should Know is the award-winning podcast hosted by Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark since 2008.
Corydon Biz Family Street Dance! Come Dance In UR Pantz with ‘The Pantz! | 7PM-10PM, July 25
Location: Corydon Avenue & Hugo Street North
Description: This is a FREE FAMILY FRIENDLY STREET DANCE WITH ‘THE PANTZ!
Salsa Sundays on Graham | 5PM-10PM, July 26 (Tickets)
Location: Graham Avenue
Description: Live bands, dance performances, Latin DJ's, dance classes, local vendors and more.
Jazz in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden: Danny Carol | 12PM-1PM, July 26 (FREE)
Location: Assiniboine Park
Description: Music, movies, fun, and wellness take centre stage at Assiniboine Park's Summer Entertainment Series!
Soirée Bachata - Bachata Evening | 6PM-9PM, July 26 (Tickets)
Location: Le Patio 340
Description: Latin Dance Winnipeg is back at Patio 340 for the third year in a row. The Bachata evenings feature classes for beginners, professional performances, and Latin DJs.
Open Corydon – Little Italy | 10AM-8PM, July 26 (FREE)
Location: Corydon Avenue between Lilac St and Daly
Description: Open Corydon – Little Italy transforms one of Winnipeg's most popular entertainment districts into a vibrant, car-free destination every Sunday throughout the summer.
Current Events: July 22nd - 23rd
Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!
Sports 🏀
Live Racing at Assiniboia Downs | 7:30PM, July 22 ($)
Location: Assiniboia Downs
Description: To the Downs! Experience the thrill of watching and wagering on horse racing at Assiniboia Downs.
Winnipeg National Bank Challenger | July 22-26 (Tickets)
Location: National Bank Tennis MB Hub
Description: Every July over 60 tennis players descend on Winnipeg to vie for tennis greatness in the Winnipeg National Bank Challenger (WNBC). Provides the countless international players the opportunity to showcase their talents at this one-week event with winnings of $100,000.
Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Vancouver Bandits | 7PM, July 23 ($)
Location: Canada Life Centre
Victory Lanes Speedway | 6PM, July 23 ($)
Location: Victory Lanes Speedway
Description: Victory Lane Speedway is a WISSOTA sanctioned track less than 10 minutes south of Winnipeg on Highway 75.
MHJA – Heart of the Continent show | 8AM-4:30PM, July 23-26 (More Info)
Location: Main Horse Ring, Red River Exhibition Park
Description: Experience the excitement of show jumping at Exhibition Park as the Manitoba Hunter Jumper Association returns for another incredible competition.
Community Fun🎆
WAG Wednesday Nights: Dance Battle | 5PM-9PM, July 22 (FREE)
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq
Description: Experience the energy, creativity, and skill of hip hop dance at WHAT A GROOVE dance battle hosted by GeNie Baffoe.
Discover Nature Together at Fortwhite Alive
Forest Birds
6PM-7:30PM, July 22 ($)
Bison Tales
1PM-2:30PM, July 23 ($)
Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival | July 22-26
Location: Winnipeg Exchange District and The Cube
Description: North America’s second-largest Fringe Festival showcases more than 170 local, national and international theatre companies, offering performances of comedy, drama, improv, dance and more.
Jeudis Franco Thursdays | 5:30PM-11PM, July 23 (FREE)
Location: Saint-Boniface
Description: Jeudis Franco Thursdays is a vibrant cultural event series that takes place every Thursday from June to August in the St. Boniface quarter of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Downtown Farmer's Market | 10AM-2PM, July 23 (FREE)
Location: Along Graham Avenue
Performance 🎭
Comedy on the Rooftop | 7:30PM, July 23 (Tickets)
Location: WAG-Qaumajuq
Description: Join us for an evening of laughs and stunning views on the iconic WAG rooftop, featuring some of Winnipeg’s best comics.
Water Circus Nautilus | July 23-27 (Tickets)
Location: St Vital Centre
Description: Cirque Italia presents "Aquatic Spectacular.” The stage holds 35,000 gallons of water that performers dazzle over while thrilling the audience with every move. With this unique feature under the tent, guests will be surprised, for it’s a show of its own!
Jay Pharoah | July 23-25 ($)
Location: Rumor’s Restaurant and Comedy Club
Description: JAY dazzles as an emotionally-torn romantic in Netflix’s RESORT TO LOVE with Christina Milian.
Special Events🥂
Wednesday Swing Dancing in the Park | 6PM-9PM, July 22 (More Info)
Location: St Vital Park Duck Pond
Description: We are dancing on a smooth concrete floor so bring appropriate slippery footwear. Last minute cancellation may occur due to poor weather conditions.
Summer Concert Series at the Lyric Theatre (More Info)
Cassidy Man | July 23
Don Amero & Catie St. Germain presented by sākihiwē festival | July 26
Music 🎵
Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Friday!
