Midweek check-in, Winnipeg!

These are the last few days of summer, with August wrapping up and fall just around the corner. We hope you get the chance to step out, soak in the sunshine, and make a few more warm-weather memories before schools start up again.

At the end of today’s edition, as always, you’ll find the best events happening this week to help plan your long weekend. It’s the perfect time to squeeze in one more outing with family or friends before we officially shift seasons.

As always, thanks for being here and making this community what it is.

In today’s edition:

• Winnipeg Fall Leisure Guide Registrations Now Open

• Climb Garbage Hill to Support a Winnipeg Teen’s Dream

• New Winnipeg Costco Opening Nov. 12

• New Traffic Calming Curbs Installed Across Winnipeg

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Fall Leisure Guide Registrations Now Open

Every Winnipegger’s got their own way of making it through the long winter. Some lace up their skates as soon as the rinks open. Others sign up for pottery, yoga, or swimming just to have a reason to get out of the house when the snow piles up.

For families, it’s often about keeping kids busy after school or finding activities to enjoy together. And for many, it’s simply having something on the calendar to look forward to when the days get shorter.

The Fall & Winter Leisure Guide is that little push to stay active or try something new. Registration opened yesterday, and there’s plenty to choose from.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Over 2,200 fall classes are available, from skating and swimming to creative workshops.

• Winter classes are open too, with more skating and swimming programs coming in December.

• Registration for Winnipeg residents opened yesterday at 8 a.m.; non-residents can sign up starting Thursday.

• You can register online, by calling 311, or in person at Cindy Klassen Rec Complex, 395 Main, 170 Goulet, or any city indoor pool.

And if you’re looking to pick up something new this winter, or get your kids, grandkids, nieces, or nephews involved, there are plenty of options for both adults and children. It’s an easy way to make the colder months feel brighter, and maybe even more fun than summer.

Click Here: To check out the classes + the full guide!

Together with Cleanr Property Maintenance!

Last Call for 10% Off Weed Control in Winnipeg!

We’re in that late-August stretch where the evenings feel cooler and the weeds keep creeping in. If you haven’t had a chance to get around to your lawn this summer, Cleanr’s weed control service can help. They’ll tidy things up so your yard looks its best to close out the season while also setting it up for a healthier start next spring.

Their team targets stubborn weeds, gives your grass the nutrients it needs, and finishes with a fall fertilizer to strengthen the roots. Think of it as a late-summer boost that pays off now and later.

And the best part? If you’re not happy with the results, Cleanr backs it with a 200% satisfaction guarantee: they’ll fix it, or you get your money back and the job done right.

Why book before summer ends:

• Late-summer treatment controls fast-growing weeds (crabgrass, dandelions, the usual suspects)

• Spot-spraying plus a nutrient boost helps your lawn stay green longer

• Fall fertilizer sets roots up for a healthier spring start

• Done by a trusted local team that treats your yard like their own

And because you’re part of the Winnipeg Digest community, you’ll get 10% off all Cleanr Weed Control packages this month.

It’s one less thing to worry about before the snow flies. And one more way to keep your home looking its best. Click the link below to book online and claim your 10% off today!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Community Spotlight

Climb Garbage Hill to Support a Winnipeg Teen’s Dream

Garbage Hill has seen plenty of footsteps over the years: dog walkers, sledders, runners and many more. But on September 20, each climb will mean something more.

The Hill of Dreams Challenge is back at Westview Park, raising funds for Manitoba kids facing life-threatening illnesses.

This year’s climb is for Toban, a 17-year-old full of creativity who dreams of building his own 3D printing art space to explore his love for technology and design. Four years ago, Toban was diagnosed with a brain tumour that required emergency surgery.

Since then, he’s faced the long road of treatments and challenges, but through it all, his imagination has never stopped. Having this dream ahead of him has given him hope, balance, and something joyful to look toward.

Here’s how you can take part:

• Register for the challenge and start fundraising with your own page.

• Take on 30 climbs of Garbage Hill, or push for the hardcore 75.

• Meet at Westview Park (1 Midland St.) on Sept. 20. Registration at 9 a.m., climbs at 10.

• All proceeds go to The Dream Factory, making dreams happen for kids like Toban.

It’s more than just a workout. It’s a chance to come together as a community, to sweat side by side, and to help give one Winnipeg family a memory they’ll carry forever.

Click Here: To register or donate to Hill of Dreams!

City Updates

New Winnipeg Costco is Opening on Nov. 12, 2025

West Winnipeg is about to get a little busier, and a lot more convenient. The long-awaited Costco near Assiniboia Downs has its official opening date set for November 12.

It will be the city’s fourth location, joining the stores on St. James, McGillivray, and Regent. The new warehouse is expected to serve families in St. James–Assiniboia, Headingley, and surrounding neighbourhoods, making those big grocery runs and bulk shopping trips a little closer to home.

For locals, it’s more than just another store. It means fewer long drives across the city, more convenience for busy households, and another sign of growth in West Winnipeg.

Click Here: To learn more about the new Westport Costco opening!

City Updates

New Traffic Calming Curbs Installed Across Winnipeg

As mentioned a few editions ago, the city has been working on adding traffic calming curbs to neighbourhood streets. If you’ve ever stood at a crosswalk wishing cars would ease up, you’ll know why they matter.

The goal is simple: make it safer for kids, walkers, and cyclists by encouraging drivers to slow down where it matters most. That’s why the city’s been busy this month adding new traffic calming curbs in different parts of Winnipeg.

• 13 curbs have already been installed, with one more to be finished this week.

• They’re mostly placed near schools and crosswalks, where speeding has been a real concern.

• The curbs narrow the road so drivers naturally ease up, while also shortening the distance for people crossing.

• Three locations are even getting murals painted by kids in the neighbourhood, turning plain concrete into something brighter.

Some neighbours aren’t sure they’ve slowed traffic down yet, but crews will be tracking speeds over the next year to see if the initiative is a success. At the very least, it’s one small step toward calmer, safer streets for everyone.

Click Here: To see all locations and learn more about the traffic calming program

Winnipeg Police Shoplifting Campaign Leads to 20 Arrests

Running errands should feel simple and safe. But in some neighbourhoods, retail theft has been putting extra stress on staff and shoppers alike.

To tackle it, Winnipeg Police ran a retail theft suppression project last week in Transcona and St. Boniface. Over just three days, 20 people were arrested for charges ranging from robbery and theft to possession of break-in tools and weapons. Some were held in custody, others released with conditions, and a few diverted through Restorative Justice.

Police say that these projects aren’t just about arrests. They’re part of a broader effort to deter theft, raise awareness, and protect the people who work and shop in these neighbourhoods.

Click Here: To read more about the retail theft suppression project.

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!

• Downtown Family Movie Night | 5PM, Aug 29 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Bonnycastle Park

  • Description: Experience a magical cinematic evening under the stars at the 2025 Downtown Family Movie Night! Catch a screening of the 2024 blockbuster film, The Wild Robot.

• Just Being Jo Koy | 8PM, Aug 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Jo’s uniquely relatable comedy pulls inspiration from his colourful family that has reached all kinds of people and has translated into sold-out arenas around the world.

• Commonwealth Block Party Fundraiser | 8PM-11:30PM, Aug 29-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Main St at McDermot Ave

  • Description: After a fire and major water damage forced Commonwealth to close for six months, the team is bringing the community together with a Block Party Fundraiser. The parking lot next door will be filled with food trucks, drinks, DJs, dancing, and live performers.

• Speakeasy Magic | 8:30PM, Aug 29-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Back at The Basement after another sold out weekend, Brett Oddly and Patrick Gregoire present their incredible illusion, magic, and side show. It's sure to be amazing, mysterious and fun! Don't miss it.

• Manitoba Harness Racing | Aug 30 (FREE)

  • Location: The LOOP

  • Description: Join us at The LOOP at Exhibition Park this summer for heart-pounding action, exhilarating finishes, and unforgettable moments on the track!

• Zoo History Tour | 1PM-3PM, Aug 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Step back into the past as you learn about the Zoo's history on this brand-new tour! Learn about our animals and our conservation and research efforts as you journey through the Zoo, decade by decade.

• The Summer of Locals | Aug 30-31 (More Info)

  • Location: Outlet Collection Winnipeg

  • Description: Winnipeg’s last big summer market is this weekend. 80+ local vendors, 20+ food vendors, free kids activities like bouncy castles, face painting and more!

• Jazz in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden: Eric St. Godard 
  | 12PM-1PM, Aug 31 (FREE)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park

Exciting Events: August 27th & 28th

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

Sports🏒

• Wellness Wednesdays at the Lyric Theatre | 6PM, Aug 27 (FREE)

  • Location: Lyric Theatre

  • Description: Yoga with Adrienne Shum

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, Aug 27 (Free/Learn More)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

• Exchange Summer Fitness – Bootcamp | 12-12:45PM, Aug 27 (FREE)

  • Location: 201 Portage Plaza

• Victory Lane Speedway Race | 7PM, Aug 28 ($)

  • Location: Victory Lane Speedway

Community Fun🎆

• Play at The Forks | Daily (FREE)

  • Basketball with Basketball Manitoba: 6PM-8PM, Aug 27

    • Location: CN Field and Stage

  • Skateboarding with Pitikwé: Aug 28-31

    • Location: The Plaza Skatepark

  • Table Tennis with Sport Manitoba: 6PM-8PM, Aug 28

    • Location: On Grass Along CN Field and Stage

  • Nature-Based Crafting with Next Door Neighbour Studio: 6PM-6:30PM, Aug 28

    • Location: In the Public Orchard

• The Market at FortWhyte Farms | 10AM-3PM, Aug 27 (FREE)

  • Location: FortWhyte Farms

  • Description: It’s a market with a difference, where you not only support local, you invest in your community too with 100% of your purchase supporting the farms’ work as a social enterprise.

• Corn Maze | August 27 - 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.

• Baby Bison Walk | Aug 27 & 30 ($)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Come see the ninth-largest land animal at its smallest and cutest!

• Downtown Farmers' Market | 10AM-2PM, Aug 28 (FREE)

  • Location: Manitoba Hydro Place along Graham Avenue

  • Description: The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s popular Outdoor Farmers’ Market has been bringing local food and goods downtown for more than 12 years.

• Paddle Nights | Aug 21 ($)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Spend an evening paddling before sunset for the perfect summer night.

• Bison Bus Tour | Aug 28 & 31 ($)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

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

Performances🎭

• Last show: Frozen The Broadway Musical | Aug 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rainbow Stage

  • Description: Adapted from the first Frozen film which was the highest grossing film of the year (2013) and the highest-grossing animated film of all time.

• Deftones | 7PM, Aug 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Following a two week sequence of sold-out arena shows.

• Europa Super Circus | Aug 27-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Under the Big Top at Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Performances by world-class artists from all over the globe include high-flying aerialists, tight-wire acrobatics, FMX riders in the Wheel of Death, dizzying roller skaters, comedic clowns, and more!

• 201 Summer Concert: The NeWSOunds | 12PM-1PM, Aug 28 (FREE)

  • Location: 201 Portage Plaza

  • Description: Hailing from the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Featuring Greg Hay (mandolin, guitar, vocals), Sam Nadurak (cello, percussion, vocals), Chris Anstey (fiddle, vocals), and Meredith Johnson (bass, vocals), they bring a fresh, string-driven sound full of rhythm, harmony, and heart.

• The Killer Keys | 8PM-12AM, Aug 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Winnipeg's Only Dueling Piano Duo

• MAMMA MIA: An Abba Love Story | Aug 28 - Oct 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry

  • Description: Get ready for a summer of love, laughter and ABBA hits, in this light-hearted musical comedy that centers around a mother and daughter opening a boutique hotel on a tiny tropical island. The show explores the complications of love, friendship and second chances, as old passions are awakened and new love is born.

Special Events/Comedy🥂

• Savour the Exchange Food Tour | 6PM-8:30PM, Aug 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Exchange District

  • Description: Savour a few of these one-of-a-kind dining experiences on a food tour hosted by the Exchange District BIZ.

• Aidan McCluskey | Aug 27-30 ($)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: At 19, Aidan McCluskey left his associate's degree to pursue comedy. Four months after his first open mic, he won Acme's Funniest Person Contest, becoming the youngest winner in contest history.

• Heat & Harvest Festival | 7:30PM-11:30PM, Aug 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: St. Norbert Arts Centre

  • Description: Heat & Harvest is a music and arts festival set on the stunning grounds of the St. Norbert Arts Centre. Rooted in community, creativity, and connection to the land, the festival blends live music, local art, food, and cultural celebration in a setting like no other.

• Cinema Under the Stars 2025 - MIA  | 9PM, Aug 28 (FREE)

  • Location: Ruins of St. Boniface Cathedral

  • Description: Movies Under the Stars offers screenings of French-language films, accessible to all thanks to the presence of English subtitles.

• A Taste of Manitoba | Aug 28 - Sept 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Fort Gibraltar

  • Description: This exciting event invites everyone to enjoy delicious creations from 20 local Manitoba's restaurants, showcasing the rich culinary diversity of our province. Celebrate Manitoba’s vibrant food scene with a variety of mouthwatering dishes crafted by talented chefs.

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].