Midweek check-in, Winnipeg!

We hope the new year has been off to a great start for you. With the weather warming up just a bit, it feels like a good time to step outside again and enjoy some of the winter activities happening around the city. From skating and free events to simple ways to spend time together, there’s a lot going on right now that makes winter feel a little more inviting.

In today’s edition, we’re highlighting a few winter events worth adding to your calendar, along with other community updates and practical things to know as we ease into the new year.

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

The first full week of January is shaping up to be a good one. As routines ease back in, the city is rolling out a mix of winter-friendly events, free programming, and new weekly traditions worth adding to your calendar.

Winnipeg offers plenty of ways to get moving, spend time together, and enjoy winter in a way that feels accessible and fun. If you’ve been meaning to get out of the house, this weekend is a good place to start.

Check out our full list of Winnipeg events below to plan out your week ahead!

For many Manitoba students, planning for post-secondary is about more than picking a program. It’s also about figuring out how to afford tuition, books, housing, and everything that comes with it.

That’s where the Red River Exhibition Foundation can help. Each year, they offer thousands of dollars in scholarships and bursaries to support students across the province and help ease some of that financial pressure.

These awards are designed to support a wide range of paths, especially programs connected to the industries that play a big role in Manitoba’s economy and communities.

There isn’t just one scholarship or one type of student they’re looking for. There are multiple awards, different eligibility criteria, and a range of funding amounts, which makes it worth taking a closer look.

Most applications close the second Friday in May, giving students time to review options, prepare materials, and apply at a steady pace.

So if you’re planning ahead or know someone who could use a little extra help, this is a resource worth passing along.

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

Winnipeg keeps finding its way into the spotlight lately, and this time it’s thanks to our food scene.

Actor and comedian Blake Anderson recently gave Winnipeg a shoutout on the This Is Important Podcast, calling out VJ’s Drive Inn as a standout stop. He specifically mentioned the chili burger, saying it’s one of the top five burgers he’s ever had.

For locals, this probably isn’t a surprise. VJ’s has been a favourite for years, and moments like this just reinforce what many Winnipeggers already know. Our city has no shortage of memorable, local spots that stick with people long after they leave.

With this shoutout, Anderson joins other actors like Bob Odenkirk and Jon Hamm who’ve openly shown love for Winnipeg.

It’s a nice reminder that what makes this city special isn’t flashy. It’s familiar, genuine, and easy to remember.

Click here: To watch the clip and hear Blake Anderson’s Winnipeg shoutout!

This is one of those check-your-wallet moments.

A $1 million winning LOTTO 6/49 ticket from Saturday’s draw was sold somewhere in Winnipeg, and so far, no one has come forward to claim it.

According to the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, it was an exact match, meaning there’s just one winning ticket out there.

If you think you might be holding the winning ticket, the first step is to contact WCLC Player Care at 1-800-665-3313 to start the verification process.

Even if you usually only win a free play, this is worth a second look. You never know what’s tucked into a coat pocket, wallet, or glove box.

Click here: To see the official details about the winning ticket.

The University of Winnipeg has officially welcomed its first group of students into a new Anishinaabemowin Language Program, marking an important step for Indigenous language revitalization in Manitoba.

This is the first immersion-based Indigenous language degree program in the province. It was created to support adult learners who want to build fluency, reconnect with their culture, and help carry the language forward for future generations.

The program is supported by $2.3 million in provincial funding, allowing for dedicated instructors, immersive classroom learning, land-based experiences, and room to welcome more learners over time.

Programs like this help ensure Indigenous languages are not just preserved, but actively spoken, taught, and shared.

If you know someone who may be interested, this is worth passing along.

Click here: To learn more about Indigenous Language programs and how to apply at the University of Winnipeg.

This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!

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

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].