Hey Winnipeggers,

Hope you’ve had an amazing week as we soak up these last days of fall. This newsletter’s a big one for Winnipeg sports fans, with exciting updates from all of our teams!

So, grab a cozy spot, and let’s dive into some great local stories!

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Travis Kelce Reps The Blue Bombers!

• Winnipeg’s Controlled Burns Start

• Seven Blue Bombers Named CFL All-Stars

• 40+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Anti-Islamophobia Group for Manitoba Schools

Manitoba’s taking a real stand against Islamophobia in schools, and it’s a move every family can feel good about. The government’s new Anti-Islamophobia Working Group is diving into our K-12 classrooms to make things safer and more inclusive for all kids, teachers, and staff.

This group isn’t just all talk, they’re working with faith leaders, community advocates, and educators to build awareness and create resources that’ll help teachers spot and stop Islamophobia in its tracks. For families, this means a stronger, kinder community where every kid can feel they belong. With input from all corners of Manitoba’s diverse communities, this is a big step toward ensuring our schools represent the values we share as Winnipeggers: respect, unity, and understanding.

It’s a reminder that hate has no home here. Our schools are stepping up, and our kids—and city—will be stronger for it. Click the button below, for the members list!

Travis Kelce Reps The Blue Bombers!

Looks like Winnipeg’s got a new fan in the NFL! Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce just rocked a Winnipeg Blue Bombers jersey on his podcast and not just any jersey, but number eight, a shoutout to his old roommate and Bomber’s QB, Zach Collaros.

As you’d expect, the internet went wild. The CFL had some fun saying, “Looks a bit different here.”

And the cherry on top? Manitoba’s own Premier Wab Kinew personally invited Kelce and, yes, his pop superstar girlfriend Taylor Swift to come check out Winnipeg. Now, here’s hoping Kelce’s Bomber spirit brings some good luck to our playoff run!

Local Community

Winnipeg’s Controlled Burns Start

Starting October 30th on Tuesday, Winnipeg kicked off its annual controlled burn program across natural areas. So if you notice extra smoke, don’t worry! This seasonal burn (running through November 14) helps keep our prairies healthy by removing invasive weeds and supporting endangered plants.

Since 1986, the city’s used these planned burns to protect our unique tall grass prairies, keeping these green spaces alive and well for everyone to enjoy. Next time you see a little smoke, just know it’s Winnipeg doing its part for our environment, one small burn at a time.

Manitoba’s Surgical Backlog – Still More Work to Do

Manitoba’s making headway on the surgery backlog, but we’re not there yet.

As reported by The Winnipeg Sun, the province has nearly 40,000 procedures on hold, placing us close to last across Canada. It’s especially tough on kids, rural families, and those with limited income, who’ve been hit hardest by these delays.

Getting surgery sooner means quicker recovery, less stress, and a faster return to normal for so many Manitobans. Doctors Manitoba is pushing for more resources, but they’re also reminding us to keep advocating for ourselves and our loved ones. This is a long game, but each voice counts, helping to get families the care they deserve.

Winnipeg Sports!

Jets Star Connor Hits 500 Points and Keeps Scoring

The Winnipeg Jets are rolling, and Kyle Connor is right at the center of it. Connor just hit a big milestone with 500 career NHL points, tacking on a goal and two assists in the Jets’ 6-2 win over Detroit. And even with a close loss to Toronto, Connor’s on fire with a 10-game point streak, tying the best season start in Jets history. Here’s hoping his hot streak keeps bringing us good luck as the season heats up!

Seven Blue Bombers Named CFL All-Stars

Big news for Bomber fans: seven of our own have landed spots on the CFL’s West Division All-Star Team! Brady Oliveira, Nic Demski, Willie Jefferson, and a few more of Winnipeg’s best are getting recognized for their standout play this season.

These guys have given us plenty to cheer about—whether it’s Oliveira powering through defenses or Demski’s hands catching those passes. With playoffs around the corner, Bomber pride is running high in Winnipeg, and we can’t wait to see these all-stars in action. Let’s bring the trophy home!

Click the button below for the full list!

Exciting Events: Nov 1 -3

This section only includes events until the next edition on Monday, so here’s what’s happening Friday till Sunday!

Sports🏀

• Manitoba Moose vs. Milwaukee Admirals | Nov 1-2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Nov 2 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Winnipeg Jets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning | 2PM, Nov 3 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Jets celebrate annual Pride Game!

Family Fun🎆

• First Friday in The Exchange | 5-9PM, Nov 1 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: Multiple Locations in Exchange District

  • Description: Galleries, Artist-Run Centres, Studios, Shops + Museums stay open late at this free event in Winnipeg's Exchange District.

• Manitoba Skies | Nov 2-3 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum Planetarium

  • Description: Take a live guided tour of Manitoba’s sky!

• Free Entry to the WAG |11AM - 5PM, Nov 3 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery

  • Description: Discover the 185,000-square-foot cultural campus that is WAG-Qaumajuq, including the stunning Visible Vault showcasing thousands of carvings for FREE!

• Create and Connect Crafts at The Leaf | 1-3PM, Nov 3 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: Tannis M. Richardson Classroom at The Leaf

  • Description: Hands-on crafting using natural or recycled products! Crafts are appropriate for kids and families of all ages and are accessible without admission to the biomes

Markets 🛍️

• Annual University Women’s Club Christmas Market | Nov 1-2 ($4 at the door)

  • Location: 54 West Gate Ralph Connor House

  • Description: Three floors of crafts, giftware, food items, and guest vendors in the historic Ralph Connor House, 54 West Gate.

• Wpg Punk Rock Flea Market | 10AM - 5:30PM, Nov 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre (Hall D)

  • Description: Over 100 incredible vendors for a day of shopping, music, and support for local businesses.

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM-2PM, Nov 2 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Gateway Recreation Center Fall & Christmas Craft Sale | 9AM - 3PM, Nov 2 (More Info)

  • Location: Gateway Recreation Centre

  • Description: Over 60 Tables: Artisans, Bakers, Direct Sales, Quilters, Woodworkers, Knitters and more!

• 3rd Annual Jingle bell Rock Craft Sale | 10AM - 3PM, Nov 2 (More Info)

  • Location: South Winnipeg Community Centre - Richmond Kings

• Artisan Avenue by Inspirations Market | Nov 2-3 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Place

  • Description: Early Christmas market with 120+ artisans to shop from!

• Dakota Community Centre Christmas Market | Nov 2-3 (More Info)

  • Location: 1188 Dakota Street

  • Description: Market experience into a 30,000 sq ft room with 146 booths!

Comedy❗

• Nathan Macintosh Comedy | Nov 1-2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Most recently performing for his third time on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC, Nathan has also appeared on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on CBS, Conan on TBS, and multiple Just For Laughs Galas.

• Mundane Problems | Nov 1-2 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Mundane Problems is a 4-piece comedy band that comes up with improvised songs about everyday issues. Don't miss this insanely fun show!

• Cedric Newman Comedy | Nov 1-2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Yuk Yuks Comedy Club (222 Broadway)

  • Description: He’s had the pleasure of working with some of the industries big names such as Russel Peters, Shaun Majunder and Gerry Dee.

Special Events 🥂

• Kevin Smith Gets Winnipeged | 7PM, Nov 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: See the award-winning documentary “Phantom of Winnipeg”. Plus Q & A with Kevin Smith.

• The Play That Goes Wrong | Nov 1 - Nov 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage (174 Market)

  • Description: The Play That Goes Wrong is the right choice if you’re looking for a hilarious night out!

• 4th Annual Pumpkin Drop | 10AM - 3 PM, Nov 2 (More Info)

  • Location: CF Polo Park

  • Description: Drop your pumpkin into a collection truck from the 2nd level of the parkade.

• Kids Clothing & Toy Swap | 8AM - 1 PM, Nov 2 (More Info)

  • Location: Ralph Brown Community Centre

  • Description: Open to parents and caregivers in the Winnipeg area where folks trade unneeded toys and clothing for things useful to their growing family!

Live Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food or tickets available at the door or may be free.

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Monday!

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].