Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

With summer in full swing in our beautiful city, there are 50+ events happening this weekend, and we hope you get a chance to explore a few of them.

That said, today’s newsletter is a big one. Portage and Main opens to pedestrians today (yes, really!), and major bus route changes are coming this Sunday. There’s a lot to go over.

So grab your coffee, take a minute, and scroll through.

Now, in today’s edition:

• Portage & Main Reopens to Pedestrians Today After 46 Years

• REMINDER: Winnipeg’s New Bus Network Launches This Sunday

• Garden City’s New $300K Tennis Courts

• A Manitoba Senior Loses $2M to a Crypto Scam

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Portage & Main Reopens to Pedestrians Today After 46 Years

After nearly five decades, Winnipeg’s most iconic intersection is about to welcome back pedestrians. Starting today, people will be able to walk across Portage and Main for the first time since 1979.

It’s the kind of change that feels small on paper, but pretty huge for the folks who walk it every day.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The barricades are down and crosswalks are painted

• The intersection officially reopened today, June 27

• This change follows council’s decision last fall to opt for reopening instead of repairing the underground concourse

• And it’s reopening just ahead of Winnipeg’s new transit system launch on Sunday

City officials say it’s about creating a downtown that works for the next 20 years, not just today.

Click here: To learn more about the changes.

REMINDER: Winnipeg’s New Bus Network Launches This Sunday

Portage and Main just reopened to foot traffic. And now, the rest of the city’s getting a major reset too.

Starting June 29, almost every bus route in the city is changing. We’re talking new stop numbers, new route names, and a whole new way to get around. If you take transit (or know someone who does), you’ll want to double-check your regular ride before the weekend’s over.

What to remember:

• Saturday is the last day for our old routes; the new system starts Sunday

• The Primary Transit Network includes Rapid, Frequent, Direct, and On-Request lines

• Feeder routes will link neighbourhoods to major transit corridors

• 1,700 stops are being removed, but 460 new ones are being added for better flow

• Buses on main lines will come so often, you won’t even need a schedule

It’s a big shift, but it’s meant to make things simpler, faster, and more reliable for the long haul. So if you haven’t looked up your new route yet, now’s the time to get familiar.

Click here: To check your new routes!

Together with Moment Box!

Winnipeg’s Favourite Photo Booth (That Runs Itself)

If you’ve got a wedding, birthday, or social coming up, Moment Box is the easiest way to give your guests something fun and memorable.

It’s a local Winnipeg company, building everything from scratch, right here in the city. No rentals from overseas. No generic booth. Just smart, modern design that works without needing a staff person.

And the best part? It’s run by a group of young Winnipeggers chasing a dream and building something special from the ground up. If there’s ever been a time to rally behind local talent, this is it!

All your guests have to do is tap the screen, strike a pose, and walk away with a printed photo in seconds.

Here’s why people love it:

• Only takes 5 minutes to set up

• No attendant needed – it runs itself

• Clear DSLR photos with soft lighting

• Instant 4x6 prints in 12 seconds

• And a free online gallery with all the photos

So, if you’re all about supporting local and giving your guests something different, Moment Box nails both.

Dates are filling up fast, so if you or someone you know has a big day coming up, this is your sign to book now!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

City Updates

Garden City’s New $300K Tennis Courts Now Open to the Public

If you’ve driven past Garden City Collegiate lately, you might’ve seen the shiny new tennis courts. And no, they’re not just for the school.

They’re for all of us. Whether you're a beginner or just want to rally with friends after dinner, these courts are part of a national project to bring tennis to more neighbourhoods across Canada.

Here’s what to know:

• They’re built right beside Garden City Collegiate, but fully open to the public

• And funded through $300K from the province, with help from Tennis Canada & National Bank

• Tennis Manitoba will run programs for both kids and adults

• As it’s also part of the Play Your Court goal to restore or build 100 courts by 2030

• And tied to Winnipeg’s plan to grow access to youth sports and community rec spaces

Even if you’ve never held a racket before, that’s kind of the point. These courts are meant to be simple, local, and open for anyone who just wants to show up and play.

It’s a small but solid win for the community. More places to move, and connect without needing a pricey membership.

Click here: To learn more about the new tennis courts.

Community Digest

A Manitoba Senior Loses $2M to a Crypto Scam

We try to stay away from negative news as much as possible. But sometimes, we share stories like this as a heads-up. Because if it saves even one person from going through the same thing, it’s worth it.

As reported by The Winnipeg Free Press, a man in his 80s handed over $2 million over the course of a year to someone posing as an investor from a fake firm called Fargo Investor. They seemed legit: friendly, professional, and they even sent him fake reports showing “profits.” But it was all a lie.

Here’s what you should know:

• The Manitoba Securities Commission says others might’ve been scammed too

• The same company was flagged months ago in other provinces

• These scammers use AI, fake videos, even celebrity endorsements to trick people

• Signs to look for: weird spelling, mismatched email addresses, or sketchy websites

• Anyone, no matter how smart or experienced, can be targeted

If you or someone you know has been approached, call 1-855-372-8362. And always check AreTheyRegistered.ca before investing.

Click here: To read the full article at the Winnipeg Free Press.

Winnipeg Jets Release 2025 Pre-Season Schedule

It might still feel like summer, but hockey season is already peeking over the horizon. If you’re someone who counts down the days until the Jets are back on home ice, this one’s for you.

The Winnipeg Jets just dropped their six-game pre-season schedule for 2025, and it all kicks off at Canada Life Centre this September.

• Sun, Sept. 21 - vs Minnesota Wild at Canada Life Centre

• Tues, Sept. 23 - vs Edmonton Oilers at Canada Life Centre

• Fri, Sept. 26 - at Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place

• Sat, Sept. 27 - vs Calgary Flames at Canada Life Centre

• Tues, Sept. 30 - at Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center

• Fri, Oct. 3 - at Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome

That first home game is only a few months away, so if you’ve been missing the roar of the crowd and that opening face-off feeling, now you know when it’s back.

Exciting Events: June 27th - 29th

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please search them up before going.

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Scarborough Shooting Stars | 7:30PM, June 27 ($)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Milwaukee Milkmen | June 27-29 ($)

  • Location: Blue Cross Park

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8:30AM, June 28 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

• Zumba in the Park | 10-11AM, June 28 (FREE)

  • Location: Riley Family Duck Pond

• DND Run Club | 8:30AM, June 29 (FREE)

  • Location: Saintuary

  • Note: Dash N’ Dine Run Club! Run + a post-run party with a DJ lineup!

Community Fun🎆

• Ma Mawi’s 40th Anniversary Community BBQ Celebration | 12PM-4PM, June 27 (FREE)

  • Location: 445 King Street

  • Description: This family-friendly celebration will include free BBQ lunch, bingo, kids’ games, photobooth, petting zoo, karaoke, DJ dance party, and special performances.

• Baby Bison Walk | 10:30AM & 1:30PM, June 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Feel a connection to the herd as you see the miracle of baby bison.

• Family Fun Day | June 28 (FREE)

  • Location: St. Vital Park

  • Description: The event will feature GIANT bouncers, face painting, hilarious trivia games, delicious food, and a whole crew of awesome animators leading exciting games.

• Family Nature Hike | 10AM-11:30AM, June 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Explore themes such as bugs, birds, or bison on these family-friendly guided walks through FortWhyte Alive.

• Bison Bus Tour | 10:30AM & 1:30PM, June 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

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

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

• Celebrate Elmwood | 5:30M-7:30PM, June 27 (FREE)

  • Location: Polson School Field

  • Description: This event will feature cultural performances from around the world, cultural pavilions with information and activities, a petting zoo and free food.

• Chalmers Community Pop-Up Market | 12PM-8PM, June 28 (FREE)

  • Location: Chalmers Community Pop-Up Market

  • Description: Outdoor craft and sale show. We will have over 25 vendors and a chance to win a Door Prize valued at over $100!

• St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 8AM-2PM, June 28 (FREE)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

• Bronx Park Farmers Market | 9AM-2PM, June 28 (FREE)

  • Location: Bronx Park

  • Description: Shop fresh produce, handmade goods, and enjoy our splash pad and used tool sale at the woodshop.

• Festival of Children | 11AM-6PM, June 29 (FREE)

  • Location: Valley Gardens Community Center

  • Description: This free community event is designed for kids and families, featuring activities like face painting, bouncy castles, live entertainment, treats, snacks, games, and prizes.

• Canada Fest | June 29-30 & July 1 (FREE)

  • Location: Tyndall Park Community Centre

  • Description: Enjoy food trucks, the Food Park, local vendors, live entertainment, free Zumba, games, music, and more!

Performances🎭

• Rock of Ages | June 27 - July 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rainbow Stage

  • Description: The broadway musical Rock of Ages tells a love story between a small-town girl and a city boy set against the backdrop of 1980s Hollywood’s Sunset Strip.

• Macbeth, by William Shakespeare | June 27 - July 5 ($)

  • 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.

• RISE Musical Theatre presents: The REMIX | 2PM & 7PM, June 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

  • Description: The first-ever choreographic showcase spotlighting 10 of Winnipeg's top hip hop and commercial dance choreographers.

• Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare in the Ruins | 7PM, June 28 - July 6 ($)

  • 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.

• Grease Lightning | June 28-29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

  • Description: This immersive dinner theatre performance reimagines the world of Grease twenty years later, with classic rock and roll vibes.

Comedy❗

• Tommy Mellor | June 27-28 ($)

  • Location: Rumors Comedy Club

  • Description: He recently won the title of best comedian in Calgary at the 2022 Laugh Shop comedy competition and recently released his comedy special “The Prince Of All Comics” to much fanfare and critical praise.

• Mitch VK, Doug Koning, Max Sheldrick | 8:30PM, June 27-28 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Featuring three of the HOTTEST rising comedians.

• WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? | 8PM, June 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions.

Special Events/Concerts 🥂

• sākihiwē festival | June 27-29 (More Info)

  • Location: Various Locations

  • Description: Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre's 40th anniversary celebration on Friday, the Turtle Island Block Party on Saturday, and the Central Park Block Party on Sunday.

• Village Music Fest | June 27-28 (More Info)

  • Location: Osborne Village

  • Description: Showcase of how Canada’s multicultural landscape continues to shape the nation’s music scene. (20+ musicians)

• 2025 Corydon Avenue Concert Series | 7PM-10PM, June 27-28 (FREE)

  • Location: Hugo Street N and Cockburn Street S

  • Description: Bring a lawn chair and sit back and enjoy the warm Winnipeg nights with the sounds of Jazz, Rock, Pop, Soul and Blues music.

• Loveville Music Festival 2025 | June 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: The Biggest Afrobeats Festival in Central Canada. (50+ musicians)

• Folkroots Cultural Fest 2025 | 5PM, June 28 ($)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Punjabi Folk Dance Exhibition.

• Winnipeg International Feline Film Festival | 6:30PM-10PM, June 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Gas Station Arts Centre

  • Description: Featuring 13 extraordinary films from seven countries.

• Bumper to Bumper Carshow | 9AM, June 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Open Grounds of Outlet Collection Winnipeg

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food.

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