Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

We’ve got a few things heading our way this weekend that feel just about right for late March in Winnipeg. A bit of snow, a couple of road closures, and a good reason to double-check your plans before heading out. So we’ve pulled together all the updates you’ll want to know to help you stay ahead of it.

And while the weather might be doing its thing, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of the weekend. We’ve rounded up a bunch of local events, including things to do for spring break with your kids and grandkids, so make sure to read right through to the end. There’s something in here for everyone.

In today’s edition:

• Two Big Street Closures You’ll Want to Know About

• $1.5M Program to Help Manitoba Businesses

• Hudson’s Bay Liquidation Sale

• Winnipeg Jets Clinch Playoff Spot in Overtime

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Two Big Street Closures You’ll Want to Know About

We usually don’t cover road closures unless they really matter. But these two could mess up your morning if you’re heading out. So we wanted to give you a heads-up before you're stuck honking at a detour.

• Eastbound Portage Avenue East will be closed today from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to pour concrete as part of the Portage & Main pedestrian reopening. Pedestrians can still pass through, but drivers should expect delays.

• Louise Bridge is also closed in both directions from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for bridge bearing repairs. The good news? It’ll stay open for rush hour. If you need to cross the river, take Provencher or Disraeli.

We know closures can be annoying, but this stuff helps move the city forward. Just a little planning goes a long way, especially when you’ve got places to be.

For regular updates on City of Winnipeg lane closures and to view lane closures on an interactive map, be sure to click the button below.

$1.5M Program to Help Local Businesses

When things get shaky on the world stage, it’s the people here at home we think about first. The folks running factories, the ones showing up to work every day to keep our province moving. And with the U.S. threatening to bring back tariffs, Manitoba’s stepping up to support our own.

The province just announced a $1.5 million investment into a made-in-Manitoba program that’ll help local manufacturers deal with the impacts of U.S. tariffs.

Here’s what it includes:

• Workforce and business training so Manitoba companies can learn how to respond to tariffs

• A made-in-Manitoba summit that brings businesses together to build local connections

• One-on-one support to help companies come up with a game plan if they’re affected by tariffs

They’ve also created a U.S. Trade Council, launched a Support Manitoba. Buy Local. campaign, and set aside up to $200 million in loans and supports to help businesses adapt and expand into new markets.

So whether you’re grabbing something from a local shop or know a business that might benefit from this new support, every little bit helps. Click the button below to learn more.

A message from Canlan Sports!

A Great Next Step for Hockey Kids

If your child has been skating their heart out at spring break camp and you’re wondering what comes next... this is it.

Canlan Sports’ Skills & Drills program starts April 6, and it’s the perfect way to keep your kid growing, learning, and staying active once camp wraps up. It's a smooth transition that keeps the momentum going. No pressure, no tryouts, just a fun, welcoming place to get better every week.

Whether your child is just learning to love the game or dreaming of their next big goal, these sessions meet them where they’re at.

Each week focuses on a different core area:

• Power Skating (weeks 1, 5, and 9)

• Stick Handling & Passing (weeks 2, 6, and 10)

• Shooting & Scoring (weeks 3, 7, and 11)

• Battle Drills & more (weeks 4, 8, and 12)

It’s designed for all ages and skill levels, and with weeknight and weekend options, it fits right into busy family life.

And honestly, there’s nothing better than watching your child find their rhythm, push through something tough, and smile when it finally clicks. That’s what makes programs like this so special.

Registration is open now. Spots do fill up, so don’t wait too long.

If this sounds like something your friends or someone you know might be interested in, be sure to share the link below with them.

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Winnipeg Digest? Reply to this email or reach out at thewinnipegdigest@gmail.com!

Community Digest

Hudson’s Bay Liquidation Sale

As most of you probably know, Hudson’s Bay is officially shutting down in both Polo Park and St. Vital. It’s a bittersweet moment. Sure, it’s a great chance to grab some clothes or home stuff on sale, but for many of us, it’s also a goodbye to a place that’s been part of our shopping memories for years. As reported by CBC News:

• Liquidation sales have already started, with 15 to 40 percent off most items

• Makeup and fragrance aren't included yet, so those aisles are still full price

• Both Winnipeg stores will close by June 30, part of a national wind-down

• The Polo Park location has three floors and over 212,000 square feet, while St. Vital has two

Everyone’s already wondering what could fill the massive spaces. Some are hoping for a gym, others dream of something fun and local.

But, whatever comes next, it’s the end of an era. But, if you do need some extra clothes at discounted prices, be sure to visit one of the two locations while inventory lasts.

Snowstorm Expected in Winnipeg

This is just another reminder of how unpredictable our weather is, haha. But we wouldn’t be Winnipeg if we didn’t get hit with a snowstorm right when everyone thought spring was finally here to stay.

With snow falling as I’m writing this, it’s expected to keep coming down throughout the day. So if you’re out and about, here’s what you should know:

• 15 to 25 cm of snow is expected between this afternoon and tonight

• Affected areas include Winnipeg, Roblin, Portage la Prairie, Carman, and more

While the snow piles up, city crews are on standby, ready to salt and sand the roads. So if you're heading out, give yourself a little extra time, drive safe, and stay clear of the snowplows. And maybe hold off on swapping out those winter tires just a little longer, looks like we’ve still got one more blast of winter left in us.

City Updates

New Folk Fest Acts Announced

If you’ve been counting down the days to Folk Fest, here’s something to get even more excited about. Seven new artists have been added to the 50th anniversary lineup, and whether you’re a longtime fan or just love discovering new music under the sun, this year’s festival is shaping up to be one for the books.

Here’s who’s joining the stage:

• Peach Pit

• The Lone Bellow

• Jeffrey Martin

• Dengue Fever

• The Black Sea Station

• SAND

• VÍÍK

They’ll join a stacked lineup that already includes Jason Isbell, Ani DiFranco, Begonia, The Cat Empire, and more from July 10 to 13 at Birds Hill Park.

This summer weekend always brings something special with great music, friendly faces, and that feeling you get when the whole field starts singing along. Tickets are now on sale, so if you’re planning to go, don’t wait too long to grab yours.

Winnipeg Jets Clinch Playoff Spot in Overtime

The Jets went toe to toe with the NHL’s top team and came out with more than just a win.

With a 3 to 2 overtime victory against the Capitals on Tuesday, Winnipeg became the second team in the league to clinch a playoff spot.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Nikolaj Ehlers scored the overtime winner to seal the game

• Connor Hellebuyck made 27 saves for his league leading 41st win of the season

• Winnipeg now sits at 49 wins, 19 losses, and 4 overtime losses, with 102 points, just one behind Washington for the top spot in the NHL

• It’s the Jets’ third straight playoff appearance, and the fastest clinch in franchise history, locking it in after just 72 games!

It’s a great time to be a Jets fan, and it’s only getting more exciting from here. Now tell us…

Exciting Events: March 28th - 30th

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

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Jets vs New Jersey Devils | 7PM, Mar 28

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Mar 29th (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Winnipeg Jets vs. Vancouver Canucks | 2PM, Mar 30

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | March 28 - April 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry (1824 Pembina Hwy)

  • Description: Saddle up for a wild ride as Destination Dinner Stage takes you on a hilarious journey through the wilderness of family drama, and a hearty dose of cowboy humor.

• Casey and Diana Play | Mar 28 - April 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

  • Description: Inspired by Princess Diana’s historic visit to Toronto’s Casey House in 1991.

• Prophecy Play | Mar 28-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rachel Browne Theatre

  • Description: Cassandra has been blessed with the ability to see the future, but her curse is that no one will ever believe her.

• Frozen in Time Musical | 11AM & 2PM, Mar 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: This event will be filled with storytelling and singing along to all your favourite songs!

• Cat Kid Comic Club The Musical | 2PM, Mar 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog have started an epic club to teach 21 rambunctious baby frogs how to make their own comics!

• Astronaut Adventure | 10AM - 5PM, Mar 29 - April 6 (Needs Tickets)

  • Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

  • Description: Space-themed experience will immerse young explorers in hands-on activities inspired by astronaut training, space science, and the wonders of the universe.

• Spring Break at the Zoo | Mar 29 - April 6 (Needs Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Activities will include Zoo chats with our animal care team, crafts, a special historical tour of the Zoo, and more.

• The Gruffalo’s Child | Mar 29-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood.

• Spring Break: Children’s Museum | Mar 29-30 (Needs Tickets)

  • Location: Children’s Museum

  • March 29:

    • Special Guests: Let’s Talk Science

    • Craft: Build A Spaceship

    • Activity: Fizzy Shapes

  • March 30:

    • Special Guests: Drop In Dance Winnipeg – Dance Classes

    • Craft: Music Shakers

    • Activity: Make Your Own Story

Markets 🎡

• Orchid Sale at the Leaf | Mar 28-29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tannis M. Richardson Classroom (The Leaf), 145 The Leaf Way

  • Description: Orchids are available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Spring Artisan Market 2025 | Mar 28-29

  • Location: Artists Emporium (580 Roseberry St)

  • Description: A vibrant shopping experience featuring unique, handcrafted creations by talented local artists and artisans.

• Start Seeding at St. Norbert Farmers Market | 11AM, Mar 29

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

  • Description: It also includes a FREE SEED SWAP TABLE - bring some seeds, take some seeds⁠ and always buy local!

Comedy❗

• The Cold AF Comedy Tour! | 8:30PM, Mar 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: The COLD AF Comedy Tour brings you 4 of the best comics in all of Northwestern Ontario!

• Kelly Taylor Comedy | Mar 28-29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: From the Telus Cup, Memorial Cup, World Jrs. Stanley Cup Party, and even a NHL Dressing room.

• Dom Pare Comedy | Mar 28-29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club

  • Description: Blends magnetic onstage charisma, hilarious observation, and clever writing to deliver memorable side-splitting comedy.

• Winnipeg Comedy Spotlight | 8:30PM, Mar 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Three of Winnipeg's best! Emmanuel Lomuro (Comedy Records), Spencer Adamus (Just For Laughs) and Tyler Kotowski (Winnipeg Comedy Festival) doing 20+ minutes each.

Special Events 🥂

• C4 - Central Canada Comics/Collectibles Show | 10AM - 5PM, Mar 29

  • Location: Centro Caboto Centre

  • Description: Comics, Toys, Art, and Collectibles – Back and Better Than Ever! (Tickets: 5 dollars at the door)

• Latin Sundays at The Forks | 5:30-9:30PM, Mar 30

  • Location: Room 201, second floor of The Forks Market

  • Description: Experience Latin culture through music, dance, food and performances.

Music 🎵

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

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 thewinnipegdigest@gmail.com.