Happy Monday, Winnipeg!

It’s getting cold again this week, with temperatures dipping as low as -30, just when we thought we were over it.

That kind of cold has you layering up properly and planning your day around how fast you can get from one warm place to the next.

So before we bundle up and power through, let’s get you caught up. Below, you’ll find everything that happened over the weekend and the exciting things coming up this week across the city.

Grab your coffee, get cozy, and let’s get into it.

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

After nearly a decade, the UFC is officially coming back to Winnipeg for one of the biggest sporting events of 2026.

A UFC Fight Night card will take place on Saturday, April 18 at Canada Life Centre, bringing one of the world’s biggest MMA promotions back to downtown.

Malott is currently on a three-fight win streak and says he’s excited to headline in front of a Canadian crowd. There will also be weigh-ins and fan events happening on April 17, leading up to fight night.

For local MMA fans, this marks the third UFC event ever held in Winnipeg, and the first in nearly a decade.

So if you’ve been waiting for a chance to watch UFC live, click the link below to see the details on how to get your tickets before they sell out!

Click Here: To check the full event details and register for your ticket!

If you're organizing baseball or soccer this spring and summer, now's the time to lock in your field.

The Red River Exhibition Association now manages John Blumberg Park, bringing new energy and upgrades to one of Winnipeg's well-known outdoor sports venues.

With the season around the corner, it's a great time to secure space for practices, league games, and tournaments.

Exhibition Park also has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces and venues for rent, date flexibility, event planning knowledge, and dedicated staff to help you host almost any kind of event imaginable. The spaces can be configured to suit just about any style of function.

Whether you're booking field time or planning something bigger, spring and summer dates don't stay open for long. Securing your space early simply makes the rest of your planning easier once the season kicks off.

Click the link below to learn more about facility rentals, availability, and booking options.

After more than 30 years of serving homemade comfort food, The Oakwood Cafe has announced it will close its doors on March 8th.

For many Winnipeggers, Oakwood has been more than just a restaurant.

It’s been a go-to brunch spot, a midweek dinner fix, a first-date table, and a place where regulars were greeted by name.

Like many independent restaurants, rising food costs and tighter margins have made it harder to keep going. And now, this longtime local staple is preparing to say goodbye.

If you’ve shared a meal here before, now’s the time to come back one more time. And if you’ve never been, this is your chance to finally try it.

Let’s show up for this South Osborne staple and give it the send off it deserves. Stop in, order your favourites, bring a friend, and support this local staple while you still can.

📍 660 Osborne Street
🕓 Sunday & Monday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
🕓 Tuesday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM

Click Here: To view their full menu and plan your visit!

A Manitoban is stepping into one of the most important health roles in the country.

Dr. Joss Reimer has been appointed as Canada’s new Chief Public Health Officer, stepping into the country’s top public health role for a three year term starting April 1, 2026.

Many here at home know her from her leadership during the pandemic, but her work goes far beyond that.

Not a bad resume to bring to the country’s top public health job.

Beyond the titles and awards, she brings expertise in health equity, immunizations, infectious diseases and health communication, with research experience in Canada and internationally.

At a time when Canada faces ongoing public health challenges, seeing a Manitoba physician take on this national role is something our province can be proud of.

Click Here: To read more about her new role and what it means for Canada.

After a strong second week at the Milan Cortina Olympics, Canada’s men’s hockey team fell 2-1 in overtime to the United States in the gold medal final on Sunday.

The winning goal came just 1:41 into extra time during 3 on 3 play. Canada had tied the game late in the second period with a goal from Cale Makar, but the U.S. pulled ahead in overtime to secure its first Olympic men’s hockey gold since 1980.

Canada played the final without captain Sidney Crosby, who missed the game due to injury.

While the loss stings, the silver medal capped off a strong Games overall. After a slow start, Canada finished with 21 total medals, including five gold, climbing the standings in the final days.

For hockey fans, this one will hurt. But the effort and pride on display throughout the tournament won’t be forgotten.

Click Here: To watch the game highlights from Canada vs USA.

If you love a good summer fair, winter celebration, or neighbourhood festival, this is good news.

The Manitoba government is investing more than $1.2 million to support festivals across the province, helping events continue to grow and thrive in towns and cities of all sizes.

This funding is delivered through the Community Festivals and Events program, along with dedicated support for major standalone events.

These festivals do more than fill a weekend calendar. They help local vendors, artists and small businesses, while bringing neighbours together and showcasing the culture and diversity that make Manitoba unique.

With events happening year-round, this investment helps ensure there are more opportunities for Manitobans to gather, celebrate and support local.

Click here: To read more about the funding and supported festivals.

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

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