Happy Monday, Winnipeg!
Hope you've had a chance to slow down this long weekend, whether that's been a backyard barbecue, a campsite somewhere quiet, or just a slower morning at home.
In today's edition, we're catching you up on what's open and closed for Victoria Day, a few city updates worth knowing about, and some fun stuff happening around town.
Now, in today’s edition:
What's Open and Closed in Winnipeg This Victoria Day
Restaurant of the Week
Manitoba's Camping Season is Open (With a Few Things to Know First)
New Measles Exposure Sites Reported in Winnipeg
Uniqlo Officially Opens Its First Winnipeg Store
Multiple events this week
— Jas Singh
News
What's Open and Closed in Winnipeg This Victoria Day
The May long weekend is finally here, and for a lot of us, that means slowing down, spending time with family, and maybe doing a little less than usual.
If you're planning to head out for a bite, run a quick errand, or just figure out what's open before you make the drive, we've got you covered.
Here's what's happening across the city on Victoria Day, Monday, May 18:
Shopping Centres
Kildonan Place, Polo Park, St. Vital Centre, Outlet Collection: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Grant Park: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Liquor Marts
Most locations open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (True North Square closed)
City Services
Civic offices, libraries, and Animal Services: closed
Garbage, recycling, and yard waste: collected as usual for Monday routes
Winnipeg Transit: running a Sunday schedule
Pools & Rec
Pan Am Pool: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Margaret Grant Pool: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cindy Klassen Rec Complex: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
All other pools and fitness centres are closed
Attractions:
Manitoba Museum open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
WAG-Qaumajuq open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights is closed.
And if you're stepping out tonight and feeling hungry for something good without spending a fortune, we put together a list of our favourite spots around the city where you can eat well for under $20.
Whether you're craving pizza, pho, tacos, or a classic burger, there's something on this list for every kind of long-weekend mood.
Together with The EX!
Summer's Biggest Fair Is Officially Less Than a Month Away
Every year, summer's biggest fair comes and goes, and half of Winnipeg misses it without even realizing.
This year, we're making sure that's not you.
Because once you're there, with rides, food, and live music all around you, it always somehow ends up being one of the best days of the season.
The EX is back June 12 to 21 at the Exhibition Park, with ten full days of everything that makes it worth going back every year.
And with tickets at their lowest price, now’s the time to pick your dates and lock it in.
Here's what you can look forward to:
49 thrill rides and family attractions for all ages
300+ hours of free live music and entertainment across three stages
55+ classic fair food options plus new treats to try
Juried art, photography, and quilt competitions featuring Manitoba talent
Special events including Marriage on the Midway, a Mardi Gras parade, Pokemon GO Day, and a DJ foam party!
Bring the kids, round up your friends, or just make a night of it. However you do it, a day at The EX has a way of taking care of itself.
Early tickets are on sale now at the lowest price of the season. Click below to see everything happening this year and grab yours before prices go up!
Restaurant of the Week: Sergio Pasta
Build Your Own Pasta Bowl at Sergio's Pasta
If you're a pasta person, this one's worth knowing about.
Sergio's Pasta is one of those quietly impressive spots that's been making waves with a simple promise: premium pasta at non-pretentious prices. Everything is fresh, daily-made, and cooked to order.
What makes it really fun though is that you can build your own bowl. Pick your pasta, pick your sauce, add what you like, and they put it all together.
A few reasons to check it out:
Build-your-own pasta with daily-made noodles and house sauces
Generous portions that easily stretch into next-day leftovers
Vegan and gluten-free options on the sauce list
Family-size orders if you're feeding a crowd
Right now they're takeout and delivery only, but word is a sit-down location could be in the works, so this is a great time to get on board early.
📍 120 Lowson Cres #2, Winnipeg
🕒 Wed–Thurs 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m. | Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Sun 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Click Here: To check out their full menu or order online!
City Updates
Manitoba's Camping Season is Open (With a Few Things to Know First)
If you've got a camping trip planned soon, it's worth double checking your spot before you load up the car.
Most provincial park campgrounds across Manitoba are now officially open for the season, but a handful in the north are still snow covered and not quite ready to welcome campers.
Here's what's pushed back:
Campers Cove and Pioneer Bay (Clearwater Provincial Park): opening May 22
North Steeprock Lake (Porcupine Hills): opening May 22
Wekusko Falls, Bakers Narrows, Grass River, and Paint Lake: delayed until at least May 29
Duck Mountain Provincial Park: open this weekend, but no water services and some sites still have snow
Anyone with a reservation at one of the delayed parks is being contacted directly. And no matter where you're heading, bring extra drinking water since spring services are still limited at most sites.
It's a slower start than usual, but the season's officially underway.
Click here: To check campground updates and book your spot.
New Measles Exposure Sites Reported in Winnipeg
This one's a quick heads up for anyone who's been out and about this past week.
Public health officials have shared a few new Winnipeg locations linked to a possible measles exposure. Here are the sites and times to check against your week:
RONA+ Winnipeg East (775 Panet Rd.), May 10, 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Shoppers Drug Mart (1155 Concordia Ave.), May 10, 4:30 p.m. to 6:35 p.m.
Beer Boutique (910 Regent Ave. W.), May 10, 5 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
If you were at any of these spots during those times, public health is asking you to check your immunization records and make sure your measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV) is up to date.
Symptoms can take 7 to 21 days to show up, so it's worth keeping an eye out even if you feel fine right now.
Community Digest
Uniqlo Officially Opens Its First Winnipeg Store
If you went to Polo Park on Friday morning, you probably saw the line, and what a line it was.
Over 1,200 Winnipeggers lined up to be the first inside Uniqlo's brand new store at CF Polo Park, the Japanese retailer's very first location in our city.
For anyone who hasn't shopped there before, Uniqlo is known for simple, well-made everyday basics.
Think soft tees, comfortable jeans, their famous Heattech layers for our winters, lightweight Ultra Light Down jackets, and easy pieces for the whole family at prices that are genuinely fair.
A few things worth knowing about the new store:
It's Uniqlo's 37th store in Canada
Around 85 staff are working at the Polo Park location
And the second Winnipeg store is coming to St. Vital Centre later this year, in the old Hudson's Bay space
There's something pretty fun about being part of a city that shows up like that.
Whether you're a longtime Uniqlo fan, or just curious to see what the hype's about, this might be a fun stop to add to your long weekend plans.
Events Coming up this week:
This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!
WAG Wednesday Nights: Comedy Show | 5PM-9PM, May 20 (FREE)
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq
Description: A comedy night about local pride, homebody habits, and discovering excitement five minutes from your house. Based on the current exhibit Staycation, comics will share stories about growing up in Winnipeg, staycation holidays, and killing time living in the prairies.
Queer Space Speaker Series | 7PM, May 20 (Tickets)
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery
Description: Queer Space is a curated public event at the Winnipeg Art Gallery celebrating and elevating the voices of queer leaders and influencers who are shaping Manitoba’s communities, our culture, and our world.
St. Charles Big Band Contemporary & Jazz Night | 8PM, May 20 (Tickets)
Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge
Description: Experience the rich, timeless sounds of big band contemporary & jazz performed live in an intimate speakeasy setting that’s perfect for music lovers and night owls alike.
Garden Party Mystery | 6:30PM, May 21 (Tickets)
Location: Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre
Description: Step into the past at The Garden Party Mystery, an immersive, escape-room-style experience with a twist. Instead of breaking out, you’ll be sleuthing your way in, following hidden clues, unravelling secrets, and piecing together a puzzling Victorian mystery.
Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents Spotlight | May 21-23 (Tickets)
Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People
Description: Witness the magic of dance as the talented students in our Professional Division’s Ballet Academic Program (BAP) take centre stage for a transcendent year-end performance that showcases highlights from timeless classical masterpieces and unveils breathtaking new works.
Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Milwaukee Milkmen | May 22-24 (Tickets)
Location: Blue Cross Park
The Ron Paley Tribute Concert | 8PM, May 23 (Tickets)
Location: Burton Cummings Theatre
Description: The Ron Paley Tribute Concert celebrates the life and legacy of Ron Paley—his artistry, his lasting impact on Winnipeg’s jazz community, and the generations of musicians he inspired. Renowned as a performer, composer, and arranger, Ron’s work has resonated far beyond Winnipeg, earning recognition across Canada and around the world.
2026 Ride Down Portage | 1PM, May 23 (More Info)
Location: Portage Ave
Description: Come join us again as we ride through the city spreading awareness of the number of motorcycles on our roads.
2026 Fort Garry United Church Garage Sale | 9AM-3PM, May 23 (More Info)
Location: Fort Garry United Church
Description: Bake Sale, art, toys, books, music books, sports gear, tools, dishes housewares, jewelry, plants, bedding, small appliances, small furniture.
MB Food Truck Battles | May 23-24 (Tickets)
Location: Assiniboia Downs
Description: This event isn’t just about food; it’s a celebration of community, entertainment, and fun for all ages. Whether you’re here for the food trucks, live music, or activities for the kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
K-Pop Takeover Is Coming To Winnipeg! | 12PM, May 24 (Tickets)
Location: The Park Theatre
Description: Get ready for the loudest, brightest, most high-energy K-Pop party the city has ever seen. This isn’t just another day out—this is a full-scale K-Culture explosion taking over the dance floor.
Spring Market | 10:30AM-3:30PM, May 24 (More Info)
Location: Archwood Community Centre
Description: Join us in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Rescue Siamese at our Spring Market Event!
Exciting Events: May 18th - 19th
Sports 🏀
Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Kane County Cougars | May 19-21 (Tickets)
Location: Blue Cross Park
Live Racing | 7:30PM, May 19-20 (Tickets)
Location: Assiniboia Downs
Description: To the Downs! Experience the thrill of watching and wagering on horse racing at Assiniboia Downs every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Horse racing, 140 VLTs and fabulous dining - it’s fun you can bet on! Free family fun activities (see our website for schedule.)
Music 🎵
The Fray - Summer of Light Tour | 8PM, May 19 (Tickets)
Location: Centennial Concert Hall
Description: When Joe King, Ben Wysocki, and Dave Welsh of The Fray take the wide view of the band’s nearly 25-year career, they see a whole lot of stars in the sky, some representing songs that have arrived and made their mark, and others that have yet to come.
The Pale Moonlight Tour (Dayseeker/Northlane/Wind Walkers/Sace6) | 6PM, May 19 (Tickets)
Location: Burton Cummings Theatre
Description: The profound resonance of the band’s music with fellow outsiders worldwide is evident in their 600 million+ streams. And it’s palpable at every show, from sold-out headlining runs in theaters to tours with Pierce The Veil, Bad Omens, and Ice Nine Kills.
Community Fun🎆
2026 Family Fun Spring Fair | May 18 & 22-24 (Tickets)
Location: Assiniboia Downs
Description: Get ready, Winnipeg! Wonder Shows Midway is back with our Annual Family Fun Spring Fair at Assiniboia Downs — and it’s bigger, brighter, and better than ever! Featuring our major thrill rides the 1001 Nachts, Spin Out, Musick Express and many more for the whole family!
Victoria Day - Family Space Mission | 11AM-2PM, May 18 (Tickets)
Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
Description: This Victoria Day, families are invited to step into mission control. Our exclusive STEM Education Program is opening a limited number of spots to the public for a special hands-on learning experience.
Toddler Tuesdays | 9:30AM-10AM, May 19 (Tickets)
Location: Mediterranean Biome at The Leaf
Description: We’re so excited to welcome you and your toddler to The Leaf for fun and educational activities you will both love! Your little one will enjoy music and games while discovering the joy of movement in the beautiful Mediterranean Biome.
Performances🎭
Rubaboo - A Métis Cabaret | May 19-23 (Tickets)
Location: John Hirsch Mainstage
Description: Métis singer-songwriter Andrea Menard's feast for the senses blends master storytelling with the beauty of Métis culture through music, dance and visual art.
Special Events🥂
Winnipeg International Jewish Film Festival | May 18-23 (Tickets)
Location: Various venues
Description: This year’s lineup is filled with powerful documentaries, heartfelt dramas, and feel-good comedies from around the world, along with special events that make every visit to the theatre something more.
Lev Fer | May 19-23 (Tickets)
Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club
Description: Lev Fer is a comedian based out of New York City. He was a writer for Shane Gillis’s 2025 ESPY Award monologue, was a guest star on the Showtime series Ray Donovan and is a regular at the world famous Comedy Cellar.
Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Wednesday!
