Midweek check-in, Winnipeg 💙

Happy April. And yes, it's April Fools' Day. So no, we didn't make up any of today's stories. We promise. (Although the one about the Guinness World Record might sound like it.)

April always feels like a reset in this city. The snow starts pulling back, patios start getting talked about again, and there's this energy where everyone starts making plans. It's the month when Winnipeg starts to wake up.

Now, in today’s edition:

  • Winnipeg’s Newest Adventure Park Aims To Break Guinness World Record

  • Winnipeg Artists Take Home Wins At The JUNO Awards

  • New Transit Changes Coming To Winnipeg This April

  • Multiple New Measles Exposure Sites In Manitoba

  • Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg’s Newest Adventure Park Aims To Break Guinness World Record

Source: APEX Adventure Plex

A brand new kind of playground just opened in Winnipeg.

APEX Adventure Plex just soft opened at 1150 Nairn Avenue, bringing a 40,000 sq ft indoor space built for movement, energy, and all kinds of high-energy fun.

One of the biggest highlights? They've built a 192-foot trampoline that's aiming to break a Guinness World Record.

Here’s what else you’ll find inside:

  • A mix of parkour courses, ninja obstacles, and high energy challenges

  • Activities like bubble soccer and open play zones for all ages

  • One ticket gives you full access, so you can try everything in one visit

The space is designed for all ages, whether you’re going with friends, family, or just looking for something active to do.

The facility officially opens on April 9, and the world record attempt is happening the same day. To make it count, they'll need hundreds of people jumping at once to prove it's ready for public use.

If you want to be part of that record-breaking moment, click the link below to see what it looks like inside.

P.S. Share this with family or friends who might want to plan a fun day out at APEX!

Together with Eleven Hundred Dance!

An Easy and Affordable Way to Try Ballroom Dancing

Most people think about learning to dance at some point.

For a wedding, a trip, or just because it looks fun. But then life gets busy and it never happens.

Eleven Hundred Dance makes it easy to finally give it a try. Every weekend, they run beginner ballroom classes that are built for people starting from zero.

Here's what to know:

  • Simple steps you can pick up right away, even on your first visit

  • Open to all ages, solo or with a partner

  • Only $15 per person, or $20 per couple

No experience needed. Just show up and follow along.

If learning to dance has been sitting on your list for a while, this is the easiest way to start. And at $15, there's really nothing to lose.

Community Spotlight

Multiple Winnipeg Artists Take Home Wins At The JUNO Awards

Source: Manitoba Music

Two Manitoba artists just took home major wins at the 2026 JUNO Awards, putting local talent front and centre on a national stage.

Begonia earned her first JUNO Award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year with Fantasy Life, a well-deserved milestone after being nominated in previous years.

At the same time, the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra also secured its first win, taking home Jazz Album of the Year (Group) for East Meets West Connections.

It wasn’t just the winners making noise this year. Several Manitoba artists were also nominated across different categories, including:

  • William Prince for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year

  • Hayley Gene Penner for Songwriter of the Year (Non-Performer)

  • Karen Kosowski for Producer of the Year

  • Sebastian Gaskin for Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year

To top it off, the JUNO Awards are set to return to Winnipeg in 2027, giving local artists and fans even more to look forward to.

It's a big moment for music in this city, and one worth celebrating.

City Updates

New Transit Changes Coming To Winnipeg This April

Source: City of Winnipeg

Winnipeg Transit is officially rolling out a new set of updates this spring, with changes designed to improve service where people need it most.

These updates were announced earlier, a few months ago, and are now officially taking effect across the network starting April 12.

Here’s what that looks like:

  • More frequent buses on busy routes like F5, F8, 74, 557, and 676

  • Extended evening service on 10 routes, now running past midnight

On top of that, this will mark the first time Transit has made routing changes since the new bus network launched, with updates aimed at improving reliability and better connecting key areas.

There will also be some smaller adjustments across the network based on rider feedback, including fewer trips on lower demand sections.

It's part of an ongoing effort to make transit easier to use and more reliable for everyday riders.

So if you take transit regularly, or know someone who does, click the link below to see what's changing on your route.

P.S. Share this with friends or family who take transit so they know what to expect!

Community Digest

Multiple New Measles Exposure Sites In Manitoba

Public health officials have shared another round of measles exposure locations in Manitoba, including one that many families visit regularly.

Here are the latest exposure locations and times:

  • IKEA (500 Sterling Lyon Pkwy) — March 25, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

  • Hide n Seek (Oak Bluff) — March 25, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • RBC Royal Bank (Winkler) — March 25, 8:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.

  • Boundary Trails Health Centre (near Winkler) — March 25, 9:30 p.m. to March 26, 5:50 a.m.

  • Open Health Santé Ouverte (Niverville) — March 26, 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

  • Portage Clinic (Portage la Prairie) — March 26, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

We want to keep you in the loop so you and your family can stay aware and take the right steps if needed.

And if you were at any of these locations, it’s a good idea to monitor for symptoms over the next couple of weeks, including fever, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash.

Public health continues to update exposure sites as new information comes in, so be sure to click the link below for the latest details.

Provincewide Hiring To Bring More Nurses Into Manitoba’s Workforce

Source: University of Manitoba

Manitoba is taking another step to strengthen its health-care system.

The province is hosting a hiring forum on April 8 at the RBC Convention Centre, designed to connect nurses and health-care aides directly with employers across Manitoba.

It’s a one-day event focused on making the process faster and more accessible for those ready to work.

Here’s what attendees can expect:

  • Meet directly with employers from across the province

  • On-site interviews for available nursing roles

  • Learn about programs and support to help enter or return to the workforce

The goal is simple: connect people who are ready to work with places that need them.

For many, it removes some of the barriers that can slow down the process of getting hired or returning to the field.

It also helps strengthen care across the province by getting support where it’s needed most.

The Group Chat That Starts at Dinner

Here's something we didn't expect when we started Dinner Club.

After every single one, at least five tables end up making a group chat before the night is over. Strangers who met two hours earlier, already planning the next hangout.

That's kind of the whole point.

Dinner Club is simple. You take a short quiz. We match you with a small group based on your interests. You show up at a restaurant. And by dessert, you're swapping numbers.

This time, we're heading to Osborne Village. April 15. Small groups matched across local restaurants in the Village.

You won't know which spot you're going to until the morning of.

Here's how it works:

  • Take a quick quiz about your interests

  • Get matched with a small group of Winnipeggers

  • Show up at a local Osborne Village restaurant (revealed April 15)

  • Have a real conversation with people who actually want to meet someone new

Over 300 Winnipeggers have already done it. And a lot of them came back for seconds.

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!

  • Oseredrok Easter Bazar | 10AM-6PM, April 3-4 (FREE)

    • Location: Oseredok

    • Description: Featuring a selection of cards, clothing, food, Pysanky, candles, Napkin and more.

  • Rainbow Riot | April 3-4 (Tickets)

    • Location: Gas Station Arts Centre

    • Description: A night of bold, weird, and darkly hilarious comedy featuring some of the Prairies’ most talented performers — with support for a great purpose. Through Prestige + Purpose, 50% of net profits go to Rainbow Resource Centre. Laugh, connect, and give back.

  • Easter Scavenger Hunt at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
    | April 4 (Tickets)

    • Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

    • Description: Hop back to the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada once again for our Annual Easter Scavenger Hunt! Don’t miss the spring event families look forward to every year!

  • PAW Patrol Live | 10:30am, 2:00pm & 5:30 pm, April 4 (Tickets)

    • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

    • Description: After Chase, Marshall, Skye and the gang save Adventure City with their Mighty Pup Powers, it’s time for the paw-some-est street party ever. But when Supervillain Scientist Victoria Vance feels left out of the festivities, she unleashes her latest invention to crash the party and steal the spotlight for herself!

  • Beat Drop Bingo | 9PM, April 4 (Tickets)

    • Location: Four Crowns Restaurant

    • Description: Beat Drop Bingo is what happens when classic bingo grows up and likes 90s/2000s music trivia, puts on lip gloss, and decides the night isn’t ending early. We play real bingo — numbers called, cards marked, winners celebrated — but the breaks? That’s where the fun shows up.

  • Screen-Free Sundays | 1PM-2PM, April 5 (Tickets)

    • Location: Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre

    • Description: This family program is an opportunity for children ages 6-12 and their families to explore the Victorian era through hands-on crafts and activities.

Current Events: April 1st & 2nd

Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

Sports 🏀

  • All Elite Wrestling Live! | 6:30PM, April 1 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

    • Description: All Elite Wrestling (AEW) returns to Canada Life Centre on April 1 with Dynamite and Collision!

Community Fun🎆

  • WAG Wednesday Nights | 5PM-9PM, April 1 (FREE)

    • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq

    • Theme: From Nunavut to Winnipeg: An Evening of Art & Exchange

    • Description: WAG-Qaumajuq transforms Wednesday nights into an after-hours experience designed for people who want more from their week — more creativity, more connection, more inspiration.

  • Spring Break Mini-Astronaut Training Camp | April 1-3 (Tickets)

    • Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

    • Description: Prepare for launch at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada during our Spring Break Mini-Astronaut Training Camp—a fun, hands-on space experience designed to spark curiosity and imagination.

Performances🎭

  • The Last Wife Play | April 1-18 (Tickets)

    • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

    • Description: With sharp dialogue and compelling characters, this historical fight for power explores humanity through a contemporary lens. A funny and fascinating dissection of patriarchy, sexual politics and women’s rights.

  • The Killer Keys | 8PM, April 2 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

    • Description: Join us for a night of fun, dancing, and partying to all your favourite hits from the past and present by Winnipeg's very own Dueling Piano Duo… THE KILLER KEYS!

  • Happy Daze Again | April 2-12 (Tickets)

    • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

    • Description: Arnold’s is the hottest spot in town—jukebox blaring, milkshakes swirling, and everyone ready to tear up the dance floor. But this isn’t just any night, it’s the annual talent show and under the glow of a full moon, the energy’s electric, the music’s wild and something in the air has everyone acting a little… strange.

Special Events🥂

  • The Leaf Unplugged | 7PM-9PM, April 1 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Leaf

    • Description: Bring your yoga mat or your book and step away from the constant buzz of technology and the demands of daily life. The Leaf Unplugged offers a calming, adults-only experience for you to unwind, meditate, and relax.

  • Simon King | 8PM, April 1 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Basement Winnipeg

    • Description: A special presentation, one night only event featuring one of the best in stand-up today. Simon King makes his Basement debut Wednesday April 1st!

  • Winnipeg Baroque Festival | April 1-18 (Tickets)

    • Location: Desautels Concert Hall

    • Description: This year’s Festival will feature beloved favourites like Dead of Winter, Karl Stobbe and the Nonsuch Ensemble alongside new faces and combinations that will add their talents to one of the city’s most anticipated musical events!

  • Sean Lecombe | April 1-4 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: Sean Lecomber is a stand-up comedian from Fort Saskatchewan with a unique perspective. His comedy is refreshingly based on words and story rather than movement and expression. His interesting take on all topics under the sun will leave you in fits of laughter.

  • Yelawolf | 7PM, April 2 (Tickets)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

    • Description: The Nashville-based multiplatinum chart-topping artist, entrepreneur, and Slumerican Founder has consistently asserted himself as an outlier and outlaw without comparison.

Music 🎵

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

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