Hey Winnipeggers!

Note: Thanks so much for all the love on the rebrand! After going through the poll results and your comments, we’re locking in the interlocking logo (pun intended) and updating the color palette for easier reading—no more squinting!

We have a very important poll at the end of today’s email, so please take a moment to answer. Your feedback keeps this community thriving!

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Winnipeg Burger Week Complete Guide!

• Everything Open on Labour Day

• New Winnipeg Art Installation

• 30+ Weekend Events & live music.

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Burger Week Complete Guide!

This year, burger fans are in for a serious treat. From Sept 1-8, Winnipeg’s burger scene is about to blow up with not one, but two burger weeks happening at the same time! That means double the burgers, double the events, and double the deliciousness.

Between the Buns: The New Kid on the Block 

Making its debut this year, Between the Buns is Manitoba’s only local burger competition, and they’re going all out with over 100 entries! It’s your chance to support local and taste some of the best burgers the province has to offer.

Le Burger Week: The OG Favorite 

On the other side, Le Burger Week, the classic favorite we all know and love, is back with 46 incredible entries. It’s been a staple in the burger community for years, and this year’s lineup is no exception. Ready to dive into these tasty creations? Click below to explore all the delicious options!

What's Open and Closed on Labour Day in Winnipeg (Sept 2, 2024)

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s open and closed in Winnipeg on Labour Day:

Malls

• Grant Park Shopping Centre: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Kildonan Place: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• St. Vital Centre: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Garden City Shopping Centre: Closed

• CF Polo Park: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Outlet Collection Winnipeg: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m

City of Winnipeg Services

• Civic Offices: Closed

• Recycling, Garbage, Yard Waste: Collected as normally scheduled

• Winnipeg Transit: Operating on a Sunday schedule

• Public Libraries: Closed Sunday and Monday

• Outdoor Pools, Wading Pools, Spray Pads: Select locations open (check schedules online)

• Indoor Pools: Closed

• Fitness & Leisure Centres: Closed

• Animal Services Agency: Closed

• Brookside, Transcona, St. Vital Cemeteries: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (administration office at Brookside Cemetery closed)

• Crescent Drive, Kildonan Park, Windsor Park Golf Courses: Open (weather permitting)

Other Attractions

• Canadian Museum for Human Rights: Closed

• Manitoba Museum: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Local Updates:

New Library Hours Start Sept 3

Starting September 3, Winnipeg’s public libraries are extending their hours, giving you more time to enjoy all they have to offer. Here’s what’s changing:

• Wednesdays: All 20 libraries will now be open every Wednesday, year-round (up from just nine).

• Saturdays in Summer: Expanded hours with 10 libraries open (previously just three).

• Sundays in Fall/Winter: More options with 10 libraries open (up from six).

These new hours mean you’ll have more opportunities to dive into a good book, attend community programs, or simply explore what your local library has to offer. If you’ve been missing out, now’s the perfect time to get back into the swing of things!

New Art Installation Highlights Refugee Crisis

A powerful new art installation called "Travel Safe" has been set up in Odeon Park, and it’s turning heads for all the right reasons. Made from over 3,000 discarded shoes, the piece forms an image of Alan Kurdi, the young Syrian refugee whose tragic story captured global attention in 2015.

This installation, which will be in Winnipeg until September 23, is a sobering reminder of the ongoing refugee crisis. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area before it moves to Ottawa.

Full-Day Kindergarten Starts in Louis Riel

Big news for parents and little ones in the Louis Riel School Division—this year, all schools are switching to full-day kindergarten. This change means a more solid start for kids and less juggling for busy parents.

The division approved a 1% tax increase to fund the full-day program. If you’ve got a kindergartener heading to school this year, get ready for a big (but exciting) change in their daily routine!

Spray Pads Open Until September 8

Summer fun isn’t over just yet! Winnipeg’s spray pads will stay open until September 8, giving you extra time to cool off and enjoy the last warm days. Most spray pads will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., but just a heads up—Boyd Park and Magnus Eliason pads will close on September 3.

This extension is all about making the most of the sunny weather while it lasts, so grab the kids and enjoy some splashy fun before the summer officially wraps up!

City Development:

$25 Million Housing Fund Draws Big Interest

Winnipeg’s new $25 million Housing Accelerator Fund has sparked major interest, with 66 projects vying for a piece of the pie. This program is focused on boosting affordable housing, especially in the downtown area, and the demand shows just how ready the city is to tackle the housing shortage.

With so many applications, we could soon see a wave of new, affordable housing options popping up across Winnipeg. Stay tuned—successful projects will be announced in early September!

Exciting Events: August 30 - September 1

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

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Goldeyes vs. Lincoln Saltdogs | Aug 30-Sept 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Blue Cross Park, Winnipeg, MB

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, August 31 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Volleyball in Central Park | 11AM - 1PM, August 31 (FREE)

  • Location: Central Park

Family Fun🎆

• Downtown Movie Night | 6:30PM, Aug 30 (Free)

  • Location: Bonnycastle Park (260 Assiniboine Avenue)

  • Description:

    • 6-7PM: Giant games, inflatables, face painting, photobooth, arts & crafts workshops, cotton candy, food vendors and MORE!

      7-8PM: Family dance party, featuring music by live DJs.

      8:30 p.m. – 10:30pm: Featured movie – Wonka.

• Mary Poppins Musical | Aug 30 - Sept 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rainbow Stage

  • Description: Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures.

• The Fall Fair | Aug 30 - Sept 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park (3977 Portage Ave)

  • Description: Featuring more than 20 thrilling midway rides, a variety of children’s entertainers and mouth-watering food!

• Tyndal Community Market | 12-9PM, Aug 31 - Sept 1 (Free)

  • Location: Tyndall Park Community Centre (2255 King Edward St)

  • Description: Community event with food trucks, local vendors & activities!

• Live Harness Racing | 1PM, Aug 31 - Sept 1 (Free)

  • Location: The Loop at Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Come see the best of Manitoba’s standardbred horses at The Loop, the brand new racetrack and venue at Red River Exhibition Park.

• FortWhyte Alive | Events (Tickets)

  • Baby Bison Walk | 1PM, Aug 31

  • Bison Safari | 10:30AM & 1PM, Sept 1

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

• Free Entry into Manitoba Provincial Parks | Aug 30 - Sept 2

  • Location: 90+ locations

  • Description: Explore hiking trails, lakes and more!

Summer Markets

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM-2PM, Aug 31 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Bronx Park Farmer’s Market | 9AM-2PM, Aug 31 (More Info)

  • Location: Bronx Park Community Centre

• Flavour Fusion Fest | 12-7PM, Aug 31 (Free)

  • Location: 90 Ashland Ave

  • Description: 10+ vendors with a variety of food!

Special Events 🥂

• Summer of Sound | 3-11PM, Aug 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs (3975 Portage Ave, Winnipeg)

  • Description: The ultimate electronic music festival experience

• Winnipeg Comedy Showcase #37 | 6PM, Aug 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Park Theatre (698 Osborne St, Winnipeg)

  • Featuring: Jordan Welwood, Andy Noble, Spencer Adamus, Jaydin Pommer, Brandin David, Evan Lowes

• Ian Fidance Comedy | Multiple times, Aug 30-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumors Comedy Club (190-2025 Corydon Avenue)

  • Note: The first two shows are sold out!

• Afro Fall Festival | 11AM - 11PM, Aug 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: St. Norbert Arts Centre, 100 Rue des Ruines du Monastere

  • Description: Celebrate the vibrant and colorful Afro culture with music, dance, food, and more at our Afro Fall festival!

• The Beer Can Brawl | 1PM, Sept 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Beer Can (1 Granite Way, Winnipeg)

  • Description: This live amateur boxing competition will bring the energy! Nothing beats watching the action in person, so set your screens aside and get in on this ride!

Live Music 🎵

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

Note: We’re thinking about throwing a little get-together—a happy hour to meet the community, chat with me, and enjoy some drinks. Maybe even snag some exclusive merch!

We want to move beyond the screen and actually start connecting in real life! Imagine catching a Jets game together, or going for walks or runs as a community next summer. We’ve got some cool event ideas, and this is just the beginning!

Would you be interested? Let us know if you’d come if we threw it!

And after you vote, please share your thoughts about the rebrand or the event in the comments. Your feedback means everything to us!

CHEERS!

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 [email protected].