Good morning, Winnipeg! As we head into mid-May, our city is buzzing with vibrant events. Summer vibes are almost in the air, and this week is packed with activities for everyone to indulge in.

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Winnipeg Tenants get kicked out

• Local Spotlight: 529 Uptown

• 12 Exciting Events This Week and More!

So, grab your morning coffee and dive into all the exciting things Winnipeg has in store for you this week.

— Jas Singh

P.S. A very happy birthday shoutout to Michael Hickey!🍰

Birchwood Terrace Residents Kicked Out

Last night brought unexpected news for many. The residents of Birchwood Terrace on Portage Avenue were told they must leave their homes quickly due to serious safety worries.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Henry Borger from Lakewood Agencies, who own the building. The problem? Big issues with the structure that keeps the building safe.

More than 200 people had to pack up fast, with only a short notice to leave by early morning. They found out late in the evening and had to figure out where to go. Some folks are older or have health problems, making things even tougher.

Let’s pull together, Winnipeg. It’s a hard time for our neighbors from Birchwood Terrace. We need to support them and help out where we can.

Stay strong, help each other, and let’s make sure everyone finds a place to stay. We’re all in this together, Winnipeg!

Support Local: 529 Uptown

Start your visit with a fresh-baked scone and a smooth latte at 529 Uptown Coffee—perfect for a quick pick-me-up.

For a more substantial meal, step into the sun-soaked space of 529 Uptown Restaurant and Wine Bar. Inspired by the best Japanese steakhouses, their menu offers a unique dining experience right in our neighborhood.

And if you're just craving a good burger, head downstairs to 529 Burgers on the concourse level for some of the tastiest burgers around.

With something for everyone, 529 Uptown is a great place to enjoy a meal, sip a drink, or just relax in a beautifully designed setting.

Unity and Voices Rise at Winnipeg Universities

Last Saturday, the spirit of activism was alive and vibrant across our city. Hundreds of students from the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg came together in a powerful display of solidarity, marching under the banner of liberation and peace.

Zahra Rizvi, a student leader at the University of Manitoba, shared her passion, "When I started here, we barely spoke of Palestine. Now, we're creating a space for dialogue and support. It's amazing to see such strong community backing."

The protest, initially set for just a few days, has taken on a life of its own, becoming a permanent encampment demanding attention and action. Despite this, the University of Manitoba had to cancel a children's science festival, but the protest remains peaceful, with the university affirming support for the students' right to express themselves.

Exciting Events This Week:

Music Madness 🎶

• Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change

  • Tickets: LINK

  • Date: May 12 - August 31, 2024

  • Location: Canadian Museum for Human Rights, 85 Israel Asper

  • Description: Discover how music has been a force for social and political change in "Beyond the Beat".

• Prateek Kuhad: Silhouettes Tour

  • Tickets: LINK

  • Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024

  • Time: 7:00 PM CDT

  • Location: The Park Theatre

  • Price: $25.00 - 36.18 plus fees

  • Description: Experience the heartfelt melodies of Prateek Kuhad, known for his enchanting track "cold/mess". Don't miss his Silhouettes Tour, where his bilingual talent shines in both Hindi and English.

• Foreigner: Farewell Tour of Canada

  • Tickets: LINK

  • Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024

  • Time: 7:30 PM

  • Location: Canada Life Center

  • Description: Rock out with Foreigner and special guests Headpins on their historic Farewell Tour of Canada. Join us for a night of legendary hits and live collaborations!

• Kim Churchill

  • Tickets: LINK

  • Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024

  • Time: 7:00 PM (Doors open), 8:00 PM (Music)

  • Location: The Park Theatre

  • Price: $19.99 plus fees

  • Description: Join Australian singer-songwriter Kim Churchill, with special guests to be announced, for an evening of captivating music at The Park Theatre.

• COUNTRYFEST BATTLE OF THE BANDS

  • Tickets: LINK

  • Date: Friday, May 17, 2024

  • Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

  • Location: McPhillips Station Casino

  • Description: Witness the thrill of the Countryfest Battle of the Bands featuring local favorites on the Mainstage. (Chris Michael Band, Nelson Little Band, Mandy Ducharme and the Absolute 8’s)

Entertainment 🎪

• Manito Ahbee Festival

  • Tickets: LINK

  • Date: May 17-20, 2024

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park, 3977 Portage Ave, Winnipeg

  • Price: Single day pass $16.75/person/day

  • Description: Celebrate Indigenous arts, culture, and music at the annual Manito Ahbee Festival.

• View Dance Challenge

  • Tickets: LINK

  • Date: May 16-19, 2024

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre, 375 York Ave, Winnipeg, MB

  • Description: Experience the competition of talented dancers at the View Dance Challenge!

• Winnipeg Comedy Showcase

  • Tickets: LINK

  • Date: Sunday, May 19, 2024

  • Time: 7:00 PM (Doors open), 8:00 PM (Laughs)

  • Location: The Park Theatre

  • Price: $15 plus fees

  • Description: Host Jared Story presents an evening of laughs with six of Winnipeg's finest comedians. Get ready for a night full of punchlines and humor!

• Family Fun Spring Fair

  • Tickets: LINK

  • Date: May 3 - May 26, 2024

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs, 3975 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg

  • Price: $25

  • Description: Kick off spring with excitement at the Wonder Shows Family Fun Spring Fair! From thrilling rides to mouthwatering carnival treats, this month-long event promises fun for the whole family.

Special Events 🎉

• Western Canada Information Security Conference

  • Tickets: LINK

  • Date: May 14, 2024

  • Time: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre, 375 York Ave, Winnipeg, MB

  • Description: Join us for critical discussions on cybersecurity with keynote speaker Mike Rogers, former NSA Director.

• Vision Quest Conference & Trade Show

  • Tickets: LINK

  • Date: May 15 & 16, 2024

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre, 375 York Ave, Winnipeg, MB

  • Description: A platform for promoting Indigenous business, community, and economic development, featuring keynote speakers Lisa Meeches and Jordin Tootoo.

• Sustainability Tour at The Leaf

  • Tickets: LINK

  • Date: May 18 - June 22, 2024

  • Time: Tours start at 1:00 PM, approximately 30 minutes long

  • Location: Assiniboine Park The Leaf, 55 Pavilion Crescent

  • Description: Join on a free tour that explores some of the sustainability features.

CHEERS!

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who goes to Birds Hill Park every summer.

— Jas, Winnipeg Digest