Happy Friday, Winnipeg!

As mentioned in the last edition, over 300 of you entered the Holiday Lights giveaway, and we’re so excited to announce that the winner is Palak Saran! We’ve already reached out to her, and once we connect, we’ll be doing her home for the entire first year, completely for free.

We’ll share the finished look with you all (hopefully before the end of the month) so you can see the transformation.

And for everyone who didn’t win, keep an eye out. You’ll be getting a quick text and call from us with a special exclusive discount just for Winnipeg Digest readers this season.

Thank you for trusting us, Winnipeg. The support you show means the world to us, and we can’t wait to keep giving back to this amazing community.

Now, in today’s edition:

• Alexander Docks are set to be Transformed into a Riverside Park

• Bob Odenkirk Shares What He Loves About Winnipeg

• Jets Announce 2025-26 Promo Schedule with Theme Nights and Giveaways

• Winnipeg’s Fall & Winter Leisure Guide Is Out Now

• 50+ Events this weekend & Live Music!

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg’s Alexander Docks are set to be transformed into a Riverside Park

After sitting closed for over a decade, the Alexander Docks will soon be brought back to life. But this time, as a beautiful public park that reconnects us to the Red River.

The project will link The Forks, the Exchange District, and St. Boniface, creating one continuous path all the way to Kildonan Park.

Here’s what’s planned:

• Tiered seating along the riverbank so you can sit, or simply take in the view

• Large fixed and floating docks that can hold up to 200 people and welcome boats, kayaks, and canoes

• A Waterbus stop to make it easier to travel between the Exchange and The Forks

• A dedicated space to honour MMIWG2S+ with a Spirit Tree Circle and memorial area

• And safer, connected pathways to complete a missing link in Winnipeg’s Parkway Trail

This isn’t just a construction project. It’s a chance to bring one of Winnipeg’s most central riverfront spaces back to life. A place where memories can be made, history can be honoured, and the city can come together by the water once again.

Click Here: To see the new designs and follow the project’s progress!

Together with Red River Ex!

Live Harness Racing Every Saturday at The LOOP!

Every Saturday from now until October 4, The LOOP at Red River Exhibition Park is keeping a Winnipeg tradition going strong with live harness racing.

Even for first-timers, it’s hard not to get swept up in the action. Horses tearing down the track, the crowd leaning in as they approach the finish, and that split-second rush when the winner pulls ahead. It’s pure excitement, and it’s free to watch.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Free entry and parking, no ticket needed

• First race starts at 1PM each Saturday

• Snacks, betting options, and lots of open-air seating

Whether you’re there to place a bet or just enjoy a new way to spend a Saturday afternoon, the atmosphere is always buzzing. And if you can’t make it out on race day, you can still catch all the action online.

Click below for the full race schedule and to learn more about the event!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Community Digest

Bob Odenkirk Shares What He Loves About Winnipeg

It’s always fun when someone from outside the city sees what makes Winnipeg special, and this week, it was Bob Odenkirk’s turn.

On Seth Meyers’ podcast Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers, the Nobody 2 star shared his take on our city after filming two movies here last year. He called Winnipeg “an amazing, interesting place”, quiet, calm, and full of beautiful corners worth discovering.

• Wolseley topped his list of favourite neighbourhoods

• He loved the river, describing it as “sort of a lazy river”

• He was impressed by how easily the city doubles for so many different locations on film

• He made friends here, including local musicians, and still keeps in touch

Odenkirk compared Winnipeg to Albuquerque, saying it’s a place that grows on you once you find your favourites. And honestly? That feels pretty spot-on.

Click Here: To listen to the full podcast episode!

Jets Announce 2025-26 Promo Schedule with Theme Nights and Giveaways

If you’re already counting down the days until puck drop, the Jets just gave us another reason to get excited. This season is packed with theme nights, giveaways, and community celebrations that make game nights in Winnipeg more than just hockey.

Here’s a taste of what’s on the calendar:

• Home Opener (Oct. 9) – Toque giveaway for every fan

• 90s Night (Oct. 24) – Corduroy snapbacks to the first 5,000 fans

• Après Ski Night (Jan. 9) – Ski goggle giveaway

• Heritage & Culture Nights – Ukrainian, Filipino, South Asian, Black History, WASAC, and more

• Community Cause Nights – Pride Game, Hockey Fights Cancer, Parkinson’s Awareness Night, and more

You can also expect fun traditions like Jerseys Off Our Backs, the St. Patrick’s Day game, and Fan Appreciation Night to close out the season.

Single-game tickets, packs, and memberships are already available, so if there’s a theme night you’ve got your heart set on, now’s the time to lock it in.

Click Here: To see the full promo schedule and grab your tickets!

City Updates

Winnipeg’s Fall & Winter Leisure Guide Is Out Now

Mornings in Winnipeg have that early chill creeping in, and it’s a reminder that our long summer evenings are numbered.

Making it the perfect time to start planning little things to look forward to, so you’ve got reasons to get out and enjoy the city even when it’s cold.

The City’s new Fall/Winter Leisure Guide is out, and it’s basically a menu of ways to make the colder months a little brighter. Whether that’s learning pottery, sharpening your skating skills, or finally signing up for that class you’ve been eyeing for years.

• Registration is open Aug 26 at 8 a.m. for Winnipeg residents (Aug 28 for non-residents)

• Sign up online, call 311, or drop in at Cindy Klassen Rec Complex, 395 Main St., Accès–Access Saint-Boniface, or any indoor pool

• The online system lets you “wish list” your favourite activities for quick registration day access

• Winter swimming and skating details come out Dec 4, with sign-up starting Dec 16

Be sure to click the link below if you’re planning to register online to make sure your account’s ready when spots open.

Click Here: To register for an account.

And click the link below to have a look through the guide and start picking your favourites!

Click Here: To check out the guide and start planning your fall and winter!

New $230K Playground Coming to Ridgewood West This Fall

If you’ve got little ones in Charleswood, here’s something to smile about: a brand-new playground is on the way to Ridgewood West. Soon, kids will have another place to climb, swing, and burn off energy while parents can relax and enjoy the view.

Here’s what’s planned for 255 Couture Cres:

• An accessible play structure with ramped access so everyone can join in

• Swings and independent play equipment for ages 2–12

• New benches, a picnic table, and extra trees for shade

• And a scenic spot next to the naturalized pond.

The $230,000 project is funded through the City’s Land Dedication Reserve Fund and supported by Qualico. Construction kicks off the week of August 18 and should wrap up by late September, just in time for families to make a few more memories before winter sets in.

Click Here: To read more about the Ridgewood West playground project.

Exciting Events: August 15th - August 17th

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please search them up before going.

Sports🏀

• Zumba in the Park | 10-11AM, Aug 16 (FREE)

  • Location: Riley Family Duck Pond

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Aug 16 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks, The Canopy

• Manitoba Harness Racing | Aug 16 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: The LOOP

  • Description: Join us at The LOOP at Exhibition Park this summer for heart-pounding action, exhilarating finishes, and unforgettable moments on the track! Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone.

• Valour FC vs. York United FC | 12:30PM, Aug 17 ($)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

Community Fun🎆

• Movies in the Park at the Lyric Theatre: Despicable Me 4 & Thunderbolts* | 6:30PM & 8:45PM, August 15 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Lyric Theatre

  • Description: The Lyric Theatre concession will be serving popcorn, ice cream treats, and other tasty snacks.

• Downtown Furry Fridays | 10AM-2PM, Aug 15 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: True North Square

  • Description: A fun-filled event where local vendors and dog organizations from all over the city come together downtown just for you and your furry friends.

• Baby Bison Walk | 10:30AM & 1:30PM, Aug 16 ($)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Feel a connection to the herd as you see the miracle of baby bison.

• Corn Maze | August 15 - Nov 2 (More Info)

  • Location: A Maze In Corn

  • Description: Enjoy the country views while wandering through the corn maze, climb the giant bale pyramid, and visit the petting zoo.

• Summer Line-Up: Clothespin Puppets | 11AM-3PM, Aug 15-17 (FREE)

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

  • Description: From 11AM-3PM daily, enjoy special activities that include crafts, games, and so much more.

• Play at The Forks | Daily (FREE)

  • Skateboarding with Pitikwé: August 15-17

    • Location: The Plaza Skatepark

• Sunflower Expo | August 16 - September 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze in Corn

  • Description: Explore 8 acres of various sunflower varieties with beautiful photo opportunities along the way!

• Bison Bus Tour | 10:30AM & 1:30PM, Aug 17 ($)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

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

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

• The Market at FortWhyte Farms | Aug 15 (FREE)

  • Location: FortWhyte Farms

  • Description: Our summer market is the place to buy fresh, naturally grown, in-season produce, and delicious baked goods.

• StrEAT Feast Festival | August 15-17 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Features some of the various street foods and cultural specialties from various parts of the world found in Winnipeg and Manitoba.

• Westridge Community Centre Summer Carnival | 11AM - 4PM, August 16 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: Westridge Community Centre

  • Description: Free cotton candy, dunk tank, face painting, bouncy castles, and more!

• Children’s Hospital Book Market | 10AM - 5PM, August 16 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: St. Vital Centre

  • Description: A one-day-only Children’s Hospital Book Market pop-up sale. Join us for a wide selection of fiction, mystery, romance, music, cookbooks, science, travel, computer and university titles along with DVDs, CDs, and records!

• St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 8AM-2PM, August 16 (FREE)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

• Bronx Park Farmers Market | 9AM-2PM, August 16 (FREE)

  • Location: Bronx Park

• Manitoba Filipino Street Festival | August 16-17 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Maples Multiplex Grounds

  • Description: This Manitoba Filipino Street Festival is a cultural extravaganza that celebrates the rich heritage of the Filipino community.

Performances🎭

• Frozen The Broadway Musical | Aug 15-24 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rainbow Stage

  • Description: Adapted from the first Frozen film which was the highest grossing film of the year (2013) and the highest-grossing animated film of all time.

• Cirque Italia Water Circus | Aug 15-18 (Tickets)

  • Location: St. Vital Centre

  • Description: Join the largest traveling spectacle in the United States and Canada, a universe of extraordinary events that captivate over 1 million happy spectators every year.

• Folklorama 2025 | August 15-16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Various venues throughout Winnipeg

  • Description: Travel the world without a passport! Experience world-class entertainment, enjoy delicious authentic cuisine, warm hospitality, and view beautiful cultural displays during Folklorama, the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world.

• MAMMA MIA: An Abba Love Story | Aug 16 - Oct 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry

  • Description: Get ready for a summer of love, laughter and ABBA hits, in this light-hearted musical comedy that centers around a mother and daughter opening a boutique hotel on a tiny tropical island. The show explores the complications of love, friendship and second chances, as old passions are awakened and new love is born.

• Jazz in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden: Amber Epp Duo curated by Folklorama | 12PM-1PM, Aug 17 (FREE)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park

• Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra presents Billie & Ella | 7PM, Aug 17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Le Patio 340

  • Description: While often considered polar opposites, these two jazz vocalists were actually friends. Join us for an evening exploring the music and friendship of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, with long-time friends and collaborators Monica Jones and Grace Hrabi.

Comedy❗

• Paul Rabliauskas | Aug 15-16 ($)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Paul has performed stand-up comedy across North America from theatres to comedy clubs, community centres to schools.

• Lucky 7's Comedy | 8:30PM, Aug 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement

  • Description: An All-Star Lineup of Winnipeg's best comedians showcasing their stuff at The Basement! Tickets $7.77! Featuring: Benji Rothman, Andy Noble, Bradley Mink, Brandin David and Emmanuel Lomuro.

Special Events/Concerts 🥂

• Guided Nature Walks | 11AM, Aug 15 (FREE)

  • Location: Living Prairie Museum

  • Description: Visit the tall grass prairie with a Living Prairie Museum naturalist! Explore the sights, smells, and sounds of the prairie. Get up close with the grasses, flowers, and animals that live here.

• Experiencing Eden: Disability and the Natural World | Aug 15-23 (FREE)

  • Location: La Maison des artistes visuels francophones

  • Description: Through this inclusive art exhibit, L'Arche Winnipeg's members invite you into their perspectives as people with disabilities.

• Burt Block Party | August 15-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Downtown’s biggest 
street party is back in 2025! For four nights over one weekend, Aug. 14-17, the outdoor concert series will include headliners Dean Brody, Marianas Trench, The Glorious Sons, and Kim Mitchell. The events will take place directly outside the Burton Cummings Theatre welcoming up to 4,000 fans each night.

• 2025 Corydon Avenue Concert Series | 7PM-10PM, August 15-16 (FREE)

  • Location: Cockburn Street S and Lilac Street S

  • Description: Bring a lawn chair and sit back and enjoy the warm Winnipeg nights with the sounds of Jazz, Rock, Pop, Soul and Blues music (or hit the dance floor and practice your best moves).

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food.

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