Midweek check-in, Winnipeg!

Fall’s really here now. You can feel the change everywhere. The air smells a little smokier, coffee shops are busier, and it feels like the whole city’s slowing down just a bit.

So let’s lean into it, grab that warm drink, take the long way home, and enjoy every bit of this cozy season settling in around us.

In today’s edition:

• Winnipeg Gets Two New Big Concerts For 2026

• Winnipeg Police Crack Down on Retail Theft With Over 200 Charges

• Manitoba Moves to Keep Car Insurance Rates Affordable

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Gets Two New Big Concerts For 2026

When the middle of winter hits, having a concert on the calendar gives you something to look forward to: a night out, a favourite song live, or just a reason to get together with your people.

This week, two big tours announced Winnipeg stops at the Canada Life Centre in February. Whether you're into punk anthems or country singalongs, these shows promise a good time. And tickets for both go on sale this Friday, October 10 at 10AM.

The Offspring – Supercharged Worldwide Tour

• One of the biggest punk bands of the ‘90s is rolling through with high energy and full volume.

  • February 5, 2026 at Canada Life Centre

  • Special guests Bad Religion on all Canadian dates

  • Hits like Self Esteem and The Kids Aren’t Alright

  • Loud, fast, and fun, the way you remember it

Hardy – Country! Country! Tour
Hardy brings his gritty, emotional country-rock mix to the stage with a sound that’s taken off fast.

• February 11, 2026 at Canada Life Centre

• With Cameron Whitcomb and McCoy Moore

• Heartfelt lyrics, big hooks, and a good dose of twang

• A fan-favourite for anyone who loves a loud sing-along

Both shows are happening just days apart, so whether you’re into throwback rock or country tunes, it's shaping up to be a fun February.

Grab your crew, mark your calendar, and get those tickets while you can!

A message from Canlan Sports!

Family Ice Time Is Back in Winnipeg

The Jets’ first home game is tomorrow, and it finally feels like hockey season again. The mornings are cooler, the rinks are busy, and families all across the city are lacing up for the season ahead.

If your kids are excited to get on the ice, or you want to join them, Canlan Sports Winnipeg has the perfect setup. Their Beginner Stick and Puck, Public Skating, and Family Stick and Puck drop-ins run five times a week and are just $7–12 per session.

They’re:

• Perfect for all skill levels who want more time on the ice

• A fun and easy way for families to stay active together

• And a great way to get ready for hockey season

It’s simple, affordable, and something the whole family can enjoy year-round.

Also, if you’re feeling more like a break from the cold, you can try their Soccer and Walking Soccer drop-ins for just $5 for 2 hours of field time.

And if you’re looking for more, these drop-in sessions complement all of Canlan’s fall and winter programs, camps, and leagues for kids and adults.

Click below to see all programs and schedules, and plan your family’s next day at the rink.

Community Spotlight

Two Ways to Support Sick and Injured Kids in Manitoba

The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has been helping families through some of the hardest days of their lives, raising over $265 million since 1971 to fund life-saving equipment, comfort programs, and more than 300 world-class pediatric researchers working toward better care for kids.

And next Saturday, they’re hosting two special events in Winnipeg. Both go a long way in making hospital stays a little brighter for Manitoba kids.

Ice Crystal Gala – Island Vibes

• Dress up, bring the kids, and enjoy a tropical-themed evening for a cause.

  • Saturday, October 18 at the RBC Convention Centre

  • Family-friendly gala with dinner/buffet, dancing, and kids' activities

  • Proceeds support programs and equipment at HSC Children’s Hospital

Children’s Hospital Book Market – Pop-Up Sale

• A cozy, community-run book sale with something for every reader.

  • Saturday, October 18 at St. Vital Centre, 10 AM–5 PM

  • Browse horror, fantasy, kids’ books, and more

  • Run entirely by volunteers, with all proceeds going to the Foundation

It’s easy to forget how much these programs rely on the community showing up. But whether you’re dressing up for the gala or simply browsing the book tables, your support helps make tough days brighter for kids across Manitoba.

Community Digest

Winnipeg Police Crack Down on Retail Theft With Over 200 Charges

Retail theft might not make headlines every day, but if you talk to small shop owners, you’ll hear just how much it hurts. The good news? Winnipeg Police are making a serious effort to change that.

In September alone, police arrested 84 people and laid over 200 charges as part of a citywide crackdown.

The Retail Theft Initiative, led by the Property Crime Unit with help from community support teams and the Retail Council of Canada, is all about protecting businesses and keeping shop staff safe.

Here’s what’s been happening:

• 57 businesses were part of the operation, across all corners of the city

• $10,281 in stolen property recovered

• 9 prolific offenders arrested, tied to another $22K in missing merchandise

• Police are using data to target high-theft areas and repeat offenders

And beyond the numbers, our officers are doing everything they can to help.

One off-duty officer recently stepped in to stop a theft while out shopping on Abinojii Mikanah. Even after being bitten in the process, he made the arrest and recovered the merchandise. He’s recovering well, and the suspect was taken into custody.

It’s a reminder that this work is personal. It’s about keeping communities safe: not just with policies, but with people who care enough to act, on and off the clock.

Click Here: To read the latest update on the Retail Theft Initiative.

City Updates

Artificial Turf Installed at Old Market Square

We’ve all been there: trying to find a dry spot on the grass in front of the Cube, only to end up damp, muddy, or stuck in a patch of worn-down dirt. It’s one of downtown’s most loved spaces, but it’s taken a lot of foot traffic over the years.

This fall, the city made a quiet little upgrade that’ll make a big difference for anyone who’s spent time at Fringe, Jazz Fest, or just sat out on a warm lunch break.

Here’s what’s new:

• 315 square metres of artificial turf now cover the area in front of the Cube

• Upgraded drainage underneath helps keep things dry, even after a rain

• Backed by a $100,000 investment from the 2023 parks and rec enhancement fund

• Much easier to maintain and now quicker to convert into a skating rink each winter

• Built for festivals, foot traffic, and everyday downtown life

It’s a small update with a big upside, making downtown feel a little more ready for whatever the weekend brings.

Click Here: To read more about the turf upgrade!

Manitoba Moves to Keep Car Insurance Rates Affordable

Car insurance isn’t always the most exciting thing to think about, until a renewal notice lands in your inbox.

So here’s something that might bring a bit of peace of mind: the Manitoba government introduced a new bill that makes sure MPI stays public and keeps using the “registered owner” model, something that’s helped keep rates low for years.

Here’s what the new bill locks in:

• MPI will stay public, not opened up to private insurance

• The “registered owner” model becomes law, preventing future shifts

• Rates will stay among the lowest in Canada, avoiding major hikes

• Part of a larger plan to ease costs, including gas tax relief and frozen hydro rates

When it comes to the bills we can’t avoid, predictability matters. This move won’t change your day overnight, but it’s one of those behind-the-scenes decisions that helps make life just a little more manageable. And that kind of support? It adds up.

Click Here: To learn more about the new legislation

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!

• Paranormal Investigation of The Pavilion | 8PM-11PM, Oct 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Pavilion - Assiniboine Park

  • Description: The event begins with members of Assiniboine Park’s Education team, who will detail the storied history of Assiniboine Park’s Pavilion and surrounding land.

• Halloween Themed Train Ride | 5PM-8PM, October 10-13 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Railroad

  • Description: Spotted something fun for families and Halloween fans! The Assiniboine Park Railroad is launching its first-ever Halloween-themed train ride!

• Diwali Mela | 4:30PM-10:30PM, Oct 11 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Join us for a vibrant indian celebration of culture, food, music, and community spirit at Diwali Mela 2025!

• Winnipeg Jets vs Los Angeles Kings | 12:30PM, Oct 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Meow Mania! | 10AM-3PM, Oct 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Meow Mania is a celebration dedicated to our beloved feline friends. This is a must-attend event for anyone who adores cats, whether you're a proud cat parent, an aspiring cat owner, or just a cat admirer

• Gather | 7PM, Oct 11-26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: When their town goes into a deep freeze and everyone is stuck inside, people start to lose their connection to the world and to each other. Two friends go on a mission to find one another and to rediscover their town, hoping that everyone will be able to gather again.

Current Events: October 8th & 9th

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

Sports🏒

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, Oct 8 (FREE)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

• Winnipeg Jets vs. Dallas Stars | 7PM, Oct 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: Come join us for the Winnipeg Jets home opener.

Community Fun🎆

• South Osborne Farmers' Market | 4PM-8PM, Oct 8 (FREE)

  • Location: Lord Roberts Community Centre

  • Description: All our vendors are local and sell only Manitoba-grown, spray-free food products.

• Corn Maze | October 8 - November 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.

• Sunset Goose Flights | 5:30PM-8PM, Oct 8-12 ($)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Take in the sounds of the season and watch the sky come to life as thousands of geese land.

Performances🎭

• Cooper Alan | 8PM, Oct 8 ($)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: An artist willing to take country music where others have never dreamed – and fans love him for it.

• Manitoba Chamber Orchestra presents Seasons Ascending

  | 7:30PM, Oct 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Crescent Arts Centre

  • Description: A lively dance through the seasons celebrating the pastoral and jubilant beauty of nature featuring superstar Canadian violinist Kerson Leong, with Max Richter’s groundbreaking Seasons Recomposed as its centrepiece.

• Wonderful Joe Play | Oct 8-26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse Theatre

  • Description: Joe and his dog Mister lose their home, and facing separation, head into the world for one last grand adventure. The world seems broken, but Joe sees magic in the mundane, beauty amid brutality, and life in the lost and lonely.

• The Suits - Hit songs from the 50's to the 80's | 7PM, Oct 9 ($)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: THE SUITS perform hit songs from the 50s, 60s & 70's including, 'Oh What a Night', 'My Girl', 'Can't Buy Me Love', 'Uptown Girl' ' Don't Stop Believin' and more!

• MAMMA MIA: An Abba Love Story | Oct 9-11 (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.

Special Events/Comedy🥂

• The Leaf After Dark: Adults Only Nights | 7PM-9PM, Oct 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf, Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Join us for an evening of botanical bliss at The Leaf After Dark! Enjoy a relaxing adults-only atmosphere complete with live musical entertainment.

• The Devil Strip Tour | 2:30PM-3:45PM, Oct 8 (FREE)

  • Location: Transcona Museum

  • Description: Be among the first to experience our brand new walking tour: The Devil Strip. Journey through the streets of Transcona as we uncover its offbeat stories and hidden histories.

• 2025 Haunted Forest | October 8 - November 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze In Corn

  • Description: It's time, The Haunted Forest is waiting for you! Join us for an interactive, outdoor experience that you won't soon forget. Enter at your own risk as our resident creatures of the forest come alive and lure you in with their haunting humour.

• HEEBIE JEEBIES | Oct 8-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Heebie Jeebies, 53071 La Salle Road

  • Description: One of the most terrifying Halloween experiences and haunted houses near Winnipeg, Heebie Jeebies is back for its annual scare-fest.

• Boo at the Zoo | Oct 8-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: All aboard, the train’s ready to go to a town where Halloween spirits roam! Welcome to a mysterious land where fall festivities are in full swing.

• Six Pines Haunted Attractions | Oct 8-31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Six Pines

  • Description: Six Pines Haunted Attractions has continuously strived to offer Manitoba’s haunt enthusiasts an ever-changing range of haunted houses since inception.

• Matt Falk | 7:45PM, Oct 8-9 ($)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Matt Falk is a comedian, writer and actor who the CBC called, “Effortlessly Funny.”

Music 🎵

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

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].