Midweek already, Winnipeg!

The temperature’s been rising, the wind’s been wild, and now the city’s put a full fire ban in place. Part of it might’ve been from how the Jets performed on Sunday night (kidding… kind of).

But seriously, conditions have been dry, and we’ve got everything you need to know about what’s allowed, what’s not, and how long the fire ban will last.

In today’s edition:

• Winnipeg Jets Round 2 Playoff Guide

• Street Closures & Transit Changes for Tonight

• Manitoba’s Biggest Fair is Back!

• Winnipeg Issues City-Wide Fire Ban

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

Your Winnipeg Jets Round 2 Playoff Guide

The energy right now is unreal, Winnipeg.

If you stayed up late Sunday night, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The Jets pulled off an epic comeback in double overtime against the Blues, and I swear you could hear the cheering from Portage & Main throughout the whole city. Cole Perfetti tied up the game with just 2.2 seconds left, and our Captain Adam Lowry buried the game-winner to send the whole city into absolute chaos!

What. A. Game!

But there's no time to catch our breath. Round 2 kicks off tonight against the Dallas Stars, right here at Canada Life Centre. Here’s everything you need to stay in the loop (and avoid downtown traffic headaches).

🚧 Heading Downtown? Street Closures & Transit Changes

Downtown’s gonna be packed tonight, so if you're heading to the Whiteout party, the game, or anywhere nearby.

Here’s what you should know:

• Street Closures:

  • Donald Street (Southbound between Portage Ave & St. Mary Ave):

    • Closed today from 9 AM to tomorrow 7 AM

    • Closed again Friday 9 AM to Saturday 7 AM

  • Graham Avenue (between Hargrave & Smith):

    • Same closure times as above

  • Best alternate routes: Main Street or Osborne Street

• Transit Updates:

  • Graham Ave buses are detoured today (resumes normal tomorrow morning)

  • Winnipeg Transit Plus temporarily relocated:

    • Radisson Hotel (Portage Ave)

    • Winnipeg Police HQ (Millennium Library pickup)

    • Northbound Hargrave (near St. Mary)

• Millennium Library:

  • Closing early today at 6:30 PM

Click Here: For the full guide on all the street closures and changes!

And if you're looking to gear up for the entire series, here's the full schedule so you can plan everything around it. Because this playoff run is just getting started!

📅 Jets vs. Stars: Round 2 Schedule

Round 1 was legendary, but we’re just getting warmed up. Mark your calendars, clear your evenings, and make sure your white gear is ready to go.

Here's when you need to tune in:

• Game 1: Tonight, May 7 at 8:30 PM – Home

• Game 2: Friday, May 9 at 8:30 PM – Home

• Game 3: Sunday, May 11 at 3:30 PM – Away (Dallas)

• Game 4: Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00 PM – Away (Dallas)

• Game 5 (if needed): Thursday, May 15 – Home (Time TBA)

• Game 6 (if needed): Saturday, May 17 – Away (Time TBA)

• Game 7 (if needed): Monday, May 19 – Home (Time TBA)

This city lives for playoff hockey, and right now, we've got something special brewing. So grab your friends, throw on your favourite Jets jersey, and let’s keep the excitement rolling all the way to the Cup. 12 more wins to go!

Together with The EX 2025!

Manitoba’s Biggest Fair is Back!

You know Winnipeg summer’s officially here when you hear the words “The EX”

It's one of Winnipeg’s greatest summer traditions, and honestly, nothing beats spending a sunny day riding roller coasters, munching mini donuts, and catching amazing local music with your favourite people.

Make it a family day, a friends' night out, or both, because this year there’s seriously something for everyone:

• 🎢 50+ rides, from thrilling and scary to fun and easy-going for the young ones.

• 🍟 45+ food trucks with every snack, sweet treat, and deep-fried delight you can imagine.

• 🎶 Live music every single day, featuring multiple top local artists!

• 🎪 And if that wasn’t enough, they’ll even have Performers and attractions that’ll keep everyone smiling, no matter their age.

Happening from June 13-22, at The Red River Exhibition Park. It’s the perfect summer activity to do with your friends and family!

The pre-sale is now ON, so be sure to get your tickets early to lock in these prices, and keep this amazing Winnipeg summer tradition going strong!

Click the button below to see early bird pricing and everything happening each day at The EX!

Community Spotlight

Winnipeg Issues City-Wide Fire Ban

It’s been dry, windy, and a little too close for comfort lately.

After fires broke out near Dakota and McPhillips on Sunday, the city is putting safety first. A fire ban is now in effect across Winnipeg until May 19 at 6 p.m., and it’s something we all need to take seriously, especially with how fast these fires can spread.

Here’s what’s not allowed:

• Open fires and backyard fire pits

• Fireworks of any kind

• Fire pits in public parks

• And even charcoal and wood-burning barbecues

Even if you already have a permit, it’s now suspended. No new permits will be issued during the ban.

You can still use propane and gas barbecues or fire tables. (Just use extra caution)

Violations can result in a $500 fine. Please follow the rules above and call 911 if you see a fire, or 311 to report any banned activity.

Click Here: To learn more about the Fire Ban!

City Updates

Heads Up: Alert Ready Test Happening May 7 at 1:55 PM

Just a heads-up: today at 1:55 PM, your phone might go off with a loud emergency alert. Don’t worry, it’s only a test.

The province is testing the Alert Ready system to make sure it works when it really matters. You might hear it on the radio or see it pop up on your TV too.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The alert goes out through TV, radio, and compatible phones.

• Not everyone will get it, as it depends on your phone settings, network, and location.

• It’s just a test, but it’s also a great reminder to double-check your alert settings and make sure you know how your phone or TV will notify you in a real emergency.

Click Here: For more information on the Alert Ready Test!

And since it’s also Emergency Preparedness Week, the City has put together a full guide to help you plan ahead, protect your loved ones, and stay ready for anything.

Take 10 Minutes and Get Your Household Ready

Emergencies don’t wait. And while we hope you never have to deal with one, a little planning now can save a lot of stress later.

With Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4–10) happening, it’s a great time to talk with your family, update your plans, and make sure you’re ready for anything.

Here’s where to start:

• Build or update your emergency kit

• Pack a go-bag with things like prescriptions, documents, pet supplies, and snacks

• Make a simple family plan: who to call, where to meet, and how to stay in touch

• Don’t forget about pets: they need food, water, and a safe place too

• Take the free Ready Winnipeg course online to learn about local risks

• And talk to your neighbours and build a support network

You don’t need to do it all at once. But starting this week means you’ll be that much more prepared when the unexpected happens.

Click Here: To learn more about the free Ready Winnipeg Course!

Community Digest

$350K Funding to Support MMIWG2S+ Families

On Red Dress Day this past Monday, a day that holds deep meaning in our community, the province shared something important. $350,000 in new funding is being distributed to support families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit relatives.

This funding comes from the MMIWG2S+ Healing and Empowerment Endowment Fund, created last year through a $15 million provincial investment. It is now being used to provide direct support through trusted Indigenous organizations across Manitoba.

Supports include:

• Travel and search efforts for loved ones

• Costs to attend court proceedings

• Access to healing through counselling, ceremony, and more

If you’re an immediate family member, you may be eligible for help through MKO, SCO, GGW, IWS, or Tunngasugit.

Click Here: To learn more about the Endowment Fund or to make a donation.

A New Winnipeg Library… in a Mall?

This one’s for all the book lovers in the North End.

As reported by CTV News, the city is looking at building a brand new library inside Garden City Shopping Centre, and honestly, it kinda makes sense. The city couldn’t find a city-owned space in Old Kildonan or Mynarski that met the requirements, so they opened it up to private proposals. And Garden City fit the bill!

Here’s what the plan includes:

• A 14,490 square foot space inside the mall

• Fall 2026 is the goal for opening

• Funded as part of a $4.7 million city initiative to better serve the northwest

The idea goes to the committee on May 8.

Would you hang out at a library in the mall? Reply to this email and let us know.

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!

• The Malaga Ship - A Story of Maine and the Middle Passage | 7PM, May 9

  • Location: EG Hall, The University of Winnipeg

  • Description: A powerful 45-minute performance by Antonio Rocha that brings to life the harrowing journey of enslaved Africans through movement, voice, and personal connection.

• Family Fun Spring Fair | May 9-11, Open Fri, Sat & Sun (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Multiple rides, games and food trucks for you and your friends to enjoy!

• Scattered Seeds “Mother’s Day Special” Market | May 9-10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Honour the Mother, mentor, or special someone in your life with a memorable day of hunting for unique treasures, making memories, and welcoming spring.

• Manitoba Metalfest 2025 | May 9-10 ($)

  • Location: The Park Theatre

  • Performers: Obscura, Athiest, Origin, Decrepit Birth, Fractal Universe and Spineless!

• Niko Moon Concert | 8PM, May 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

• Free Family Fishing Weekend | May 10-11 (Learn More)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Start the season off right by fishing for Northern pike, yellow perch and carp on the lakes.

• Billie and the Moon Play | May 10-11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: Everyone remembers their first time at summer camp. For Billie, it’s been unforgettable – and not in a good way. (Recommended for Ages 6-11)

• The Summer of Locals | May 10-11 (Free/Learn More)

  • Location: Outlet Collection Winnipeg

  • Description: Free summer markets. 50+ vendors, 10+ food trucks, bouncy castles, face painting, and more!

• Dear Mom... | 3PM, May 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

  • Description: An afternoon of music and stories celebrating mothers, mother-figures and motherhood in all its complicated glory.

Exciting Events: May 7th & 8th

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance.

Sports🏒

• Winnipeg Jets vs Dallas Stars Game 1 | 8:30PM, May 7 (Click here for all road closures)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: The first game of the series!

• Winnipeg Jets Whiteout Street Parties | 6:30PM, May 7

  • Location: Donald Street and Graham Ave

  • Description: 5,000 fans right outside the Canada Life Centre, watching Jets game 1 on big screens!

• The Volleyball Canada Youth National Championships | May 8-11 (More Info)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Volleyball athletes from across the country, including girls and boys age groups, 14U to 18U, hit the courts to battle for national glory.

Family Fun🎆

• ELEVATE: Manaaji'idiwin Play | May 7-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

  • Description: What happens when the elevator gets stuck on your way to an important meeting?

• The Band's Visit Musical | May 7-11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Winnipeg Jewish Theatre

  • Description: An Egyptian Police Band arrives in Israel to play a concert. After a mix-up at the border, they are sent to a remote village in the middle of the desert.

• Downtown Winnipeg Farmers’ Market | 10AM - 2PM, May 8 (More Info)

  • Location: Cityplace

  • Description: Find fresh and local vegetables, baking, preserves, meat, crafts, jewelry, and other food and artisan items.

• Grease Lightning Musical | May 8,10 & 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

  • Description: Greetings, Winnipeg High class of 1959, you are all invited to the biggest Rock and Roll reunion this town has ever seen!

Special Events/Concerts🎨

• The Leaf Unplugged | 7PM, May 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Step away from the constant buzz of technology and the demands of daily life, grab your yoga mat and book and come to The Leaf Unplugged.

• Mike Paramore Comedy | May 7-10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: His natural ability to infuse everyday situations with energetic, uplifting humor, combined with a natural ability to put you at ease is key to his personal brand of comedy.

• Guided Birding and Breakfast | 7:30 - 9:15AM, May 8 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park - Meet at entrance of Qualico Family Centre

  • Description: Enjoy a 90-minute guided birding walk led by experts from our Conservation and Research team through the fields and forests of Assiniboine Park during peak songbird migration. (registration required)

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].