Happy Friday, Winnipeg!

We’re back with all the updates you’ll want heading into the weekend. From police starting to patrol Winnipeg Transit, to the winners of Burger Week, plus a few other stories you might have missed.

It’s shaping up to be a busy couple of days in the city. There are still plenty of events happening, so whether you’re looking for something fun with family or just an excuse to get out, be sure to scroll right to the end to see the full list.

So grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into what’s happening around Winnipeg.

Now, in today’s edition:

• Winnipeg Police to Start Patrolling Local Buses

• A Magical Halloween Experience for the Whole Family!

• Winnipeg’s Burger Week 2025 Winner

• Measles Exposure Reported at St. Boniface Hospital

• 50+ Events this weekend & Live Music!

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Police Will Patrol Buses and Stops After Surge in Transit Violence

For many Winnipeggers, the bus is part of daily life: getting to school, work, appointments, or simply home after a long day. But lately, more and more riders say it doesn’t feel as safe as it once did, with some avoiding transit altogether after dark.

The reason? A rise in violent incidents across the transit network. Which is why the city is rolling out a new plan to help restore a sense of safety.

• More Winnipeg Police officers, both in uniform and plainclothes, will be riding buses and patrolling at stops, stations, and shelters

• The move comes after a record 325 violent incidents were reported on the transit network in 2024, nearly triple the number from 2019

• Officers will focus on preventing violence and disruption before it escalates

• This “layered approach” also involves transit inspectors and community safety teams

• The initiative runs until end of 2025, using existing resources with no added cost

At its heart, this new plan is about making sure everyone feels safe enough to move through the city with ease.

A bus ride should be simple: kids heading to school, workers on their way home, neighbours sharing a seat. The hope is that these changes will bring back that sense of comfort, so everyone can travel without worry.

Click Here: To read more about the police strategy and how it’s being rolled out across the network.

Together with Red River Ex!

A Magical Halloween Experience for the Whole Family!

Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re planning something special for the kids, this is the event to mark on your calendar. Witchy Wonderland is back at Red River Exhibition Park, filled with costumes, characters, rides, and just the right amount of spooky fun to make the season unforgettable.

Running select days from October 17 to 26, Witchy Wonderland keeps things playful and family-friendly. Think fall fair, not haunted house, the perfect outing for little ones (and parents who’d rather skip the scares).

Now’s the best time to grab tickets, with prices at their lowest.

Here’s what to look forward to:

• Carnival rides, a (not-so) haunted train, and a Scary-Go-Round made for kids

• Spooky zones like Spidey’s Lair, Ship Wrecked, and the Witches Coven

• Face painting, inflatables, roaming characters, and photo ops galore

• With fireworks nights on Oct 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25

Halloween isn’t just about decorations or candy. It’s about the joy kids feel when they get to dress up, play, and be part of something magical.

So, whether your kid wants to be a princess or a superhero, it’s a chance to dress up, run around, and celebrate Halloween in the sweetest way possible.

📍 Red River Exhibition Park – West Gate
📅 October 17–19 & 23–26 only
🎟 Tickets are on sale now!

Grab your tickets today, and make sure to share this with a friend who loves Halloween (or has kids who do)!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Community Digest

Gimli’s Carlo’s Cucina Crowned Winnipeg’s Burger Week Champion

Every September, Burger Week takes over kitchens across Canada, with hundreds of restaurants cooking up wild creations in hopes of taking the crown.

This year was the biggest one yet, with more than 370 restaurants competing nationwide.

And right here in Manitoba, a small-town favourite stole the show. Gimli’s Carlo’s Cucina took the top spot in the province, winning #1 in Manitoba and finishing second in all of Canada with their burger, The Taste of the Interlake.

If you’ve ever eaten at Carlo’s, this win won’t surprise you. It’s the kind of place built on heart, good food, and a warm welcome. And now, they’ve managed to put Manitoba on the national stage with a burger that clearly hit the mark. A hometown win that feels pretty sweet.

Want to see the full Top 5 list? Click the link below.

Click Here: To see the full list of this year’s Le Burger Week favourites!

Measles Exposure Reported at St. Boniface Hospital

If you or someone you know grabbed lunch at St. Boniface Hospital on Sept. 12, this is worth a quick read. Manitoba Health has reported a measles exposure during that time and is asking folks to keep an eye on symptoms.

Here’s what to know:

• Exposure location: St. Boniface Hospital cafeteria, Sept. 12, 12–2:30 p.m.

• Watch for symptoms like fever, cough, or rash until Oct. 4

• Check your vaccine status, especially if you were born in 1970 or later

• Some folks (like babies and immunocompromised people) may need extra precautions

Measles spreads easily and hits young kids the hardest. If you were there, or know someone who was, share this with them just in case. It’s always better to check early than worry later.

Click Here: To read the full public health update and see if you’re protected.

City Updates

John Steel Park Reopens with a Brand-New Playground

Playgrounds have a way of bringing people together. Warm afternoons, packed snack bags, and kids running full speed toward the monkey bars, it’s the kind of everyday joy that sticks with you.

And now, thanks to a $308,000 investment by the City and federal funding, John Steel Park is ready for more of those moments.

Located at 300 Westwood Drive, the park now has a brand-new playground that’s easier to access, safer for kids, and a whole lot more inviting.

Here’s what’s new:

• All-new playground equipment, including an accessible ramped structure

• Swings, slides, and stand-alone features near the wading pool

• Picnic tables and benches added for parents and caregivers

• New asphalt paths throughout the park for better access

The upgrades breathe new life into a park that’s been part of the neighbourhood for years. It’s now a place where kids can play freely, grown-ups can take a breath, and neighbours, old and new, have one more reason to stop and stay a while.

Click Here: To see what’s new at John Steel Park and plan your next visit!

Exciting Events: September 19th - 21st

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

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Run Club | Sept 20 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

• Manitoba Harness Racing | Sept 20 (FREE)

  • Location: The LOOP

• DND Run Club | 8:15AM, Sept 21 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Two of a kind!

• Winnipeg Jets vs. Minnesota Wild Pre-season | 4PM, Sept 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Community Fun🎆

• Corn Maze | September 19 - November 2 ($)

  • 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, Sept 19-21 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Take in the sounds of the season and watch the sky come to life as thousands of geese land after sunset in this breathtaking autumn ritual.

• West St. Paul Fire Department Open House | 12PM-3PM, Sept 21 (FREE)

  • Location: West St. Paul Fire Department

  • Description: Visitors can experience a new state-of-the-art firefighting simulator, watch vehicle extrications, and explore the fire safety trailer to learn important prevention tips

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

• An Oddly Curious Market | Sept 19-21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Musem

  • Description: A market for artists and makers of odd, curious, weird, dark, macabre, strange or unusual goods and art.

• St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 8AM-2PM, Sept 20 (FREE)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

• St. Amant Free the Spirit Festival | 10AM-2PM, Sept 20 (FREE)

  • Location: St.Amant

  • Description: The Free the Spirit Festival supports the St.Amant Foundation, offering an opportunity to support and celebrate diversity within the community. This inclusive event has activities for all abilities, including the 2k Walk (or Roll) and the 5k Run.

• Pollock's Fall Market 2025 | 11AM-5PM, Sept 20 (FREE)

  • Location: Pollock's Hardware Co-op Ltd.

  • Description: Join us for our vendor market, kids activities, and an amazing line up of musicians all day long!

• Bronx Park Farmers Market | 9AM-2PM, Sept 20 (FREE)

  • Location: Bronx Park

• Live, Love Downtown | 12PM-9PM, Sept 20-21 (FREE)

  • Location: Memorial Park and Blvd

  • Description: A vibrant festival that brings together local food, music, art, and community spirit. This event will shine a spotlight on the amazing people, nonprofits, and small businesses that make our city centre so special.

• BarkFest The Ultimutt Dog Party! | 10AM-5PM, Sept 20-21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Join dog lovers & their furry friends for BarkFest The Ultimutt Dog Party! A weekend-long festival of fun celebrating everything DOGS! Markets, entertainment and more!

Performances🎭

• MAMMA MIA: An Abba Love Story | Sept 19 - 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.

• O.G.I. (The Only Good Indian) | Sept 19-20 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Colin Jackson Studio Theatre

  • Description: The Only Good Indian is part lecture, part meditation, and part threat. Or maybe a sacrifice.

• The Alan Jackson Experience | 7:30PM, Sept 20 ($)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: The look, stage presence, and sound will have you believing you are at an actual Alan Jackson concert

• Music of the Night: The Concert Tour | 7:30PM, Sept 20 ($)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: This concert celebration of Andrew Lloyd Webber returns to Winnipeg (last here in Fall '23) after having toured across Canada to sold out audiences from Victoria to Montreal!

• JOB The Play | Sept 20-21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Winnipeg Jewish Theatre

  • Description: A razor-sharp psychological thriller about ambition, burnout, and the digital forces shaping our lives. From Broadway to Berney, this gripping two-hander marks the season’s electrifying start. Max Wolf Friedlich is a Jewish American playwright who made his Broadway debut in 2024 with JOB.

Comedy❗

• Tom Papa - Grateful Bread Tour | 7PM, Sept 19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: One of the top comedic voices in the country, finding success as an actor, host, and author, in film, TV, radio and podcasts as well as on the live stage.

• STEVE-O | 8PM, Sept 19 ($)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Jackass Superstar STEVE-O will be live in Winnipeg June 27th at Burton Cummings Theatre on his brand new multimedia comedy tour “Crash and Burn!”.

• Sharon Mahoney | Sept 19-20 ($)

  • Location: Yuk Yuks Comedy Club

  • Description: Sharon is an incredibly engaging performer who strives to make a connection with her audience while metaphorically grabbing them by the short and curlies.

• Two Asians One Cup | 8PM, Sept 19-20 ($)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Bonggun Kim, a Korean comedian also known as Kimchi Daddy. Several of his videos have gone viral, and his popularity keeps growing every day.

• Dino Archie | Sept 19-20 ($)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: The Fresno native cut his teeth between Los Angeles, and Vancouver Canada performing stand up full time.

• Rick Mercer Stand up for Canada | 7PM, Sept 21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: This fall, iconic comedian Rick Mercer leads a coast-to-coast tour spotlighting homegrown talent and delivering a night of laughter, and national pride.

Special Events/Concerts 🥂

• Jimmy John's Canada Grand Opening | 11AM, Sept 19 (FREE)

  • Location: 1740 Pembina Highway

  • Description: To kick things off, they’re treating the first 100 guests to a FREE sandwich + a 16 oz drink on us!

• Culture Days Manitoba | 7PM, Sept 19 - Oct 12 (FREE)

  • Location: Various location

  • Description: Culture Days Manitoba is a collaborative pan-Canadian volunteer movement that raises awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities.

• Reel Pride Film Festival 2025 | Sept 19-21 ($)

  • Location: Gas Station Arts Centre & Canadian Museum for Human Rights

  • Description: Reel Pride turns forty in 2025, making it one of the longest serving queer film Festivals in North Armerica!

• African Movie Festival | 10AM-2:30PM, Sept 19-21 ($)

  • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq

  • Description: Get ready to immerse yourself in a thrilling cinematic experience like no other, as we showcase the finest films from across the African continent, as well as from Africans in Canada, the USA, Europe, and beyond.

• MICEC Monster Bingo | 2PM, Sept 20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: MICEC is proud to announce our next Monster Bingo on September 20, 2025 at Assiniboia Downs!

• NAPA Car Meet | 6PM-9PM, Sept 20 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: 1777 Ellice Ave

  • Description: Join us for an evening of cars, builds, and good vibes!

• Bisons Block Party | 12PM-5PM, Sept 20 (FREE)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

  • Description: The herd is gathering! Join us on the University of Manitoba campus at Princess Auto Stadium for the first-ever Bisons Block Party.

• Harte Trail Studio Art Tour | 10AM-4PM, Sept 20-21 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Multiple Locations

  • Description: This is your quest to find treasures at the Harte Trail Studio Art Tour. Explore the creativity of 20 curated artists in their own studios—an experience like no other.

• Oktoberfest Street Party | Sept 20-21 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Devil May Care Brewing

  • Description: Featuring German-style beers by DMC (some old favorites and some new goodies) in an outdoor Biergarten on Fort St.

• Tree Planting Demonstration | 1PM-3PM, Sept 21 (FREE)

  • Location: Westmount Park

  • Description: Join us for tree a planting demonstration and raffle. Enter for your chance to win a free 10 gallon tree! (6-8 feet tall)!

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!