Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

After a stretch of grey skies and surprise cold winds, the sun’s finally decided to show up, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

There’s a full weekend ahead with some of the city’s best free events kicking off. Whether you're wandering through heritage buildings during Doors Open Winnipeg, grabbing fresh produce at the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market, or checking out the delicious food and entertainment at Taste of Asia, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the weather and the city.

So call up a friend, bring the kids, or just head out on your own for a little sunshine and exploring. We’ve rounded up everything you need to know below, so let’s make it a weekend to remember!

Now, in today’s edition:

• Recycling Pickup Suspended on Thursday, May 22

• Winnipeg to Remove All Parking Paystations This Summer

• 150 Manitobans to Get Job Training Help

• New Indigenous Business Centre Opens in Downtown

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Recycling Pickup Suspended on Thursday, May 22

We try our best to stay away from any crime stories… but since this might’ve left a few of you wondering why your recycling was still sitting at the curb yesterday, we wanted to quickly fill you in.

Early Thursday morning, a body was found near the recycling depot on Mazenod Road in the St. Boniface Industrial Park. Police are now looking into it, and because of the ongoing investigation, the City had to temporarily pause some recycling pickups.

Here’s what to know:

• If your pickup was missed Thursday, just roll it back out Saturday before 7 a.m.

• Friday’s recycling and garbage collection are happening like normal

Police haven’t confirmed who the person is just yet, but they’re asking anyone with info to give them a call at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.

Click Here: To learn more about the collection delay

Together with Canada Soccer!

Winnipeg’s Own: The Desiree Scott Celebration Match

Some moments are bigger than sports, and this is one of them. On May 31, the whole city has a reason to come together.

Canada’s Women’s National Team is coming to Winnipeg for a special international match against Haiti at Princess Auto Stadium. But this isn’t just any match.

It’s a celebration of one of Winnipeg’s greatest, Desiree Scott.

She’s played in three Olympics, helped Canada bring home gold, and inspired a generation of young players. Now, after a 14-year international career, she’s wrapping it all up right here at home.

Whether you’ve followed her journey since day one or you’ve just started watching, this is a chance to be part of something special.

Here’s what to know:

• Canada vs Haiti for an international women’s soccer showdown

• Celebration of Desiree Scott’s legendary career

• First Canada Women’s National Team match in Winnipeg in 8 years

• Family-friendly, local pride-filled atmosphere and more!

📍 May 31 at Princess Auto Stadium
🎟️ Tickets are now live, and this is the cheapest price you’ll get!

This is more than just a match. It’s a thank you to someone who’s made Winnipeg proud time and time again.

If you want to go, click the button below to grab your tickets and be part of this historic day!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

City Updates

Winnipeg to Remove All Parking Paystations This Summer

If you’ve ever stood in the cold trying to feed a parking machine that just wouldn’t take your card, well… good news.

Starting July 2, the City is beginning to remove all City-owned parking paystations, and they’ll be gone for good by August 31.

Here’s why and what it means for you:

• The machines run on 3G, which is being phased out across Canada

• Replacing them would cost $3.6 million, plus $1 million a year just to keep them running

• You can still use Prepaid Parking Booklets if you prefer paying with cash

• PayByPhone works from anywhere, even inside your car

The shift makes sense for most people as 80% of paid parking is already handled through PayByPhone, and 90% of all transactions are done by credit card. But it might still be a big change for folks who aren’t used to using apps.

So if you’ve got parents or grandparents in your life, now’s the time to help them download the app and walk them through how it works.

Click Here: For more information on PayByPhone and to download the app!

Manitoba Launches New Innovation Task Force

It’s easy to feel like Manitoba gets overlooked when it comes to tech and innovation, but some big names are now stepping up to change that.

The province just launched a new Innovation and Productivity Task Force, bringing together leaders from law, business, science, and tech. Even including Jim Balsillie, the former co-CEO of BlackBerry!

Their goal? Help Manitoba become a front-runner in the new digital economy.

Here’s what they’re working on:

• Creating smarter policies for things like AI and cloud data

• Finding ways for Manitobans to own and protect their data and ideas

• Building a long-term plan to boost the local economy through innovation

• And connecting with local experts and Indigenous communities to make sure the strategy works for everyone

This task force isn’t just about buzzwords. It’s about really helping Manitoba grow its own ideas, protect them, and turn them into real economic wins! They’re expected to deliver their plan later this year, and we’ll keep you updated with anything they come out with.

Meanwhile, click here: To learn more about the task force and see who’s on it!

Community Digest

150 Manitobans to Get Job Training Help

We all know someone who’s had a tough time getting their foot in the door, whether it’s language barriers, past struggles, or just not knowing where to start. But this week, the province announced a new investment that could help change that for a lot of people.

The Manitoba government is putting $2 million toward programs that help folks facing employment barriers get the training and support they need to build a better future.

Here’s where that money’s going:

• BUILD Inc., helping people kickstart long-term careers in the trades

• Purpose Construction, training the next generation of skilled workers

• And SEED Winnipeg’s BEST program, supporting low-income and newcomer entrepreneurs

Altogether, these programs will support 150 Manitobans working toward a steady income and new opportunities.

So, if you or someone you know is looking for work, this could be a great place to start.
Click below to learn more or reach out to the program above that fits your path.

Click Here: For more info on the Employment and Training Programs

New Indigenous Business Centre Opens in Downtown

A brand new Indigenous-led entrepreneurship centre just opened its doors on Wednesday in downtown Winnipeg, and it’s the first of its kind in Canada!

As reported by CTV News, the Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre (WTEC) is now open at 191 Broadway, inside a 5,000+ sq. ft. space that brings everything Indigenous entrepreneurs need under one roof.

Here’s what they’re offering:

• One-on-one mentorship in a culturally grounded space

• Business training and certification through college partnerships

• Help with scaling up and long-term success

• Access to capital, legal help, marketing support, and more

They’re starting by supporting 20 to 30 people in year one, with plans to grow to 200+ Indigenous entrepreneurs in the next few years!

Click Here: To learn more about the Indigenous entrepreneurship centre

Exciting Events: May 23rd - 25th

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

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Calgary Surge | 7PM, May 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: Go see the Sea Bears’ 2nd home game!

• Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Gary Southshore Railcats | May 23-25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Blue Cross Park

• Walking Winnipeg Rivers | May 23-25 (Sign up)

  • Location: Multiple locations

  • Description: Enjoy excellent company, music, Saturday supper and participate in an Indigenous water ceremony. Three different walks ranging from 10-17 km!

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8:00AM, May 24th (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

• DND Run Club | 8:15AM, May 25th

  • Location: The Forks

  • Note: Dash N’ Dine Run Club!

Family Fun🎆

• Riverdance | May 23-25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide.

• Spotlight Ballet | May 23-24 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Performers: Professional Division’s Ballet Academic Program (BAP) showcase combines a classic story ballet with brand new contemporary pieces.

• Grease Lightning Musical | May 24 & 25 (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!

• Create and Connect Crafts at The Leaf | 1-3PM, May 25 (More Info)

  • Location: Tannis M. Richardson Classroom at The Leaf

  • Description: Hands-on crafting using natural or recycled products! Crafts are appropriate for kids and families of all ages and are accessible without admission to the biomes.

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

• Family Fun Spring Fair | May 23-25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

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

• Hyundai Fun Days | May 23-25 (More Info)

  • Location: Unit D 1700 Waverly, Winnipeg

  • Description: Come take a test drive and while you’re here, enjoy free BBQ all day, cotton candy, snow cones, bouncy castle for the kids, arcade-style games and a family-friendly atmosphere all weekend long.

• St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 8AM - 2PM, May 24th

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

  • Description: Summer hours have started at Manitoba’s Largest Farmers’ Market!

• Taste of Asia | 12-9PM, May 24-25 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: Memorial Park and Boulevard, Winnipeg

  • Description: With OVER 40 performances, 100+ vendors/food stalls!

• MB Food Truck Battles | May 24-25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: A lineup of Winnipeg’s top food trucks, serving a variety of mouthwatering eats. With live bands bringing great music and vibes to keep the energy high.

Comedy❗

• Andrew Santino Comedy Tour | 9:45PM, May 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Andrew co-hosts the very popular podcast BAD FRIENDS with comedian Bobby Lee. Accumulating millions of downloads per week!

• Emily Rose Woods Comedy | May 23-24 ($)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: One of the brightest rising stars in Canadian comedy, Emily Woods hails from Vancouver and is quickly making a name for herself with her infectious stage presence and razor sharp joke writing.

• Lady Bunny Comedy | May 23-24 ($)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club

  • Description: New York City’s own drag legend, the razor-witted comic Lady Bunny, is hitting the road for her highly anticipated nationwide tour, “Lady Bunny: Don’t Bring the Kids Tour”.

• Josh Wolf Comedy | May 23-24 ($)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Comedian, actor, and writer Josh Wolf has become one of the most sought-after personalities in comedy today. From adding his quick-witted commentary on comedy round tables, to becoming a New York Times Bestselling Author

Special Events/Concerts 🥂

• 2025 Winnipeg International Jewish Film Festival | May 23 - June 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: Berney Theatre, Rady JCC

  • Description: The films we have chosen encompass the joy, pain, humour, richness, and creativity of the Jewish experience.

• Winnipeg Pride Festival 2025 | May 23 - June 1 (More Info)

  • Location: Multiple locations

  • Description: Pride Winnipeg is celebrated annually at the end of May through the first weekend of June, bringing our 2SLGBTQ+ community and its allies together to celebrate during a series of Pride events

• FascinAsian Film Festival | May 23-25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Inuit Art Centre at the WAG

  • Description: The festival celebrates Asian contributions to the film and media landscape and aims to showcase the talents of Asian-Canadian and Asian-American artists in film.

• Table for 1200 | May 24 (Tickets)

  • Location: The location is a SURPRISE and will be announced on event day.

  • Description: ​Storefront's Table For 1200 brings together architecture, design, and the culinary arts to create a spectacular 'pop-up' outdoor dining experience with entertainment and stimulating conversation in an absolutely unique setting.

• Doors Open Winnipeg 2025 | 9AM - 5PM, May 24-25 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: Multiple locations

  • Description: Free access to over 40 historic buildings and walking tours. Think: old post offices, secret tunnels, iconic churches, and hidden gems you’ve always wondered about.

• The InClines- Sweet Dreams of Patsy Cline | 1PM, May 25 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: A musical celebration of the life and times of the legendary Patsy Cline. It's the closest we'll ever get to experiencing a real Patsy Cline performance...

Music 🎵

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

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