Happy Monday, Winnipeggers!

With Canada Day just around the corner, today’s edition is packed with everything you need to make the most of it. We’ve put together a full festival and fireworks guide to help you plan your day, along with a quick list of what’s open/closed around the city.

And of course, we didn’t miss the other news. Keep scrolling to catch up on it all.

In today’s edition:

• Winnipeg Canada Day: What’s Open/Closed

• Winnipeg’s full Canada Day Festivals Guide for 2025

• Restaurant of the Week

• Winnipeg’s New Transit System Is Now Live

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Canada Day: What’s Open/Closed

Canada Day is just around the corner, and whether you're planning to go to the mall, cool off at a spray pad, or just kick back at home, here’s a quick guide to what’s open and closed across Winnipeg tomorrow, July 1.

City Services

• City Hall and admin offices: closed

• Garbage, & recycling: collected as usual if Monday’s your pickup day

• Winnipeg Transit: Sunday schedule with extra Blue Line buses between The Forks and Assiniboine Park

Shopping Centres

• Open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.: CF Polo Park, Outlet Collection, Garden City, Kildonan Place

• Closed: Grant Park Shopping Centre, St. Vital Centre

Grocery & Retail

• Costco: closed

• Most grocery stores: open with reduced hours-check your local store

Recreation

• Outdoor spray pads and pools: open (hours vary)

• Wading pools: begin opening on a staggered basis starting July 1

• Indoor pools and leisure centres: closed

• City golf courses: open - Canoe Club, Crescent Drive, Kildonan Park, Windsor Park (check for weather updates)

Museums & Galleries

• Assiniboine Park Zoo: open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Children’s Museum: open 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (gift shop closed)

• Canadian Museum for Human Rights: open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. with free admission

• WAG–Qaumajuq: open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Manitoba Museum: open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Libraries

• All public library branches: closed

Make sure to double-check hours before heading out. However you’re spending it, have a relaxing and joyful Canada Day, Winnipeg!

Winnipeg’s full Canada Day Festivals Guide for 2025

Big crowds, neighbourhood parties, or small-town fireworks. Take your pick!

Canada Day in Winnipeg always gives you options. Whether you're up for joining a big celebration or just want to stroll over to your local park with a lawn chair and snacks, there's something happening close to home, or just a short drive away.

Here’s a roundup of what’s happening around the city:

Big Celebrations:

• The Forks
  Winnipeg’s go-to Canada Day spot. Expect a family-friendly day with skateboarding demos, dance battles, cultural performances, and local food trucks. No fireworks this year, so it’s great if you want to avoid late-night traffic. Festivities run 9AM–6PM. More info

• Princess Auto Stadium
  One of the biggest parties in town. Starts at noon with a tailgate market, inflatables, live music, and the Bomber BBQ showdown. Fireworks light up after 10:30PM. More info

• Assiniboia Downs
  Live horse racing kicks off at 7:30PM, followed by a solid fireworks display. Lots of family activities and live entertainment. Parking is free before 8PM, $10 after. More info

Neighbourhood Celebrations in Winnipeg

• Tyndall Park - Tyndall Park Community Centre
  Canadafest runs June 30–July 1 with food trucks, live music, graffiti wall, zumba, and more. More info

• ⁠Sage Creek - Parc Ron Duhamel Park
  Live music, kids’ activities, and a makers market starting at 4PM. Fireworks end the night. More info

• Bridgwater Lakes - Fountain Park
  From 11AM–3PM: petting zoo, cultural shows, dragon dances, cake, and bouncy castles. More info

• Transcona - Centennial Square
  Celebrate with hot dogs, games, balloon animals and local vendors from 1–5PM. Fireworks are at Buhler Recreation Park after dusk! More info

• Assiniboine Park - 145 Leaf Way
  Activities from 11AM–5PM including live music, food trucks, a chalk party, drumming circle, and Super Hero Hangout. More info

There are plenty of ways to celebrate this day. And wherever you end up, we hope your day’s full of sun, snacks, and something to remember.

For the full list of Canada Day events, be sure to scroll down to our events section below!

Together with The Locals X Winnipeg Digest!

Winnipeg’s Biggest Summer Markets are back! (And we need your help)

If you’ve ever wanted to get more involved in the community, this is your chance.

We’re bringing back our Summer of Locals market on July 5–6 at Outlet Collection Mall. And while it’s free to attend and packed with family fun… we could really use a few more volunteers.

Even if you can give just 2 hours, it helps more than you think.

Here’s what’s happening:

• 80+ local vendors selling handmade goods, clothes, art, self-care, home decor, and more!

• 20+ food spots, from food trucks to sweet treats and cool drinks.

• Free kids activities: bouncy castles, face painting, superhero and princess visits.

• Youth entrepreneurs running their own lemonade stand and button shop!

We’re building something special right here in Winnipeg, and it’s even better when you’re a part of it.

So if you’ve got a bit of time this weekend, sign up to volunteer. Or just stop by with your family, enjoy the market, and support local!

Restaurant of the Week: Phở Hoang

Phở Hoang has been serving up fresh, flavourful Vietnamese dishes since 2011, and it’s easy to see why locals keep coming back. With four locations across the city, it’s a go-to spot for a comforting bowl of phở or something sizzling and simply satisfying.

Why we love it:

• Their phở is a classic: rich, clear broth, fresh herbs, and generous portions of rare steak, brisket, or beef balls

• Fan favourites also include BBQ short ribs, lemongrass chicken, and sizzling plates that come out steaming

• Don’t sleep on the bubble tea or the key lime ice cream (made with real lime)

📍 Vietnamese comfort food, no matter what side of the city you’re on:

• Sargent: 5-794 Sargent Ave.

• Osborne: 117 Osborne St.

• Portage: 235 Portage Ave.

• Seasons: 4-605 Sterling Lyon Pkwy

Whether you’re a regular or trying it for the first time, Phở Hoang has that easygoing, feel-good energy you want from a local favourite.

Click Here: To check their full menu!

City Updates

Winnipeg’s New Transit System Is Now Live

If you take the bus, or know someone who does, you’ll want to double-check your route. Winnipeg Transit just launched a brand new network on Sunday, and almost every route across the city has changed.

It’s the biggest update in over 140 years, and it’s meant to make cross-town trips quicker and less downtown-dependent. But with new numbers, new paths, and new stops, it might take a minute to get used to.

Here’s what to know:

• Nearly every route has been updated under a new “spine-and-feeder” system

• Main roads now have faster, more frequent service: every 15 minutes or less during peak times

• Stops were rebalanced, with 1,700 old ones removed and 460 new ones added

• 12 On-Request zones are now live, tripled from the old system

• Travel trainers in blue vests are out at major stops and riding buses to help you figure things out

You can plan your trip using the Transit app or Navigo. Just double-check your route before heading out.

It’s a big switch, and it might take some getting used to, but the goal is a faster, more reliable system that works better for the city we live in!

Click here: To see whats changed and to see your new bus route!

Community Digest

Carter Bear from West St. Paul Drafted 13th Overall in NHL Draft

There’s nothing quite like watching a hometown kid make it big. On Friday night, Carter Bear from West St. Paul took a huge step in his hockey journey: getting drafted 13th overall by the Detroit Red Wings.

It’s a proud moment for Manitoba, and an even bigger one for Carter’s family and community.

Here’s the scoop:

• Carter played left wing for the Everett Silvertips in the WHL

• He racked up 40 goals and 42 assists in just 56 games, despite an injury cutting his season short

• Born in Winnipeg and connected to Peguis First Nation, Carter was the first Manitoban picked in this year’s draft

With grit, skill, and deep roots in the province, Carter’s story is one a lot of local kids can look up to. Here’s hoping we’ll see him light it up in the NHL soon, and maybe even catch a game when he’s in town.

Congratulations, Carter! Manitoba’s cheering you on.

Click here: To read the full announcement!

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!

• Exchange Summer Fitness – Bootcamp | 12-12:45PM, July 2 (FREE)

  • Location: 201 Portage Plaza

• Exchange Summer Fitness – Yoga | 12-12:45PM, July 3 (FREE)

  • Location: Stephen Juba Park

• Cinema Under the Stars 2025 - The Dog Trial | 9:30PM, July 3 (FREE)

  • Location: Ruins of St. Boniface Cathedral

  • Description: Movies Under the Stars offers screenings of French-language films, accessible to all thanks to the presence of English subtitles.

• Downtown Farmers' Market | 10AM-2:30PM, July 3 (FREE)

  • Location: Manitoba Hydro Place along Graham Avenue

  • Description: The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s popular Outdoor Farmers’ Market has been bringing local food and goods downtown for more than 12 years.

• Summer Concert Series: Les Barn Boys | 7PM-9PM, July 3 (FREE)

  • Location: Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Join us for the Summer Concert Series at the Lyric Theatre, part of the Assiniboine Park's Summer Entertainment Series! All concerts are FREE!

• Paranormal Cirque | July 4-14 (Tickets)

  • Location: St. Vital Centre

  • Description: A crazy yet fun fusion between Circus, theatre, and cabaret in perfect harmony with the evolution of a show that brings you back to when we dream... and when we had nightmares and fantasies.

• First Friday in The Exchange | 5PM, July 4 (FREE)

  • Location: Exchange District

  • Description: ​​Explore the exchange for free together artists, artist-run centres, galleries, businesses and more!

• The Summer of Locals | July 5-6 (FREE)

  • Location: Outlet Collection Winnipeg

  • Description: 80+ vendors, selling everything from the perfect gifts to your new favourite eats, and everything in between. It's a showcase of some of the best our city has to offer.

• Winnipeg National Bank Challenger | July 6-13 (Tickets)

  • Location: National Bank Tennis MB Hub at West St. Paul

  • Description: Every July, over 60 tennis players descend on Winnipeg to vie for tennis greatness in the Winnipeg National Bank Challenger (WNBC). This one-week event has winnings of $100,000.

• 2025 Manitoba Pet Expo | 10AM-4PM, July 6 (FREE)

  • Location: St. Norbert Community Centre

  • Description: Come on out and see local animal rescues/shelters, advocacy groups, pet food companies, pet supply companies, pet service companies such as groomers, dog sitters, doggy daycare, veterinarians and more.

Exciting Events: June 30th - July 1st

Quick note: Apologies in advance that we couldn’t link directly to all the event pages in today’s newsletter. This edition ended up a little longer than usual with all the Canada Day events, so we had to limit the number of links we could include.

Thanks for understanding! (And please search up the events before going!)

Special: Canada Day

All links to the events are in the guide at the start of the newsletter!

• Canada Fest | June 30 - July 1 (FREE)

  • Location: Tyndall Park Community Centre

• Canada Day | 9AM-6PM, July 1 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

• Canada Day | 12PM-5PM, July 1 (FREE)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

  • Description: Face painting, storytelling, inflatables, and other activities designed for families. Fireworks will light up the city skyline at dusk.

• Canada Day Celebrations | July 1 (FREE)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Live horse racing starting at 7:30PM, followed by a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night sky.

• Canada Day | July 1 (FREE)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park

  • Description: A full day filled with music, entertainment, and fun in celebration of Canada Day! (Food trucks, bouncy castles, live music, and more!)

• Canada Day | 4PM-11PM, July 1 (FREE)

  • Location: Ron Duhamel Park (Sage Creek)

  • Description: Enjoy a fun evening filled with free activities, live entertainment, a local makers market, fireworks, and more!

• Transcona BIZ Night Markets: Canada Day Market | July 1 (FREE)

  • Location: Transcona Centennial Square

• Canada Day Celebration | July 1 (FREE)

  • Location: Bridgwater Lakes Park

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Fargo-Moorhead | July 1-3 ($)

  • Location: Blue Cross Park

• Live Horse Racing | 7:30PM, July 1-2 (FREE)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

Music 🎵

• Summer of Sound 2025 | June 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Central Canada’s largest electronic music event! A community of music lovers who come together to celebrate the power of electronic music.

• Lloyd Peterson | 7PM, June 30 ($)

  • Location: Sidestage Winnipeg

• Canada Night: The Nooners, Andrew Neville and The Poor Choices | 9PM, June 30 ($)

  • Location: Blue Note Park

Community Fun🎆

• Summer Line-Up: Ice Painting | 11AM-3PM, June 30 - July 6 (FREE)

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

  • Description: Join them all summer long for hands-on programming inspired by the season! From 11AM-3PM daily, enjoy special activities that include crafts, games, and so much more.

• Paddle Nights | 6PM, July 1 & 3 ($)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Spend an evening paddling before sunset for the perfect summer night.

Special Events 🎨

• Waiting for Godot at Shakespeare in the Ruins | July 1-6 ($)

  • Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

  • Description: One of the most important texts of the last century: Waiting for Godot has surely become one of the most canonical and enigmatic plays since Shakespeare.

• Macbeth, by William Shakespeare | July 2-5 ($)

  • Location: Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park

  • Description: This popular ‘Shakespearean noir’ is exciting as a murder mystery, but it is its palpable and sensual atmosphere that really grabs us. For gloomy intensity, there’s nothing like it in all of Shakespeare.

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