Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

Hope you’ve been able to get outside this week because with this weather, it feels like spring showed up early. After months of bundling up, it’s nice to finally step out and feel the sun again.

Now, we know everyone’s been talking about the US tariffs. As they officially went into effect on Tuesday, but as we’re writing this, President Donald Trump just announced they’re being paused for Canada until April 2—for the second time. Just wanted to keep you in the loop without making the whole edition about it.

That said, we’re not gonna dwell too much on tariffs today—there’s plenty of other good stuff to get into. So, enjoy the rest of the edition, and we’ll keep you updated if anything changes locally.

In today’s edition:

• Winnipeg’s Spring/Summer Leisure Guide is now available

• Changes Coming for Garbage Collection

• The Forks is Looking for Local Artists!

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg’s Spring/Summer Leisure Guide is now available

You know that time of year when the snow starts melting and suddenly we all remember what outside feels like? Well, it’s almost here. And if you’re looking for ways to make the most of spring and summer, the Winnipeg Leisure Guide is officially out!

That means it’s time to get moving, get creative, and have some fun because the city has something for everyone.

• Registration opens March 18 at 8 a.m. for Winnipeg residents and March 20 for non-residents.

• Activities include ballet, hip-hop, martial arts, basketball, soccer, swimming, pottery, painting, yoga, fitness classes, and summer camps.

• Sign up online, by calling 311, or in person at Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex on March 18 from 8 a.m. to noon and select city locations.

Spots fill up fast, so if you’ve been meaning to enroll the kids in sports, take up a new hobby, or try something different as a family, now’s the time!

Spring is coming, Winnipeg. Let’s make it a good one.

📩 Sign up before spots disappear!

P.S Now as we’re talking about fun things to do. Have you ever been to an event we’ve mentioned in the Winnipeg Digest? If not, what’s stopping you? Let us know in the poll below!

You Can Park Overnight Again!

If you’ve been tiptoeing around overnight parking all winter, good news—the city has officially lifted the winter route parking ban! No more setting alarms to move your car or waking up in a panic, wondering if you got a ticket.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The ban started on Dec. 6 and restricted parking on designated streets between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m.

• Now that it’s lifted, overnight parking is back to normal on residential streets.

• If you’re ever unsure about future bans, you can check the Know Your Zone app, call 311, or use the city’s interactive snow map.

For now, park easy, Winnipeg. Just don’t forget where you left your car!

A message from us, Winnipeg Digest!

Helping Winnipeg Businesses Get Real Results

Winnipeg Digest has grown into a community of over 70,000 Winnipeggers in just under a year. And when we say community, we mean real people—locals who love this city, support small businesses, and actually pay attention to what we share.

We’re super selective about who we advertise with because we only want the best for our community. If we wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, we’re not putting it in here.

• So, If you’re a business confident in what you offer, whether it’s food, fitness, real estate, retail—whatever—reach out.

• Or If you know a business that should be in here, send them this! We’d love to see how we can partner.

We’re all about connecting great businesses with the right people.

Let’s make something happen. 📩 Email us at [email protected]

City Updates

Changes Coming for Garbage Collection

Nobody likes talking about garbage, but when it starts hitting the wallet, we all pay attention. The city is looking at changing how garbage collection is funded, and if approved, it could mean a big jump in fees for Winnipeggers.

Right now, waste collection is partially covered by property taxes. But, as reported by CTV News, the city is proposing a higher waste management fee instead.

• Where the fees would jump from $23 every three months to $63 (or $254 per year).

• On the plus side, this new system would also cover green cart collection and remove extra charges for broken or lost garbage bins.

City Council still has to approve this, and discussions start Monday at the water and waste committee meeting. But, If this goes through, it’s a big change for homeowners and renters alike. So, stay tuned, and we’ll keep you updated with all the changes that happen.

Sea Bears Basketball is Back on TV!

Basketball fans, get ready. The Winnipeg Sea Bears tip off their 2025 season on May 16 at Canada Life Centre, and if the past two seasons have shown us anything, it’s that this team has brought a whole new level of energy and excitement to downtown Winnipeg.

Key Updates:

• Four Sea Bears games will be on TSN this season, including three home games.

• The team also re-signed veteran guard Alex Campbell, a key player from last season.

From packed stands to a downtown buzzing with game-day energy, the Sea Bears have become a huge part of the city’s sports scene. So, if you haven’t been to a game yet, this is your year. Mark your calendars, Winnipeg—basketball season is here!

Community Digest

The Forks is Looking for Local Artists!

If you’ve ever walked through The Forks, you’ve probably noticed the public art—it’s everywhere. With over 30 works already on display, it’s like an open-air gallery, blending local and international talent into the heart of the city.

And now, they’re investing $200,000 to add even more. The Forks is calling on local emerging artists to bring a new piece to life at Railside, giving them a chance to make their mark on one of Winnipeg’s most visited spots.

• This is a paid opportunity for an emerging artist to create a new public art piece.

• The winning artist will be mentored by established local artist Ian August, offering a one-of-a-kind learning experience.

• The final piece will be installed once the new public courtyards at Railside are completed.

Winnipeg has no shortage of creative talent, and this is a huge opportunity for a rising artist to be part of the city’s landscape. If you know someone who should apply, spread the word!

Canada Day at Princess Auto Stadium

The Blue Bombers just announced that one of Winnipeg’s biggest Canada Day celebrations is happening at Princess Auto Stadium.

• The tailgate kicks off at noon with live music, food trucks, and family-friendly fun.

• There’ll be a local makers market, magicians, inflatables, and face painting for the kids (and maybe some adults too).

• The mainstage opens at 5 p.m. with Tyler Joe Miller and Big Wreck bringing the live music.

• The night wraps up with a huge fireworks show at 10:30 p.m.

It’s free to attend, but if you want floor access, tickets are $5, with all proceeds going to Harvest Manitoba. This is the place to be on July 1, so mark it down—but don’t worry, we’ll remind you again as it gets closer!

Exciting Events: March 7th - 9th

This section only includes events until the next edition on Monday, so here’s what’s happening Friday till Sunday!

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Mar 8th (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Redefine: International Women’s Day Workout | 3-4:30PM, Mar 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Event Space (2nd floor, The Forks Market)

  • Description: Join Community Gym's female-led coaching team for an empowering afternoon of movement, connection, and conversation.

• PegSpo Winnipeg Sports Collectibles Expo | 9AM - 4PM, Mar 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Winnipeg's largest not-for-profit sports collectibles expo.

• Manitoba Moose vs. Calgary Wranglers | Mar 8-9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• First Friday in The Exchange | 5-9PM, Mar 7 (More Info)

  • Location: Exchange District

  • Description: Dedicated to bringing together artists, artist-run centres, galleries, businesses and the public for a greater appreciation of the arts in the Exchange.

• Worlds Largest Snow Maze | March 7-30 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze in Corn

• King James Play | Mar 7-22 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse (140 Rupert Avenue)

  • Description: Forced to sell his beloved Cavaliers season tickets, Matt unexpectedly finds a new friend in Shawn, bonding over basketball and the rise of LeBron ‘King’ James. Told in four quarters over 12 years, King James is a heartfelt story of friendship and loyalty.

• Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | March 7-20 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry (1824 Pembina Hwy)

  • Description: Saddle up for a wild ride as Destination Dinner Stage takes you on a hilarious journey through the wilderness of family drama, and a hearty dose of cowboy humor.

• A Killing at La Cucina Play (A Lucia Dante Mystery) | March 7-9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

  • Description: A food critic is poisoned at the exclusive five-star restaurant Fate, known by staff as La Cucina. Who could have done such a heinous thing?

• Indecent Play | March 7-8 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

  • Description: Told through music, song, dance and comedy, Indecent is an arresting play about forbidden love, artistic censorship and the enduring power of theatre.

• WAG-Qaumajuq Free Entry | Mar 9 (Free)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: Second Sunday of every month for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!

• Learn About Polar Bears with CPAWS | 10:30AM, March 9 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Join the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) at the Zoo to participate in fun activities in Gateway to the Arctic and learn more about polar bears and other arctic species!

• Game-itoba at the Royal Aviation Museum | 10AM-5PM, March 9

  • Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

  • Description: Enjoy a variety of board games, collectible card games (CCGs), role-playing games, and more, all set against the backdrop of aviation history.

Local Markets🎡

• March First Friday - Springtime Market | 5-10PM, Mar 7 (More Info)

  • Location: 63 Albert Street

• The Peoples Market / First Fridays | 5-10PM, Mar 7 (More Info)

  • Location: Royal Albert Arms (48 Albert St)

  • Description: Discover an eclectic mix of local artists, makers, and vendors, showcasing unique creations, vintage finds, and handmade goods. Sip on drinks, browse one-of-a-kind treasures, and enjoy live entertainment in an iconic setting.

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM - 2PM, Mar 8

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Winnipeg Women's Show | Mar 8-9 (More Info)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

• Winnipeg $10 Shoe & Clothing Warehouse Sale | 10AM - 9PM, March 9-17

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre (Hall A & B)

  • Description: FREE ENTRY - Enjoy a stunning selection of footwear and apparel items all for only $10 or less.

Comedy❗

• Dan Duvall Comedy | March 7-8 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: A mainstay of West Coast Canadian comedy, Dan Duvall has appeared at festivals across the country, including Just For Laughs Vancouver, Rifflandia, and The Winnipeg Comedy Festival.

• Chris Quiqley Comedy | Mar 7-8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club

  • Description: One of Canada's top Comedians, earning him an hour Special on CTV's well-known “Comedy Now”.

• Kevin Farley Comedy | Mar 7-8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Farley's current TV series presently airing. "F is for Family" hit Netflix series.

Special Events 🥂

• Sound Like Light - A Lights on the Exchange Event | 8PM - 12AM, Mar 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Millennium Centre

  • Description: Step into Sound Like Light, an immersive night where frequencies blur, shadows shift, and the room moves around you.

• Winnipeg Rock N' Gem Show | Mar 7-9

  • Location: Red River Exhibition- Exhibition Place

  • Description: Explore over 400 tables filled with crystals, minerals, jewelry, fossils, and more.

• Around the Fire | Mar 7-9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Gas Station Arts Centre

  • Description: A very interactive performance that brings people together as though they they were gathering around the fire.

• The Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents Jekyll and Hyde | March 7-9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Lose yourself in the Canadian premiere of a menacing new story ballet from Val Caniparoli based on the novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

• Latin Sundays at The Forks | 5:30-9:30PM, Mar 9

  • Location: Room 201, second floor of The Forks Market

  • Description: Experience Latin culture through music, dance, food and performances.

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food or tickets available at the door.

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

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