Hey Winnipegers!

This weekend is packed with things to do, and the best part? A lot of the events are free! We’ve got a full lineup of activities, announcements, and exciting updates. Make sure to read all the way through—you won’t want to miss a thing. And don’t forget to drop your thoughts in the poll at the end!

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• New Manitoba Health Cards!

• Winnipeg’s Biggest Fall Market is Back!

• Nuit Blanche—This Saturday!

• 50+ Weekend Events & live music.

— Jas Singh

News

New Manitoba Health Cards!

Manitoba’s finally getting a health card upgrade. No more flimsy paper cards—we're talking sturdier, cooler designs that actually reflect our province.

And here's the fun part—you get to vote on the design. The government's asking us to pick which one feels the most Manitoba. Click the button below to check out the options and cast your vote before the deadline on September 29 at midnight!

While you're at it, double-check your current health card info too. It’s an easy win for future you!

Gas Tax Holiday Extended to Year-End

Good news if you drive—Manitoba’s extending the gas tax holiday until December 31! That means you'll keep saving 14 cents per litre every time you fill up, which adds up, especially if you drive every day or are cruising around in a pickup truck. Premier Kinew says the average truck driver saves about $14 per fill-up.

Since they started this back in January, Manitoba's gas prices have stayed the lowest in Canada, and inflation’s been dropping too. So, while interest rates and grocery bills are still a headache, at least you’re saving a bit at the pump.

A message from Manitoba’s Biggest Fall Market!

Looking to sponsor our next email? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Winnipeg’s Biggest Fall Market is Back!

If you’re looking to get your holiday shopping done early while supporting local businesses and saving on shipping fees. The Scattered Seeds Craft Market is your go-to spot. Over two weekends—October 18-20 and October 25-27—you'll find 150 new local vendors each weekend. That means more chances to score unique, handmade gifts without breaking the bank.

It’s like two markets in one—grab cozy scarves, cute stocking stuffers, or even a little something for yourself, all while supporting Manitoba's local businesses.

And this year, they're even offering fun workshops like stamp carving and terrarium making — so you can learn a new skill while you shop!

Save the dates: October 18-20 & 25-27 at Red River Ex Place. Two weekends, two different shopping experiences, all local and affordable.

There is a discount for tickets purchased in advance. Click to get them below!

Local Updates:

Government Rent Help is Back!

Good news for families struggling with rent—the government is lifting the pause on the Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit. They’re putting in an extra $1.2 million to support 550 more families who need help covering housing costs. If you or someone you know is feeling the squeeze, applications are now open again. Don’t wait—grab the support while it lasts!

How to Mark Truth and Reconciliation Day

As reported by CTV News, This year’s Truth and Reconciliation Day falls on September 30, and there are plenty of ways to mark the day across Manitoba:

1. Free events: From lunch-and-learns at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to exhibits at the Manitoba Museum, there’s a lot happening.

2. Reconciliation Run: On September 28, there’s a half-marathon at the former Birtle Residential School that ends with a feast.

3. Ceremonial events: The Orange Shirt Day walk begins at The Forks, and a sacred fire will be held at The Leaf’s Indigenous Peoples Garden.

4. Free admission: The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is offering free entry on September 29 and 30.

Nuit Blanche—This Saturday!

It’s that time of year again—Nuit Blanche is taking over Winnipeg on September 28 from 6 p.m. to late. It’s a night of non-stop art, and the best part? All events are free, and there’s even a free trolley service to get you from one installation to the next. There's so much happening that I can’t even list all the events here! Click the button below to plan your night and make sure you don’t miss any of the amazing art installations.

City News:

More Health-Care Workers Coming to Manitoba!

Manitoba’s halfway to hitting their goal of hiring 1,000 new health-care workers, and that’s a big win for everyone. So far, they’ve brought in 873 people—nurses, doctors, and health-care aides. What does that mean for you? Shorter wait times at hospitals, faster service at clinics, and better care all around. Plus, CancerCare Manitoba is getting extra hands on deck, which is huge for those needing treatment. Bottom line: More people helping out means a better health-care system for all of us.

$25M for New Affordable Housing in Winnipeg!

More housing is coming, and that’s huge for Winnipeg.

• 1,135 new units are being built across 11 projects.

• 597 of those units will be affordable housing, which is a big help in this tight rental market.

• Downtown focus: 613 of the new units will be right in the heart of downtown, helping to make the area more vibrant and livable.

• These projects are part of a broader push to fix the housing shortage. So, if you're looking to move, keep an eye on these developments.

Exciting Events: September 27 - 29

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, Sept 27 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Edmonton Elks | 7PM, Sept 27 (Sold Out)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

• United Boxing Classic IV, USA vs Canada | 1PM, Sept 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

• Victory Lane Speedway Season Championship | 4PM, Sept 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Victory Lane Speedway, St Adolphe, MB

Family Fun🎆

• Culture Days Events | FREE, Multiple Locations, Sept 27 - Oct 13 (More Info)

• Corn Maze @ A Maze In Corn | Sept 27 - Oct 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze In Corn (1351 Provincial Rd 200)

• Miss Shakespeare Musical | Sept 27 -Oct 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Asper Centre For Theatre and Film (400 Colony St)

  • Description: The musical style is inspired by Underground European Cabarets!

• FortWhyte Alive | Events (All Info)

  • Sunset Goose Flight Exp: 5:30-8PM, September 27-29

  • Family Nature Hike: 1-2:30PM, Sept 28

• Children’s Hospital Book Market | 10AM, Sept 27 - 28 (More Info)

  • Location: St.Vital Centre

  • Description: Shop for great books of all genres and support sick and injured kids in your community at the Children’s Hospital Book Market!

• Live Harness Racing | 1PM, Sept 28 (Free)

  • Location: The Loop at Red River Exhibition Park

• Nuit Blanche 2024 | 6PM, Sept 28 (More Info)

  • Location: Multiple Locations

  • Description: Artists, performers, galleries, cultural organisations and independent curators create and host their own events around the city.

Summer Markets

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM-2PM, Sept 28 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Bronx Park Farmer’s Market | 9AM-2PM, Sept 28 (More Info)

  • Location: Bronx Park Community Centre

• Grand Truck Vintage Show | 10AM, Sept 28 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs (3975 Portage Ave)

  • Description: Manitoba's Largest fall Vintage & Collectibles sale.

• End of Summer BBQ Party | 12PM, Sept 28 (More Info)

  • Location: 430 Langside St, Winnipeg

  • Description: Farmers Market, Kids activities and more!

• Vegan Market | 10AM-4PM, Sept 28 (More Info)

  • Location: 980 Palmerston Avenue

• Tyndal Community Market | 12-9PM, Sept 28-29 (More Info)

  • Location: Tyndall Park Community Centre (2255 King Edward St)

Comedy❗

• Brett Oddly and Patrick Gregoire Comedy | 8PM, Sept 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge (3740 Portage Ave)

• Josh Wolf Comedy | Sept 27-28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club (190-2025 Corydon Avenue)

• Patrick Hayes Comedy | Sept 27-28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club (222 Broadway)

• Russell Howard Comedy | 7PM, Sept 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: One of the most successful stand-ups from the UK!

• Gabriel Iglesias “Don’t Worry Be Fluffy” Tour | 8PM, Sept 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg

  • Description: He is also one of the most watched comedians on YouTube with almost a billion views.

Special Events 🥂

• A Chat With an Astronaut! | 7PM, Sept 27 (FREE)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

  • Description: Hear about experiences and learn about Canada’s role in space research and travel

• Art Exhibition and Sale 50 to 500 | Sept 27 - Oct 19 (More Info)

  • Location: Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art (203-290 McDermot Avenue)

  • Description: 50 to 500’ exhibition, featuring artwork by talented members priced between 50 cents and 500 dollars.

• Bed & Breakfast Play | Sept 27 -Oct 6 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange (Y300 – 393 Portage Avenue)

  • Description: When Brett inherits the family home, he and Drew move out of quick-paced Toronto to set up a B&B in a quiet little tourist town. But will these big city boys face friction in their new community?

• Tuesdays with Morrie Play | Sept 27 -29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Winnipeg Jewish Theatre (C 148-123 Doncaster Street)

  • Description: A humorous and poignant story of career-obsessed journalist Mitch Albom, who sixteen years after graduation serendipitously learns that his former professor Morrie is battling Lou Gehrig's Disease.

• Owl Calling Play | Sept 27-28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rachel Browne Theatre (211 Bannatyne Ave)

  • Description: Owl Calling introduces audiences to a close knit, Indigenous family in suburban Winnipeg and their struggle to find reconciliation

• Reel Pride Film Festival 2024 | Sept 27-28 (More Info)

  • Location: Gas Station Arts Centre (445 River Avenue)

• GATHER | 9AM-4PM, Sept 28 (More Info)

  • Location: Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Feature rotating choir performances, food vendors, an artisan/maker market, and creative spaces set up around the grounds.

Live Music 🎵

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

CHEERS!

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

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