Happy Canada Day, Winnipeg! 💙
Canada Day is finally here, and you can feel it all over the city this morning. The flags are out, the backyards are filling up, and you can already smell someone's barbecue getting started down the block.
Whether you're heading out to catch the fireworks, keeping things easy at home, or still deciding what to do with the family, we've got you covered.
Today's edition is all about helping you make the most of the day, with everything you need to plan, where to go, and what to see.
Now, in today’s edition:
Winnipeg’s Full Canada Day Events Guide
One of the Biggest Summer Weekends Winnipeg's Ever Had
Winnipeg Approves New Plan to Bring Vacant Buildings Back to Life
International Men’s Rugby Returns to Winnipeg After 33 Years
Multiple events this week & more
— Jas Singh
News
Winnipeg’s Full Canada Day Events Guide
It's the first of July, and Winnipeg is ready to celebrate. Between the backyard barbecues, the patios, and the fireworks set to light up the sky tonight, there's no shortage of ways to spend the day around the city.
And if you're still deciding where to celebrate, we've rounded up a few of the biggest events happening across Winnipeg today.
Here’s some of the spots:
Princess Auto Stadium: Free tailgate, live music, face painters, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
The Forks: Live performances, cultural celebrations, markets, and family activities throughout the day.
Sage Creek (Ron Duhamel Park): Makers market, bouncy castles, food trucks, live entertainment, and evening fireworks.
Assiniboia Downs: Live horse racing, family fun, and one of Winnipeg's biggest fireworks displays after the final race.
From neighbourhood festivals to some of the biggest fireworks displays in the city, there's plenty happening today.
So if you and the kiddos are planning to step out for a firework show be sure to click below to explore the rest of the events across the city and find the best one near you.
A Message From Social House Entertainment
One of the Biggest Summer Weekends Winnipeg's Ever Had
Winnipeg summers are already packed.
But one weekend in August stands above the rest.
Two festivals, two nights, back to back in the heart of the city.
Country one night, throwback hip-hop the next. Two different crowds, two different vibes, and a night for just about everyone.
And because it's Canada Day! Tickets are Buy One, Get One Free at both festivals, just for today. Buy one ticket, and bring a friend for free. Tomorrow, that second ticket is back to full price.
🪕 Country Rising | Friday, August 21
A field full of Winnipeggers, cold drinks, and country music under the summer sun.
A few things to know:
On stage: BigXthaPlug, Corey Kent, Dylan Marlowe, and Redferrin
The new wave of country, where 808s meet steel guitars
Mechanical bull rides, lawn games, food trucks, and cold drinks all day
🌮 Tacos & Tequila | Saturday, August 22
The mood flips. The songs you grew up on, a margarita in hand, and tacos worth the line.
A few things to know:
On stage: T.I., Fat Joe, Too $hort, Petey Pablo, Frankie J, Murphy Lee, and DJ Ashton Martin
Locally crafted tacos, craft margaritas, and tequila shot bars
Lucha libre wrestling, art installations, and a Chihuahua Beauty Pageant
Winnipeg Digest readers are some of the first to see this deal. Send it to every friend and family member who'd want to go, and grab your tickets before they sell out. Once today's over, so is the deal.
Community Spotlight
Winnipeg Has Patched 97,000 Potholes So Far This Year
Source: City of Winnipeg
If you've driven around Winnipeg lately, chances are you've probably hit or felt a pothole... or at least spotted a few.
Between the heavy rain and changing weather this year, road crews have had plenty of potholes to keep them busy. They've been out across the city repairing roads and helping make everyday drives a little smoother.
Here's what they've been working on:
More than 97,000 potholes have already been repaired this year
Road crews have been repairing roads across the city, and are planning to continue until the weather allows
Of course, fixing potholes is a bit of a moving target. As soon as one section of road is repaired, the changing weather can create new ones somewhere else.
That's why the City is asking residents to keep reporting potholes throughout the season as they come across them. So if you've spotted one on your street or along your daily route, a quick online report is all it takes to get it on the priority list.
City Updates
Winnipeg Fire Crews Are Getting Three Brand New Trucks
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to more than 100,000 calls a year.
Behind every one of those calls is a crew heading toward the emergency the rest of us are running from, and they need gear they can count on.
That's what makes this news worth sharing. This summer, three brand new fire engines are joining the fleet, and they were built right here in Winnipeg by Fort Garry Fire Trucks, a company that's been at it since 1919.
Here's what else is coming:
A heavy rescue unit expected later this year
Eight more vehicles arriving over the next two years
Replacing older trucks that have been running calls across Winnipeg for years
The three new engines are part of a $1.3 million investment in the city's fire fleet, and they'll take over for trucks that have been on the road across Winnipeg for years.
There's something fitting about Winnipeg's fire trucks being built by Winnipeggers. These new engines will be on our streets for years, and they're rolling out of a shop that's called this city home for over a century.
Community Digest
Winnipeg Approves New Plan to Bring Vacant Buildings Back to Life
Drive through just about any part of Winnipeg and you'll spot them. The boarded-up house, the empty storefront, the building that's been sitting quiet for years. Right now the City is tracking 801 of them.
Last month we shared that the City was working on a fix, and this week Council made it official by approving two new by-laws. One is built to help owners, the other is built to hold them accountable.
Here's how the two work together:
The new Vacant Building Grant gives owners up to $35,000 per housing unit to buy, repair, or renovate an empty building, with $3 million set aside in total. Applications open tomorrow, July 2.
The restructured Empty Building Fee now kicks in after just one inspection instead of three, and climbs higher every year a building is left sitting.
If you're a property owner thinking about applying, the City is hosting an information session on July 22 to walk you through the grant.
It won't fill every empty building overnight, but it's a real step toward turning long-vacant properties back into homes.
Click Here: To learn more about the new programs and what it could mean for Winnipeg neighbourhoods!
International Men’s Rugby Returns to Winnipeg After 33 Years
The last time Winnipeg hosted international men's rugby, it was 1993.
That changes on Saturday, July 18, when Princess Auto Stadium becomes the home of the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup.
Two full international matches, one ticket, and a crowd cheering for Team Canada on home soil.
Here's what's on the schedule:
Tonga vs. Portugal at 3:45 p.m. CDT
Canada vs. Zimbabwe at 7:00 p.m. CDT, with Team Canada taking on the world's 24th-ranked side
Both matches at Princess Auto Stadium, with live coverage on TSN
Winnipeg has built a reputation for creating incredible game-day atmospheres, and this is another chance to show the world what our city does best.
So grab your friends, throw on your red and white, and help welcome international rugby back to Winnipeg in a way only our city can.
Events 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!
First Friday in The Exchange | 5PM-9PM, July 3 (FREE)
Location: Exchange District
Description: FIRST FRIDAYS offers a perfect opportunity to explore all the Exchange neighbourhood has to offer. Come and take part in one of the most engaging and inspiring arts events in our city.
Country Thunder Winnipeg | July 3 (Tickets)
Location: Princess Auto Stadium
Description: Country Thunder is back at Princess Auto Stadium. Join thousands of fans for an unforgettable summer night of live country music under the open sky on Friday, July 3.
Jurassic Quest | July 3-5 (Tickets)
Location: RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg
Description: Embark on a journey where North America’s largest moving, roaring, and breathing dinosaurs come alive in a fully immersive walk-through experience.
2026 Corydon Avenue Concert Series | July 3-4 (FREE)
Location: Cockburn St. South & Hugo St. North
Description: Corydon concerts continue to attract thousands of people. People come from all over Winnipeg to dance under the stars in Little Italy. Every night there will be live music by talented local musicians.
Naija Market Day | July 4 (FREE)
Location: The Forks
Description: The buzz around Naija Market Day grows bigger each year, and it’s easy to see why! Join us at True North Square for a day filled with vibrant culture, delicious food, and unique crafts from Africa.
The Great Indoors Comedy Festival | 8:30PM, July 4 (Tickets)
Location: The Basement Winnipeg
Description: Tyler Kotowski and Emmanuel Lomuro bring you the first annual Great Indoors Comedy Festival. Think Great Outdoors Comedy Festival but with a roof.
The Summer of Locals Market | July 4-5 (FREE)
Location: Outlet Collection Mall
Description: It's a 2-day weekend celebration of all things local, including food trucks, drink, music, 80+ vendors, makers, kids activities and more! Includes bouncy castles, face painting, Disney characters and much more.
Salsa Sundays on Graham | 5PM-10PM, July 5 (Tickets)
Location: Graham Avenue
Description: Live bands, dance performances, Latin DJ's, dance classes, local vendors and more!
Assiniboine Park's Summer Entertainment Series | July 5 (FREE)
Summer Concert Series at the Lyric Theatre
7PM-9PM: True Mountain Laurel & The Haileys
Jazz in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
12PM-1PM: Rosemarie Todaschuk Duo presented by Folklorama
Current Events: July 1st - 2nd
Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!
Sports 🏀
Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Kansas City Monarchs | July 1 ($)
Location: Blue Cross Park
Live Racing & Fireworks | 7:30PM, July 1 (More Info)
Location: Assiniboia Downs
Description: To the Downs! Experience the thrill of watching and wagering on horse racing at Assiniboia Downs. Horse racing, 140 VLTs and fabulous dining - it’s fun you can bet on!
Victory Lane Speedway | July 2 ($)
Location: Victory Lane Speedway
Description: Victory Lane Speedway is a WISSOTA sanctioned track less than 10 minutes south of Winnipeg on Highway 75.
Community Fun🎆
WAG Wednesday Nights: X: Where Our Paths Cross | 5PM-9PM, July 1 (FREE)
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq
Description: The x: where our paths cross performances are part of an ongoing collaborative relationship between artist/scholars Peter Morin (Tahltan Nation, French Canadian) and Leah Decter (Jewish white settler).
Jeudis Franco Thursdays | 5:30PM-11PM, July 2 (FREE)
Location: Saint-Boniface
Description: Jeudis Franco Thursdays is a vibrant cultural event series that takes place every Thursday from June to August in the St. Boniface quarter of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Performance 🎭
Jesus Christ Superstar | July 2-12 (Tickets)
Location: Rainbow Stage
Description: Having wowed audiences for over 50 years this rock opera follows the last week of Jesus’s life through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Originally a 1970 concept album, the show is sung-through, meaning there is no spoken dialogue. It explores themes of fame, betrayal, and power, and is known for its contemporary approach to the biblical story.
Can’t Buy me Love – The Beatles Forever | July 2, 4 & 5 ($)
Location: Destination Dinner Stage
Description: It’s the swinging ’60s! Step back into the halls of “Liverpool High”, where four lads with mop-top dreams are about to shake up the school talent show. Four students form a band to impress their crushes, two exchange students, all the way from Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada.
Comedy❗
Debra DiGiovanni | July 2-4 ($)
Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club
Description: Debra can be seen around the world appearing in comedy festivals like Moontower, High Plains, JFL Sydney, and JFL Montreal.
Special Events / Canada Day🥂
Summer of Sound 2026 | July 1 ($)
Location: Red River Exhibition Park
Description: Winnipeg’s largest annual electronic dance music festival featuring Tiësto, Slander + many more.
Crock A Doodle Grand Opening (Pottery Studio) | 10AM-8PM, July 1 (More Info)
Location: 1615 Regent Ave W, Unit 810
Description: Join us for this momentous occasion, and enjoy Prize draw, a Spin-to-win-Wheel with swag, and more! Plus there are lots of pottery pieces for you to choose from!
Canada Day at Princess Auto Stadium | 12PM - 10:30PM, July 1 (More Info)
Location: Princess Auto Stadium
Description: Celebrate Canada Day in style at Princess Auto Stadium with a full lineup of free, family-friendly activities for all ages, including a fireworks show!
Canada Day at The Forks | 10:30AM - 9PM, July 1 (More Info)
Location: The Forks
Description: As Canada Day at The Forks approaches, visitors can look forward to a full day of free events throughout the site that will bring people together through music, storytelling, art and shared experiences.
Canada Day at the Park | 11AM - 5PM, July 1 (FREE)
Location: Assiniboine Park
Description: Join us at Assiniboine Park on Wednesday, July 1, for a day filled with music, entertainment, and fun in celebration of Canada Day.
Canada Day at Bridgewater Lakes Park | 11AM - 3PM, July 1 (More Info)
Location: Bridgewater Lakes Fountain
Description: Celebrate Canada Day at the 5th Annual Bridgwater Canada Day Celebration, hosted by the Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association.
Canada Day Event at Sage Creek | 4PM - 10PM, July 1 (More Info)
Location: Sage Creek
Description: Celebrate Canada Day at Sage Creek! (Including fireworks!)
Transcona BIZ Canada Day Festival | 10AM-6PM, July 1 (More Info)
Location: Downtown Transcona
Description: Join us on July 1st as we close down Regent Ave for the Transcona BIZ Canada Day Street Festival!
Canada Fest at Tyndall Park | 3PM-11PM, July 1 (FREE)
Location: Tyndall Park Community Centre
Description: Enjoy food trucks, the Food Park, local vendors, live entertainment, free Zumba, games, music, and more! Free admission and great vibes—don’t miss it!
Prairie Dog Central - Canada Day 2026 | 11AM, July 1 ($)
Location: Prairie Dog Central Railway
Description: Birthday Cake upon the return to Inkster Station included in each ticket.
Music 🎵
Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Friday!
