Happy Friday, Winnipeg!

Hope you’re easing into the weekend and making a little room for some fun. The forecast calls for a few clouds, but that just makes it feel more like fall. Halloween events are slowly creeping onto the calendar, so it’s the right time to start planning your fall activities.

And speaking of traditions, this weekend is also the Fall Giveaway Weekend. It’s one of those small but special things that make our city feel like home. When neighbours leave books, dishes, toys, or furniture on the curb with a “FREE” sign, giving those items a new life somewhere else.

So grab your coffee, plan your weekend, and let’s dive into everything happening around our city.

Now, in today’s edition:

• Winnipeg’s Big Free Giveaway Weekend Is Back

• Winnipeg Transit Makes Route and Schedule Changes After Feedback

• $600K in Upgrades Coming to Over 30 Manitoba Trails

• A New Community Basketball Court Opens at R.B. Russell This Saturday

• 50+ Events this weekend & Live Music!

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg’s Big Free Giveaway Weekend Is Back

In Winnipeg, neighbours have a way of looking out for one another. Sometimes it’s shovelling a sidewalk in winter, other times it’s setting out something useful on the curb for someone else to take home. Giveaway Weekend is one of those little traditions that reminds us how much we share in this city.

On September 13 and 14, that tradition returns with Fall Giveaway Weekend, a time when items that no longer fit in one home can find new life in another.

Here’s how to take part:

• Place reusable items on your front curb with a clear “FREE” sign

• Common finds include books, toys, dishes, tools, sports gear, and small furniture

• Keep it safe: no broken, unsafe, or pest-infested items please

• Bring in leftovers by Sunday at dusk

• If picking up, be neighbourly, no stepping on lawns or taking unmarked things

This weekend isn’t just about tidying up our homes. It’s about giving things another chance to be useful, and letting neighbours find joy in something that might have sat unused in a corner.

Moments like this remind us of what makes Winnipeg feel like home. A chair, a book, a simple gesture. Small things that carry warmth when they’re shared.

Click Here: To learn more about Giveaway Weekend and see what can go out (or come home with you)!

Together with Fear Winnipeg!

Winnipeg’s Biggest Indoor Halloween Experience!

Halloween’s creeping up fast, and if you haven’t made plans yet, this is the one to jump on. Fear: Blacksite is finally back after four years, and it’s the biggest, boldest Halloween experience Manitoba has to offer.

Starting October 4, it takes over 500,000 sq ft of indoor space, and tickets are already selling out. This isn’t a quick haunted house, it’s an all-night horror adventure built for memory-making with friends.

Here’s what’s waiting inside:

• 8 original horror zones, including clowns, aliens, zombies, purgers, witches, blindfolds, and ghosts

• A massive lounge by Hermanos with food, drinks, games, and music

• Live DJs, photo ops, contests, and an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else

• And best of all, original scare concepts you won’t find anywhere else in Canada!

This isn’t just a haunted house, it’s a full-on interactive horror experience. Every guest becomes part of the story, and whether you scream, laugh, or run for your life… you’ll leave with a night to remember.

📍 Secret location (revealed after ticket purchase)
📅 October 4 – November 1
🎟 Use code WINNIPEGDIGEST at checkout for the lowest ticket price available

Prices are going up soon, and with dates already selling out, this is your best shot at locking in tickets now.

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

City Updates

Winnipeg Transit Makes Route and Schedule Changes After Rider Feedback

A lot of folks have been adjusting to the new Winnipeg Transit setup these past few weeks, and not all of it has been smooth sailing. The good news? The city’s actually listening and starting to make changes based on what riders are saying.

Whether it’s students trying to get to school on time or regulars who suddenly have to catch two buses instead of one, feedback has been rolling in, and it’s making a difference.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Six bus stops have been moved to make them easier to reach

• More on-demand buses added to high-need areas like St. Vital, Whyte Ridge, and the northwest/northeast zones

• Extra-long articulated buses added to Route F8 to ease crowding

• Schedule tweaks for D12 Ellice, D13 Sargent, and D16 Academy-Notre Dame

• More changes are coming in December with the winter schedule update

It’s not perfect yet, but hearing that changes are being made based on real experiences feels like a step in the right direction. The new system is a work in progress, and it’s one that’s being shaped by the people who actually use it.

Click Here: To give feedback on Winnipeg Transit.

And if you’re curious about what’s already been changed so far, click the link below to learn more about the updated network.

Click Here: To see more details on recent improvements.

$600K in Upgrades Coming to Over 30 Manitoba Trails

We all have that one trail we go back to, whether it’s for a quiet walk, a bike ride with friends, or a snowy ski day in the middle of winter. Those paths hold memories. And now, many of them are getting the care they deserve.

More than 30 recreational trails across Manitoba will see upgrades this year thanks to nearly $600,000 in funding from the provincial government and Trails Manitoba. It’s a big boost for the outdoor spaces we rely on all year round.

Here’s what’s happening:

• $382K is going toward off-road vehicle and multi-use trail rehab in places like Steep Rock, Sandilands, Porcupine Forest, and Teulon

• $210K will support trail development, maintenance, and signage in 22 communities across Manitoba

• Trails being improved include walking paths, ATV routes, snowmobile trails, and cross-country ski tracks

• Local groups like the Woodridge Sandhogs and Town of Morris are part of the project list

• Funding comes from annual ORV fees and Trails Manitoba’s 2025 grant program

Trail by trail, this work is helping keep Manitoba’s outdoors open, accessible, and safe for everyone. Whether it’s fresh gravel, better signage, or just a smoother ride, these upgrades are a quiet win, and the kind that’ll last far beyond a single season.

Click Here: To see the full list of trail projects.

Community Digest

A New Community Basketball Court Opens at R.B. Russell This Saturday

For so many kids in the North End, the basketball court is where it all starts. Somewhere to go after school, to feel safe, to move, and to belong. That’s why this weekend’s court opening at R.B. Russell Vocational High School means something more: it’s a gift to the community, built by the community.

Designed in collaboration with students and painted by Anishinaabe artist Blake Angeconeb, the court is bold, bright, and full of heart.

Here’s what to expect this Saturday, September 13:

• Free youth programming and opening remarks start at 11:00AM

• Food trucks, music, games, and giveaways kick off around noon

• A Community All-Star Game at 2:00PM, followed by pick-up play

• Located at 364 Dufferin Avenue, everyone’s welcome

• Hosted by Buckets & Borders, with support from WarriorZ, the Sea Bears, and WSD

More than fresh paint or new lines, this is a space for connection, built to honour the voices and dreams of local youth.

Click Here: To check the full event details! 

Exciting Events: September 12th - 14th

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

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Valour FC vs Forge | 8AM, Sept 12 ($)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

  • Description: Come cheer on Valour FC in Canadian Premiere Soccer action!

• Winnipeg Run Club | Sept 13 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

• Manitoba Harness Racing | Sept 13 (FREE)

  • Location: The LOOP

  • Description: Join us at The LOOP at Exhibition Park this summer for heart-pounding action, exhilarating finishes, and unforgettable moments on the track!

• DND Run Club | 8:15AM, Sept 14 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Theme - Yellow, Orange, Red, Teal

Community Fun🎆

• Corn Maze | September 12 - November 2 (More Info)

  • Location: A Maze In Corn

  • Description: Enjoy the country views while wandering through the corn maze, climb the giant bale pyramid, and visit the petting zoo.

• Movie Night: How to Train Your Dragon | 8PM, Sept 13 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Westmount Park

  • Description: Bring your blanket, and bring your chairs! Treats will be for sale at the event.

• Free Family Fishing Weekend | Sept 13-14 (Tickets)

  • Location: FortWhyte Alive

  • Description: Start the season off right by fishing for Northern pike, yellow perch and carp on our lakes.

• Discover Agriculture on the Farm | 10AM-2PM, Sept 14 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Bruce D. Campbell Farm Food and Discovery Centre

  • Description: Discover the Farm is a fun, free, one-day, educational event that offers families a chance to explore the vibrant and innovative world of local Manitoba agriculture. Meet local farmers, see live animals, test your knowledge, enjoy free food samples, and more!

• Capes & Crowns: A Princesses and Superheroes Event | 2PM-4PM, Sept 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Glenwood Community Centre

  • Description: A Princesses and Superheroes Event — a family-friendly experience where kids can meet their favourite characters and enjoy an action-packed lineup of activities!

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

• WINNIPEG $10 Shoe & Clothing Warehouse Sale | 10AM-9PM, Sept 12-15 (More Info)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg

  • Description: Get ready to stock up on your favorite shoes and apparel for just $10 or less! We’ve got truckloads of NEW clothing for all seasons, including trendy pieces and everyday essentials for men, women, and kids.

• St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 8AM-2PM, Sept 13 (FREE)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

• Bronx Park Farmers Market | 9AM-2PM, Sept 13 (FREE)

  • Location: Bronx Park

• Valour Community Centre’s Spring Carnival | 11AM-2PM, Sept 13 (FREE)

  • Location: Clifton Site

  • Description: Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun with exciting activities and entertainment!

• Manitoba Families of Multiples – Fall Sale | 10:30AM-2:30PM, Sept 13 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Exhibition Place at Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Manitoba Families of Multiples has been hosting this sale for decades and is one of the largest and longest-running consignment sales in the city! We have a HUGE selection of everything you need from infant to teen.

• LWCC Fall Harvest Festival | 12PM-4PM, Sept 14 (FREE)

  • Location: Linden Woods Community Centre

  • Description: This will be the grand finale to a fantastic 2025 market season! It boasts a large farmer's market with over 45 vendors, bouncy castles and a parkour course for the littles, live music, and cultural dance presentations.

• MSRA Toy Run | 11AM-4PM, Sept 14 (FREE/More Info)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: Manitoba Street Rod Association (MSRA) is holding their 31st Annual Toy Run! Visit this exciting event to check out all the hot rods, classics, muscle cars, all for a great cause! All donations go directly to the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation.

Performances🎭

• JOB The Play | Sept 12-21 (Tickets)

  • Location: Winnipeg Jewish Theatre

  • Description: A razor-sharp psychological thriller about ambition, burnout, and the digital forces shaping our lives.

• MAMMA MIA: An Abba Love Story | Sept 13 - Oct 11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry

  • Description: Get ready for a summer of love, laughter and ABBA hits, in this light-hearted musical comedy that centers around a mother and daughter opening a boutique hotel on a tiny tropical island.

• Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer | 8:30PM, Sept 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery

  • Description: Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Winnipeg.

Comedy❗

• Ben Bankas | 7:30PM, Sept 12 ($)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Ben Bankas is one of the most popular comedians touring the USA in 2025. Has performed with the likes of Andrew Schulz, Theo Von, Mark Normand, Tony Hinchcliffe, Bryan Callen, Joe List and Louis J. Gomez, in comedy clubs and theatres across North America.

• Amber Harper-Young | Sept 12-13 ($)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk’s Winnipeg

  • Description: She’s a part of the national Yuk Yuks Comedy Club roster and has been in Just For Laughs North West/Vancouver regularly.

• Abbas Wahab: The Joyride Tour | Sept 12-13 ($)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: He's been featured on Just For Laughs and Edinburgh Fringe festivals, and is best known most recently for his role as SWAT officer in M.Night Shyamalan's Trap.

• Jared Freid | Sept 12-13 ($)

  • Location: Rumor’s Comedy Club

  • Description: Jared Freid is a stand-up comedian and podcaster based out of New York City. His most recent stand up special, “37 & Single” premiered on Netflix in 2023 year to rave reviews and rose to the Top 10 most watched TV in the US and Canada on Netflix.

Special Events/Concerts 🥂

• Brew at the Zoo | 6PM-10PM, Sept 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Enjoy unlimited samples of craft beer, cider, wine, ready to drink cocktails, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks from Manitoba, Canada, and around the world. PLUS: live music, games, and a great atmosphere!

• Lynyrd Skynyrd Hell House Tour | 7:30PM, Sept 13 ($)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: They resonate as deeply with their multi-generational fan base today as when they first emerged out of Jacksonville, Florida in 1973.

• Dinner and Movie - Jaws | 6PM, Sept 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre

  • Description: Celebrate this milestone with us at and enjoy a special Dinner & A Movie screening of the 1975 classic Jaws at The MET, served with a side of thrilling suspense and delicious eats.

• 2025 Princess Auto Inventors Fair | 9AM-5PM, Sept 13 (More Info)

  • Location: Princess Auto

  • Description: It’s a blast from the past, featuring home-built creations and amazing ideas — all built by Princess Auto customers. This one-day event will showcase inventions, improvements, modifications and — best of all — inspiration. It’s coming up soon, so be sure to drop by for a look!

• NCI Jam | 7PM, Sept 13 ($)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: NCI Jam is back at the Burt on Saturday, September 13! NCI Jam is Manitoba’s longest running Indigenous talent show that celebrates and recognizes diverse vocal talent!

• Winnipeg Blue Bombers Fan Appreciation Day | 1:30PM-4:30PM, Sept 14 (More Info)

  • Location: Princess Auto Stadium

  • Description: This one’s for you, Bomber Nation! Fan Appreciation Day is almost here, giving fans the chance to celebrate at Princess Auto Stadium with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

• WAG Home Tour | 10AM-4PM, Sept 14 (Tickets)

  • Location: Headingley area

  • Description: In this self-guided tour, you’ll get a rare inside look at beautifully designed private homes—each one chosen for its unique character, style, and story. All homes are generously opened by their owners in support of WAG-Qaumajuq.

Music 🎵

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

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