Midweek check-in, Winnipeg 💙
If you haven't looked outside yet, today's the day to get out there. We're looking at 18 degrees and sunshine, which honestly feels like a gift considering we've got rain and snow heading our way the next few days.
So if you can, take a walk, grab a patio seat, do whatever you gotta do to soak it in while it lasts.
Now, in today’s edition:
UFC Fight Night Takes Over Winnipeg This Weekend
Winnipeg Comedy Festival Returns Next Week
Jets Officially Eliminated From Playoffs
Win 2 Round-Trip Flights Anywhere in the World
Multiple events this week & more
— Jas Singh
News
UFC Fight Night Takes Over Winnipeg This Weekend
Source: UFC
Winnipeg is about to have one of its biggest sports weekends in a long time.
UFC Fight Night is just a few days away, and the city is getting more than just one night of fights.
There’s a full lineup of events happening across the weekend, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most unique sports experiences we’ve seen in a while.
Here’s what’s happening:
Friday, April 17 at Canada Life Centre
Athlete Q&A at 5PM (doors open 4:30PM)
Featuring Charles Oliveira & other UFC fighters
Ceremonial weigh-ins at 6PM
Both are FREE and open to the public
Friday night athlete appearance
Aiemann Zahabi at Boston Pizza (St. Mary Ave)
7PM to 8:30PM, also FREE to attend
Saturday, April 18 at Canada Life Centre
UFC Fight Night Burns vs Malott
First bout starts at 4PM
Main card at 7PM
Whether you’re a big UFC fan or just want to be part of the atmosphere, this is one of those weekends you’ll want to experience.
So if you’ve been thinking about going, be sure to click the link below and get your tickets!
Click here: To see full event details, what to expect and get your tickets!
P.S. Share this with friends or family who might want to go!
Community Spotlight
Call 211 To Find Help In Manitoba
Source: United Way Winnipeg
When you're going through a tough time, it's not always easy to know where to turn.
Whether it's mental health support, finding food or clothing, or figuring out who to call when something at home isn't working.
It can get overwhelming, especially when you’re being passed from one place to another.
That’s exactly what 211 Manitoba is here for, but surprisingly, not everyone knows about it yet.
Instead of calling around and trying to figure out where to go, you can simply dial 211 and be connected to a real person who can guide you to the right support.
They can help with things like mental health, food, clothing, senior services, kids programs, tax help, and so much more!
What makes it so helpful:
Available 24/7 with real people answering your call
Support in over 150 languages
Personalized help based on your situation
They connect you to a wide range of local community, government, and non-clinical health services. You can also search online if you prefer, but having someone walk you through it can make a big difference.
It’s one of those resources worth knowing about. Even if you don’t need it today, it’s something you’ll be glad to have saved for later.
Community Digest
Winnipeg Comedy Festival Returns Next Week
Source: Winnipeg Comedy Festival
If you’ve been needing a good laugh, this is it.
The Winnipeg Comedy Festival is back from April 20 to 26, celebrating 25 years of bringing some of the best comedians in the country right here to our city.
What started as a small festival has grown into something much bigger. Today, it draws audiences from across Canada and even millions of viewers on TV each year.
It’s grown into one of Canada’s top comedy festivals, bringing big names to Winnipeg while also giving local and emerging comedians a chance to shine.
Here are a few shows to check out:
Comedy in the Brewery at Good Neighbour Brewing (April 20 & 22)
CBC’s Now or Never at Gas Station Arts Centre (April 21)
Mega Shows at Burton Cummings Theatre (April 23 to 25) including My Best Life and other headline performances
The Debaters at Jubilee Place (April 25 & 26)
Free comedy at Millennium Library (April 22 & 23)
Something is happening almost every day, from big headline shows to smaller, more intimate sets.
If you’ve never been, this is a great year to check it out. And if you have, you already know how fun these nights can be.
P.S. Share this to all of your group chats so you can plan to go together!
Jets Officially Eliminated From Playoffs
It’s a tough week for Winnipeg Jets fans.
The Winnipeg Jets have officially been eliminated from playoffs after a 6 to 2 loss to Vegas Golden Knights, bringing this season to a close sooner than fans hoped.
It’s been a tough stretch to end the year, especially with back to back losses at a time when every game mattered.
Even so, the team showed a lot of fight throughout the season, and there were plenty of moments that brought fans together along the way.
With two games left, including one more at home, there’s still a chance to show up and support the team one last time this season.
It didn’t end how we wanted, but there’s always next year. And in this city, we always come back even stronger.
Premier Wab Kinew Welcomes AI Pioneer Geoffrey Hinton To Manitoba
Artificial intelligence is moving fast, and this week, Manitoba got a chance to hear directly from one of the people who helped build it.
Premier Wab Kinew welcomed Geoffrey Hinton, often called the godfather of AI, during his visit to Winnipeg for a lecture at the University of Manitoba.
Hinton spoke about where AI is heading, but more importantly, the risks that come with it. As these tools become part of everyday life, the focus is starting to shift from just innovation to how we use them safely and responsibly.
And Manitoba is already starting to look ahead.
The province recently created a new department focused on emerging technologies, with plans to better understand how AI will shape jobs, education, and daily life here at home.
One detail that stood out from his visit was his decision to donate his speaker’s fee to a youth-focused organization, supporting land-based learning.
It’s a reminder that while AI is powerful, the choices we make around it matter just as much.
Win 2 Round-Trip Flights Anywhere in the World
Close your eyes for a second and think about where you'd go.
Paris with your best friend.
A beach in Greece with your partner.
Maybe back home to visit family you haven't hugged in years.
Now imagine getting there for $10.
Variety: the Children's Charity of Manitoba is running their Illumination Ball Grand Prize Raffle, and the grand prize is two round-trip Air Canada tickets to anywhere in the world.
But here's the part that really matters: every single ticket you buy goes directly toward helping kids right here in Manitoba.
By purchasing tickets, you can help make a difference in children's lives living with a disability, by opening the door to access tailored therapies, adaptive equipment and inclusive recreation opportunities.
Here's what to know:
Grand prize: 2 economy round-trip flights to any Air Canada destination, worldwide
Tickets start at just $10, with bundle options if you want better odds
Raffle closes on April 30th, with the draw taking place May 1 at 9:00 AM
Whether you're dreaming of a European getaway or a long overdue trip home, this is your chance. A dream trip for you, and real support for a child in Manitoba who needs it. That's a lot of good from one little ticket.
Even one ticket goes a long way for a child who needs it.
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!
The Sheepdogs | 8PM, April 17 (Tickets)
Location: Burton Cummings Theatre
Descriptions: The Sheepdogs are Canada’s leaders in rock ’n’ roll entertainment. Four-time JUNO Award winners from Saskatoon, with multiple Gold and Platinum records to their name, they blend killer harmonies, dual-guitar wizardry, and a stage presence that turns audiences into true believers.
Sofar Sounds: Discovery Night | 8:15PM, April 17 (Tickets)
Location: Exchange District, Address revealed 36 hours before
Descriptions: Get up close and intimate with emerging Winnipeg artists in the Exchange District! This space will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at a collective creating more opportunities for women, 2Spirit, non-binary, and gender-expansive individuals in the local live music production industry.
The Newlywed Game Night | 7PM, April 17 (Tickets)
Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge
Descriptions: Get ready for a fun, live interactive night inspired by the classic 1970s game show era — think the energy of vintage TV game shows brought to life on stage
Shake It Up Winnipeg | 7PM, April 17 (FREE)
Location: CCFM
Description: Winnipeg’s one-night-only Zumba dance party is here. Shake It Up Winnipeg features two international Zumba presenters performing together in Canada for the first time: Jonathan Benoit (Canada) and Seluco Fernandez (Spain).
Candlelight Concerts (Tickets)
6:45PM, April 17: The Best of Hans Zimmer
9PM, April 17: Hip-Hop on Strings
Location: Crescent Arts Centre
Descriptions: Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Winnipeg.
Art in Bloom | April 17-19 (More Info)
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq
Description: Every second year, the galleries blossom with a feast for the senses. This April, experience Art in Bloom’s beautiful exhibit of floral designs and the art that inspired them. You won’t want to miss this festival celebrating spring, art, and community at WAG-Qaumajuq!
Third + Bird – Spring Market | April 17-19 (Tickets)
Location: Red River Exhibition Place
Descriptions: Grab your shopping crew and get ready for a fun weekend at Winnipeg’s largest Urban market! Come shop 170 Manitoba makers, eat delicious food, and enjoy a drink while you shop. Whether you’re into art, ceramics, tasty food, stylish clothing, cool jewellery, home goodies, or candles, they’ve got you covered for all your spring vibes.
UFC returns to Winnipeg | April 18 (Tickets)
Location: Canada Life Centre
Descriptions: The UFC announced a Fight Night card on Friday that will take place on Saturday, April 18, at the Canada Life Centre. The main event will feature Canadian Mike Malott who is the brother of former Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose forward Jeff Malott. The 34-year-old will headline the card and put a 13-2-1 record on the line in a welterweight bout against Brazilian Gilbert Burns.
Props N Hops 2026 | 7PM, April 18 (Tickets)
Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
Descriptions: A fun, first class evening with live music, finger food, silent auction and of course, the highlight.... sampling from over 20 of Manitoba's best breweries. Admission includes a commemorative beer glass for all full admission tickets. Designated driver tickets are available at a discount
Killers of Kill Tony | 7PM, April 18 (Tickets)
Location: Burton Cummings Theatre
Descriptions: Regulars and fan favorites from Kill Tony, the #1 live podcast in the world, bring their stand-up show on the road with Killers of Kill Tony coming to Burton Cummings Theatre on Sat. April 18, 2026. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.
Glitch Play | April 18-19 (Tickets)
Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People
Descriptions: Four intrepid explorers enter the mysterious basement of a deserted theatre. At least that’s what they believe, as they delve into this new universe that is about to change them forever. In this limitless playground, a playful laser beam guides them to new discoveries, becoming a 5th character. Glitch! awakens the imagination and leads its audience to question and embrace the unpredictable.
Current Events: April 15th & 16th
Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!
Sports 🏀
Winnipeg Jets vs. San Jose Sharks | 7PM, April 16 (Tickets)
Location: Canada Life Centre
Community Fun🎆
WAG Wednesday Nights: Film Screening & Live Music | 5PM-9PM, April 15 (FREE)
Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq
Description: WAG-Qaumajuq transforms Wednesday nights into an after-hours experience designed for people who want more from their week — more creativity, more connection, more inspiration.
Astronomy Night | 6PM-9PM, April 16 (Tickets)
Location: FortWhyte Alive
Description: Take a trip through the stars inside the Star Dome, a portable planetarium popping up inside the Richardson Interpretive Center. Throughout the show, you will travel to different parts of the Earth and see the sky from the perspective of other cultures and ages.
Astronomy Night in the Marsh | 8PM-10PM, April 16 (Tickets)
Location: Oak Hammock Marsh
Description: Learn about what is in the current night sky with an informative theatre presentation followed by an observation session from the rooftop of the Wetland Discovery Centre with our large telescopes, weather permitting. This month’s topic will be telescopes. Learn about their differences and which one is best suited for your needs.
Performances🎭
The Last Wife Play | April 15-18 (Tickets)
Location: John Hirsch Mainstage
Description: With sharp dialogue and compelling characters, this historical fight for power explores humanity through a contemporary lens. A funny and fascinating dissection of patriarchy, sexual politics and women’s rights.
Tiny Beautiful Things | April 15-19 (Tickets)
Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange
Description: Tiny Beautiful Things is a play about reaching when you’re stuck, healing when you’re broken, and finding the courage to take on the questions that have no answers.
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra presents An 8-Bit Big Band | 7:30PM, April 16 (Tickets)
Location: West End Cultural Centre
Description: Two plumbers exploring a magical world of flying turtles, hoppin' mad mushrooms and magical bricks. Drummer and YouTube sensation (8-bit Music Theory) joins the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra for a nostalgic journey through the world of video game music.
Ride The Musical | April 16 - May 2 (Tickets)
Location: The Berney Theatre
Description: Annie Londonderry set out to be the first woman to cycle around the world in 1894 and became an international sensation. This new musical, direct from London’s West End, spins her unbelievable journey into a dazzling, empowering ride through history, media, and reinvention.
Special Events🥂
The Architecture + Design Film Festival | April 15-19 (Tickets)
Location: Various Venues
Description: The Architecture + Design Film Festival (A+DFF) in Winnipeg presents critically acclaimed films focusing on the importance of architecture and design in everyday life. The films cover a range of design-oriented topics from architecture and urban design to graphics and product design.
Winnipeg Baroque Festival | April 15-18 (Tickets)
Location: Desautels Concert Hall
Description: This year’s Festival will feature beloved favourites like Dead of Winter, Karl Stobbe and the Nonsuch Ensemble alongside new faces and combinations that will add their talents to one of the city’s most anticipated musical events!
Chad Anderson | April 15-16 (Tickets)
Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club
Description: He’s appeared on CBC and performed at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, JFL Toronto, JFL Vancouver, Odd Block Comedy Festival and Arctic Air Comedy Festival.
Mike Ward – Modeste | 8PM-9:30PM, April 16 (Tickets)
Location: Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobian
Description: For the very first time, Mike Ward is hitting the road with his legendary podcast Sous Écoute, in addition to presenting his brand-new show: Modeste.
Music 🎵
Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Friday!
