Happy Friday, Winnipeg!

Still hot out there, and it doesn't look like it's letting up before Monday. Good news is there's plenty worth sweating for this weekend.

August kicks off tomorrow; we've got a long weekend ahead, and there's so much to get you caught up on.

In today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

You know that feeling when you land somewhere new?

The food is different, the music fills the streets, and everything around you feels just a little unfamiliar, in the best way possible.

Over the next two weeks, you can get that same feeling without ever leaving Winnipeg.

From live music and cultural performances to homemade dishes and traditions passed through generations, Folklorama returns on Sunday, August 2 for its 55th year, bringing 45 pavilions to communities across the city.

Whether it's become a summer tradition or you're thinking about going for the first time, Folklorama is the kind of thing you can't really do wrong.

Spend an evening trying foods you've never tasted before, catch a live performance, and introduce the kids to a culture they may have never experienced.

With general admission being just $7.50 and free entry for kids 12 and under, it's one of the more affordable ways to spend a summer evening with your family while celebrating everything that makes Winnipeg such a diverse city.

Click here: To see all 45 pavilions and start planning your visits!

August starts tomorrow. You know what that means…

We’ve got maybe four good weekends left, then it's dark at five and everyone's inside again.

So think about what you actually did this summer.

Probably not much. Same week on repeat.

Work, groceries, a walk, bed by ten. You meant to do more. Everyone means to do more. But tickets cost money, nobody can agree on a date, and staying home is free.

Then it's September and you've got nothing to show for it.

Here's a fix.

Country Rising Festival hits Blue Cross Park on August 21. Country mixed with hip-hop and rock.

Five artists: BigXthaPlug, Corey Kent, Dylan Marlowe, Redferrin and Kalsey Kulyk.

One of our readers is going. VIP. For free.

Four tickets means you and three friends. Nothing to plan, nothing to pay.

Takes thirty seconds to enter.

Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!

Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!

Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!

There's nothing more frustrating than planning your day, driving across the city, and realizing the place you wanted to visit is closed.

This long weekend is Terry Fox Day (Monday, August 3rd), and while most of the city carries on as usual, a few things run on different hours.

Once you've got your long weekend plans sorted, there's plenty more to look forward to.

August is one of Winnipeg's busiest months, with festivals, concerts, markets, and unique events happening almost every weekend. So if you're planning to see what's happening in Winnipeg this August, we've got you covered.

Follow along on our Instagram to see what's coming up all month long.

Click here: To follow along and see what's on this August!

Too many families in Winnipeg know the pain of losing someone to an overdose.

For years, people have been searching for ways to prevent more lives from being lost and help those struggling with addiction find the support they really need.

After years of discussion, that support is finally arriving. Manitoba's first supervised consumption site opens at 366 Henry Avenue on August 11, following several weeks of staff training and preparation.

The service will start out in temporary mobile units, while renovations inside the building continue in the background.

Operated by the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, the site is one more step toward keeping Manitobans safer and making sure no one has to face addiction alone.

Click here: To see what's planned for the site!

If you live in Northwest Winnipeg, you know the feeling.

The park, a friend's house, even school is nearby, but "nearby" doesn't always mean walkable. So instead of a quick walk over, it turns into loading everyone in the car for a five minute drive.

That's finally starting to change.

Construction on Phase 2 of the Northwest Hydro Corridor starts later this summer, extending the path by almost a kilometre in each direction, connecting north toward Leila Avenue and south to Selkirk Avenue.

It's an expansion that's been years in the making, and it's happening because the first stretch worked.

Since 2022, the corridor's been a go-to for families, runners, and cyclists. Phase 2 builds on that, connecting even more neighbourhoods and making it that much easier to walk or bike, whether it's for a weekend ride or just getting the kids to school.

Click here: To learn more about the expansion and what's coming next!

Quick heads up, this one isn't Winnipeg specific. But it saves you a trip downtown, so we figured you'd want to know.

Some errands have a way of taking up your whole day. Renewing your passport has usually been one of them.

By the time you've found time in your schedule, made the trip, and waited your turn, what should've been a quick task can easily turn into an entire day. Now, you can do it from the comfort of home.

Eligible Canadians can now renew their passports online, making it easier to complete the process whenever it fits your schedule.

The service was previously offered through a limited pilot program, but it's now available to all eligible adults across Canada.

Better yet, it's backed by the same 30-business-day processing guarantee, meaning if your passport takes longer than that, you won't have to pay for it.

If your passport is coming up for renewal, it's worth checking whether you qualify. You might be able to skip the trip altogether.

Click here: To see if you're eligible and learn how to renew your passport online!

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

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