Hey Winnipeggers,

This is the Winnipeg Digest, your weekend adventure buddy. We're like a loyal golden retriever, always excited and ready to bring the fun.

In today's edition of the Winnipeg Digest:

• Sea Bears Clinch Playoff Spot and Set Fan Record

• Manitoba Historical Festival Returns

• $500,000 Downtown Art Grant

• 35+ Weekend Events & more

— Jas Singh

News

Sea Bears Clinch Playoff Spot and Set Fan Record

The Winnipeg Sea Bears are heading back to the playoffs for the second year in a row, and they did it in record-setting style! On Tuesday night, they beat the Calgary Surge 111-104, despite being down by 13 points in the third quarter. The win officially knocked out the Saskatchewan Rattlers from playoff contention and secured the final postseason spot for the Sea Bears.

Not only did they clinch the playoff spot, but they also shattered the CEBL attendance record. With a whopping 11,051 fans packing the Canada Life Centre, it was the second-largest crowd in league history. The energy from the fans was electric and played a huge role in their comeback win.

So with playoffs around the corner, the Sea Bears are ready to take it up a notch. Let's rally behind them and show our support. Let's go, Sea Bears!

What's Happening in Winnipeg?

Local News

Manitoba Historical Festival Returns

Get ready to step back in time this weekend at the Cooks Creek Medieval Festival! After a six-year break, the festival is back and better than ever. With events like jousting, heavy armor battles, and a medieval feast, there’s something for everyone. This year’s festival is especially exciting because it’s the first time it’s happening since 2018. If you’re a fan of history or just looking for a fun family outing, this is a must-see event. And remember, at the feast, utensils are a no-go—so get ready to eat with your hands!

Security Rebates for Manitobans Starting in August

As reported by CTV News, starting in August, Manitobans will start receiving their rebates for security equipment! This is great news for homeowners, tenants, and small business owners looking to boost their safety.

The Security Rebate Program started in April, offers up to $300 back on items like doorbell cameras and motion detectors. The province allocated $500,000 for this initiative, and it’s already seeing a strong response. So, If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your home or business security, now’s the perfect time to apply and save some money.

Bank of Canada Cuts Key Interest Rate to 4.5%

Good news for Winnipeg’s housing market! The Bank of Canada has cut its key interest rate to 4.5%. This second consecutive cut aims to ease price pressures and boost the economy.

Lower interest rates mean cheaper borrowing costs, which could make buying a home more affordable. While the path to achieving the 2% inflation target might be bumpy, the central bank is optimistic. For Winnipeggers, this could mean a stronger economy and better housing market conditions. Keep an eye on future rate cuts, as they could further impact your finances.

Business in Winnipeg

$500,000 Downtown Arts Capital Fund Now Open

Calling all arts lovers! Winnipeg’s Downtown Arts Capital Fund is now open for applications. This program offers $500,000 annually to support major capital projects for downtown arts organizations. If you’ve enjoyed the rich cultural scene in our city, this fund aims to make it even better by helping arts organizations enhance their spaces.

Established downtown arts institutions can apply until September 30. This is a fantastic opportunity to support the arts and ensure our city continues to be a vibrant cultural hub for years to come.

Exciting Events: July 26 - July 28

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, July 27 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

Family Fun🎆

• Movie Nights at the Square | July 26 (Free/All Info)

  • Location: Transcona Centennial Square

  • Description: The movie being played is The Trolls – Band Together.

• Winnipeg Fringe Festival | July 26-27 (All Info)

  • Location: Multiple Locations

  • Description: Over 170 improvs, musicals, dramas, cabaret, clowns, magic, and more!

• Winnipeg 150 Outdoor Makers Market | July 27 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: The Forks, Winnipeg

  • Description: 50 Maker booths, celebrating Winnipeg 150. From handmade crafts to artisanal products, there's something for everyone at the Winnipeg 150 Outdoor Makers Market @ The Forks.

• FortWhyte Alive | Events (Tickets)

  • Baby Bison Walk | 10:30AM & 1PM, July 27

  • Bison Safari | 10:30AM & 1PM, July 28

  • Description: See North America’s largest land mammal from just metres away, interacting in their natural habitat.

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM-2PM, July 27 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Bronx Park Farmer’s Market | 9AM-2PM, July 27 (More Info)

  • Location: Bronx Park Community Centre

• Annual Anishinaabe Days Celebration | July 27-28 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: The Forks, Winnipeg

  • Description: Experience the Traditional Pow Wow, and free kids’ activities. While exploring the Indigenous Vendors Market for unique crafts and artwork. You can also indulge in delicious food from the food trucks while enjoying the Saturday night fireworks!

• East St.Paul Farmer’s Market | July 28 (More Info)

  • Location: 302 Hoddinott Road

• Cirque Italia Water Circus | July 26 - Aug 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: St. Vital Centre

  • Description: Cirque Italia has pulled out all the stops this year to take you on a magical dream adventure.

Special Events 🥂

• Ballet in the Park | 6:30PM - 9PM, July 26 (Free/More Info)

  • Location: Lyric Theatre at Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Ballet in the Park is a unique opportunity to enjoy the universal language of dance with family and friends under the prairies skies.

• Country Rising Festival | 3:30PM, July 26 (Tickets)

  • Location: Blue Cross Park, Winnipeg

  • Description: This unique event showcases some of the best artists in country music today and attendees can expect festival activities, first class food and beverage offerings, retail vendors and much more!

• Jeff Arcuri | 7PM, July 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre, Winnipeg, MB

  • Description: After selling out 4 shows during the 'Netflix is a Joke' Festival in LA, and 5 shows at The Wilbur Theatre in Chicago, Jeff Arcuri continues his tour with a July 27th show at Club Regent Event Centre.

• Tacos and Tequila Festival | 2PM, July 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Blue Cross Park, Winnipeg

  • Description: The festival will also include food from local taco chefs, a tequila tasting lounge, lucha libre wrestling, a Chihuahua beauty pageant, and a salsa and queso competition.

• Salsa Sunday | 4PM - 8PM, July 28 (More Info)

  • Location: True North Square

  • Description: Learn how to do salsa, while enjoying some delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere.

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.

Note: We're just trying to get to know you a bit better so we can tailor events and sponsorships to your interests.

CHEERS!

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

— Jas, Winnipeg Digest

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