Goood morning, Winnipeg!
With Christmas creeping up on us (only 36 more sleeps, but who’s counting?!), you’ve probably noticed the massive tree at City Hall, the twinkling lights down Portage Avenue and the abundance of holiday markets popping up around town. Don’t let us be the ones to jinx it, but all we’re missing is the white stuff ….
In today’s issue:
Winnipeg gets “bulkier”
Zoo Lights return
Holiday markets galore
And more …
Let’s do this!
— Ryan Bowman
WEATHER FORECAST
Wednesday, Nov. 19
🌡️ High 5 Low -2 🌦️ Chance of showers during the day and flurries overnight
Thursday, Nov. 20
🌡️ High 3 Low -8 ☀️ Mostly sunny
Friday, Nov. 21
🌡️ High 1 Low -2 ⛅ Mix of sun and cloud
TALK OF THE TOWN
PWHL passing through the Peg 🏒
As one of Canada’s bigger cities without a PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) team of our own, Winnipeg will get a firsthand look at the world’s top women players next spring. The league’s Takeover Tour makes a stop at Canada Life Centre on March 22, with the Montreal Victoire facing off against the Ottawa Charge.
Local radio station adds some “Gab” 🎙️
A familiar face will switch from local TV to local radio next month. Gabrielle Marchand, who you may recognize from Global News, will join BOUNCE 99.9’s morning show alongside longtime radio personality Beau (Wolfgang Frietzche). Bounce Mornings with Beau & Gabby will make its debut on Monday, Dec. 1.
Big box, bigger crowds 🛒
Winnipeg just got a whole lot “bulkier.”
In case you (somehow) missed it, Winnipeg’s new Costco store opened to huge crowds and long lines at 4077 Portage Ave., last week. In addition to the typical aisle upon aisle (upon aisle) of everything the retail behemoth has become known for, the store boasts an onsite sushi bar, a hearing aid department, 24 gas pumps and more than 1,000 parking stalls.
The St. James location, which will be converted to a Costco business centre focused primarily on bulk items, is temporarily closed.
All decked out 🏊
At long last, Windsor Park’s Bonivital Pool reopened on Nov. 17. The facility, which closed for renovations back in May 2024, received a major facelift (over $6 million worth) featuring new changerooms, an accessible sauna, a new multi-purpose room, upgraded HVAC and lighting systems and more.
FOOD & DRINK
Downtown dining scores big 🍔
Downtown restaurants reported a big boost in business over the past week, thanks in large part to the Grey Cup festivities across the city. Here’s to hoping the support continues with all of the changes coming to the core over the next little while.
LOCAL BUSINESS
A(nother) new business in the House 🏡
On the heels of Gemini Collective’s Grand Opening on the second floor of House of Local last Saturday, Dotted Lines — a fun little shop selling “Manga and more” — will hang its own shingle just a few doors down. Follow them on Instagram for news and updates.
SMALL BIZ SPOTLIGHT
Want to see your small business (or your favourite small business) featured here? Reach out to [email protected]
SPORTS
Happy to be home 🏒
After a rough road trip out west (2-4), the Winnipeg Jets started their mini homestand by beating the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 Tuesday night. The team will play its next two games at Canada Life Centre before hitting the road for five.
Feeling green 👎
So, it happened. The Saskatchewan Roughriders won the Grey Cup. In our barn.
The Bombers’ tweet following the game pretty much sums up our feelings about it.
Back in Blue (and Gold) 🏈
On the plus side, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced last Friday that both head coach Mike O’Shea and general manager Kyle Walters would be back with the team next season. After some speculation that the Bombers might blow things up after their most disappointing season in recent memory, both signed three-year deals.
Something special 🏆
Sticking with the Bombers, rookie kick returner/cornerback Trey Vaval won the CFL’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player award and Most Outstanding Rookie award last Thursday night. Wade Miller, the team’s president and CEO, also received the league’s Commissioner’s Award for his outstanding contribution to Canadian football.
EXPERIENCE LOCAL
Here we glow again ✨
One of the city’s most highly-anticipated holiday traditions is back. Zoo Lights returns to Assiniboine Park Zoo from Nov. 21 to Jan. 1, transforming the zoo into a glowing winter wonderland with over 1.75 million lights, interactive games, a light maze, firepits, roaming performers, snowshoeing, hot chocolate, s’mores, and new features like the Enchanted Jungle, light dancers, and a scavenger hunt.
Special nights include a Sensory Night (Dec. 3) with lowered light/musical intensity and a New Year’s Eve bash (Dec. 31).
Get cultured 🎭
There are plenty of arts events to check out, including the new Abraham Anghik Ruben (Oct. 28 to April 12), a matter of time (Oct. 28 to July 5) and Crying Over Spilt Tea (Oct. 28 to July 5) exhibits at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and Indigenous teachings through digital art prints at the Manitoba Museum’s presentation of I Belong Here (Oct. 28 to Dec. 31). The Rachel Browne Theatre also hosts Croquis by award-winnipeg artist Ralph Escamillan Nov. 21-23.
Seeing stars 🌟
If science is more your thing, there are also some stellar shows taking place at the Planetarium over the next while. Aurorae explores the connection between solar activity and northern lights, Wilfred Buck’s STAR STORIES offers a rarely heard perspective on astrology and cosmology, and Voyage of the Stars offers authentic underwater visuals that will enchant audiences of all ages. Check out the Planetarium’s full schedule here.
LOCAL EVENT LISTINGS 📅
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Queer Comedy Night at Little Brown Jug. 8 pm at 336 William Ave.
Thursday, Nov. 20
Hit up Transcona for an evening filled with holiday lights, festive music, seasonal drinks and a vibrant vendor market at the Transcona BIZ Holiday Hop. 5 pm to 8:30 pm at multiple locations. More details here.
The Winnipeg Folk Festival presents Julian Taylor and Logan Staats at the Park Theatre
Bobby Dove live at Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club. 8:30 pm at 234 Main St.
Unleash your inner artist at the Shrugging Doctor Beverage Company’s Paint Party. 7 pm to 9 pm at 483 Berry St.
Drag show meets axe throwing at the Smash N Axe Disco Arcade. 7 pm at 1763 Henderson Hwy.
Friday, Nov. 21
Day 1 of Third + Bird’s Christmas Market kicks off with more than 170 vendors at Red River Exhibition Place. 5:30 pm to 9 pm at 3977 Portage Ave. (Day 1/3)
Real Love Winnipeg presents Living Hour’s Internal Drone Infinity album release at the Park Theatre
Slow Leaves and Mason Melle featuring Austin Parachoniak play Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club. 9 pm at 234 Main St.
Manitoba Music and WAG-Qaumajuq’s BPM series continues with a free concert featuring Adiyo, DXXN and DJ Saint in the iconic gallery space. 6 pm at 300 Memorial Blvd.
Saturday, Nov. 22
North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church Christmas Market. 1315 Gateway Rd.
Winnipeg Mennonite School Christmas Craft Market. 250 Bedson St.
Piece it Together’s Annual Christmas Quilt and Craft Sale. 150 Bayridge Ave.
Bronx Park Community Centre Craft Sale. 720 Henderson Hwy.
Louis Riel Arts & Technology Centre Winter Market. 5 De Bourmont Ave.
Join Papiiro and Little Sips Coffee Co., for a pop-up Java and Journal event at Cubby Studios. 11 am to 7 pm at 841 Corydon Ave. (Day 1/2)
Third + Bird’s Christmas Market continues with more than 170 vendors at Red River Exhibition Place. 9 am to 5:45 pm at 3977 Portage Ave. (Day 2/3)
Join neighbours, families and local performers for Play it Forward: The South Osborne Commons show — a family-friendly event featuring live entertainment, a dessert auction, raffle and fun activities for kids. 3 pm to 5 pm at 525 Beresford Ave.
Catch a local indie pop rock double bill featuring Mise en Scene and Bullrider at Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club. 9:30 pm at 234 Main St.
Join Capital K Distillery for a crash course on making exceptional cocktails. 6 pm at 3-1680 Dublin Ave.
Begin your day in a beautifully curated space where yoga, cacao and meditation come together at the St. Norbert Arts Centre. 10 am at Rue des Ruines du Monastere
Discover unique holiday gifts and savour delicious food at the Allure Christmas Market. 10 am to 4 pm at 289 King St. (Day 1/2)
Sunday, Nov. 23
Tails of Freedom Rescue’s Whisker Wonderland and Winter Maker’s Market at the Deer Lodge Community Centre. 3223 Bruce Ave.
Join Papiiro and Little Sips Coffee Co., for a pop-up Java and Journal event at Cubby Studios. 11 am to 6 pm at 841 Corydon Ave. (Day 2/2)
Third + Bird’s Christmas Market concludes with more than 170 vendors at Red River Exhibition Place. 12 pm to 4:30 pm at 3977 Portage Ave. (Day 3/3)
Discover unique holiday gifts and savour delicious food at the Allure Christmas Market. 10 am to 4 pm at 289 King St. (Day 2/2)
The Black Film Collective showcases members’ films to the community at the Park Theatre. 7 pm at 698 Osborne St.
Experience tranquility in a taproom at Kilter’s Beer + Yoga Flow. 11:30 am at 450 Rue Deschambault
Chill out with timeless music, Brazilian flavour and good vibes at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain’s Bossa Nova Lounge. 7 pm at 340 Provencher Blvd.
Monday, Nov. 24
Join an animal ambassador from Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre — Nadie the Great Grey Owl! — for an unforgettable evening of needle felting at ARTlington Studios. 6:30 pm at 618 Arlington St.
Tuesday, Nov. 25
Just a year after their extremely well-received set at the 2024 Burt Block Party, Sloan returns to Winnipeg for another show at the Burt (inside this time!)
Join local photographer Ryan Lucenkiw at Don’s Photo to learn all about astrolandscape photography. 7 pm to 9 pm at 1839 Main St.
GroundSwell and WAG-Qaumajuq co-present GS2: North/South, a unique gallery concert featuring throat singing, violas and percussion. 7 pm at 300 Memorial Blvd.
Level up your latch-hook learning at Wool Mountain Studios. 6:30 pm at 618 Arlington St.
Get crafty at the Two Macaws Concept Store’s Linocut Christmas Card Workshop. 6 pm at 68 Albert St.
Soap Scum presents Space Quest! A comedy show in space! at Sidestage. 7:30 pm at 700 Osborne St.
To submit future event listings, shoot us an email at [email protected]
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
ICYMI 👀
Ice(land), Ice(land) Baby ✈️ Westjet just announced a new nonstop flight we definitely did not have on our Bingo card: Winnipeg to Reykjavik, Iceland. The new route will be introduced next summer and operate once a week.
“Manitoba is home to the largest Icelandic population outside of Iceland and this route underscores WAA’s focus to connect our community to places that matter most. We’re thrilled to expand our network with WestJet to give Manitobans more choice and convenience for both business and leisure travel.” - Nick Hays, president and CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority
Thanks for reading and all the best in the week ahead. See you next Wednesday!