Let’s do Something — June 12, 2025

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/06/2025 (195 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

To get your event featured in a future edition of Let’s Do Something, please send an email to carthur@brandonsun.com with “Let’s Do Something” in the subject line.

TODAY

• 11:30 a.m. — KidSport West Region will be hosting their annual Charity BBQ at 1209 Richmond Ave. (Re/max parking lot) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• 2 p.m. — A dedication ceremony for the River and District Pipe Band’s commemorative bench will be held at its site outside Riverdale Community Centre in Rivers at 2 p.m. Cake and cookies will be served after the event at the Rivers Legion.

• 6:30 p.m. — The Shoppers Mall Library Branch will be putting on a special fundraiser Puzzle Building Competition, hosted by Section 6 Brewing (1126 Princess Ave.). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Competition at 7 p.m. This all-ages puzzle building competition features a 500-piece build, with prizes and more. Cost is $50 per team (2-4 people). Registration is required by emailing michelle@wmrl.ca. to register.

• 7 p.m. — The Brandon Municipal Cemetery Historical Walking Tour takes place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Theme of the tour is “Inspiring Stories from the Brandon Cemetery.” Limited spots available. To register, visit brandon.ca/rec-programs or call 204-729-2471.

FRIDAY

• 8 a.m. — The Manitoba High School Rodeo Association finals take place at the Virden Agricultural Society grounds with daily events from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 9 a.m. — The Brandon Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday at The Town Centre (800 Rosser Ave.), with fresh produce, baking, jams and jellies, pickling, crafts, beeswax candles and more until 4 p.m. This farmers’ market runs year-round.

• 10 a.m. — Brandon Pride will be present at City Hall for the Flag Raising at 10 a.m. Feel free to join us as we raise the inclusive pride flag!

• 4:30 p.m. — The annual Ninette Fair, produced by the Pelican Lake Ag Society takes place this weekend featuring a parade, horse shows, family events, beer gardens, live bands, displays, craft sales, Show and Shine and an Ag Olympics! Today: Family Fun Night, beef supper, family games and competitions, hay rack tour rides, live music featuring Patty Manning, Julianna Moore and a teen dance party at 9 p.m. For a complete list of events visit pelicanlakeagsociety.com

• 6 p.m. — The 28th annual Little Valley Jamboree takes place in Erickson at 29 Queen Elizabeth Avenue. Today: Mitchell Makoons and The New Highway 25 Repaved, from 6 p.m. to midnight. Kids activities all weekend. Helping families and children is what we do and we cannot wait for you to join us. Weekend features a silent auction, 50/50, canteen and refreshments on site. Weekend admission, $30; daily admission, $20. Youth 17 and under are free.

• 7 p.m. — Westman Drama Ministries presents Dare to Dream Jr., a Disney Musical Revue at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Tickets available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

SATURDAY

• 7 a.m. — The annual Ninette Fair, produced by the Pelican Lake Ag Society, continues today with a pancake breakfast, parade at noon, cattle and horse shows, farmer’s market, children’s activities, Ag Olympics, Ninette Show and Shine, beer gardens and live entertainment with Russell Moffat and Friends, Prairie Daisy, Las Mambas and 8-Track Shuffle. For a complete list of events, visit pelicanlakeagsociety.com

• 7 a.m. — The Canadian Central Reining Horse Association Wheat City Derby will be held at the Keystone Centre, featuring Reining classes for all levels — NRHA, AQHA, beginner to open as well as Ranch Riding. For further information, visit ccrha.com

• 8 a.m. — The Manitoba High School Rodeo Association finals continue at the Virden Agricultural Society grounds with daily events from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 8 a.m. — The Brandon Light Horse and Pony Society hosts the Wheat City Classic Show with two rings outdoor and a smaller ring for beginner riders and horses.

• 9 a.m. — The Riverbank Discovery Centre Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 525 Conservation Drive until Sept. 27. Come join us under the trees for an amazing variety of vendors this summer.

• 9 a.m. — The Westman Filipino Community Inc. is hosting Barrio Fiesta 2025 in Princess Park featuring performances, vendors, classic Filipino games. Walkathon fundraising sponsored by A&L Cycle at 7:30 a.m. at WIS (1001 Pacific Ave.) Programme proper at 9 a.m. at Princess Park.

• 10 a.m. — Join the City of Brandon Parks and Recreation Services for National Garden Day at Stanley Park (1410 Princess Ave.) for a free fun day full of activities. Live music, face painting, bounce castle, spray park, free BBQ while supplies last, plant give away. Bring your family and celebrate the beauty of our gardens and green spaces.

• 11 a.m. — Jumpstart Day will be held at the Canadian Tire store on 18th Street from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help raise funds for local sports and kids in our community. All funds raised locally stay here in Brandon. There will be a BBQ, axe throwing, bouncy castles and other activities.

• 11 a.m. — The Madesa MX Motocross Manitoba Provincial Championships take place at Virden. Located six miles northeast of Virden. From the Trans-Canada Highway, take Commonwealth Drive north to PR 259, turn right for one mile, turn left for three miles, turn right for one mile. Over 300 riders will enjoy the only track in Canada with a mesh starting gate during competitions. Spectators can see 95 per cent of the track from the built-up grandstand. Smoked and Sauced Food Trucks on site. Today is open practice from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Noon — The Velvet Dip (820 Victoria Ave. East) is celebrating 60 years! Join us from noon to 4 p.m. with giveaways and birthday draws, fundraising BBQ to help support Furry Friends, music by 94.7 STAR and much more. Non-perishable food or monetary donations accepted to support local food bank through Samaritan House.

• Noon — The 28th annual Little Valley Jamboree takes place in Erickson at 29 Queen Elizabeth Avenue. Today: Steven Smith Trio, meet the recipients Brook Davis, John Jacob Bernardo, Odin Herbert; Bull Ruckus, LVJ live auction, Clubbing Fraggles from noon to midnight. Kids activities all weekend. Helping families and children is what we do and we cannot wait for you to join us. Weekend features a silent auction, 50/50, canteen and refreshments on site. Weekend admission, $30; daily admission, $20. Youth 17 and under are free.

• Noon — Brandon Pride will host a Pride March from Brandon City Hall to Rideau Park (Louise Ave. East and Percy Street) for a fun-filled afternoon with local queer artists performing and activities for everyone to enjoy. Following this will be a social at The Roadhouse with House of Hex at 10 p.m.

• 1 p.m. — The Brandon Hills Model Railway Club meets every Saturday at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (H-hut) from 1 to 4 p.m. Free admission, but donations are welcome. Contact Barry at 204-724-7603, Erich at 204-761-1244 or Tony at 204-761-2631.

• 1 p.m. — Looking for a fun family adventure? Join us for The Great Brandon Mystery: Family Edition hosted by the City of Brandon Parks and Recreation Services. Bring your family to Brandon’s Community Sportsplex (30 Knowlton Dr.) and race against time to solve one of Brandon’s greatest mysteries. Travel around the city solving challenging clues and puzzles and compete some exciting challenges. To register, go to tinyurl.com/4r8mx36b. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Cost is $25 per person or $100 per team.

• 1 p.m. — Outdoor Concert at the Park will be held at Park Community Centre from 1 to 8 p.m. Featuring Michelle Boudreau, Martin-Micayla, Noel Moes, Matt Cory, open mic with Dallas Hulley and Just Dynamite. Kids zone, craft sale, bouncy castle and a cash BBQ. Bring your chair, blanket, friends, and family and come celebrate with us.

• 5 p.m. — The Clear Lake Craft Beer Festival returns this Saturday at Danceland featuring 18 of Manitoba’s best breweries, live DJ, great food and epic Danceland vibes. Doors open at 5 p.m. Get your tickets at staylakehouse.ca

• 7 p.m. — Westman Drama Ministries presents Dare to Dream Jr., a Disney Musical Revue at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Tickets available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• 7:30 p.m. — Club 77 invites everyone to our last dance of the season at the Shriners Hall (1110 McTavish Ave. East) with music by Prairie Fire. Admission is $15. Lunch will be served and everyone is welcome. For more information, call 204-729-9301.

SUNDAY

• 7 a.m. — The Wheat City Classic Show continues at the Keystone Centre outdoors in two rings with a smaller ring for beginner riders and horses.

• 7 a.m. — The Canadian Central Reining Horse Association Wheat City Derby will be held at the Keystone Centre featuring Reining classes for all levels, NRHA, AQHA, beginner to open as well as Ranch Riding. For further information visit ccrha.com

• 8 a.m. — The Manitoba High School Rodeo Association finals continue at the Virden Agricultural Society grounds with daily events from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 8:30 a.m. — The Madesa MX Motocross Manitoba Provincial Championships take place at Virden. Located six miles northeast of Virden. From The Trans-Canada Highway, take Commonwealth Drive north to PR 259, turn right for one mile, turn left for three miles, turn right for one mile. Over 300 riders will enjoy the only track in Canada with a mesh starting gate during competitions. Spectators can see 95 per cent of the track from the built-up grandstand. Smoked and Sauced Food Trucks on site. Today is race day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• 5 p.m. — The Royal Canadian Legion Brandon No. 3 (560 13th St. East) are hosting a Father’s Day Fish Fry with all-you-can-eat Lake Winnipeg Pickerel at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at the Legion or by calling 204-728-5026 and are only available until June 12.

MONDAY

• 10 a.m. — Join us for line dancing at Seniors for Seniors (311 Park Ave. East). Level 1: easy beginner, no experience, Mondays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 6 to 7 p.m.; Level 2: advanced, some experience is recommended, understanding of basic steps and terminology, Mondays or Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Drop-in classes or punch cards can be purchased. Members, $3.50; non-members, $4.50. For more info, call Marilyn at 204-679-8081.

• 1 p.m. — Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation’s ARCH project is holding Street Stories 2, a free event at the WMCA (205 20th Street) until 4 p.m. ARCH will share reflections on their past year of action research on chronic homelessness, project updates and progress reports and stories shared by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and storytellers living unhoused in Brandon. After the presentation in the main auditorium, attendees are invited to share Bannock and stew in the basement of the WMCA.

• 6:30 p.m. — UCT Bingo takes place every Monday at 205 College Ave. Doors open at 4 p.m., with early-bird start at 6:30 p.m. and regular games at 7:10 p.m. Canteen available. Proceeds stay in Brandon for needs in the community.

• 6:30 p.m. — Women in Harmony rehearses on Mondays at Trinity United Church in Brandon (1515 Sixth St.). If you would like to check out a rehearsal to see if singing barbershop music with a dynamic and welcoming group of women is for you, join us Mondays at 7 p.m. For more information, call Naomi at 204-724-5152 or email womeninharmony1975@gmail.com.

TUESDAY

• 6:30 p.m. — The City of Brandon Parks and Recreation Services announces the return of Music in the Park on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and good vibes and enjoy an incredible lineup of local talent all summer long. No admission fee. Tonight features Jessie R. Genaille with Jasime Krahan.

WEDNESDAY

• Noon — The Women with Cancer support group meets the third Wednesday of the month for lunch in the Blue Room at Pizza Place/Huggy’s at noon. For more information, contact Helena at 204-726-8315.

• 1:30 p.m. — The Brandon Embroiderers meet weekly to share their love of needlework, learn new skills and stitch together. All levels and abilities are welcome to attend. Call Dianne at 204-725-1445 or Darlene at 204-727-1624 for more information.

• 1:30 p.m. — Come and join us for line dancing at Seniors for Seniors (311 Park Ave. East). Level 2: advanced; some experience is recommended, understanding of basic steps and terminology. Mondays or Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Drop-in classes or punch cards can be purchased. Members, $3.50; non-members, $4.50. For more information, call Marilyn at 204-679-8081.

• 6 p.m. — Brandon Pride presents a talk and tour with artist Wendy Friesen of her “Guitars” exhibition on display in the Curve Gallery located upstairs in the John E. Robbins Library at Brandon Unveristy

• 7 p.m. — ArtsForward (293 Mountain Ave., Neepawa) is excited to welcome Sean McCann, founding member of Great Big Sea as part of his Great Big Canadian Road Trip. With only three Manitoba stops we are lucky to be one of them. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door if any are left.

AT THE CLUBS

(Note: Information subject to change after print deadline).

• Lady of the Lake (135-B 17th St. North) — Free music on the patio every Friday for the summer during happy hour – 5 to 7 p.m. This week: Chris Froome. Then, at 8 p.m. in the restaurant it is Ramblin’ Fool at 8 p.m.; $5 cover. On Saturday, join us for Sound Mediation with Joanne Sullivan at 11 a.m. Cost is $20.

• The 40 (210 18th St. North, Brandon) — Friday features Local Only Vol. 16. This is an 18+ event and photo ID required.

• Sand Hills Casino (777 Sand Hill Dr., Carberry) — Joe Maxim Band takes to the stage on Friday and Saturday with some country/rock/blues at the Oasis Bar and Grill. Live and always free.

• Georgie’s Lounge at the Keystone Motor Inn (1050 18th St.) — Every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight, there is karaoke in Georgie’s Lounge.

• Eastside Eatery (1451 Richmond Ave.) — Run The Plank with Different Rich, Cody Voyer and Brand New Renaissance at The Hall on Wednesday, June 18. Doors open at 6 p.m.; bands at 7 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance; $20 at the door.

• Great Western Roadhouse (1125 18th St. at Canad Inns) — Join us at Brandon’s Party Place.

• Houstons Country Roadhouse (3130 Victoria Ave.) — Join us for Neon Nights on Saturday at Houstons! @islandvibeee will be bringing lots of different types of music; 3 DJs, glow, UV and drink specials. Tickets are $10.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

• Daly House Museum (122 18th St., Brandon) — Built in 1882, original home of Brandon’s first mayor, Thomas Mayne Daly. Artifacts include a collection of late 19th-century and early 20th-century furnishings, First World War memorabilia. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. (September to June). Admission: $7 adults; $6 seniors and youth (6-18); family (up to two adults and three children), $13; children under five, free. For more info, visit dalyhousemuseum.ca or call 204-727-1722.

• Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (Unit 2, 710 Rosser Ave., Brandon) — Manitoba’s oldest centre for visual art and one of Canada’s first since 1907. The AGSM boasts two exhibition spaces, an art school and gift shop that supports more than 70 local Manitoba artists. Coming to the Main Gallery is “Through my window, there is a view,” with artist Opeyemi Olukotun. Opening reception is June 19 at 7 p.m. Lunch and Look Guided Tour of the exhibition with the artist and curator on June 20 at noon. In the Kayes Community Gallery is “Attached” with Carberry-based artist Clemente Villamayor (aka Tengnamoe) showing until July 12. A public reception will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. with live music by Man In Toy, snack and refreshments. Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday. There is no admission fee to visit the galleries. For more information, visit agsm.ca.

• 26th Field Regiment RCA/XII Manitoba Dragoons Museum (within the Brandon Armoury, 1116 Victoria Ave. Please use 11th Street door) — Open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed for lunch. Also open by appointment by calling 204-717-4579. Visit our websites: 26fdregmuseum.ca or 12mbdragoons.com.

• Brandon General Museum and Archives (19 Ninth St., Unit 101) — Attractions include the Brandon History Hall, Manitoba Telephone History, the BJ Hales Natural History Collection and rotating exhibits celebrating Brandon’s roots. Guided visits are Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Admission by donation. Booking in advance is strongly recommended. Phone 204-717-1514 or email bgmainfo@wcgwave.ca.

• Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (CATPM) (Brandon Municipal Airport, Highway 10, 1.6 kilometres north of Brandon) — Canada’s only air museum solely dedicated to the preservation of those who trained and fought for the British Commonwealth during the Second World War. Summer hours for the museum are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our gallery has new interpretive displays explaining the BCATP. Visitors will be invited to travel back to the 1940s while touring a Second World War-vintage hangar serving as a display for aircraft, vehicles and hundreds of artifacts from that era. RCAF members who lost their lives during the Second World War are honoured on the museum’s RCAF Second World War Memorial Wall. For more information, call the museum at 204-727-2444 or visit us on Facebook.

• Royal Canadian Artillery Museum (Building N-118 Patricia Rd., CFB Shilo) — We opened our new temporary exhibit, marking the 110th anniversary of the start of the First World War. The main features of the exhibit include a trench wall, First World War artillery and two machine-gun pits. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and students; children under 6, free. Phone 204-765-3000 (ext. 3570) or email RCAMuseum@forces.gc.ca.

• Killarney’s Heritage Home for the Arts (44 Water Ave., Killarney) — Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council’s gallery is in the Heritage Home for the Arts. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m.; closed all statutory holidays. Special tours can be arranged by calling 204-554-0023. You can also visit Killarney-Turtle Mountain Arts Council on Facebook, @killarneyarts on Instagram or our website at killarneyarts.com.

• ArtsForward (293 Mountain Ave., Neepawa) — ArtsForward is the central arts venue in Neepawa in visual, literary, performing and material arts. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday; closed on weekends.

• Virden Pioneer Home Museum (390 King St. West, Virden) — Come enjoy our wealth of local history as you explore what life looked like in Victorian Canada. For more information, email virdenpioneermuseum@wcgwave.ca or call 204-748-1659.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• June 19 — The Minnedosa Drama Club presents their 17th production, “Schitt’$ Creek at the Minnedosa Ukrainian Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at Inspire Studio and Minnedosa Library or by calling Peggy at 204-867-2113. Directed by Rebecca Porteous and Janice Dalton.

• June 19 — Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Westman are hosting the MEGAbike: Pedal for Potential at 9 a.m. at the Keystone Centre. Get ready to pedal for purpose on a massive 30-seat bike! Every dollar raised supports mentorship programs that empower young people to reach their full potential. Ride stars at 9 a.m. with one-hour time slots. To register a team or learn more about the event, email Melissa.Hollands@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or call 204-727-1787.

• June 20 — Sesame Street Live! Say Hello at Westoba Place. Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and their friends from Sesame Street are stopping by to say hello at 6 p.m. Sing, dance and play along with your furry friends. Sensory notice: This show contains flashing lights, haze (fog) and confetti.

• June 21 — The ever-popular Lobsterfest returns to Shilo’s building L-25. Event features a delicious steak and lobster dinner with live music and amazing prizes. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; meal at 7 p.m.; band Crossfyre at 9 p.m. Tickets on sale now. Cost is $55 for military – veteran – and their families; $60 all others. Only 800 tickets available. Tickets are available at all three messes, mess office, RCA Museum, Cursed Coffee and 340 Esso on Shilo Road or in Brandon at Smitty’s in the Shoppers Mall, Sobeys West End, or in Carberry at the Carberry Legion. Free transportation provided from Brandon; bus departs from McDonald’s (1906 Richmond Ave.) at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Return trips depart CFB Shilo at 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.

• June 21 — Brandon Municipal Cemetery Historical Walking Tour takes place from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Theme of the tour is “Murder and Mayhem Stories from the Brandon Cemetery.” Limited spots available. To register, visit brandon.ca/rec-programs or call 204 729-2471.

• June 21 — The YWCA Participaction Activity Day features free admission to non-members (government issued photo ID required for 18 and older) and free classes from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

• June 21 — The Dock on Princess presents the third annual Kick’n Off Summer Block Party from 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. We are closing down the street! Join us for a full day of live music, activities, an artisan market as well as great food and drinks!

• June 21 — The City of Brandon Parks and Recreation Services presents The Great Brandon Mystery at Brandon’s Community Sportsplex. Gather your team of two to five people and race against time to solve one of Brandon’s greatest mysteries. Travel around the city, solve challenging clues and puzzles and complete exciting challenges. Takes place from 1-4 p.m. Cost is $25 per person or $100 per team. Register at tinyurl.com/4r8mx36b and be part of the fun.