Let’s Do Something — Dec. 31, 2025

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

• DAY — The Skating Oval is open at 2020 McGregor Ave. Seasonal music plays from noon to 11 p.m. The display of holiday lighting is immediately east of the Parks Complex at 2020 McGregor Ave. (also accessible via Hilton Avenue). The lights are on from 5 to 11 p.m. Warming shacks are operational from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. No public vehicles are allowed in the direct area of the Waterfall of Lights display. Visitors are encouraged to park in the designated areas along McGregor Avenue or Hilton Avenue and enjoy the walk through this magical winter scene.

• 9 a.m. — Calling all tobogganers! Hanbury Hill in Sir Winston Churchill Park (600 Braecrest Dr.) is open and ready for sledders. You can warm up in the gazebo, which is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The lights are on daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Other toboggan hills within the city include Rideau Park, Wheat City Golf Course/Recreation Centre. Smaller hills at 34th Street and Cherry Crescent sliding hill and Parkdale Park sliding hill.

• 9:30 a.m. — Come celebrate the new year at Asessippi Ski Resort. Spend the evening skiing, tubing and celebrating under the stars with family and friends. Enjoy two fireworks shows: one at 9:15 p.m. and another at midnight. Join our annual Midnight Run down Easy Street and be a part of one of Asessippi’s favourite traditions. The Squirrel Chair will remain open until midnight and tubing until 8:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve dinner special is available for purchase before the countdown.

• 5 p.m. — The Ukrainian Musicians Association presents New Year’s Eve Zabava 2026 at the Victoria Inn (3550 Victoria Ave.) featuring Brandon Hachkowski and Ukrainian Tradition. With appearances by Western Canadian Ukrainian music legends. Tickets are $65 (advance only). Cash or e-transfer to ukrmusicians.association@gmail.com. Raffle draws and door prizes to support UMA Fundraising efforts. Doors open at 5 p.m.; supper at 6 p.m.; live music at 9 p.m. Late lunch provided.

• 6 p.m. — Free transit for all transit routes and access transit from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. compliments of Manitoba Public Insurance, Brandon Transit, Bounce Radio 96.1 and Pure Country 101.

• 7 p.m. — 2026 New Year’s “Toast at Ten” with music by The Vinyl Brothers in the Imperial Ballroom at the Victoria Inn (3550 Victoria Ave.) Casual, no formal dress code, great dance music, beef on a bun lunch served between sets, silent auction and raffles, fun games, countdown and celebration at 10 p.m. $50 per person with proceeds to support Helping Hands — End Hunger Brandon. Doors open at 7 p.m.; first set at 7:30 p.m.; lunch at 8 p.m.; second set at 9 p.m.; countdown and toast at 10 p.m. Tickets available at the Victoria Inn front desk or online at tickets.maplematch.me

• 7:30 p.m. — Prairie 21 hosts a New Year’s Eve dance at the MERA Hall, Monterey Estates (40 Mockingbird Dr.) from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Live music by Lyle Baldwin. Lunch includes beef on a bun. Cost is $30 — advance tickets only. Contact Jeanie 204-570-0739 or Tom 204-728-2164. Dry bar.

• 8 p.m. — Clear Lake’s most anticipated winter party returns to the Lakehouse. The 26 Below Zero Fire & Ice NYE Party is a New Year’s Eve designed for people who want a winter night with a pulse. This is not a soft, inside-only NYE — but a cold-weather destination version. Featuring fire pits; ice bars; heated winter lounges; a food lineup to fuel the entire evening; drinks, energy and a midnight countdown. Hours: 8 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $75 and available at staylakehouse.ca.

• 9 p.m. — Ring in the new year at the Rivers Curling Club. Live entertainment from The New Highway 25 Repaved at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available through a member of the curling club or at forms.gle/xaBiiMndgyWHzLDA6.

THURSDAY

• 2 p.m. — Brandon Wheat Kings host the Saskatoon Blades at Assiniboine Credit Union Place. Tickets available at the box office or visit the Brandon Wheat Kings website at chl.ca/whl-wheatkings/

• 6 p.m. — Kick 2026 off with a Splash! Join us at Klar So Spa (3 Mooswa Dr., Onanole) for ’80s Night Social Thirstday from 6 to 10 p.m. Get ready to dance, unwind and relive the iconic tunes of the 80s. This is an 18+ event. Prebook by calling 204-848-8739.

FRIDAY

• DAY — Walk, bike, ski or snowshoe off those extra holiday treats by exploring the winter trail network at the Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre (545 Conservation Dr.)

• 9 a.m. — Ski Valley in Minnedosa is now open — all runs, all parks, all lifts, all fun! Located seven kilometres north of Minnedosa on Highway 10. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (but check schedule for changes due to weather). Check for updates at skivalley.ca or call 204-867-3509.

• 9 a.m. — Snowshoe along groomed trails, ski your way along dozens of kilometres of trails, or skate on rinks adorned with twinkly lights at Clear Lake. Visit discoverclearlake.com/blog/winter-fun-at-clear lake for information including equipment rentals.

SATURDAY

• 9 a.m. — Westman Airsoft Con will be held at the Westoba Agricultural Centre of Excellence at the Keystone Centre (use west entrance). This is Manitoba’s largest indoor Airsoft event. Will feature Airsoft games, vendors, buy, sell or trade as well as target lane. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. To register or for more information, email westmanairsoftcon@gmail.com or call Kevin 204-720-0526 or Tracy 204-573-6823.

• 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. For more information, contact Barry at 204-724-7603; Erich at 204-761-1244; or Tony at 204-761-2631.

SUNDAY

• 9 a.m. — Westman Airsoft Con will be held at the Westoba Agricultural Centre of Excellence at the Keystone Centre (use west entrance). This is Manitoba’s largest indoor Airsoft event. Will feature Airsoft games, vendors, buy, sell or trade as well as target lane. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To register or for more information, email westmanairsoftcon@gmail.com or call Kevin 204-720-0526 or Tracy 204-573-6823.

MONDAY

• 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.

Wednesday

• 7 p.m. — Brandon Wheat Kings host the Red Deer Rebels at Assiniboine Credit Union Place. Tickets available at the box office or visit the Brandon Wheat Kings website at chl.ca/whl-wheatkings/

AT THE CLUBS

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

• Lady of the Lake (135-B 17th St. North) — Open on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Jan. 1. Calling all artists for Open Mic Night on Friday at 8 p.m. Whether you are a musician, poet, comedian, storyteller or any kind of performer, come join us! Cover charge is $5 at the door.

• Chez Angela Bakery and Café (Unit C, 29 10th St., Brandon) — Sunday Brunch with live music at Chez Angela from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tunes from Beth Wilson, Bennett Radcliffe, Daelyn Fefchak, William McAuley, Aria Rempel and Illiia Fitsai. If you like what you hear, be sure to bring some cash to tip for the performance.

• The 40 (210 18th St. North, Brandon) — Join us for our New Year’s Eve party on Wednesday with party favours, late lunch and live pop/rock music with The Toneriders. Advance tickets are $20 plus fees and available at showpass.com. $25 at the door. This is an 18+ event and photo ID is required. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.

• 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.

• Sand Hills Casino (777 Sand Hill Dr., Carberry) — Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Oasis with a delectable dinner special from 4 to 10 p.m., then party the night away with Crack’in Foxy. Live and always free.

• Section 6 Brew Company (1126 Princess Ave.) — The last Wednesday of every month is a Pub Quiz at 7 p.m. Groups of two to six people. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Devin. We’ll be counting down every hour, starting with the East Coast and celebrating each time zone all the way to Manitoba.

• The Dock on Princess (1133 Princess Ave.) — Join us on Wednesday for our Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown. We’ve got games, activities and treats to help your little ones ring in the new year. Party is in the pub from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Countdown at 7 p.m. Kids’ tickets are $10 and are available online or in the restaurant. Give us a call at 204-726-1234 to book a table. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. New Year’s Eve Karaoke in the pub at 9 p.m.

• Houstons Country Roadhouse (3130 Victoria Ave.) — Tapper Entertainment presents The Biggest Party of the Year on New Year’s Eve with Project X — live music with Rich Leo and Ruiz. Shooters and drinks $3. Photo booth. Doors open at 9 p.m. No rules. Girls get in free before 10:30 p.m. $5 early bird; $10 at the door.

• Great Western Roadhouse (1125 18th St. at Canad Inns) — Mondays at the Roadhouse are Poker Nights. Free to play. Doors open at 7 p.m. Play continues until there is a winner. Roadhouse is going big again this New Year’s Eve and you don’t want to get stuck in line. VIP express entry tickets are $40 and allow access before 11 p.m. Limited tickets available. DM us at The Roadhouse for more information and to secure your spot.

• Aida’s Catering/The Backyard on Aberdeen (1624 13th St.) — Come celebrate New Year’s Eve with us at The Backyard on Aberdeen. Get ready for a full night of music, great food, drinks and good vibes as we say goodbye to 2025. Open at 8 p.m. Buffet. $40 per person. Get tickets today at thebackyardonaberdeen@gmail.com or by texting 204-761-0751 or by calling 204-520-0812

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 5 p.m. 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. In the Main Gallery is the 21st Annual Members’ Show and Sale on until Jan. 9. 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. Free admission 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 website at 26xiimuseum.ca. Please note: The museum will be closed now until Jan. 6.

• 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 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. The museum is now closed and will reopen again on April 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. 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) — Discover “WWII Command Posts,” a temporary exhibit at the RCA Museum, showcasing Canada’s mobile command vehicles and their role in co-ordinating artillery and communications during the Second World War. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and students; children under six get in 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) — Enjoy our wealth of local history as you explore what life looked like in Victorian Canada. Open for winter 2025 and spring 2026 by appointment. Phone us at 204-748-1659 or text 204-573-9124.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Jan. 8 — An Evening with Elton John takes place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. After a sold-out show in 2023, this high-energy Elton John tribute returns to Brandon for another unforgettable night of music, memories and pure showmanship. Tickets available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• Jan. 9-10 — The Brandon University Bobcats basketball teams host Winnipeg at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) Jan. 9, Women’s game at 6 p.m. followed by the men at 8 p.m. Jan. 10, women’s at 5 p.m.; men’s at 7 p.m.

• Jan. 9-11 — The 2026 Westman 3D Winter Classic ASA Shoot in the Canada Room at the Keystone Centre. Two rounds on Saturday and one on Sunday. Total of 60 targets with shoot-offs on Sunday. ASA rules apply: must have Archery MB Membership. Register on Archery MB website. Limited spots. Cost is $60 for ASA Shoot; $20 team event. ASA Classes — shoot-offs for Classes of five-plus. ASA Team Event and Mixer on Saturday evening. Every age, every class, every ability. For more information, email autographbowstrings@gmail.com or follow Westman Archery on Facebook or westman_archery on Instagram.

• Jan. 9-11 — “No Other Choice” plays at the Evans Theatre (Brandon University). A laid-off paper mill manager descends into violence. Admission is $7. Cash only. All concession items $2. Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.

• Jan. 10 — Wheat City Nuit Blanche 2026 at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (710 Rosser Ave.) from 5 to 10 p.m. This year’s theme is “Possible Worlds,” an invitation to chaos, optimism and fantasy. Nuit Blanche is a one-night festival of art that happens in more than 120 cities around the world. For more information, visit agsm.ca/series/wcnb-2026/ or email nuitblanche@agsm.ca.

» The Brandon Sun

• Jan. 10 — Brandon Wheat Kings host the Regina Pats at Assiniboine Credit Union Place at 6 p.m. Tickets available at the box office or visit the Brandon Wheat Kings website at chl.ca/whl-wheatkings/

• Jan. 10 — Steppin’ Out Old Tyme Dance at the Royal Canadian Legion No. 3 (560 13th St. East) at 7:30 p.m. with live music by Lyle Baldwin. Admission is $20. Light lunch included. All are welcome. For more information, call Barbara at 204-728-5636. Look forward to starting the new year by dancing the night away.

• Jan. 13 — Join Jana Starling, clarinet, and Allison Wiebe, piano, for a pro series concert at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door. The recital will showcase hidden gems by Canadian composers, including Juno award-winning composer and fellow Brandon University alumna Jocelyn Morlock, as well as the unorthodox and imaginative Albertan composer Ian Crutchley.

• Jan. 13 — Join the City of Brandon Parks and Recreation for our Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons program on Tuesdays from Jan. 13 to March 3, 6 to 8 p.m. Takes place in the T.E. Snure Room (638 Princess Ave., Door C). Ages 9 to 13 years. Register today at brandon.ca/rec-programs or call 204-729-2471.

• Jan. 14 — Trinity Community Adventures presents Understanding Dementia and Brain Health at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity United Church (1515 Sixth St.). This presentation will provide information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, the 10 warning signs and reducing your risk of developing dementia. Plus, we will discuss current programs and services available from the Alzheimer Society. Coffee and conversation to follow. Pre-register by calling 204-728-4769.

• Jan. 16 — Brandon Wheat Kings host the Victoria Royals at Assiniboine Credit Union Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the box office or visit the Brandon Wheat Kings website at chl.ca/whl-wheatkings/

• Jan. 16 — Expressions Concert Series presents the Legion House Band in the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Minnedosa Library and on Eventbrite.ca

• Jan. 16-17 — The Brandon University Bobcats volleyball teams host Trinity Western University at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) On Jan. 16, men’s game at 6 p.m. followed by the women at 7:45 p.m. On Jan. 17, men’s at 5 p.m.; women’s at 6:45 p.m.

• Jan. 16-17 — Westman Drama Ministries presents Disney’s “Newsies Jr.” at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.; Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• Jan. 17 — Assiniboine College Students’ Association celebrates Vintage Prom! Get ready to celebrate 65 years of Assiniboine College in style at the Great Western Roadhouse at 9 p.m. Step back in time for a night of music, memories and old-school fun. Tickets are $10 and are available at the ACSA office.

• Jan. 21 —Valleyview Centennial School Winter Concert 2026 takes place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

» The Brandon Sun