Let’s Do Something — Jan. 16, 2025

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/01/2025 (243 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

• Daily — The public skating oval at 2020 McGregor Ave. is open for the season. Display of lights around the skating oval will be on from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly throughout the winter. No public vehicles are allowed in the direct area of the display. The public is encouraged to park in designated areas on McGregor Avenue or Hilton Avenue and walk through the area to view the lights. Music will play from noon to 11 p.m. every day for the season, and there are fire pits for the public to enjoy.

• Daily — The North Hill Outdoor Rink is now open at the Brandon Community Sportsplex track infield. The rink features boards, netting and hockey nets and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Skate at your own risk. This facility is not supervised. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult.

FRIDAY

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

• 1:30 p.m. — Central Senior Dance returns for the season at Central Community Centre (529 Fourth St.) every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. with lunch to follow. Music by Prairie Fire. Cost is $15 per person. For more information, contact Pat Anderson at 204-901-1910 or Donald Livesley at 431-763-6470.

• 6 and 8 p.m. — The Brandon University Bobcats basketball teams take on Mount Royal at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.). Women’s game at 6 p.m.; men’s at 8 p.m.

• 7:30 p.m. — The Evans Theatre on the Brandon University campus returns for 2025. Showing this weekend: “Anora.” All seats are $6. All concession items, $2. Save money with a five-movie pass for $25. Cash only please.

• 7:30 p.m. — Toronto-based rock band Sloan takes the stage at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Tickets available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• 7:30 p.m. — Kaleidoscope Concerts Series Neepawa presents the Winnipeg bluegrass supergroup Stanley County Cut-Ups at ArtsForward. From hard-driving banjo solos to four-part harmony singing, blues-infused mandolin breaks and hair-raising fiddle tunes, this quartet covers all the bluegrass bases. Adult tickets, $20; K-12 students, $5 at the door only.

SATURDAY

• 10:30 a.m. — Join the Brandon Food Council for a variety of free food courses to enhance your food knowledge and skills at Knox United Church at 10:30 a.m. Today features: Newcomer food security and cultural exchange. Registration is now open, and each event is free to attend, but space is limited. Register at bit.ly/brandonfoodcouncil. Next: Feb. 8, Indigenous Foodways.

• 11 a.m. — Chess Club with the Brandon Knights Chess Club takes place at the Brandon Public Library (710 Rosser Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. Boards and pieces will be supplied. All skill levels are welcome. No registration is required for this program.

• 11 a.m. — Friends of Riding Mountain National Park are hosting the World Snow Day Weekend today and tomorrow at the Friends Learning Centre (154 Columbine St.). Today: chili fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a cost of $5. Ice Fishing Village open house at the Clear Lake Main Beach Area at noon. Tubes and Toboggans at Amphitheatre Hill from 2 to 4 p.m. Group snowshoe of the Brule trail at 1:30 p.m. Bannock roast from 3 to 4 p.m. around the campfire with some hot chocolate. For more information, call 204-848-4037 or visit friendsofridingmountain.ca.

• 1 p.m. — Join the Prairie Mountain Philatelic Society for an afternoon of sharing our love of stamps, postal history, postcards, etc. We meet at Seniors for Seniors (311 Park Ave. East). A swap and shop is on the agenda. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit prairiemountainstamps.com.

• 2 p.m. — The Strathclair Theatre Chorus in Concert at Knox United Church (451 18th St.). Tickets are $20 and available at Ted Good Music, Forbidden Flavours, Coffee Culture. Kids 12 and under are free. This event is a community event hosted by The Rotary Club of Brandon.

• 5 and 7 p.m. — The Brandon University Bobcats basketball teams take on Mount Royal at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) Women’s game at 5 p.m.; men’s game at 7 p.m.

• 7 p.m. — The Comedy Invasion: A Tail to Tell Benefit will be held at Callaghan’s Food and Entertainment in Carberry, featuring comedians from Canada’s Got Talent, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Edmonton Comedy Festival and the Femme Wave Festival. Tickets are $25 or $40 for a pair; $1 off all appetizers and drinks at Callaghan’s during the event. All proceeds go to this amazing animal rescue nonprofit.

• 7:30 p.m. — Club 77 Dance will take place at the Shriners Hall (1110 McTavish Ave. East) with music by Kawliga. Admission is $15. Lunch included. Everyone welcome. For more information, call 204-729-9301.

• 7:30 p.m. — The Evans Theatre on the Brandon University campus returns for 2025. Showing this weekend: “Anora.” All seats are $6. All concession items, $2. Save money with a five-movie pass for $25. Cash only please.

SUNDAY

• Noon — Friends of Riding Mountain National Park’s World Snow Day Weekend continues with kids snow carving and painting at noon. S’mores and hot chocolate around the campfire from noon to 1 p.m. For more information, call 204-848-4037 or visit friendsofridingmountain.ca.

• 2 p.m. — The Evans Theatre on the Brandon University campus returns for 2025. Showing this weekend: “Anora.” All seats are $6. All concession items, $2. Save money with a five-movie pass for $25. Cash only please.

MONDAY

• 10 a.m. — Come and join us for line dancing at Seniors For Seniors (311 Park Ave. East). Level 1: easy beginner, no experience, Mondays 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 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.

• 1:15 p.m. — East End Sunshine Card Club meets Mondays at the East End Community Centre (corner of Victoria Avenue East and Park Street, north entrance) until 4 p.m. Like to play cards? Then please join us. For details, contact Marlene at 204-727-3539.

• 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.

• 7 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 info, call Naomi at 204-724-5152 or email womeninharmony1975@gmail.com.

• 7 p.m. — Kick off your Manitoba Ag Days experience with Produced on the Prairies Craft Beer Tasting Event at the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba (1200 13th St. Unit A-1). Featuring the best of Manitoba’s up-and-coming craft brewing scene and the important role they play in our province’s agriculture industry.

TUESDAY

• 9 a.m. — Manitoba Ag Days, an exposition of agricultural production expertise, technology and equipment takes place at the Keystone Centre over the next three days with exhibitors from across Canada and the United States. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To learn more about the show, see a schedule of events, and purchase tickets, visit agdays.com.

WEDNESDAY

• 9 a.m. — Manitoba Ag Days, an exposition of agricultural production expertise, technology and equipment takes place at the Keystone Centre with exhibitors from across Canada and the United States. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To learn more about the show, see a schedule of events, and purchase tickets, visit agdays.com.

• 1:30 to 3:30 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 info, call Marilyn at 204-679-8081.

AT THE CLUBS

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

• Lady of the Lake (135-B 17th St. North) —The Blue Velvet Quartet, a collection of musicians from high school to university students will entertain on Friday at 8 p.m. Cover is $5 at the door. Upcoming: Jan. 24, Open Mic Night. Text Dallas to sign up at 204-761-1835.

• The 40 (210 18th St. North, Brandon) — BriAnimal takes to the stage at The 40 this weekend.

• Sand Hills Casino (777 Sand Hill Dr., Carberry) — Along for the Ride entertains at the Oasis Bar & Grill Friday and Saturday with some country/rock music. 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.

• Houstons Country Roadhouse (3130 Victoria Ave.) — January 21 to 23 we are open for Ag Days. Kick off country with some awesome drink specials. Two days of live performances from the Sean Taylor Band.

• Great Western Roadhouse (1125 18th St. at Canad Inns) — Big Rach presents Cotton Eye Boogie line dance this Friday. Win a Coors original cowboy hat and T-shirt every week and all you have to do is line dance.

• Chez Angela Bakery and Café (Unit C, 29 10th St., Brandon) — Free Music Fridays features Carlos and Ester, a husband-and-wife team from El Salvador at 6:30 p.m. Join Errin on Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. at the pop-up paint party as you embark on a creation of your choosing. Twenty dollars includes your crafting supplies, a coffee or latte and freshly baked pastry. Limited seating.

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. The current exhibit, “Who’s In That Photo? Discovering Brandon’s Polish Roots in Photography,” on loan from Ottawa genealogist Frank Cedar, features 58 reproduced photos on immigration to Canada and the Prairies in the late 1800s. It focuses on Polish families that came from a small village in southeast Poland called Kazcyce to settle in Brandon and Melville, Sask. On display until April 30. 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 60 local Manitoba artists. Currently in the Kayes Community Gallery: “The Eternal Question,” an exhibition with Brandon local artist Tara Leach, on display until Feb. 1. 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 on Sunday and Monday. Entry to the gallery inside The Town Centre parkade in the northeast corner. Free admission. 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. The museum has a number of British Commonwealth Air Training Plan aircraft, various aircraft engines and parts, all courtesy of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. The CATPM at the Brandon Municipal Airport has closed for the season, but will reopen in the spring of 2025 from 1-4 p.m. (weather permitting). 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) — Museum house was built in 1888 by James F. Frame, a hardware and lumber merchant and prominent citizen in the community. The main house depicts how a family in the Victorian era would have lived. There are also two additional annexes and a coach house available for viewing. Currently closed for the season. Tours by appointment only by emailing virdenpioneermuseum@wcgwave.ca or calling 204-748-1659.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Jan. 23 — Manitoba Ag Days, an exposition of agricultural production expertise, technology and equipment concludes today at the Keystone Centre with exhibitors from across Canada and the United States. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To learn more about the show, see a schedule of events and purchase tickets, visit agdays.com.

• Jan. 23 — 365 Group for cancer survivors, caregivers and those who love them meets at Murray House (521 Frederick St.) at 1 p.m. Please call Larry 204-728-0221 or Anne 204-728-9958 to register or for more information.

• Jan. 24 —The City of Brandon Parks and Recreation Services want you to join them for the grand opening of the North Hill Outdoor Rink located at the Sportsplex Track infield (30 Knowlton Dr.). Parking in the south parking lot. Public skate from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Then come celebrate Brandon’s newest ice with some hot chocolate and watch the ultimate showdown between the U9 Once Upon a Child Kings vs. the U9 Precision Toyota Jets at 6 p.m.

• Jan. 24 and 25 — The Brandon University Bobcats volleyball teams take on Fraser Valley at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) On Jan. 24, men’s game at 6 p.m.; women’s at 7:45 p.m.; Jan. 25, men’s game at 5 p.m.; women’s at 6:45 p.m.

• Jan. 25 — The Strathclair Theatre Chorus will be in concert at the Minnedosa United Church (30 Main St. South) at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15. Doors open at 1 p.m. Seating is limited.

• Jan. 25 — Prairie 21 is hosting a dance at Seniors for Seniors (311 Park Ave. East) from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Live music by New Hwy 25. Cost is $20 at the door. Dry bar. Light lunch at 9 p.m. For more information, call Karen 204-724-9760.

• Jan. 25 — The Brandon Chamber Players present “Koneted” at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church (635 McDiarmid Dr.) at 7:30 p.m. A concert featuring 70 stellar performers, three conductors, three choreographers, numerous featured soloists and multiple instrumentalists. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 and are available by calling or texting 431-431-4105 or at the door,

• Jan. 25 — The Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium presents Front Room Sessions featuring JJ Voss at 6:30 p.m. The WMCA Front Room Sessions are pop-up concerts where you will experience our foyer like never before. Experience live music in a casual environment, connect with friends, family and community members over our shared love of live performance. Rush limited seating. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and are available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• Jan. 25 — Get ready for a night of unstoppable laughter as The Comedy Invasion takes over The Elkhorn Resort Spa and Conference Centre in Onanole. Showtime is 8 p.m. Featuring comedians from Canada’s Got Talent, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Edmonton Comedy Festival and the Femme Wave Festival. Tickets available now on Eventbrite or at the venues.

• Jan. 25 — I Want That Stuff (138 10th St.) is hosting a Pokemon Trivia Night at 6 p.m. Get a team together and sign up now at iwtsbrandon@gmail.com or by calling 204-717-1419. Team entry is $20. Maximum five per team.

• Jan. 26 — A Choral Celebration with University of Regina and Brandon University choirs will take place at Knox United Church (451 18th St.) at 2 p.m. The performance will include excerpts of masterworks, Canadian works and other gems. For more information, visit brandonu.ca/music.

• Jan. 26 — The Westman Wedding Expo takes place in the UCT Pavilion (entrance B) at the Keystone Centre from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Jan. 26 — Westman Jams gathers on the last Sunday of each month to play classic country music at The Fringe on Cove Road in Shilo from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome. We accept donations to the Reg Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund to help send Westman students to the International Music Camp at the International Peace Garden. For more information or directions, call Midge at 204-728-5611.

• Jan. 28 — The Brandon University School of Music pro series presents BU New Music Festival (BUNMF) 2025 Sonic Innovations of Manitoba Concert No. 1 takes place at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Celebrating Orjan Sandred and Gordon Fitzell. Tickets: Adults $20; BU and Conservatory of Music students, no charge. Available at the door.

• Jan. 28 — Join us at the Brandon Public Library (710 Rosser Ave.) for a concert with Beppie at 10:30 a.m. Stephanie Nhan, aka Beppie, a double Juno nominee, has been rocking the children’s music scene since 2017 with her electrifying multi-genre sound. There is no cost to attend, but signup is required. To sign up, call 204-727-6648 or email programs@wmrl.ca or visit our downtown branch.

• Jan. 29 — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Red Deer Rebels at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Jan. 29 — Pro Series Concert: Brandon University New Music Festival Concert will be held at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m.

• Jan. 29 — Pro Series: Brandon University New Music Festival (BUNMF) Sounds New Concert No. 2, is a collaboration with BU New Music Ensemble (BUNME) the eXperimental Improv Ensemble (XIE) from the University of Manitoba. The concert takes place at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall and begins at 7:30 p.m.

• Jan. 30 — Expressions Concert Series presents Orontes Guitars, a presentation of Prairie Debut at Tanner’s Crossing School (90 Armitage Ave.) at 7:30 p.m. This is an uplifting blend of baroque, flamenco and blues-inspired classical guitar. Tickets are $20 plus fees and available at the Minnedosa Library or on Eventbrite.ca.

• Jan. 30–Feb. 2 — The Dakota Nation Winterfest 2025 Celebration will be held at the Keystone Centre presented by Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. Featuring hockey, basketball, volleyball and pool tournaments, moccasin games, Texas Hold’em, Monster Bingo and much more. This year’s event will also play host to the Keystone Junior Hockey Leagues All-Star game on Feb. 1.

• Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 — The Brandon University Bobcats volleyball teams take on Calgary at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) On Jan. 31, men’s game at 6 p.m.; women’s at 7:45 p.m.; Feb. 1, men’s game at 5 p.m.; women’s at 6:45 p.m.

• Jan. 31 — Parkinsons Social Group meets for lunch and socializing at 11:30 a.m. at Aaltos Restaurant in the Canad Inns. This is open to people with Parkinsons, care partners, family and friends. For more information, call Valerie at 204-761-6196.

• Feb. 4 — Habitat For Humanity, Brandon Chapter presents Designer Bag Bingo 2025 at the Royal Canadian Legion No. 3 (560 13th St. East). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 6:45 p.m. Cash bar available. Ten games of bingo for $50; 50/50 draw; raffle tickets. Each bingo prize will be a designer bag. Register online to reserve your tickets by searching “Designer Bag Bingo February 2025 — CanadaHelps.”

• Feb. 5 — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Wenatchee Wild at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Feb. 7 — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Saskatoon Blades at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Feb. 7 and 8 — The Brandon University Bobcats volleyball teams take on Winnipeg at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) On Feb. 7, men’s game at 6 p.m.; women’s at 7:45 p.m.; Feb. 8, men’s game at 5 p.m.; women’s at 6:45 p.m.

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