Let’s Do Something — March 6, 2025

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/03/2025 (222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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TODAY

• 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.

• 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.

• 10 a.m. — The Brandon Festival of the Arts takes place at various venues across the city until March 11. The festival showcases and promotes the development of the performing arts community in Brandon and the surrounding area. Today: Vocal Junior and Intermediate and Musical Theatre at Richmond Park Mennonite Brethren Church (1525 26th St.). Senior Vocal at 5:30 p.m. All sessions are open to the public. Prices vary according to venue. Visit brandonfestivalofthearts.com for a complete schedule and to download your free program.

• 7:30 p.m. — Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium presents Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul, Jully Black. She has taken home Juno and Gemini Awards and was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2021. Tickets available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• 7 p.m. — The Westman Gardeners Club will hold its regular meeting in the Central Community Centre (529 Fourth St.) at 7 p.m. Program topic is nursery propagation for trees and woody perennials using different techniques. Speaker: Doug McGregor, owner and operator at Oak Summit Nursery, a mail-order fruit tree nursery.

FRIDAY

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — 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. This farmers’ market runs year-round.

• 10 a.m. — The Brandon Festival of the Arts takes place at various venues across the city until March 11. The festival showcases and promotes the development of the performing arts community in Brandon and the surrounding area. Today: Senior Vocal at Richmond Park Mennonite Brethren Church (1525 26th St.). Vocal Junior/Intermediate and Musical Theatre at 6 p.m. All sessions are open to the public. Prices vary according to venue. Visit brandonfestivalofthearts.com for a complete schedule and to download your free program.

• 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.

• 5 p.m. — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westman is proud to bring back Bowling for Kids’ Sake at T-Birds (2140 Currie Blvd.) Get together with friends, family and co-workers to raise money and have a fun time bowling in support of Big Brothers Big Sister mentoring programs here in the Westman community. Teams of four to six players with a ’70s theme. Best dressed will win a prize with other prizes to be won throughout the event. Cost: $400 Pledge-to-Play per team. For more information or to register your team, call 204-727-1787 or email Tracy.Williams@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.

• 7 p.m. — Join us at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba for a free paint night and visually explore philosophical and personal perspectives on the “right to be known,” with Brandon University’s department of philosophy with Winnipeg-based artist Bruno de Oliveira Jayme. The event continues the mosaic created with more than 250 participants at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights this past September. All are welcome. Enjoy snacks, refreshments and live music by TAJ.

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

SATURDAY

• 10 a.m. — Westman Gaming Expo will be held in the Manitoba Room at the Keystone Centre featuring local vendors and businesses, table top gaming, E-gaming, Viking/Knights demos and more. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Entry fee is only $2 at the door. Children 10 and under are free.

• 10 a.m. — The Brandon Festival of the Arts takes place at various venues across the city until March 11. The festival showcases and promotes the development of the performing arts community in Brandon and the surrounding area. Today: Senior Vocal at Richmond Park Mennonite Brethren Church (1525 26th St.). Vocal Awards at 7 p.m. All sessions are open to the public. Prices vary according to venue. Visit brandonfestivalofthearts.com for a complete schedule and to download your free program.

• Noon — The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, in partnership with the St. Boniface Museum, a Manitoba Signature Museum, will be providing a Finger Weaving workshop in the Canteen Building from noon to 2 p.m. This is a free, drop-in event and all are welcome.

• 3 p.m. — Westman choral treasure Konektis Choir comes to the Virden AUD theatre at 3 p.m. for a special performance. Admission is $20 at the door or advance tickets available on Eventbrite.

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

SUNDAY

• 10 a.m. — Westman Gaming Expo will be held in the Manitoba Room at the Keystone Centre featuring local vendors and businesses, table top gaming, E-gaming, Viking/Knights demos and more. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Entry fee is only $2 at the door. Children 10 and under are free.

• 10:30 a.m. — Join us for the 2025 Justice Relic Snowmobile Derby. Ride begins at the Justice Community Club grounds. $20/hand. Cash prizes for highest hands and 50/50. Hot meal served after the ride. Registration from 10:30 a.m. to noon. All riders are welcome.

• 1 and 3 p.m. — Steppin’ Time Dance Studio March Dance Recitals take place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Join us for an afternoon of performances by our youngest dancers with special guests STC Company Dancers. Adults $15; students 12 and under $10.

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

• 7:30 p.m. — Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries presents “Murder For Two,” a high-energy musical whodunit featuring two actors who play a dozen different characters at the Strathclair Bend Theatre.

MONDAY

• 9:30 a.m. — The Brandon Festival of the Arts takes place at various venues across the city until March 11. The festival showcases and promotes the development of the performing arts community in Brandon and the surrounding area. Today: School and Community Music at First Presbyterian Church (399 12th St.) All sessions are open to the public. Prices vary according to venue. Visit brandonfestivalofthearts.com for a complete schedule and to download your free program.

• 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 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.

• 1:15 p.m. — The 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.

• 6:30 p.m. — Brandon University School of Music presents Con-septs Live at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall under the direction of Prof. Marika Galea. Con-septs is a largely self-directed septet comprised of both undergraduate and graduate jazz students. They perform diverse repertoire from historic and contemporary jazz composers. No admission charge. All are welcome.

• 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.

TUESDAY

• 9:30 a.m. — The Brandon Festival of the Arts Choral — School and Community Music takes place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission $10; children 11 and under free.

• 11:45 a.m. — The Rotary Club of Brandon No. 1344 meets regularly the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Canad Inns Brandon. For more information, contact Don at 204-729-7188.

• 7:30 p.m. — Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries presents “Murder For Two,” a high-energy musical whodunit featuring two actors who play a dozen different characters at the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre. Tickets are $20.

• 7:30 p.m. — The Novos Treble Voices will perform at First Presbyterian Church (339 12th St.) at 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

• 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 information, call Marilyn at 204-679-8081.

• 6 p.m. — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Saskatoon Blades at Westoba Place. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office. Immediately following the game is the Team Bryan Trottier vs. Team Brian Propp Legends game. Doors open for Saskatoon vs. Brandon Wheat Kings at 5 p.m.; game at 6 p.m. Autographs by the legends available in the lobby after the game. Two phenomenal games, one ticket.

• 7:30 p.m. — Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries presents “Murder For Two,” a high-energy musical whodunit featuring two actors who play a dozen different characters at the Deloraine Winchester Theatre.

AT THE CLUBS

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

• Lady of the Lake (135-B 17th St. North) — Roots 10 Collective take the stage at The Lady on Friday at 8 p.m. Sorry, this event is sold out.

• The 40 (210 18th St. North, Brandon) — A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll and a whole lot of awesome as Crossfyre takes the stage at The 40 on Friday night. Cover is $10. Doors open at 9 p.m. This is an 18+ event and photo ID is required. Then join us on Saturday for Kapital Kaye Tribute with Lost Wunz and guests. Doors open at 8 p.m. $20 admission.

• Sand Hills Casino (777 Sand Hill Drive, Carberry) — Hatfield and McCoy entertain at the Oasis Bar & Grill Friday and Saturday with some classic rock and country 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.

• Chez Angela Bakery and Café (Unit C, 29 10th St., Brandon) — Ernie Cameron will be performing for this Free Music Friday at 6:30 p.m.

• Great Western Roadhouse (1125 18th St. at Canad Inns) — Get Blapple, Get Blimey, Get Roady with DJ Fins at the Roadhouse on Friday with an overload of Bud Light Lime!

• Houstons Country Roadhouse (3130 Victoria Ave.) — Upcoming: March 15, Jason Kirkness live at Houstons. Doors open at 9 p.m.; show at 10:30 p.m. $5 entry.

• Black Wheat Brewing (402 10th St.) — Join us every Saturday for “Music of the Decades!” Come for the tunes; stay for the fun.

• The Dock on Princess (1133 Princess Ave.) — Every Thursday night is Student Night. Show us your student ID for food and drink specials. The Dock on Princess is hosting a Trivia Night on March 11 at 6 p.m. General knowledge, picture quiz and music round. Teams of 4. Get your table booked as seating is limited by calling 204-726-1234 or email erin@thedockonprincess.com.

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. 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. Main Gallery exhibitions: “Barrier, Breach, Scaffold,” a collection of work pulled out of the vault of Manitoba Art Council’s collection housed in Brandon at the AGSM; “The WOW and the WHY,” a partnership with Manitoba Aurora and Astronomy that blends the miraculous beauty of the northern lights with scientific and traditional knowledge. Both on display until March 22. Kayes Community Gallery: “This Is Us: Indigenous Identity Beyond Blood,” on display now until May 3 and co-ordinated by the Indigenous Peoples Centre, Brandon University and BU CARES. 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. 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.

• Glen P. Sutherland Gallery of Art (2021 Victoria Ave.) — “No Limits,” an exhibition by students in the IshKaabatens Waasa Gaa Inaabateg Department of Visual Arts, will be on display until March 13.

• 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. Come to the opening reception of our March exhibition on Friday, Vivid Reflections by Virden’s own Teagan Verner. Doors open at 6:50 p.m. Live jazz performance by a Special One Time Jam Band.

• 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

• March 13 — Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries presents “Murder For Two,” a high-energy musical whodunit featuring two actors who play a dozen different characters at 98 First St. South in Souris at 7:30 p.m.

• March 13 — “Alone Across The Northwest Territories” takes place at the Riverbank Discovery Centre at 7 p.m. Join Canadian adventurer Calem Watson as he takes you on a solo canoe expedition across the Northwest Territories. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; presentation at 7 p.m. question and answer session to follow. Tickets are $25 plus taxes and fees.

• March 13-14 — Brandon University Jazz Festival takes place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium featuring the Brandon University Big Band, under the direction of Diogo Peixoto performing alongside some of the finest jazz performers and educators in North America. Tickets are $30 each when ordered in groups of nine or fewer; $27.50 each when ordered in groups of 10 or more. Tickets available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• March 13-16 — Brandon is host to the CPKC Charity Hockey Tournament with games taking place at the Keystone Centre, J&G Home Arena and Source for Sports Brandon. This tournament is held annually in different locations across the CPKC network with employees, past and present coming together in friendship. This marks the 42nd tournament, and this year the local charity we have partnered with is Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation Inc.

• March 14 — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Moose Jaw Warriors at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• March 15 — “Discovering Your Inner Performer: A Drag Workshop with Flora Hex” will take place at Knox United Church at 10 a.m. Explore the art of drag in this empowering workshop designed for all levels of experience. This workshop is for all ages but is limited to 20 participants. To register, call Knox at 204-727-6975. Also taking place today at 1 p.m., Trinity and Knox United presents “The Art and History of Drag: From Origins to Evolution,” with drag artist Flora Hex, where we will explore the rich history, cultural significance and artistic impact of drag across the ages. After our journey, experience the magic of live with members of the House of Hex.

• March 15-16 — Crocus Obedience and Kennel Club is hosting Premium List AAC Sanctioned Agility Trials in the ACE Arena at the Keystone Centre.

• March 16 — The best of Mecca Productions year end concert takes to the stage at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium at 3 p.m. for an afternoon of music of all styles and genres with performances from energy stage dance with voice numbers to award-winning musical theatre pieces to choral selections from their six choral programs to the smallest performers to the finale with 100 plus member multi-generation choir. Tickets available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• March 19 — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Saskatoon Blades at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• March 21 — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Regina Pats at Westoba Place at 6 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• March 21-23 — The 2025 Canadian Indoor ASA Championships takes place at the Keystone Centre. This 3D archery championship is open to all ages, abilities and equipment types. Registration closes on March 12. To register visit buff.ly/3VQns5x of visit Archery Manitoba on Facebook,

• March 22 — Camino de Santiago presentation will take place at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum building at McGill Field, Brandon Airport (300 Commonwealth Way) from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is and extensive network of ancient pilgrim routes that converge in Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. Pilgrims have been walking these routes since the Middle Ages. This presentation covers two of the most popular routes, Camino Frances and Camino Portuguese. If you have ever had the urge to compete one of these routes, this presentation will provide some basic information on the different means of accomplishing your goal. Free admission (donation to museum graciously accepted). Snack, coffee and tea provided.

• April 27 — The Arts West Council and Reston Art Club invite regional amateur and emerging artists to participate in the 46th Annual Westman Juried Art Show taking place at the RES Centre in Reston. Categories include painting, drawing, mixed media, scratch art, 2D fibre art and silkscreen. Entries from youth (11-19 years of age) and adult artists are welcome. All entries will receive juror critiques and will be exhibited at the public reception. Jurors will select 20 works for the Arts West Travelling Gallery, which will tour the region over the next year. Entry deadline is April 16. Compete information and entry forms are available at www.artswestcouncil.ca.

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