Let’s Do Something — Jan. 8, 2026

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TODAY

• Day — The Skating Oval is open at 2020 McGregor Ave. The display of lights 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 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 Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 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.

• 1:30 p.m. — Taoist Tai Chi meets every Thursday afternoon at Trinity United Church (1515 Sixth St.) until 3 p.m.

• 7:30 p.m. — An Evening with Elton John takes place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. 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.

FRIDAY

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

• 9:30 a.m. — Asessippi Ski Resort (Provincial Trunk Highway 83, Inglis) is open this weekend. Plan your runs, tubing laps, chalet time and everything in between. Hours (which can change), tickets, updates and more at asessippi.com.

• 10 a.m. — The 2026 Westman 3D Winter Classic ASA Shoot in the Canada Room at the Keystone Centre. Registration today at 10 a.m. and practice range open; walk-ins start. Last round of the day is at 7 p.m. 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. Every age, every class, every ability. For more information, email autographbowstrings@gmail.com or follow Westman Archery on Facebook or westman_archery on Instagram.

• 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 coffee and cookies to follow. Cost is $15 per person. For more information, contact Donald Livesley at 431-763-6470 or Albert Sangster at 204-761-2984. Come and join us.

• 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. — The Brandon University Bobcats basketball teams host Winnipeg at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) Women’s game at 6 p.m. followed by the men at 8 p.m.

• 7:30 p.m. — “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.

SATURDAY

• 8 a.m. — The 2026 Westman 3D Winter Classic ASA Shoot in the Canada Room at the Keystone Centre. Two rounds today and one on Sunday. Practice range opens at 8 a.m. Courses 1 and 2 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Total of 60 targets with shoot-offs on Sunday. ASA rules apply: must have Archery MB Membership. ASA team event and mixer tonight. Every age, every class, every ability. For more information, email autographbowstrings@gmail.com or follow Westman Archery on Facebook or westman_archery on Instagram.

• 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.

• 1:30 p.m. — The City of Brandon Parks and Recreation is offering Windowsill Gardening at the Cultural Resource Centre (638 Princess Ave., Door B) from 1:30 to 3 p.m. This is part gardening workshop, part crafting session. Learn about the science and art of windowsill gardening, then decorate and plant pots for your new garden. Includes all supplies and instruction. Program is $35. Register at brandon.ca/rec-programs or call 204-729-2471.

• 5 p.m. — 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.

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

• 7:30 p.m. — Steppin’ Out Old Tyme Dance at the Royal Canadian Legion No. 3 (560 13th St. East) 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.

• 7:30 p.m. — “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.

SUNDAY

• 8 a.m. — The 2026 Westman 3D Winter Classic ASA Shoot in the Canada Room at the Keystone Centre. Practice Range opens at 8 a.m. One round today. Shoot-offs today. ASA rules apply: must have Archery MB Membership. Every age, every class, every ability. For more information, email autographbowstrings@gmail.com or follow Westman Archery on Facebook or westman_archery on Instagram.

• 2 p.m. — “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.

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, $4; non-members, $6. For more info, call Marilyn at 204-679-8081.

• 6 p.m. — The City of Brandon Parks and Recreation are offering a Book Club: Thriller! Over five weeks we will explore “The Apollo Murders” by Chris Hadfield. This program is on Mondays from Jan. 12 to Feb. 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. Takes place at the Cultural Resource Centre (638 Princess Ave., Door B). Course fees include the cost of the book; program is $50. Register at brandon.ca/rec-programs or call 204-729-2471.

• 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.

TUESDAY

• 5:45 p.m. — The City of Brandon Parks and Recreation’s Get Crafty social group. Join this new social group where every week we will make and take home a classic kids’ craft. Includes all supplies and materials. This program is on Tuesdays from Jan. 13 to Feb. 10 from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Takes place at the Cultural Resource Centre (638 Princess Ave., Door B). Includes all supplies and instruction. Program is $50. Register at brandon.ca/rec-programs or call 204-729-2471.

• 6 p.m. — 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.

• 7:15 p.m. — Learn to Draw: learn basic drawing skills and techniques in a relaxed, fun and supportive environment. For ages 14 and up. This program runs on Tuesdays from Jan. 13 to Feb. 17, from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. and takes place at the Cultural Resource Centre (638 Princess Ave., Door B). Includes a sketching and drawing set and sketch pad. Program is $80. Register at brandon.ca/rec-programs or call 204-729-2471.

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

WEDNESDAY

• 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 are available for purchase. Members, $4; non-members, $6. For more information, call Marilyn at 204-679-8081.

• 1:30 p.m. — Trinity Community Adventures — Trinity United Church presents Understanding Dementia and Brain Health 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’ll discuss current programs and services available from the Alzheimer Society. Coffee and conversation to follow. Pre-register by calling 204-728-4769.

• 5:30 p.m. — Nutrition and Wellness Coaching. Boost your health with expert nutrition and wellness coaching and transform your relationship with food and your body. Over five weeks, you will join a certified instructor for a one hour theory-based coaching session, followed by an optional low-impact group walk. This program takes place on Wednesdays from Jan. 14 to Feb. 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Cultural Resource Centre (638 Princess Ave., Door B). Includes all resources and instruction. Program is $50. Register at brandon.ca/rec-programs or call 204-729-2471.

• 7 p.m. — Taoist Tai Chi at Trinity United Church (1515 Sixth St.) every Wednesday evening until 8:30 p.m. Our leaders will guide you through the practice, which is part of an ancient tradition dating back to the 13th century.

AT THE CLUBS

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

• Lady of the Lake (135-B 17th St. North) — On Friday, we have Personified, a group comprised of Brandon University students led by bassist and arranger Akash Ramgotra, who play jazz-influenced arrangements of video game music. 8 to 10 p.m. $5 cover. Closed on Jan. 11 for a private event.

• The 40 (210 18th St. North, Brandon) — Join us on Friday and Saturday for The 40 debut of DadBod, a Winnipeg-based band known for their high-energy covers of ’80s and ’90s rock. Band starts at 10:30 p.m. This is a full-on rock show you don’t want to miss for their first time on The 40 stage. There’s a $10 cover for this 18+ event. Photo ID is required.

• 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) — 8 Track Shuffle performs classic rock/country on Friday and Saturday in the Oasis Bar and Grill. 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. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Devin.

• The Dock on Princess (1133 Princess Ave.) — Our next Trivia Night is Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. Featuring general knowledge, picture quiz and audio round. Teams of four. Call 204-726-1234 or email erin@thedockonprincess.com to book your table.

• Houstons Country Roadhouse (3130 Victoria Ave.) — Hit the dance floor at Houstons.

• 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. Friday at the Roadhouse it is White Out Party. There are $3.50 Polar Bear shots all night long. Wear white and get up on the dance floor. Arrive early and stay late.

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. Opening in the Main Gallery on Jan. 22 is “The Performance of Being,” a retrospective of work by Canadian artist Leesa Streifler. In the Kayes Family Community Gallery is, “The Boy in the Forest,” a storybook collaboration project, on until March 22. 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 on April 1. 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 @killarneyarts on Instagram, on Facebook or our website at killarneyarts.ca.

• 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. 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 — The Expressions Concert Series presents the Legion House Band (Minnedosa area’s very own local talent) in the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Minnedosa Library, Eventbrite and at the door. Cash bar.

• 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.

» The Brandon Sun

• 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. 17 — Board Games at the Brandon General Museum and Archives: Come try your hand playing Wingspan, an award-winning card-driven board game at 1 p.m. No experience needed. We will have a Wingspan expert on hand to explain how to play. Ages 10 and up. We wouldn’t be able to do this without our friends at the downtown WMRL. Registration is recommended as we only have 10 spots available. Contact us at 204-717-1514 or email bgmainfo@wcgwave.ca to RSVP.

• Jan. 17-18 — Friends of Riding Mountain National Park present World Snow Day Weekend. Jan. 17: chili fundraiser; kids show carving and painting; boot hockey; group snowshoe; Bannock roast. Jan. 18: tubes and toboggans; s’mores and hot chocolate around the campfire. Winter equipment rentals for fat tire bikes, snowshoes, snow tubes, belly boards and kicksparks are available.

• Jan. 19 — An art night is being hosted by the SPIN (Suicide Prevention Implementation Network) at Eagles Nest Restaurant (3500 McDonald Ave.) at 6:30 p.m. Participants will be guided through making their own personalized Alcohol Ink Picture Frames while learning strategies to help with the pressures we put upon ourselves in our day-to-day lives. This event is to help recognize Blue Monday. Cost is $35 per person. Meals and refreshments available for purchase. Visit artwithattitude.ca to register. For more information, email artwithattitude19@gmail.com or call 204-724-9896.

• Jan. 20-22 — Manitoba Ag Days 2026 will be held at the Keystone Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. This event is Canada’s largest indoor farm show, bringing together farmers, exhibitors and agricultural professionals from across the Prairies. For a complete schedule of events visit agdays.com.

• 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.

• Jan. 22 — Come out for a tour of the Fire Hall at 120 19th Street North. Tours involve seeing the emergency trucks, how things operate within Brandon Fire and Emergency Services and the Museum. Tour is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Those who come for a tour go home with a better idea of how the fire and ambulance services operate, what some of the history is and the knowledge that a firefighter/paramedic is their friend and service provider in the community.

• Jan. 24 — Asessippi Ski Resort (Provincial Trunk Highway 83, Inglis) is hosting the Get Amped Competition. Get ready for the annual season opener that everyone loves. Whether your riding in it or just watching the tricks from the side, it’s going to be an awesome day on the hill. Gets underway at 1 p.m. Groups: 13 and under; 14-17 years; 18 plus. Awesome swag up for grabs as well. For more information visit asessippi.com.

• Jan. 24 — Duo526 in Concert: violinist Kerry DuWors and pianist Futaba Niekawa perform a duo recital featuring work by Amy Beach, Beethoven and Strauss at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall (270 18th St.) at 3 p.m. No admission charge. All are welcome.

• Jan. 25 — Road Rebels Car Club is hosting their Chili Cook-off at the Westend Community Centre (247 23rd St.) from 4 to 8 p.m. for club members and invited guests. For more information, call 204-729-5808.

• Jan. 25 — Expressions Entertainment presents the 2026 Westman Wedding Expo at the Keystone Centre from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Save by getting your advance tickets ($13) online. All purchases made prior to Jan. 15 will be entered to win a $1,500 Social DJ Package from Expressions Entertainment at expressions-entertainment.tickit.ca/events/31477. Tickets at the door are $15 and cash only.

• Jan. 28-30 — Westman Wilderness Club: Join us for a one- or two-night adventure in James Lake Cabin in the Turtle Mountain Provincial Park. Ski, snowshoe or hike the 5.5 kilometres into the rustic cabin. Call or text Di for more information at 204-761-6698. Must have done activities with the club prior to participating in an overnight event.

• Jan. 29 — The Abrams will be performing at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Brothers James and John are known for their explosive live show and impeccable musicianship, honed over two decades of playing to audiences around the world. Tickets available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• Jan. 30 — Kaleidoscope Concert Series Neepawa presents The Abrams at ArtsForward (293 Mountain Ave.) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults in advance or $30 at the door. K-12 students $5 at the door only. For more information or for tickets, call 204-476-3232.

• Jan. 31 — The Hylife Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council Performing Arts Series presents The Abrams at the Killarney Shamrock Centre at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Enjoy these fourth generation touring country musicians and Warner Recording Artists CMAO Group of the Year. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at the Heritage Home for the Arts and Lewis and Jones. For more information, call 204-554-0023 or email ktmartscouncil@gmail.com.

• Feb. 6 — Brandon Wheat Kings host the Calgary Hitmen 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/

» The Brandon Sun