downtownpeggy

6 Ways to Not Let Spring Break Slip By

Published on March 22, 2018March 22, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

Nothing says spring better than school being out! And when there’s reason to celebrate, downtown shows up.

Just in time for Spring Break, plenty of arts and community organizations (the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ included!) are ramping up their programming to welcome parents and their children during their time off.

Here are just a few of the amazing offerings for parents and kids alike.

Spring Break Art Camp at The WAG (300 Memorial Boulevard)

From Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., kids can take in a full day of camp with various art themes, play games, and of course, see the incredible art on display at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

While Monday’s clay day is sold out, Tuesday is open for kids to try their hand with a paint brush; Wednesday will welcome students on break to design their own super hero; and on Thursday, kids will discover the uses for unconventional materials in their masterpieces.

Visit here for more information on the WAG’s art camp.

Tetris, Manitoba Theatre for Young People (2 Forks Market Road)

Why not take this opportunity to introduce your kids to a live theatre experience, if you haven’t already? Watch as these flexible performers weave together in unexpected ways, and treat your kids to a full sensory experience for their first play. The show runs about 45 minutes, and is ideal for ages 5 to 12. Visit the MTYP’s box office page for showtimes and to buy tickets.

Video Games Live, Centennial Concert Hall (555 Main St.)

Just when you thought you’d never get your kid to sit still for a symphony, the Video Games Live show immerses the audience in a gaming-like experience, with dazzling video on screen, live action, lighting and special effects. This interactive multimedia experience showcases music from some of the most popular video games of all time, created and produced by veteran video game composer Tommy Tallarico. A treat for symphony lovers and gamers alike!

Video Games Live plays Monday, March 26. Visit the Centennial Concert Hall’s page for tickets and more info.

A Dog’s Purpose, The Globe Theatre in Portage Place (393 Portage Avenue, 3rd Floor)

Brought to you by the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, this free event invites you to take in a family-favourite in this downtown relic.

Opening its doors at 5 p.m. for the special event, make sure to scoop up treats from your favourite Portage Place vendors before showtime. Plus, it pays to come early, as the first 100 people will also receive a special loot bag!

Showtime starts at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28. Click here to see all event details.

Along with regular programming and activities, the Children’s Museum and Manitoba Museum kick into another gear for Spring Break.

Help to build a life-size cardboard castle at the Children’s Museum, or hunt for all things small during the Manitoba Museum’s Science of the Small-themed scavenger hunt.

Have an amazing Spring Break!

Four Ways to Test Your Luck of the Irish This Weekend

Published on March 16, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

There has to be a reason for all this early snow melt – it must be the luck of the Irish!

With St. Patrick’s Day on its way with warmer weather, this weekend is shaping up for some seriously shamrock-infused good times.

Downtown never disappoints in the Guinness or whiskey department, and this St. Patrick’s Day is no exception, with special events happening all throughout my favourite neighbourhood.

The People’s St. Paddy’s Fun Run-Walk (The Forks Freight House, 1 Forks Market Rd)

If you haven’t already signed up for a 5-km or 5-mile run, head to The Forks early to cheer on the individuals, couples and family teams participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Running Room race.

Most noteworthy are the extravagant green costumes donned by runners, and the good-natured vibe of the race where prizes are simply awarded for the best costumes and highest volume of donations.

After the race, grab breakfast at the Original Pancake House or Danny’s All Day Breakfast while you wait for it to be appropriate to grab a pint at The Common (or until it opens at 11:30!).

Shannon’s Irish Pub & Eatery (175 Carlton St.)

Heading to the “Official House of Jameson on the Prairies” on St. Patrick’s Day just feels right. Here, you’ll find the most time-honoured St. Patrick’s Day entertainment featuring traditional dancers, live music, plenty of pub fare (including fish and chips on special!), frosty pints of Guinness, and of course, Irish whiskey.

Patrick’s Day Beer Bash & Dance Party, Club 200 (190 Garry St)

For a raucous evening, stay out into the wee hours at Club 200’s dance party hosted by Anita Stallion with DJ Wizzard. You can usually count on the renowned LGBTTQ* club for a packed dance floor, but for St. Paddy’s Day, you can even expect cheap green beers for a fun-filled evening (on special for just $4!).

Shark Club (2^nd floor, 233 Hargrave St)

While it doesn’t land on game day, Shark Club is gearing up to do St. Patrick’s Day justice as though Laine was from the motherland (I mean, with that gingery beard, he nearly passes).

All the Irish classics are on special – from $4 Jameson shots to $5 pickleback shots – which are really just whiskey shots chased with pickle juice for those of us less practiced.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

10 Reasons to Hit Up the Winnipeg Tattoo Show this Weekend!

Published on February 21, 2018February 21, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

The Winnipeg Tattoo Show is this week! Opening at 1pm on Friday, February 23rd and running through to 6pm on Sunday February 25th, there’s a jam-packed schedule of Tattoo and Tattoo-related awesomeness coming your way.

Here are my top 10 reasons to hit up the Winnipeg Tattoo Show this weekend!

1. Watch Live Tattooing and Tattoo Competitions

This one’s a no-brainer – there is a great selection of the best of Winnipeg’s Tattoo Artists at the show this weekend! You can check out their work beforehand and even book yourself in for a tattoo during the show, if the artist you choose has availability.

There are different Tattoo Competitions each day – Friday is Neo-Traditional and Horror, for example – and there are daily Tattoo of the Day awards culminating in a Tattoo of the Show award on Sunday.

If you’re a fan of the show Ink Masters, there are four of the show’s stars at the show this weekend – Big Ceeze from Anaheim, California, Babiery from New York, NY, Erik Campbell from Grand Junction, Colorado and Jhon, also from New York, NY. Even if you haven’t been able to book an appointment with your favourite Tattoo Artist, this is a pretty amazing way to see them work live!

2. Catch Some Great Live Music

There’s a great selection of local musical talent to take in during the show, in addition to tattoo artist talent. Friday evening sees local band “Lowdown and the Dirty Rotten” play two sets – the first from 5 to 6pm and the second from 9 to 9:45. Describing their style as rebel country/hillbilly, they’re definitely a band you need to catch!

The other two bands to watch this weekend, The Honour and The Paul Stanleys will be playing as a part of the F#ck Cancer Fundraiser (Reason #3, below!).

3. Have Fun and Support a Great Cause at the F#ck Cancer Fundraiser for CancerCare Manitoba

$15 will get you in to the F#ck Cancer fundraiser social, from 9pm Saturday evening to 2am Sunday morning, with all proceeds going to CancerCare Manitoba. There will be live bands (The Honour and The Paul Stanleys, mentioned above), a silent auction, prizes, dancing, and what Manitoba social isn’t complete with the traditional late lunch! Get your tickets online or at the CancerCare Manitoba Booth on Friday or Saturday.

4. Watch Burlesque Performers

Come and watch M Funk Dance Productions perform burlesque-inspired routines at 4:30pm on Saturday and at 1:30pm on Sunday.

5. Crush on a Drag Queen, at the Drag Queen Show

Experience the most fabulousness that the Prairie Provinces have to offer! On both Friday (from 7-7:30pm) and Saturday (from 6 to 6:30pm) Jenny Talia (in photo above, from Regina, SK), Victoria Lush (Winnipeg), Lita Takeela (Winnipeg), Satina Loren (Winnipeg) and Tyra Boinks (Winnipeg) will strut their stuff and entertain audiences !

6. Cheer on the Pinups in the Very First Peg City Pinup Competition

Hosted by the lovely and delightful Evie Assault (pictured on the poster to the right) and happening throughout Friday and Saturday, follow Peg City Pinup Contestants as they compete in Formal Wear, Swimwear and at a Talent Show. They are all vying to win the title of the very first Ms. Peg City Pinup, with a fab prize package that includes photo shoots with Pinup Photographer, Dano Tanaka, outfits from the prettiest pinup boutique, The Foxy Shoppe, along with a sash and crown. The winner will be announced between 5:15 and 5:45pm on Saturday evening.

7. Support the Great Vendors

There’s a vendor area showcasing pinup and lifestyle clothing, artwork including pin-striping and graffiti styles, baking, cosmetics, you name it really! The list of vendors can be found here.

8. Come Play at Kids’ Corner

Bring the family – kids 12 and under are FREE! There’s an entire section dedicated to kids where they can colour, get “tattooed” (temporary tattoos by The Sparkle Girls and The Wow Factor), and play games. Everybody’s favourite magical sisters, Anna and Elsa, will be in attendance on Saturday, between 2 and 4pm.

9. Marvel at Local Performers

Local contortionist and antipodist (juggling using her feet!), Samantha Halas will be performing throughout the weekend, as will Brett Hogan , who can do everything from fire-breathing to acrobatics!

10. Drool over the Motorcycles and Hotrods

I don’t know about you, but it just seems to me that tattoos and speed go together! Walk through and oggle the hotrods and motorcycles area of the Winnipeg Tattoo Show.

The Winnipeg Tattoo Show starts at 1pm on Friday, February 23rd and runs through to 6pm on Sunday February 25th.

Until next time, friends and followers,

Valentine’s Day Ideas You Can Find Downtown

Published on February 13, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

Love is always in the air downtown, it’s truly a romantic destination. You’ve got the obvious wins with amazing restaurants, luxurious hotels, world class spas and shopping that rivals anything you can find in any city.

I’m going to do you a favour and narrow it down a little with “Valentine’s Day ideas you can find downtown”.

Let’s start with entertainment.

Winnipeg Art Gallery has a “Maker” series class on. Create your own succulent garden. Go home with something cool that you created, and make a lasting memory. http://wag.ca/visit/events/diy/display,event/1059/makerlab-terrariums
Royal Winnipeg Ballet will be showcasing some of their up and coming talent and choreography. Be in the know on this world class dancing troupe. http://www.rwb.org/whats-on/show/firststeps
The Jets have home games on the 13^th and the 16^th. It’s not on the 14^th, but if you are a sport loving couple, this is a pretty awesome answer.

Food? We have got you covered downtown!

East India Company will never ever let you down. It’s delicious and a staple in the downtown of Winnipeg. Their buffet has butter chicken, nothing says love like butter chicken.
The Merchant Kitchen also can feed you right. They’ve got a fantastic menu, and if I may be so bold, try out their fried chicken, it is sure to light your passion.
Earl’s Main Street location doesn’t get enough love. They will consistently feed you well, give you some of the best wine on the market, and ensure you have a great start or end to your evening. Always a fan favourite.
Affinity Vegetarian Garden is always an amazing option. The food is absolutely delicious, and as the name suggests, vegetarian friendly. This is one of those can’t miss restaurants that sets Winnipeg apart.

If you want a simple night of dinner and an activity, we have got you covered. Of course, there is the next level of romance and that’s a staycation. Yes, we have you covered there as well in downtown Winnipeg.

Fort Gary Hotel and Ten Spa are regularly offering amazing packages. Add to that a morning at Yoga Public and you could be on the path to a fantastic Valentine’s Day.
Inn At The Forks and Riverstone Spa pair together beautifully. You can spend the day at the Forks eating and shopping and then pass the evening away at the spa. If that doesn’t set up the most magical night, well, I don’t know what would.

You really can’t go wrong downtown in Winnipeg. Of course, you can make at simple as a couple drinks at Brown’s Social House, The Pint, Rudy’s Eat and Drink or La Roca. Mix that with a walk at the Forks, and dinner at any one of the other amazing restaurants downtown and you’ve got the perfect night in the Peg. Love is always in the air, you just have to go see for yourself.

Did we mention the coffee shops? No, no we didn’t. We’ve got those as well.

11 Fun Things to Experience at Rendez Vous On Ice!

Published on February 6, 2018February 13, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

Hého, my Downtown Winnipeg Friends! It’s almost that time of year where we all embrace our francophone heritage, no matter how deeply hidden it may be! If you’re wondering how Downtown Winnipeg celebrates Festival du Voyageur with our St. Boniface Neighbours, look no further than Rendez Vous on Ice!

Rendez Vous on Ice has been held for the past five years and is a licenced outdoor beer garden/trading post on the Red River Mutual Trail that takes place during the first four days of Festival du Voyageur.

Here are 11 fun things you can experience at Rendez Vous on Ice this year!

1. Food/Bevies

One of the top things that Winnipeg is known for, other than then our chilly winters, is our great foodie scene! Rendez Vous on Ice has partnered with Evolve Specialty Catering to provide a great menu of Francophone faves!

They kick things off with Breakfast on Friday, February 16^th from 7am to 10pm. Grab a Breakfast Burrito or an Apple Butter Trail Tail on your skate commute to work, along with free hot chocolate! On Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday and Monday afternoons and evenings, enjoy traditional treats like Smoked Meat on Bannock, Poutine, Shepherd’s Pie Potato Skins, Tourtiere, Pea Soup with Bannock, Mac N’ Cheese Bites or Baked Beans with Bannock. There are also fun deserts like a S’mores Brownie in a Cup, Maple Taffy, Apple Butter Trail Tails and bevvies available too! All food ranges in price from $4 to $8 – super reasonable, if you ask me!

2. Winter Sport Demos

If you’re like me and figure that if you can’t beat winter, you may as well enjoy it, Rendez Vous on Ice has a number of fun winter sport demos for you to try! On the morning of Friday, February 16^th, from 7am to 10pm, you’ll be able to try out Fat Biking, Snow Shoeing and even Cross Country Skiing! I’ve heard that there’ll even be a Fat Tire Bike Loop Trail for people to try out!

3. Yoga

Looking for a little Zen after a hectic week? Look no further – at 7am and 5pm on Friday, you’ll be able to participate in Yoga on Ice with Ashley Bourgeois from Wild Path.

4. Rugby

If Zen really isn’t your thing and you need more of an adrenaline rush, pop in on Saturday from 12pm to 4pm, to watch the coldest rugby tournament on the planet and the only one of its kind to be played completely on frozen river ice! Cheer on the Winnipeg Wasps Rugby Club Snow 7s while they play!

5. Ice Carving Demos

On Friday, February 16^th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm there will be half hour Ice Carving Demos where you can watch master ice carvers demonstrating their skills on blocks of ice that have been harvested from the Red River. The carvings will be on display all weekend, but this is your chance to see the chain saws and chisels in action!

6. Pride Parade and after Party

At 3:00pm on Saturday, grab your rainbow flags and lace up your skates to join the Voyageur Pride Skate! Fièrte du Voyageur is a Winter Celebration for Winnipeg’s LGBTTQ community that is open to everyone. From 5:00pm to 8:00pm Room Service Winnipeg has lined up a great night of entertainment featuring local DJS and more!

7. Fashion on Ice

On Sunday, February 18^th, from 5pm to 5:30-pm, join in on this stylish celebration of Winnipeg, winter and fashion! Fashion on Ice showcases local fashion and accessory designers and retailers with this year’s #WoodFashion theme sure to be a hip hit! In its fifth year, Fashion on Ice proves that winters in Winnipeg can be fashionable!

8. Live Music and DJs

Throughout the four days that Rendez Vous on Ice is open, they will host a number of live musicians and local DJS. Here are a few of the acts to catch – Spence Tradition, Justin Lacroix, Pierre Freynet, Sol James and Moonfruits, as well as a host of DJs like, DJ Breeze, DJ Ketchup Chips, Rhayne Vermette, MonsieurIceberg aka Damien Ferland, DJ Beekeeni, Tony Neu, DJ Kasm, DJ Cedrik le Fantastik, and more!

9. Fire Dancing and Glow Hooping

Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30, watch Karrie of Kurrent Motion as she entertains the crowds with fire dancing and Glow Hooping. Knowing Karrie, I’m sure that anybody who is interested will be able to join in a Hoop Jam!

10. Wild Winter Canoe Race

Pre-register your team of 5 at www.wildwintercanoerace.com and head down on Monday, Louis Riel Day, to take part in head-to-head heats on the four-lane, 200-metre, snow packed course as participants race canoes in snow for awesome prizes and bragging rights!

11. Come play on Ice with Peggy!

I’m definitely going to be checking out Rendez Vous on Ice throughout the first weekend of Festival du Voyageur! In fact, Stefano Grande, the CEO (aka Quarterback) for the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ and I have put together a super fun, fat bike tour that takes in all of the Warming Huts along the Red River Mutual Trail, stops for a warm up at Old Spaghetti Factory at Johnston Terminal and ultimately ends up at Rendez Vous on Ice for dinner and even a chance to take part in the Yoga on Ice!

There are only a very few spots –Click this link and select the February 16, 2018 date to register now for your chance to join us https://downtownwinnipegtours.com/tours/bikes-brunch/

All photos courtesy of Rendez-Vous On Ice, taken by Leif Norman

My Top 6 Poutine Picks for La Poutine Week

Published on February 1, 2018February 9, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

Just as we start saying ‘he ho!’ to the snow sculptures and all things Festival du Voyageur, the dreamers that co-founded Le Burger Week bring their latest celebration of comfort fare to our city. And it doesn’t get more Franco-Canadian than poutine! I’ve narrowed it down to my top 6 poutine picks, and I’m ready to tackle them all in the spirit of a hungry Voyageur. Winnipeg’s first La Poutine Week is on Feb. 1 -7.

Pony Corral (444 St. Mary Ave.) – Montreal Smoked Meat Poutine

Offering different tasty creations literally sandwiched atop fries at each of its locations, Pony Corral is serving up a nod to poutine’s Quebecois roots at its downtown restaurant. And though Montreal smoked meat is somewhat of a classic poutine topping, Pony Corral isn’t stopping at the meat – placing the fully loaded sandwich, bread and all – atop a heap of fries (not even sparing the pickle topper!).

Tavern United (345 Graham Ave.) – Manitoba Sociable Poutine

There’s hardly a more relatable local tradition than popping into The Tavern before a Jets game, except for maybe one – the Manitoba social. Tavern United is playing on both these classic Manitoban experiences with its Manitoba Sociable Poutine. See whose weddings come to mind while savouring a poutine dripping with nostalgia. The Tavern combines its famous English cut “chips” with the traditional social fare of Old Dutch ripples, plus Danny’s pulled pork, bacon, and red onion smothered with cheddar cheese sauce, squeaky cheese curds and Royal whiskey sauce.

Rudy’s Eat & Drink (375 Graham Ave.) – The Dirty Donald

Savour the sophistication of Rudy’s The Dirty Donald, featuring heavenly duck confit mingled with Rudy’s crispy fries, a semi soft aged cheddar, a decadent roasted garlic sage jus – finished with sour cherry ketchup and crispy sage, sure to please even the most elevated of palates.

La Roca (155 Smith Ave.) – Papas Locas Poutine

Who doesn’t love a Mexican take on the traditional Canadian fare, and who better to nail this than downtown’s premium Mexican lounge? The Papas Locas has crispy fries served in a skillet, baked with homemade mac and cheese sauce, queso cheese, bell peppers, and more common burrito fillings like carnitas (pulled pork), green onions, corn and fresh sliced jalapenos with La Roca’s own pico de gallo.

Peg City Poutinerie (2^nd floor, Cityplace) – Korean Steak Fajita Poutine

Maybe you’re already familiar with the Cityplace poutinerie’s charms, but its limited-edition Korean steak creation is sure to spice up your food court fiesta. Enjoy the usual suspects of Peg City’s perfected trio of fries, cheese curds and gravy – mixed with red and yellow peppers, caramelized onion and Korean steak drizzled with sesame seeds.

White Star Diner (258 Kennedy St.) – Shepherd’s Pie Poutine

Just when I thought the homey fare couldn’t get any better, White Star Diner merged a couple of this Canuck’s favourite meals. With its famous meat loaf and sweet green peas paired with the squeakiest cheese smothered with real beef gravy, White Star somehow made two familiar comfort foods better.

Let me know what your favourite poutine is for La Poutine Week by tagging me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @downtownpeggy.

Happy poutine eating!

6 Things You Need To Know About Chain For Change!

Published on January 25, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

They’re one of Narcity’s 40 Things You Gotta Do This February 2018 in Winnipeg , and with February a week away, I know you’re wondering…what is Chain For Change all about?

Well, pals, I got you covered! I caught up with Karly Tardiff, the amazing and dynamic moving force behind Chain for Change to find out the 6 Things You Need To Know About Chain for Change!

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Karly Tardiff, director for Chain For Change, is photographed at The Forks skating rink Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Tardiff is hoping to to get 400 ice skaters out February 4th to break a world record and to fundraise for CancerCare Manitoba.

1. Why organize a World Record Attempt?

It’s kind of a funny story! Originally I am from Ontario and moved to Winnipeg just over a year ago. One of the first things I had to do was find a job but also resolved to train for my first full marathon and look for volunteer opportunities. I ended up coming across a blog detailing a man’s quest to becoming the ‘top 1%’ of people in the world, which apparently involves running a full marathon on every continent and breaking a World Record. Of course I was curious as to what record(s) he might have accomplished and found that they all involved some sort of ‘chain’; longest chain of people floating down the river in inner tubes, longest chain of people doing yoga simultaneously… which got me to thinking about ‘chain’ records we could break in Winnipeg. Naturally, the longest chain of ice skaters came to mind, especially since we have one of the longest ice trails in the world. The current record for this is 370 people and I KNOW Winnipeg can smash this. It just seemed logical that if we gather this many people together, we should fundraise for a great cause and Chain for Change was born!

2. What’s involved with planning a World Record Attempt?

Participants!!! Like I mentioned, 370 is the current record so 371 skaters need to REGISTER to join us at The Forks at 1:00pm on February 4, which also happens to be World Cancer Day! Guinness is VERY strict with documentation which is why we are really stressing the registration aspect. Participants will line up in a ‘conga-line’ formation the skating trail at The Forks and skate 400 meters in an unbroken line. We only have 3 attempts! The line will be monitored by volunteer ‘stewards’ who will keep track of a specified 50 participants to ensure the line remains intact throughout the attempt. Volunteer ‘witnesses’ will sign off on the steward ‘statements’ (the steward will have to fill out a document stating participants remain joined through the duration of the attempt) and the number of participants registered/counted on the event day. We will also need to submit photographic and video evidence, witness and steward statements, certification of the distance verified by a qualified surveyor and a detailed report on the attempt!

We looked into having a Guinness judge on site to verify the attempt in real-time but this costs $10,000 and we certainly did not want to take any funds away from our cause, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

3. What made you decide to partner with CancerCare Manitoba Foundation to fund-raise as a part of Chain For Change?

We decided to support CancerCare Manitoba Foundation because, unfortunately, everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. CancerCare has been so good to so many people and families we know personally and knowing all funds stay within Manitoba is so important because we are certain all dollars raised will go straight to those who need it most.

4. How can I sign up?

To register, please visit www.ChainForChangeWPG.com

We will be having an ‘event-day kit pickup’ on February 3 that will also include a MASSIVE draw that my only be entered if you pick up your kit the day before the event, you won’t want to miss out!

5. What if you don`t know how to skate, but would like to help out?

If you cannot skate but want to be a part of Chain for Change, please email ChainForChangeWPG@gmail.com

We are looking for ‘event-day coordinators’ who can help our committee with logistics on the ‘kit pickup’ day, February 3, and the day of Chain for Change, February 4.

Donating to our cause through www.ChainForChangeWPG.com is always an option,too, and greatly appreciated!

6. What’s one more thing that you’d like us to know about Chain for Change?

Please pre-register! It would be heartbreaking if our record wasn’t verified due to documentation error. There is also a 12 year old minimum age for registration as well as participants being able to confidentially ice skate. This is to ensure participants are physically able to hold on in the line without struggle for safety.

After registration, we would really appreciate if participants were able to help us in reaching our fundraising goal of $20,000.

Thank you so much for chatting with me about Chain for Change, Karly!

There you have it, folks! Let’s all get out there and support Chain for Change in their World Record Attempt and their fundraising efforts!

Chain for Change takes place at 1:00pm on Sunday, February 4th, at The Forks.

Top 5 Things to Look Forward to at This Year’s Wonderful Wedding Show

Published on January 16, 2018January 16, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

To do list: venue, invites, dress, cake, flowers, music. These are just a few of the many things you need to consider when planning your wedding. It can definitely get pretty overwhelming! If you’re planning your upcoming wedding, you’re in luck because the Wonderful Wedding show is back for another year at the RBC Convention Centre!

The Wonderful Wedding Show is the largest single source of information available about local wedding services, featuring all of the city’s leading wedding industry professionals.

This year’s Show features over 300 displays and 130,000 square feet of the latest must-have wedding products, services, fashion shows and more!

Here are the top 5 things to look forward to at this year’s Wonderful Wedding Show:

Fashion Show

Guests will be treated to two full-scale production fashion shows each day, with wedding fashions from the world’s foremost designers and the city’s leading retailers. The fashion shows will debut bridal wear for the new year, offering brides a chance to view gowns that have never been seen before.

The Fashion Show is included with the price of admission. Seating is limited so be sure to arrive early!

For Fashion show times and participants, click HERE.

Inspiration Gallery

Head over to the Inspiration Gallery for exquisite and unique tablescapes designed by the city’s top wedding professionals.

In partnership with a team of Premiere Wedding Experts, the Gallery promises to offer visitors an elegant experience with countless inspirational ideas and details to plan their ultimate day.

The Brides Lounge

Don’t forget to stop by the beautiful Brides Lounge, designed by the FABULOUS Rick Mayhew of Decorations by Rick!

The Brides Lounge is a perfect place to take a break during the show with your wedding posse and relax and enjoy free fine wine sampling courtesy of Barefoot Wine & Bubbly.

Decorations by Rick will also be showcasing the latest wedding trends that will provide you with endless inspiration for your own special day.

The Brides Lounge is located right next to the main Bar & Concessions so you can also enjoy a light lunch and drinks with your besties!

The Grooms Lounge

The Eph Apparel Grooms Lounge will provide a relaxing environment with a comfortable seating & television area for visitors to take a much deserved break during the show. And of course the Grooms Lounge will also feature free wine & liquor sampling, some sweet treats and fun games!

Chance to win a $20,000 Dream Wedding

103.1 Virgin Radio, the Wonderful Wedding Show, & St. Boniface Golf Club are proud to present “Win a $20,000 Dream Wedding.”

Two contestants will be selected from entries from the Virgin Radio website contest to participate in the Dream Wedding finals. Two additional contestants will be drawn from entries taken at the show at the Virgin radio booth, located in front of the Fashion Show stage.

This wedding show weekend sounds like its going to be an amazing one and I want to send one lucky person and their squad to experience it! Visit my Facebook page and enter to win 4 tickets!

For more information about the Wonderful Wedding Show at the RBC Convention Centre and to purchase your tickets today, click HERE.

Happy wedding planning!

The Ice Castles Are Here!

Published on January 5, 2018January 16, 2018 by downtownpeggy1 Comment

I don’t know about you, but ever since I heard that they were being built at Parks Canada Place on the Forks Historic Site, I’ve been excited to see the Ice Castles! Any trip to the Forks for the past month has involved me walking or biking past the fenced-off area, watching the castles grow as if by magic.

Finally, after much anticipation, the Ice Castles will open to the public on Friday, January 5^th, and I got to have a sneak preview last night, along with my media, travel and tourism pals!

First off, let me say that it was a brisk -35°C with the wind-chill. I bundled up with thermal layers, massive cozy scarf, my favourite Hudson’s Bay toque, alpaca wool socks and some warm boots. The “floor” of the Ice Castles is made of layers of ice and ice chips – which is much like walking on coarse gravel – so good, flat-soled boots are recommended.

Just approaching the Ice Castles at night is breath-taking. I hadn’t even walked up to the entrance and was already snapping pictures of the towering ice walls, glowing with colour-changing LED lights.

As I entered, I was greeted by a couple of popular enchanted Ice Princesses. The Ice Princesses will be greeting guests on Saturdays and Sundays between 1 to 4pm, weather permitting.

The most beautiful and adorable Polar Bears and Polar Bear cubs, painted by our own amazing Kal Barteski, are dotted throughout the Castle walls and corridors.

I feel like I recognize these two ladies…

There’s something so wonderful about watching a fire dancer with a backdrop of ice! The fire twirler last night was as funny as he was talented, keeping up a running banter as he twirled, getting the audience involved in his act. On Friday and Saturday evenings, from 7 to 10pm, there will be fire performances.

What would an Ice Castle be without ice slides? Young and old(er) alike will delight in whooshing though the icy chutes on magic carpets. So FUN!

My favourite feature was the colour-changing ice fountain. I was mesmerized as the water danced and changed colours from dark red, to purple to pale blue, accompanied by music.

I had the chance to talk to Blake, who is the Site Manager of the Ice Castles. It’s really an amazing process where icicles are made and then hand-placed in location. The icicles are then sprayed with water to make the ice-walls and other structures grow. The ice artists were able to start on building the structure at the beginning of December, working daily to grow icicles and create the astounding Narnia-esque structures.

Probably what I loved the most about the Ice Castles was how beautifully they frame two of Downtown Winnipeg’s iconic structures, the Esplanade Riel bridge and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Both lovely in their own right, they made a glorious backdrop to photos taken from within the Castles.

The Ice Castles will open officially on Friday, January 5, from 4 to 9pm. They will be open during the day on Saturdays from 12:00 to 10:30pm and Sundays from 12 to 8pm. They’re also open weekday evenings on Monday and Wednesday through Thursday from 4 – 9pm. They will be closed on Tuesdays. For more information, and to purchase your tickets, check out their website: www.icecastles.com/winnipeg/

Until next time,

Top 8 Things to Do Downtown This Holiday Season

Published on November 28, 2017January 16, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

With tons of activities and fun things to do, downtown is the perfect place to celebrate this holiday season! Enjoy markets, festive music, live shows and cozy restaurants. You can also dance, skate on rivers, watch holiday movies and visit Santa. Find all this and more in downtown Winnipeg!

Here are the top 8 things to do downtown this holiday season:

Downtown Winnipeg Tours

Various dates and locations

You can now choose from three new tours that will get you outdoors during the holidays and showcase the incredible selection of restaurants that downtown Winnipeg has to offer. In addition, you can now enjoy your favourite tours all year-round, including the Tap In (beer) Tour, Breakfast Club and Winnipeg Wine Tour.

New tours this year include:

Cocktail Crawl – This fun walking tour takes advantage of our Winnipeg walkways to take you and your friends from cocktail spot to cocktail spot without ever putting on a coat! Participants visit four restaurants and receive a featured cocktail along with shareable appetizers at each stop along the way!

Cost: $40.00

2017 Dates: November 10

2018 Dates: January 12, February 2, March 9, April 6

Bikes and Brunch – Be a true Winnipegger and conquer the winter blues with this tour of downtown’s best brunch spots using a winterized or fat bike! Participants bike to three of downtown Winnipeg’s best brunch spots, receiving a breakfast sample at each stop. There is an option to rent a fat bike, or you can use your own winterized/fat bike.

Cost: $40.00 plus option to rent a fat bike for an additional $20.00

2017 Dates: December 3

2018 Dates: February 11

Caesar Crawl – Grab your friends and sip on some of the best Caesar Cocktails downtown Winnipeg has to offer! Participants will visit four restaurant stops where they will receive a signature Caesar and sharable appetizers at each stop, before voting on their favourite Caesar of the night!

Cost: $40.00

2018 Dates: January 26, May 11 (the Friday before International Caesar Day)

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the person who has everything, we’ll also have Gift Certificates available in $40.00, $50.00 and $85.00 that recipients can use towards the tour of their choice.

Downtown Winnipeg BIZ will also be offering customized tours this year! You can now book your holiday party and/or private tour which can include a minimum of 10 people and up to a maximum of 50 people. For more information and to book a customized tour, contact Susan at tours@downtownwinnipegbiz.com.

For a complete listing of downtown tours including dates and featured restaurant stops, and to purchase tickets, click HERE.

Santa Suite at the Fairmont Winnipeg

November 29 – December 17, Fairmont Winnipeg

In celebration of Santa’s favourite holiday tradition, Santa’s elves have decorated the suite with whimsical details including twinkling Christmas trees, an elegant dinner table set for Santa and his special guests, a letter-writing station for leaving holiday wish lists, and exciting giveaways to spread the good cheer.

Santa checks in on November 29 and checks out on December 17. Santa himself will take a break from his hectic holiday schedule to pose for photos with visitors in his Fairmont Winnipeg Santa Suite. At $10 per visiting group, receive a professional photo with Santa. All of the proceeds go to supporting the Children’s Wish Foundation.

Guests who post or tweet a photo of their Santa Suite visit using the hashtag #WPGSantaSuite will be entered to win a one-night stay at Fairmont Winnipeg.

For more information, click HERE.

Third + Bird Christmas Pop-Up

December 2 – 17, The Forks Market

Third + Bird will once again host a Christmas Popup at The Forks! This is a great final push for Christmas shoppers and product. The Forks is alive and thriving. The Common, Fools + Horses and amazing food vendors have made the Forks the place to be on weekends!

Third + Bird will host 3 weekends of Popups on the second floor balconies overlooking the Common this Holiday season.

Dec 2 + 3 – 11 am – 5 pm

Dec 9 + 10 – 11 am – 5 pm

Dec 16 + 17 – 11 am – 5 pm

For more information, click HERE.

Investors Group Presents Home Alone at Hudson’s Bay

December 9, Hudson’s Bay Downtown

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ and the Hudson’s Bay Downtown have partnered to host a fun holiday movie event the whole family will enjoy! Come early to take part in some pre-movie activities starting at 10 am, including face painting, arts and crafts, and games. The screening of Home Alone starts at 11 am.

Plus, take part in the Home Alone contest! Show us your best Kevin McCallister impression and you will be entered to win a prize pack with some of his favourite goodies, including a large cheese pizza courtesy of Garbonzo’s U of W ANX.

Please enter the event on the east side (Vaughan Street) entrance of the building.

For updates and more information, click HERE.

Celebrate the Season: Dinner and Movie at the Met

December 17 and 19, The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre

December 17 – Celebrate the Season at The MET and bring the kids to brunch and a Sunday matinee movie as The MET presents Elf! Doors & Brunch Buffet opens at 11 am. Movie Starts at 1 pm.

December 19 – Celebrate the Season by joining us for a dinner and a movie as The MET presents It’s a Wonderful Life! Doors & Dinner Buffet opens at 5 pm. Movie Starts at 7 pm.

For more information, click HERE.

The Nutcracker

December 21 – 30, Centennial Concert Hall

When midnight strikes, young Clara’s enchanted Christmas gift leads her into a wondrous world… with the valiant Nutcracker at her side, Clara defeats the Mouse King and his army of mice, and journeys to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. This sparkling holiday tradition is a festive feast for the senses with enchanting costumes, timeless choreography and a brilliant score by Tchaikovsky. A holiday classic for the whole family!

For more information, click HERE.

New Year’s Eve at the RBC Convention Centre

December 31, RBC Convention Centre

This New Year’s Celebration will feature the beauty and elegance of a glistening winter’s evening in the warmth of the City View Room which will be transformed into a festive wonderland with a little winter carnival flare.

After enjoying a gourmet feast starting at 6:00 pm with complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres and a fabulous five course dining experience, it’ll be time to toast in the New Year as the party kicks off with the ever popular Ron Paley and his 21 Piece Band featuring some of Winnipeg’s most notable performers. Dance until 2 am as Ron and his band plays top 40 hits and classic dance tunes.

For more information, click HERE.

Wawanesa Insurance Family New Year’s Eve

December 31, The Forks

Fun, family programming inside and out from 5 pm – 8 pm will include, art activities, horse drawn wagon rides and snow sculpting – capped off with a family dance party and
exciting pyrotechnics at 8 pm in Festival Field.

DJs and art inside The Forks Market from 9 pm – Midnight.

For updates and more information, click HERE.

Visit http://downtownwinnipegbiz.com/event/together-downtown-holidays/ for a complete listing of this year’s downtown holiday events.

Happy Holidays,