The Manitoba government is encouraging Manitobans to take advantage of free fishing and free entry to provincial parks during spring break March 27 to April 5, Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie announced today. “Affordability matters, and we want to ensure every Manitoban can enjoy the incredible lakes, forests and landscapes our province is known for,” said Bushie. “Free fishing and free park access open the door for more families to explore the outdoors together this spring break.” From March 27 to April 5, Manitobans and visitors can fish without an angling licence in the province. Anglers will still be required to follow all possession limits and size restrictions, as well as all other rules and regulations including regulations that apply to specific waters. Federal angling licences will still be required in national parks. Anglers are reminded to exercise caution when fishing on ice and should check conditions before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable ice fishing experience. Manitobans and visitors can also visit all provincial parks free of charge during spring break. “Spring break is a perfect time to enjoy Manitoba’s outdoors and removing the cost barrier helps more people do just that,” said Bushie. “I encourage Manitobans to explore our parks, try fishing, and enjoy the beauty of our province while always staying safe and checking ice conditions before heading out.” Entry to provincial parks will continue to be free throughout April. For more information on angling, visit https://manitoba.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/fish/. For more information on Manitoba’s provincial parks, visit www.manitobaparks.com.

The Hilltop Stage at the 2026 edition of Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa 2026 is set to deliver a powerful mix of classic rock nostalgia and high-energy live performances, complementing the festival’s mainstage lineup with a strong supporting cast of fan-favourite acts. Running July 31 through August 2 in Minnedosa, the annual festival continues its tradition of showcasing both legendary touring bands and iconic Canadian rock talent. While the mainstage features headliners such as Collective Soul, Cheap Trick, and Smash Mouth, the Hilltop Stage offers festivalgoers an equally entertaining experience with a lineup rooted in classic hits and prairie rock heritage. Friday July 31 2026 LAST KISS - is your Winnipeg-based Ultimate KISS Tribute Band. The 12/21 - high-energy pop-punk band of brothers, bringing a special tribute to Simple Plan. Matt Cory - hard-rock and alternative Brandon-based musician whose music fuses heavy riffs, soaring melodies, and raw conviction. Saturday August 1 2026 GenX - The ultimate 90s rock tribute! Chaboyer high energy covers alongside a full band on the hilltop stage! Car287- Winnipeg-based rock band formed in 2014, originally playing covers before releasing original music. Sunday August 2 2026 Rock Candy - Saskatchewan's HOTTEST Rock/Pop Party Band Just Dynamite - Blues Rock Band from Brandon MB Damn Straight - Rock n roll cover band based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba The Hilltop Stage has become a favourite destination for festivalgoers looking to discover—or rediscover—classic Canadian acts in a more intimate setting. As anticipation builds for another summer weekend of rock in Minnedosa, the Hilltop Stage once again stands as a key part of the festival’s identity—celebrating the enduring legacy of classic rock while keeping the energy going from afternoon through late night. Tier 1 ticket pricing ends FRIDAY!! Grab your tickets before they go up in price at rockinthefields.ca

The Keystone Centre Foundation is pleased to announce the  Sunrise Future Leaders Conference presented by Sunrise Credit Union, featuring  keynote speaker Israel Idonije, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, and former NFL  defensive end. The event will take place May 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the Westman  Communications Group Amphitheatre at the Keystone Centre. Admission is free.  “Sunrise Credit Union is proud to help guide and support the development of future leaders by bringing them together to learn from someone who truly understands what it means to be community-minded, like Israel Idonije,” says Sunrise Credit Union President and CEO Tim Klassen. “The Sunrise Future Leaders Conference provides an excellent opportunity for youth across Western Manitoba to connect, become engaged, and develop valuable skills and knowledge that will empower them to make a positive impact in their communities.”  The Sunrise Future Leaders Conference has been developed to engage students  and young adults from across the region, offering insight into leadership  development, entrepreneurship, and the importance of community involvement.  The Foundation aims to inspire emerging leaders by providing access to impactful voices with strong local connections.  “We are pleased that Israel was so receptive to this engagement,” said Connie  Lawrence, CEO and General Manager of the Keystone Centre. “This is a tremendous  opportunity for young people in Brandon and across Westman—our community’s  next generation of leaders—to hear from a hometown hero and see firsthand that  achieving your dreams is possible with hard work and a positive attitude. We are  also incredibly grateful to the sponsors whose support helped make this event  possible for our community.” Idonije, who began his football career at Vincent Massey high school as a senior,  would go on to become the first player of the modern era to play in the NFL, coming  from the University of Manitoba. Following an 11-year professional football career,  which included a Super Bowl appearance, Idonije has become widely recognized  for his initiatives in business innovation, social enterprise, and charitable work. His  address will draw from personal and professional experiences that underscore  resilience, vision, and service.  The Sunrise Future Leaders Conference precedes the Foundation’s inaugural  benefit dinner, Legacy & Lights, scheduled for the evening of May 14. The benefit  dinner will also feature Idonije along with comedian Dave Hemstad, with proceeds  supporting the Keystone Centre Foundation’s ongoing efforts to advance the long term sustainability of the Keystone Centre.  Event Details  Name: Sunrise Future Leaders Conference presented by Sunrise Credit  Union  Keynote Speaker: Israel Idonije  Date & Time: May 14, 2026 — 9:30 a.m.  Venue: Westman Communications Group Amphitheatre, Keystone Centre • Admission: Free of charge  Intended Audience: Students, youth, educators, and community  organizations 

Following the opening night of competition for the PBR (Professional  Bull Riders) Canada Cup Series event in Brandon, Manitoba, on Friday, May 1, the  organization today announced the inaugural Pendleton Whisky Cabaret, a can’t miss after  hours celebration that will be headlined by surging country music artist Kieran Gardner at  the Manitoba Room at the Keystone Centre.   The PBR Pendleton Whisky Cabaret will get underway immediately following the bull riding  event inside the adjacent Assiniboine Credit Union Place on Friday, May 1 at approximately  9:30 p.m. CDT.   Gardner is a 19-year-old folk-country singer hailing from Clavet, Saskatchewan. He began  learning guitar and singing at the age 12 and quickly realized his passion for writing and  performing his original music. Fast-forward to present and Gardner is now touring across  Canada, and following his debut single “Last December,” is making noise with new releases  including “Runaway Diesel.”  Gardner’s music is inspired by real-life experiences as he attempts to create relatable  songs that invoke emotions in order to connect with his listeners.   Access to the PBR Pendleton Whisky Cabaret will be provided complimentary to all existing  and future two-day ticket holders to the PBR Mazergroup Chute Out. Those fans who  purchase tickets for both nights of PBR competition will also receive a 15% discount.  Single-day ticket buyers will be able to purchase the PBR Pendleton Whisky Cabaret add on for $10, while general admission tickets are available for $20.   The bull riding action for PBR Canada Cup Series’ Mazergroup Chute Out, begins at 7:00  p.m. CST on both Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2.  Tickets for both the PBR Mazergroup Chute Out and Pendleton Whisky Cabaret can be  purchased at the Keystone Centre Box Office and online at Ticketmaster.ca.