City of Brandon Spray Parks will open for the season on Fri, June 5, 2026. Spray Parks operate daily throughout the summer months, weather permitting. All locations are free and available on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Unsupervised Spray Parks   Kin Park – Aberdeen Ave & 1st St Valleyview Community Centre – 77 Whillier Dr Stanley Park – 1500 block of Princess Ave (opening delayed to Wed, June 10) Hours of Operation: June and July: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily August: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily Supervised Spray Parks & Paddle Pools   Rideau Park – 305 Park St Westridge Spray Park & Paddle Pool – 61 Silverbirch Dr Hours of Operation: June: 4–8 p.m. Monday–Friday; 12 Noon–8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday July: 12 Noon–8 p.m. daily August: 12 Noon–7 p.m. daily For full details, visit: brandon.ca/parks-recreation/parks-and-greenspaces/spray-parks-and-paddle-pools

The City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services is thrilled to announce the return of Music in the Park for summer 2026, our community’s favourite tradition of live outdoor music in Princess Park. These FREE weekly performances showcase an incredible range of local talent, celebrating the musical artistry found throughout Western Manitoba. Concerts run every Tuesday from June 2 through Aug. 25, weather permitting, with all shows beginning at 6:30 p.m. This year’s full performance lineup will be available at brandon.ca/music. Audience members are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket, and plenty of summer spirit as they enjoy an evening of live music under the open sky. The City of Brandon extends heartfelt thanks to all performers, sponsors, and community members for helping keep this vibrant summer tradition alive.

Families in Brandon are set for a day of hands-on fun as the annual Touch-a-Truck event rolls into the grounds of the Keystone Centre on Saturday, May 23. The popular community event gives children and families the chance to get up close with a wide variety of vehicles, heavy equipment, emergency response units, construction machinery and more. Running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the family-friendly fundraiser allows kids to climb aboard trucks, honk horns, explore equipment and meet the people who operate the massive machines every day. Organizers say the event continues to grow in popularity each year thanks to its interactive atmosphere and wide range of attractions. A special quiet hour will take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., with reduced noise levels and limited sirens and honking, helping create a more sensory-friendly environment for children and families who may benefit from a calmer experience. In addition to the vehicles and equipment displays, attendees can also enjoy face painting, bouncy castles, equipment demonstrations and a variety of food options throughout the day. Organizers say proceeds from the event will support Kokums Early Enrichment Programs in Brandon. Admission is $5 per person at the gate, while children aged one and under are admitted free. The event will take place on the outdoor grounds surrounding the Keystone Centre and is expected to attract hundreds of visitors from Brandon and across western Manitoba.

With summer just around the corner, organizers of the Salamander Summer Music Festival are already building excitement for another weekend of music, art, and community in Brandon. The Salamander Summer Music Festival officially unveiled its 2026 entertainment lineup this week, promising what organizers describe as their “biggest celebration of prairie sights, tastes, and sounds yet.” The festival will return to Rideau Park in Brandon from July 17 to 19, 2026, bringing together live music, dancing, art, food vendors, and community activities in a family-friendly outdoor setting. This year’s lineup features a diverse mix of local and regional talent, showcasing everything from folk and rock to indie, alternative, and cultural performances. Artists announced for the 2026 festival include Jan Ek, Shipaki El Salvador Folk Dance, 11:22, Kwae Kobain, Full Flannel Jacket, Solaire, 3D Band, Heidi Hislop, House of Hex, Mike Lamb, Louden King, Re-Imagined, Roots 10 Collective, Kate’s Outlaw, Kayla Luky, Tommy Douglas Keenan, Amber Epp & Emmanuel Bach, Wheat City Jug Band, Prince Eddy and the Wrecking Balls, and An Unexpected End. Festival organizers made the announcement as Manitobans prepare for the May Long Weekend, often viewed as the unofficial start of summer across the prairies. The Salamander Summer Music Festival has continued to grow in popularity in recent years, becoming one of Brandon’s emerging summer arts and music events. In addition to live entertainment, organizers say attendees can once again expect local vendors, visual artists, food options, and community programming throughout the weekend festivities. More festival details, including performance schedules and additional activities, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The Salamander Summer Music Festival takes place July 17 to 19, 2026 at Rideau Park in Brandon, Manitoba. Tickets and festival information are available online at salamanderfest.ca.

A free summer concert is set to bring classic Canadian rock energy to Brandon’s riverfront, as tribute band The Incredibly Hip prepares to take the stage at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. Scheduled for the evening of July 9, the outdoor show will start at 7pm., offering a full night of live music celebrating the iconic sound of The Tragically Hip. The event is being promoted as a “live and free” experience, inviting residents and visitors alike to gather along the Assiniboine River for an evening of music and community. The concert will be held at the Riverbank’s amphitheatre, a popular summer venue capable of hosting thousands and known for its scenic backdrop and lively atmosphere. Attendees can expect a high-energy performance filled with familiar hits, big singalongs, and a celebration of one of Canada’s most beloved bands. With no admission cost, the event is expected to draw a strong crowd, continuing the Riverbank Discovery Centre’s tradition of accessible, family-friendly programming throughout the summer months. Local organizers are encouraging concertgoers to bring lawn chairs, enjoy the riverside setting, and take in what promises to be a memorable night of live entertainment. The performance is part of a broader summer lineup at the Riverbank, which regularly hosts concerts, festivals, and community gatherings in the heart of Brandon.