a
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
HomeArts & LifeLocal Entertainment News

Wheat City Woodstock Brings Free Family Fun to Brandon

Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys Bringing High-Energy Roots Music to Brandon

Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa 2026 Wraps Up Another Memorable Weekend

Default Set to Rock Brandon with Houston’s Performance This September

Faber Drive Bringing Pop-Punk Energy to Brandon This Fall

Waywayseecappo Gas Bar Rodeo Returns with Bulls, Boots and Live Music

Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival Cancelled Following Devastating Dauphin Flooding

Incredibly Hip concert relocated to the outdoor stage at the Keystone Centre

Wheat City Woodstock Brings Free Family Fun to Brandon

Brandon is getting ready to turn up the volume as Wheat City Woodstock takes over the Riverbank Discovery Centre for an afternoon of live music, food, vehicles and family fun. The event, presented by the Westman Filipino Community and Galilee Auto, runs from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, with free admission for everyone. Organizers are billing Wheat City Woodstock as one of Brandon's biggest summer events, with food trucks, merchant vendors and hundreds of vehicles expected to be on display. Music will be a major part of the afternoon, with performances scheduled from Along For The Ride, Corny Rempel as Elvis and Liza-Jane Porter. Adding an extra element of excitement is a vehicle giveaway sponsored by Galilee Auto. One lucky attendee will have the opportunity to take home a pre-owned vehicle, although entrants must be present at the event when the draw takes place. With the combination of live entertainment, local vendors, food trucks and a massive vehicle display, organizers are hoping to make Wheat City Woodstock a memorable summer gathering for residents of Brandon and the surrounding area. Wheat City Woodstock takes place Saturday, August 22, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. Admission is free.

Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys Bringing High-Energy Roots Music to Brandon

Brandon is getting ready for an evening of bluegrass, rockabilly and traditional country as Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys make their way to the Riverbank Discovery Centre on Thursday, August 13. The free-entry concert will give local music fans the chance to experience one of Canada's rising roots-music acts in an outdoor setting along the Assiniboine River. Originally from Cut Knife, Saskatchewan, Vaadeland is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist known for his guitar and banjo playing, powerful vocals and vintage-inspired musical style. His sound blends traditional bluegrass and country with the rockabilly influences of the 1950s. Together with the Sturgeon River Boys, Vaadeland has become known for energetic performances that combine tight musicianship with storytelling and humour, creating a show that feels like a throwback to the golden era of roots music while maintaining a youthful energy. Vaadeland has enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent years. In 2025, he became a Juno Award winner and made history as the youngest artist to achieve Road Gold certification after selling 25,000 tickets across Canada in a 12-month period. Brandon resident Scott Rouire is already looking forward to the show. “I’ve had this date penciled into my social calendar for weeks now, and I cannot wait to drag friends and family to the concert with me,” said Rouire. With its combination of classic sounds, upbeat performances and an outdoor Riverbank setting, the concert is expected to provide an entertaining evening for music fans of all ages. Whether you're a longtime bluegrass fan or simply looking for something fun to do on a summer evening, Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys are ready to bring plenty of energy to Brandon. The concert takes place Thursday, August 13 at the Riverbank Discovery Centre, with free entry for those looking to take in the show.

Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa 2026 Wraps Up Another Memorable Weekend

Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa 2026 once again delivered an unforgettable festival experience, bringing together thousands of music fans for a weekend filled with outstanding entertainment, beautiful summer weather, and an incredible sense of community. Festival-goers were treated to near-perfect conditions throughout the event, allowing attendees to fully enjoy the outdoor concerts and everything the festival grounds had to offer. The lively performances kept crowds singing and dancing from afternoon until late into the evening, creating an electric atmosphere that carried throughout the weekend. Beyond the music, the festival offered something for everyone. A wide variety of food trucks served up delicious meals, snacks, and sweet treats, giving concert-goers plenty of tasty options between performances. The campgrounds were once again a highlight of the festival, with many campers showcasing innovative, creative, and beautifully decorated campsites. From elaborate themes and eye-catching decorations to welcoming gathering spaces, the campground became an attraction in itself and reflected the fun-loving spirit of the Rockin' the Fields community. Adding to the excitement were the popular 50/50 draws, which generated plenty of anticipation as attendees eagerly purchased tickets for a chance to take home a significant cash prize while supporting the festival. As another successful year comes to a close, Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa continues to cement its reputation as one of Manitoba's premier summer music festivals, combining great music, fantastic food, friendly people, and unforgettable memories into one incredible weekend.

Default Set to Rock Brandon with Houston’s Performance This September

Canadian rock fans in Brandon will have the chance to relive some of the biggest hits of the early 2000s when Default takes the stage at Houston's Country Roadhouse on Friday, September 25, 2026. The stop is part of the band's "The Fallout" 25th Anniversary Tour, celebrating 25 years since the release of their breakthrough debut album, The Fallout. The cross-country tour will see the Vancouver-based rockers perform songs from the album that launched them into the Canadian and international rock spotlight. Best known for chart-topping hits including "Wasting My Time," "Deny," "Slow Me Down," and "Count on Me," Default became one of Canada's most recognizable rock bands during the early 2000s. Their debut album earned Platinum certification in Canada and helped establish the group as a staple on rock radio throughout North America. The Brandon performance comes between tour stops in Red Deer on September 24 and Winnipeg on September 26, making it one of only a handful of Prairie dates on the anniversary tour. Fans can expect a night packed with nostalgia, featuring many of the songs that defined the band's early career while celebrating the legacy of The Fallout. Houston's Country Roadhouse has become a regular destination for live music in Brandon, hosting a wide variety of national touring acts, and the addition of Default continues that trend by bringing another well-known Canadian band to the city. For longtime fans, the September 25 concert offers an opportunity to hear the songs that helped shape Canadian rock in the early 2000s, while introducing a new generation to one of the country's most successful post-grunge bands. Tickets are expected to be in high demand as the anniversary tour makes its way across Canada.

Faber Drive Bringing Pop-Punk Energy to Brandon This Fall

Brandon music fans will have the chance to catch one of Canada's best-known pop-punk bands when Faber Drive takes the stage at Houstons Country Roadhouse on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The JUNO-nominated band will bring its high-energy live show to the city as part of its ongoing return to its pop-punk roots. The concert is expected to feature a mix of Faber Drive's well-known hits, along with music from the band's newer material. Fans can expect to hear popular songs from throughout the group's career, including “Tongue Tied,” “When I'm With You,” “Second Chance” and “G-Get Up and Dance.” Faber Drive has been a familiar name on the Canadian music scene since forming in British Columbia in 2004. The band earned widespread attention with its catchy pop-rock sound and has continued to perform for audiences across the country. The band's latest music has seen Faber Drive embrace a heavier pop-punk sound. The group's recent four-song EP includes “Lifeline,” which draws inspiration from the classic punk energy of bands such as Blink-182 and NOFX, as well as “Deathbed,” a reimagining of “Coffee for Your Head,” originally made popular by Powfu. The Brandon show will be an 18+ event, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The concert will take place at Houstons Country Roadhouse, located at 3130 Victoria Avenue in Brandon. Tickets are available here. With a catalogue of familiar Canadian pop-rock hits and a renewed focus on its pop-punk roots, Faber Drive's October 15 appearance is set to offer Brandon fans an energetic night of live music.