One of Brandon’s most anticipated seasonal traditions is set to return next month, and food lovers will want to act fast. Tickets for the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts’ annual Holiday Buffet go on sale tomorrow morning (November 25, 2025), offering the public a chance to enjoy one of the region’s most celebrated festive dining experiences. The Holiday Buffet, hosted at MICA’s historic North Hill campus, will be held on December 3 and 4 with seating times at 5:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. each night. The event is widely known for its elegant atmosphere, field-to-fork dining, and a dessert room that has become a favourite attraction for returning guests. Tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and must be purchased by phone. Guests can call 204-725-8738 or 1-800-862-6307 ext. 6516 to secure their spots. Tickets are sold in sets of two or four, with a maximum of four per caller. The cost is $65 per person, payable by Visa or Mastercard, and all sales are final. This year’s menu will once again highlight ingredients grown on ACC’s North Hill grounds, giving diners a fresh, locally sourced holiday feast prepared and served by the institute’s culinary students and instructors. The multi-course buffet includes hot and cold selections, festive specialties, and the signature dessert room featuring an assortment of handcrafted sweets. Guests attending the buffet will be asked to park in the South lot, with overflow parking available at the Len Evans Centre. The event takes place at MICA’s campus at 1035 1st Street North. With limited seating and strong community demand, organizers encourage the public to call early. The Holiday Buffet has a long history of selling out quickly, solidifying its reputation as one of Brandon’s must-attend holiday events.

Country music fans in Westman will have plenty to look forward to this spring as multi-platinum recording artist Lee Brice is set to take the stage in Brandon on April 19, 2026, bringing his powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits to the Keystone Centre’s Assiniboine Credit Union Place. Brice, known for smash hits such as “Rumor,” “Hard to Love,” “I Don’t Dance,” and “Memory I Don’t Mess With,” has developed a reputation for delivering emotional, high-energy performances that blend smooth storytelling with rock-leaning country production. With heartfelt lyrics, chart-topping radio hits, and the energy of a seasoned performer, Lee Brice’s April 19 show promises to deliver an unforgettable night of live music in Brandon. Joining him on the Sunriser Tour are Platinum selling Canadian star, Brett Kissel and rising star Grace Tyler. Ticket information.

The wait is over! The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here  as Dauphins Countryfest has announced their artist lineup for 2026. This years headlining acts include:  Jelly Roll, Nate Smith, and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, They’ll be joined by Cameron Whitcomb, Owen Reigling, Brett Kissel, Hunter Brothers, BlackHawk, Noeline Hofmann, Hailey Benedict, Alli Walker, Thelma & James, and The Martin Boys—as well as Manitoba’s own Jade Turner, and The Sean Taylor Band. “This year’s lineup brings together some of the biggest names and brightest up-and-coming artists in country music,” said Rob Waloschuk Promoter of Dauphin’s Countryfest. “I have been doing this for a long time, there have been hills and valleys in this industry and we have been in the valley for the last couple years, we believe this lineup will be a huge step in revitalizing the festival. For the majority of this lineup, this will be the first time they ever grace our stage, which is an exciting accomplishment for our programming this year.” For country-music fans in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and beyond, 2026’s edition offers a chance to attend a festival that combines high-profile acts with a rugged prairie-camping vibe — within driving distance of Brandon, MB. With the festival gearing up for a big year, now’s the time to start planning: set aside the weekend, book accommodation or camping early, and monitor the festival’s social media for additional festival announcements. Ticket Information Members have until October 28th to purchase their camping and weekend passes. General Public On Sale begins October 30th at 9AM CST at www.countryfest.ca, or by phoning 1-800-361-7300.

This past Saturday evening, Canadian icons Blue Rodeo took the stage at Westoba Place at the Keystone Centre in Brandon as part of their “Lost Together – The 40th Anniversary Tour”. The evening consisted  of their classic hits, heartfelt storytelling, and dynamic live performance. They were joined on the tour by guest artist Adam Baldwin, who opened the show with his own flavour of East Coast-soul rock. All photos by Scramble Studio.

Departing Montreal on November 19, the CPKC Holiday Train embarks on it’s annual trip across Canada. Now in its 27th season, The Holiday Train has raised more than $26 million and collected 5.4 million pounds of food in the process. While Brandon is not listed as a stop in 2025, the train is scheduled to make  stops in the following neighboring communities. Portage la Prairie – Friday, Dec 5, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM 309 1st Street NW Neepawa – Friday, Dec 5, 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM Railway Street between Mountain Ave & Currie Ave Minnedosa – Friday, Dec 5, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM 30 2nd Avenue NW Shoal Lake – Friday, Dec 5, around 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM North Railway Avenue In addition to an amazing display of lights the CP Holiday Train will also have live on board performers from Jade Eagleson and Teigen Gayse. CPKC does ask those coming to visit the train to consider bring a donation of a non-perishable food item or cash to help area food banks. All the donated items and funds stay in the community.