Dauphin’s Countryfest, Canada’s Longest Running Country Music Festival announced the first round of amazing artists for the 2025 festival earlier today. The event takes place June 26th - 29th. Your host this year will be the amazing Jason McCoy, who will be introducing our Play Now Main Stage acts such as Jordan Davis, Josh Ross, John Michael Montgomery, Lonestar, Jackson Dean, Meghan Patrick, Mark Chesnutt, Neal McCoy, The Road Hammers, Deana Carter, Drake Milligan, and Kalsey Kulyk. They will also have a couple of incredible Hilltop artists to present to you, such as Corb Lund and Quick Dick McDick with Toque rockin the 730 CKDM Thursday Night Kick-off Party. The Countryfest site, situated on the northern edge of Riding Mountain, is the finest venue in Western Canada. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 13th at 10 AM CST. www.facebook.com/dauphinscountryfest www.instagram.com/dauphinscountryfest

Salamander season is back! Brandon’s best local music festival will return to Rideau Park in summer 2025 for a third great year of outstanding live music, hip vendors, great food, and neighbourhood vibes that can’t be beat. The Salamander Summer Music Festival will take place July 18–20, 2025 and tickets go on sale just about … now. “The Salamander Summer Music Festival is of course one of the greatest ways to enjoy a weekend in Brandon. It’s also one of the more affordable, and it has so much to offer especially for families,” said Jenn Watson, president of the volunteer board of directors that organizes and puts on the festival. “Festival passes are an outstanding value, and if you get them now, you’ll have great stocking stuffers that gives everyone something to look forward to.” Adult weekend passes are just $60, with youth passes $50. Kids under 12 are free with valid adult admission. Day passes are just $25 for adults or $20 for youth. Tickets are on sale starting at noon on Saturday, Dec. 7, and can be purchased at salamanderfest.ca. Salamander Fest launched in 2023 to fill a gap in the Westman summer festival calendar, and was an immediate hit as people sought in-person, outdoor activities that summer. Returning for a larger second year this past July, the Salamander crew added bigger-name acts, extended hours, and a site-wide liquor license so everyone could chill with a beverage while enjoying the shows. The 2025 edition of the Salamander Summer Music Festival will be bigger and better yet. “You can’t beat the local and Manitoba artists that we celebrate on stage at Salamander, unless it’s with the amazing artisans, organizations, and food trucks – we have music but we also have everything else that makes a music show into a full-on festival,” Watson said, “The Salamander Summer Music Festival is made up of dozens of hard-working volunteers, hundreds of guests, a lineup of stellar musicians, and all the magic happens when we come together in Rideau Park on a warm July weekend.” A call for artists will be going out soon for all local performers, and lineup announcements expected in early spring. Website: SalamanderFest.ca

The Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland event was held last evening at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. The show was a visually stunning holiday production that combined breathtaking circus performances with festive music. Featuring high-flying aerialists, skilled acrobats, and live musicians, the evening delivered a magical experience that appealed to the audience of all ages. The blend of traditional holiday classics with modern circus artistry created a festive atmosphere full of wonder and joy. All photos by Scramble Studio.  

The 2025 Rockin’ The Fields Of Minnedosa will be held on August 1-3. Organizers of the annual event revealed the first round of the 2025 lineup today, which includes the Headstones, Loverboy,  Glass Tiger,  I Mother Earth, Trooper,  Haywire, Bif Naked, & Streetheart. Adding to the music, RFM provides great onsite vendors, camping opportunities and other activities. The festival site itself features an amphitheater with built in bench and folding chairs overlooking the main stage and lake.  With hot showers, vendors, ice, camping, water and septic service, garbage and recycling pick up, onsite security and first aid there are many ways to keep yourself comfortable. Presale starts TOMORROW, General on Sale starts Dec 6!

The Keystone Centre is pleased to announce its partnership with the Access 2 Card program, a national initiative designed to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This collaboration will allow Access 2 Card holders to receive complimentary admission for one support person when attending concerts, and Brandon Wheat Kings home games at Westoba Place. By integrating the Access 2 program, the venue aims to create a more inclusive environment, aligning with its ongoing efforts to support community engagement and participation in all hosted events. “The Keystone Centre is always looking for different ways to increase access to the incredible events we host,” says Connie Lawrence, Keystone Centre CEO & general manager. “We appreciate our place as a recreation hub in our region, and removing as many barriers to participation as possible is an integral piece of our commitment to the community.” The Access 2 Card program is facilitated by Easter Seal’s Canada, and is designed to provide individuals with disabilities access to various attractions and services across Canada. Launched in 2004, the program arose from the need to promote inclusivity and remove barriers for people with disabilities by enabling them to fully participate in recreational and cultural activities. “We’re thrilled to join the Access 2 Card program in partnership with the Keystone Centre and help make Wheat Kings games more accessible to our community,” says Mike Filipchuk, vice president of business operations for the Brandon Wheat Kings. “Hockey is a sport that brings people together, and this initiative ensures that fans who require support can enjoy the game alongside their companions without barriers. We’re proud to support this program and look forward to welcoming everyone to the Keystone Centre to cheer on the Wheat Kings.” The program goes in to immediate effect, with the first event being Friday, November 15th when the Brandon Wheat Kings take on the Regina Pats. Fans can find more information about the Access 2 Card program at www.access2card.ca