Sioux Valley Dakota Nation will be holding their annual “Dakota Nation Winterfest” for four days inside the Keystone Centre starting January 25, 2024. The event unfortunately was cancelled in 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic but returned in 2023. Dakota Nation Winterfest is a long standing tradition in Western Manitoba and is a combination of cultural and aboriginal sports. The festival encompasses activities and events for all age groups including a square dance competition, talent show, wacipi, basketball, volleyball and moccasin games. One of the more popular events each year is the adult and minor hockey tournaments drawing teams from all over Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The men’s hockey tournament is especially popular and brings in players with WHL and Jr. A hockey experience.

Brandon Riverbank Inc. is pleased to be the outdoor space where people can gather for the enjoyment of exciting new winter recreation opportunities! With generous funding from Travel Manitoba and the Brandon Area Community Foundation, Riverbank has secured snow grooming equipment that will allow for the creation of an exceptional quality, multi purpose winter trail network. “Winter experiences are one of the greatest growth opportunities for Manitoba’s tourism industry”, said Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba. “We’re excited to see Brandon Riverbank and Brandon Tourism make the most of the Assiniboine River corridor by enhancing the winter activities available for residents and visitors alike.” “Winter time at the Brandon Riverbank is a beautiful venue where everyone can enjoy winter outdoor activities, said Laura Kempthorne, Executive Director of the Brandon Area Community Foundation (BACF). BACF is very pleased that we are able to be part of the collaboration and the development of Riverbank’s winter trail network. Having this trail system within the city and so accessible, there is going to be a lot of fun this winter.” The winter trail network will be 20-plus km in length and will utilize the Riverbank grounds as well as neighbouring properties both east and west. In partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the City of Brandon and other land owners, the winter trail network will provide a seamless connected link that encompasses the natural beauty of the Assiniboine River corridor. Trails will be mostly multi-purpose and will allow for enjoyment by walkers, fat bikers, snowshoers and classic cross-country skiers. “It gives me great pleasure that Riverbank will be able to offer urban winter trails as yet another recreational opportunity for both residents of and visitors to our city,” said Dean Hammond, Executive Director of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “Winter has traditionally been a slower time at Riverbank and we’re very happy to be able to fill a niche that will allow our guests to be able to enjoy Riverbank in a whole new way.” “A winter trail network will open many recreation, tourism and economic development opportunities, both for Riverbank and our city,” said Terry Jaenen, President of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “Our hope is that these trails are used and enjoyed by everyone, whether they be one or 100, from Brandon, or from far away.” As the snow comes Riverbank will begin transitioning its existing pathways into groomed winter trails. During this transition, Riverbank will ensure that at a minimum, trails remain walkable at all times. As more snow comes and when it’s safe to cross the Assiniboine River, Riverbank will begin expanding the trail network to full build-out. Online maps and wayfaring signage will be forthcoming to help users navigate the trails.

Big Sugar will hit the stage at the WMCA on March 2, 2024, as part of a tour behind the deluxe reissue of 1993’s Five Hundred Pounds. Featuring the unmistakable guitar playing of Gordie Johnson, the band has been a fixture on the airwaves and concert circuit since the 1990's. "Diggin A Hole," "If I Had My Way," "Turn The Lights On," and "Roads Ahead." are among the band's most notable singles. Tickets to the Brandon concert Friday went on sale December 1, 2023.

Matthew Good and his band will be jumping on the bus for a coast to coast concert tour this spring. The tour kicks off in Edmonton on April 4 and ends in Vancouver on May 7 in Vancouver. The tour will be making a stop in Brandon and hitting The 40 Stage on Saturday April 6, 2024. “Hello Timebomb,” “Everything Is Automatic,” “Indestructible,” “Apparitions,” and “Load Me Up” are among the most notable singles for the group which also won a Juno Awards for Best Group in 2000. Pre-Sale tickets go live 11/23/2023 - using pre-sale code MGROCK2024 On sale to public 11/24/2023

Brandon’s favourite holiday art party is back! Shop some of Southwestern Manitoba’s best artists and crafters, enjoy live music, get your portrait done, enter a raffle, and entertain your kids with a free holiday craft room. This year the AGSM is bringing back the GREAT BIGLittle Chili Bowl Sale. By purchasing a handcrafted bowl, made in the AGSM studios, you get a heaping scoop of chili and a freshly made bun to go with your bowl. The Gala of Gifts runs from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, November 25th. The first 50 guests and children 5 and under will get in for free, and entry is just 2 dollars for ages 6 and up. All proceeds from the Gala of Gifts support the AGSM’s ongoing programming and the cultural life of Southwestern Manitoba. Sponsored by Kuipers Bakery, Ranyor Bookkeeping Services, Safeway Corral Centre, Chez Angela, Sobeys Brandon South, and Komfort Kitchen. Saturday, November 25th, 2023 from 10 AM to 6 PM At the AGSM. 710 Rosser Avenue, Unit 2 Brandon, Manitoba. Admission: $2. Free entry for children under 5 and first 50 guests. Associated Links Website Information Facebook Event