Canadian folk icon Valdy is set to take the stage in Brandon this summer as part of the city's popular Music in the Park concert series. The legendary singer-songwriter will perform a free outdoor concert at the Fusion Credit Union Stage at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Valdy, best known for timeless hits like “Play Me a Rock and Roll Song” and “Peter and Lou,” has been a staple in the Canadian folk scene for over five decades. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and engaging stage presence, Valdy's storytelling and acoustic stylings are expected to draw a large crowd to one of Brandon’s most scenic venues. Opening for Valdy will be rising Métis roots artist Mitchell Makoons, whose soulful voice and authentic songwriting have earned him a growing following across the Prairies. The concert is part of a special Thursday night edition of the summer-long Music in the Park series, which traditionally takes place on Tuesday evenings at Princess Park. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music in the relaxed, natural setting of the Riverbank Discovery Centre. Food and drinks are welcome, and insect repellent is recommended for the outdoor venue. Hosted by the City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services, the event is free to attend and suitable for all ages. No tickets are required. For more information on this and other Music in the Park events, visit brandon.ca/music.

Benny’s Restaurant & Catering Services, located at 612 Rosser Avenue, publicly announced via social media on July 22, 2025, that it will permanently close on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Their final service days run from Wednesday through Saturday each week, with dinner hours from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

The City of Brandon is excited to announce that the Kinsmen Pool will open tomorrow, July 23, 2025 at 11 a.m.! Located at 411 Park Street, the pool's opening was initially delayed due to mechanical issues. It has since undergone extensive testing, repairs, and cleaning, and has successfully passed an inspection by Manitoba Health. “We are thrilled to be able to officially open our outdoor pool for the season and invite everyone to enjoy it,” said Todd Burton, General Manager of Operations. “I want to thank our dedicated team who worked diligently to get this pool operational.” The outdoor Kinsmen Pool will offer a variety of scheduled activities including public, family, and lap swim times. A full schedule can be found at brandon.ca/parks-recreation/recreation-and-sports/swimming-and-pools. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian aged 13 years or older. The admission rates are as follows: Infants (Under 2 years): Free Children (2–12 years): $5 Youth/Seniors (13–17 years & 55+): $6 Adults (18–54 years): $7 Families (2 adults & up to 5 children): $18 Payments can be made on-site at the Kinsmen Pool using cash, debit card, or credit card. 10 swim punch cards are also available for purchase. Participants are encouraged to bring their own towels and any necessary amenities. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted, but glass bottles or containers are prohibited on the premises. Several spray parks are also open daily in various locations throughout the city. For more information on locations and hours, visit brandon.ca.

The 3rd annual Salamander Summer Music Festival took place at Rideau Park (305 Park Street) from July 18–20, 2025, featuring artists from Manitoba and nearby prairies. Headliners included The Haileys, Silas Presley Band, Route 10 Collective, BatBotS, Ruzz Guitar Trio, Prince Eddy and the Wrecking Balls, Daelyn Elise, No Fuss, Zach Riley, and more. Scramble Studio was on-hand to capture the following photos for bdnmb.ca.

Due to “phenomenal demand,” Steve‑O (a.k.a. Stephen Glover), of Jackass fame, has just added a second performance in Brandon during his upcoming "Crash & Burn" multimedia comedy tour. Originally scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (WMCA Theatre), tickets sold rapidly for the first show prompting organizers to schedule a new second show at 9:30 p.m. following the first set at 7 p.m. The “Crash & Burn” tour offers more than just stand-up—Steve‑O promises a fully multimedia experience, featuring live storytelling of his outrageous stunts, video clips, and uncensored anecdotes. Expect an evening of raw humor, daredevil tales, and behind-the-scenes chaos of his most infamous antics. Tickets for the second show are now on-sale.