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.

One of downtown Brandon's most popular summer gathering spots is getting a fresh new look as The Dock on Princess puts the finishing touches on an expanded outdoor patio designed to offer guests a more comfortable and modern dining experience. The renovation is the first major overhaul of the restaurant's patio in nearly two decades and is aimed at creating a more inviting atmosphere while making the most of Manitoba's often unpredictable patio season. "Our patio was due for a refresh, and we wanted to create a more modern, comfortable, and inviting space for our customers to enjoy," the restaurant shared. Preparations for the project actually began last fall, when groundwork was completed to get the site ready for construction. Building officially got underway in early July 2026, although progress was briefly slowed by heavy rainfall in June and stretches of extreme heat throughout July. Despite those weather-related delays, The Dock expects the project to be completed by mid-August, with details on a grand opening celebration to be announced through its social media channels. The redesigned patio will feature significantly more space, allowing for additional seating and a variety of areas for guests to enjoy. A traditional dining section with tables and chairs will be complemented by a lounge area furnished with comfortable sofas and chairs, along with bar seating overlooking Princess Avenue. To help guests stay comfortable throughout the season, a pergola will provide shade during hot summer afternoons, while patio heaters will allow the space to remain welcoming on cooler spring and fall days, as well as chilly summer evenings. When the patio officially opens, customers can expect more than just a fresh appearance. The Dock says the relaxed new setting will continue to showcase its commitment to preparing menu items from scratch using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Guests will also have access to 18 draft beers on tap, along with an extensive cocktail menu and an expanding selection of non-alcoholic beverages. One of the highlights will be an exclusive collaboration with Brandon's Section 6 Brewing. The Dock will offer a summer Lime Cerveza available exclusively on the restaurant's new patio. For those choosing to skip alcohol, the restaurant has also expanded its selection of non-alcoholic spirits, allowing bartenders to craft flavourful cocktails that offer the same experience without the alcohol. While patio season in Manitoba can be unpredictable, The Dock believes the upgraded design will help maximize opportunities for outdoor dining. "The pergola will provide welcome shade on hot, sunny afternoons, while patio heaters will make the space more comfortable during the early spring, cooler fall days, and chilly summer evenings," the restaurant explained. "These additions will help us extend the patio season and give our customers more opportunities to enjoy dining outdoors." Perhaps what excites the team most, however, is seeing customers experience the new space for the first time. "We are most excited to see and hear guests' reactions to the new outdoor design and layout," the restaurant said. "The renderings have already received many positive comments, and we hope that excitement continues when the patio opens." The previous patio served customers for 18 years and became a favourite destination for many Brandon residents. The restaurant hopes the redesigned space will build on that legacy while offering an elevated experience for years to come. The project has also remained true to The Dock's longstanding commitment to supporting local businesses. Construction is being completed by Cutting Edge, while Mill Co. Steel custom fabricated the patio's metal fence posts. Even the aluminum siding used in the project was manufactured in Manitoba. "Supporting local has always been part of our philosophy," the restaurant said. "Just as we use locally sourced ingredients in our menu items whenever possible, we wanted to carry that same commitment into the construction of our new patio." If all goes according to plan, Brandon residents won't have to wait much longer to experience the restaurant's newest outdoor space, with the grand opening expected sometime in mid-August.

The Brandon Wheat Kings Foundation (BWKF) is excited to announce a new partnership with Trans Canada Brewing Co., who will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the Foundation's 50/50 for the 2026-2027 Season. The partnership marks a significant step forward in supporting youth, education, and community initiatives across Westman while creating an even bigger and more exciting fundraising campaign for fans. Beginning August 1, the Fall Progressive 50/50 launches with a Guaranteed $10,000 Starting Jackpot and two exciting Early Bird prize opportunities before the Grand Prize Draw during the Brandon Wheat Kings Home Opener on September 18. The first Early Bird Draw offers $1,000 cash, with ticket sales closing August 9 at 11:59 p.m. and the winner drawn on August 10 at 9:00 a.m. The second Early Bird Draw features a Brandon Wheat Kings Flex Pack, valued at $899 and including two tickets to the Prospect Game. Ticket sales close August 23 at 11:59 p.m., with the draw taking place on August 24.We're thrilled to be building our new taproom in Brandon and to properly immerse ourselves in the Westman community," said Emma Houldsworth, Brand & Marketing Leader of Trans Canada Brewing Co. "Brandon has always been a place where we've had strong roots, and becoming part of the community in a bigger way allows us to strengthen those connections. Partnering with the Brandon Wheat Kings Foundation is a natural fit because it gives us the opportunity to support local youth and community initiatives while investing in a region we're proud to call home. Funds raised through the 50/50 program directly support the Brandon Wheat Kings Foundation's mission to empower young athletes through education, training, scholarships, and player development opportunities while investing in programs that strengthen communities throughout Westman. "This partnership is about much more than a jackpot," said Robbie Zetariuk, Executive Director of the Brandon Wheat Kings Foundation. "We're so happy to welcome Trans Canada Brewing Co. as our Presenting Sponsor because they share our commitment to giving back. Together, we're creating more opportunities for youth, supporting education, and making a meaningful impact throughout our community." The Brandon Wheat Kings Foundation has become a driving force in supporting educational opportunities and player development while leaving a lasting impact beyond the rink. Every 50/50 ticket purchased helps continue that mission by investing in the future of young athletes and strengthening the communities they call home. The Foundation is proud to partner with organizations that believe in building stronger communities, and Trans Canada Brewing Co.'s support reflects a shared commitment to making a difference both on and off the ice. Tickets for the 2026 Fall Progressive 50/50 go on sale August 1. Fans are encouraged to purchase early for multiple chances to win throughout the campaign, culminating with the Grand Prize Draw during the Brandon Wheat Kings' Home Opener on September 18.  

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.

The much-anticipated Brandon Brine Bash will not take place in 2026, with organizers announcing the festival will instead be rescheduled for Fall 2027. The event had previously been scheduled for August 22, 2026. Organizers say the decision follows “deep conversations” about the timeline and the challenges faced during the festival’s planning process. According to organizers, the event was disrupted during critical months of planning after the festival was required to change its original branding. The event was initially announced as the Downtown Brandon International Pickle Fest, but organizers were forced to move away from the name “Pickle Fest” due to trademark concerns. The change resulted in the loss of opportunities for grants, community partnerships, food vendors, entertainment and other resources. Organizers also said they had to put a full stop to merchandise plans connected to the previous event name. Despite the disappointment of postponing the event, organizers say the extra time will allow the Brandon Brine Bash to return at the size and quality that Brandon and Westman residents have been waiting for. “A good pickle takes time and love to ferment,” organizers said in the announcement, adding that volunteers are eager to begin planning again. The Fall 2027 Brandon Brine Bash is expected to take over downtown Brandon with activities, local entertainment, pickled food vendors and fun competitions. Like the former Downtown Brandon International Pickle Fest, the Brandon Brine Bash will continue its focus on community and giving back. Organizers say a portion of profits from the 2027 event will be donated to the Brandon Bear Clan, an Indigenous-led organization of volunteers that supports vulnerable residents in downtown Brandon and throughout the community. Organizers also announced that, with the assistance of Andrea and her team at Epp Law Offices, the name “Brandon Brine Bash” is now registered with the Manitoba Companies Office. More information about the festival will be shared through the Brandon Brine Bash social media pages and at community events as planning for the 2027 event gets underway.