10+ Free Things To Do In Winnipeg This Weekend March 1-3, 2024

Posted Every Tuesday before 7 PM.


FEATURED EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

1st Fridays in Exchange
Date: March 1, 4 PM – 9 PM or later
Venue: Multiple Locations In the Exchange

Winnipeg’s vibrant Exchange District comes alive with extended hours, special events, and open doors at galleries, artist-run centres, studios, shops, and museums. Explore a diverse range of artistic expressions, from captivating exhibitions to live performances and interactive workshops. Mingle with local artists, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the creative energy of the city.

AWRA Winter Extravaganza 2024
Date: March 2, 2 PM – 10 PM
Venue:  861 Buchanan Blvd

This free event promises to be a fun-filled day for all ages, with ice skating, sponge hockey, pick-up games, 50/50, meat draw, beer gardens, marshmallow roast, live music, and more! Don’t miss out on the excitement – mark your calendars now!” AWRA Winter Extravaganza.

First Fridays @ The Manitoba Museum
Date: March 1, 4 PM – 9 PM
Venue:  861 Buchanan Blvd

Unwind, explore, and learn at First Fridays! Every first Friday, enjoy free admission to the Manitoba Museum’s galleries, planetarium, and special events. This month, delve into the emotional journeys of Southeast Asian refugees through a documentary screening and exhibit, explore the stars in the planetarium, and enter to win a prize!

DOWNTOWN

Lights on the Exchange
Date: January 21 – March 21, 2024
Venue: Multiple Locations, The Exchange District

Are you looking for a unique and exciting way to experience Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District this winter? Then you won’t want to miss Lights on the Exchange, a public winter arts festival that showcases light-based artworks by Canadian artists.

Free Admission to Winnipeg Police Museum

Date: Open Tuesday to Friday
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Venue: Winnipeg Police Headquarters, 245 Smith Street
Free Admission

The Winnipeg Police Museum displays many artifacts related to the history of the Winnipeg Police Force, dating from its beginning in 1874.

Manitoba Sports Hall Of Fame

Date: Open Tuesday to Friday
Time: 11 AM – 3 PM
Venue: 145 Pacific Ave., #100
Free Admission

Celebrate the history and achievements of sports in the province. It was established in 1980 and has inducted over 500 individuals and teams from various sports, such as hockey, curling, speed skating, basketball, and more. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and stories that showcase Manitoba’s sport heritage and culture.

ArtWalk: Lights on the Exchange x First Friday
Date: March 1, 6 PM – 7 PM
Venue: Exchange District

Explore the Exchange District with us as artists light up the neighbourhood! We will visit lanterns, light boxes, projections, window displays and more.

Sikorsky Photography & Friends
Date: March 1, 6 PM – 8 PM
Venue: 6th Floor, 70 Arthur St.

#FirstFridays

In support of the people of Ukraine we present angelic paintings by newcomer Olha Lytvynenko, live music at 6 & 8pm, and a ballet photo session. Also presenting new and returning Ukrainian makers of jewelry, toys, candles and more. Performances are free, optional donations will be accepted by the musicians and sent to help Ukraine.

Creative Collaborations CABARET
Date: March 1, 6 PM – 9 PM
Venue: Creative Manitoba, 4th floor 245 McDermott Avenue

#FirstFridays

Featuring the diverse talents of our performing artists including Yvette Rochon, Ashley Bieniarz, Hørst and more! In addition, we have saved some time on the lineup for… YOU! That’s right, the mic will be open! If you’d like some time in the spotlight, arrive early and we will be happy to save you a spot to perform as well. Free admission and free snacks!

Drag on Ice at Old Market Square
Date: March 1, 6 PM – 10 PM
Venue: 275 Bannatyne Ave

#FirstFridays

Drag on Ice: A fabulous night of skating and drag shows at Old Market Square Rink, 6-10 pm. Winter beer garden by Little Brown Jug. Food, fire, and fun. Dress warm and bring skates!

First Fridays at the Warehouse
Date: March 1, 6:30 PM
Venue: Tom Hendry Warehouse, 140 Rupert Ave.

#FirstFridays

JOIN US FOR FREE LIVE MUSIC from 6:15 to 7:15pm!
Our cozy lobby will be open for patrons who have tickets to the play and those who just want to drop by for some free live music. The bar will be open and tunes start at 6:30pm!

In-store performance by Paige Drobot
Date: March 1, 7:30 PM
Venue: Into the Music, 245 McDermot Avenue

#FirstFridays

“Paige Drobot is a freak rock guitar goddess from an alternate timeline. The eclectic songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist is easy to recognize despite the variety in her work.”

Ladies Free Until 10 PM @ The Palomino Club

Date: Every Friday
Time: 9 PM
Venue: Palomino Club, 436 Main St

TGIF! It’s Ladies’ Night at the #PalominoClub! They also got Buns of Steel going down tonight. Don’t miss out!

Free Admission to Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Date: Every Sunday
Time: 10 AM – 5 PM
Venue: 85 Israel Asper Way
Free Admission

Sundays at the Museum is a great chance to get together and explore the exhibits, browse through the Boutique and more.

AROUND WINNIPEG

The Red River City Soul Club
Date: Every Friday, 6 PM – 8 PM
Venue: 210 St Cross St

Mod Marty’s Birthday!!! Experience the excitement with great sound and an open dance floor AT THE LEGION ON RIVER!
We’ll be SPINNING Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Funk, Boogaloo, Mod, and more ALL NIGHT – NO COVER – 8:00-2:00!!

Live Music at Silver Spike Saloon
Date: Every Friday and Saturday, 9 PM – 1 AM
Venue: 202 Bond St

No cover charge. Food + Drinks $$$

Group Hike at Bois des Esprits in the Seine River Greenway
Date: March 2, 11 AM & 1:30 PM
Venue: Bois-des-Esprits, 650 Shorehill Drive

Bois des Esprits is a great place to get a taste of nature without leaving the city of Winnipeg.

More than 20 tree carvings turn the trail into a treasure hunt, enchanting and mystifying adults and children alike.

The woods are filled with deer and birdsong. And there is no intimidatingly long drive or risk of getting lost!

Winnipeg Run Club
Date: Saturdays, 8 AM
Venue: The Forks 1, Forks Market Road

We are a lululemon led community driven run crew. We meet weekly 8am on Saturday mornings at The Forks. Each week we set up 5km & 10km routes with over 20 community run leaders to support you along the way. The intention is everyone feels welcome and safe. It’s a great way to start your weekend, moving with others!

During our warmer months we meet under The Canopy at The Forks

Book-to-Movie: True Grit
Date: March 3, 2 PM – 4 PM
Venue: Carol Shields Auditorium, Millennium Library, 251 Donald St

Mattie Ross is determined to avenge her father’s death by capturing Tom Chaney, the man who shot and killed him for two pieces of gold. Just fourteen, she enlists the help of Rooster Cogburn, a one-eyed, drunken, trigger-happy U.S. Marshal, and hardened Texas Ranger LaBoeuf to track the fleeing Chaney. Despite their differences, their ruthless determination leads them on a perilous adventure that can only have one outcome: retribution. Based on Charles Portis’s novel of the same name. 109 min. Rated 14A.

FREE SWIM INDOOR POOLS


Stay healthy and have fun by taking a free swim at City of Winnipeg operated indoor pools.

Effective January 7 – March 23, 2024 

*Schedules are subject to change without prior notice*

Taka a free swim at City of Winnipeg operated indoor pools.

  • Free Swim: designated time for safe activities for everyone; no admission fees apply;
  • Loonie / Toonie Swim: designated time for safe activities for all people that meet admission requirements, admission fee for under 18 years is $ 1.00; admission fee for 18 years and over is $2.00;
  • Youth Swim: designated time for safe activities for swimmers 9 – 19 years of age.
  • Family Swim: designated time for safe activities for families, adults must be accompanied by children and children must be accompanied by adults;

Bonivital Pool – 1215 Archibald Street

FREE TEEN SWIM Sat 7:30 PM – 9 PM


Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex 999 Sargent Avenue

FREE SWIM Sat 2:30 PM – 6 PM
FREE TEEN SWIM Sat 6:30 PM – 9:45 PM


Eldon Ross 25 1887 Pacific Avenue West

Loonie/Toonie Swim Sat 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM


Elmwood Kildonans Pool 909 Concordia Avenue

Free Youth Swim & Waterslide 9-19 years Fri 7 PM – 9 PM
Free Public Swim Sat 3:30 PM – 5 PM


Kinsmen Sherbrook Pool 381 Sherbrook Street

Free Swim Fri 2 PM – 5 PM
Free Swim Fri 3 PM – 5 PM
Loonie/Toonie Swim Sat 5 PM – 7 PM


Margaret Grant Pool 685 Dalhousie Drive

Free Swim Fri 8:30 AM – 9:25 AM
Free Teen Swim Fri 7:30 PM – 9 PMif


Seven Oaks Pool 444 Adsum Drive

Free Teen Swim Sat 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM


St. James Civic Center 2055 Ness Ave

FREE SWIM Fri 7:30PM-9:30PM
FREE SWIM Sun 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM


Transcona Kinsmen Centennial 1101 Wabasha Street

Loonie/Toonie Fri 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Free Youth Swim Fri 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM


FREE INDOOR PUBLIC SKATING

City of Winnipeg public skating opportunities are available at 12 arenas in Winnipeg. All public skating activities are provided free of charge.

Times and dates are subject to change without notice at all locations.

Public Skating
Schedule – Winter 2024


Ab McDonald
2055 Ness Ave.
Saturday, 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | January 6 – March 16


Bertrand
294 Bertrand St.
Saturday, 2–3 pm | January 6 – March 16


Billy Mosienko
709 Keewatin St.
Sunday, 4–5 pm | January 7 – March 10


Eric Coy
535 Oakdale Dr.
Sunday, 2:15–3:15 pm | Jan 8–Mar 11


River East
1410 Rothesay St.
Friday, 5:45–6:45 pm | January 5 – March 15


Sam Southern
625 Osborne St.
Sunday, 3–4 pm | January 7 – March 3


Sargent Park
1111 Wall St.
Sunday, Noon–1 pm | January 7 – March 10


St. Vital Centennial
580 St. Anne’s Rd.
Sunday, 12:30–1:30 pm | January 7 – March 17


Terry Sawchuck
901 Kimberly St.
Saturday, 11:45 am–12:45 pm | January 6 – March 16


Transcona East End CC
517 Pandora Ave. E
Sunday, 1:30–2:30 pm | January 7 – March 17, cancelled January 21
Saturday, 6:30–7:30 pm | January 6 – March 16, cancelled January 20




The Manitoba Electrical Museum

Date: Tuesday-Saturday
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue: 680 Harrow St
Price: $5.00 per person, children 5 years & under free.

Sunday Visits at Winnipeg Firefighters Museum

This event may be affected by the holiday season. Please call 204-942-4817 to check if it’s open.

Date: Sundays
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Venue: 56 Maple Street

They offer a glimpse of what fire fighting was like from the 1874 volunteer-era to the present day.

Badminton Drop in Sundays
Date: Sundays 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Venue: Robert A. Steen Community Centre, 980 Palmerston Avenue

Drop-in Badminton starts again on the 14th @ 7pm! 🏸 Don’t forget about the $5.00 drop-in fee!
(Please note that on the 21st Badminton will begin at 7PM due to an event)