Free Winnipeg Events This Weekend: January 16–18
Posted Every Tuesday before 7 PM.
FEATURED EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
WinterFEST 2026 is Riverview Community Centre’s annual winter celebration, featuring more than a week of family-friendly activities and community fun. Events include Movie Night, Family Ski Day, concerts, the Frost Bite River Run, Family Skate Night, Après Ski Night, yoga, and a 4×4 tournament spread across January 16–24.
Learn to Winter at The Forks celebrates Winnipeg’s winter culture with free weekend activities for all ages. Programming includes outdoor experiences, music, wellness activities, and seasonal fun, with rotating events throughout the afternoon.
Enjoy free winter fun with multiple Ski for Free events happening across Winnipeg and nearby communities. Borrow skis and other winter equipment at no cost and try out groomed trails in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. All events are drop-in, equipment is first come, first served, and all ages and abilities are welcome.
- Ski for Free at West St. Paul
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: West St. Paul Access Centre - Ski for Free at Riverview CC’s Winter Carnival
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Riverview Community Centre - Ski for Free at Oak Hammock Marsh
Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Oak Hammock Marsh - Ski for Free at St. Norbert Community Centre
Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: St. Norbert Community Centre
DOWNTOWN
Explore over a century of law enforcement history at the Winnipeg Police Museum, featuring artifacts dating back to 1874. Located inside Police Headquarters, the museum offers a fascinating look at the evolution of policing in Winnipeg.
Celebrate Manitoba’s sporting history with free admission to the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. Discover exhibits, artifacts, and stories highlighting more than 500 inducted athletes and teams across a wide range of sports.
Harp and Flow Yoga offers a gentle, restorative yoga session supported by live therapeutic harp music. This beginner-friendly class combines slow yoga flow and meditative music to support physical and mental wellbeing. Registration is required.
Learn to Winter at The Forks celebrates Winnipeg’s winter culture with free weekend activities for all ages, including outdoor experiences, music, wellness programming, and seasonal fun.
DJs on Ice brings live music to the skating experience at The Forks, adding energy and atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
Family Engineering Fun invites children and their families to take on hands-on engineering challenges using blocks, Keva Planks, K’NEX, and more. This drop-in program encourages creativity and problem-solving.
Silver Screen Matinee presents the classic Western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, following two outlaws in 1890s Wyoming as they flee to South America. Rated G.
Learn to Skate offers free, guided skating lessons for all ages and skill levels as part of The Forks’ Learn to Winter programming.
Storytelling in the Teepee invites visitors to gather around the fire for storytelling and drumming, offering a warm and meaningful cultural winter experience.
Winter Wellness features free outdoor fitness sessions led by a local instructor, with a different winter-friendly workout each week, weather permitting.
AROUND WINNIPEG
Heirloom Portraits Inc. is visiting Berens River to offer portrait sessions for families, including family and passport photos. For best results, attendees are encouraged to avoid wearing green.
Bingo Night at IKEA Winnipeg invites IKEA Family members to enjoy a free evening of bingo, trivia, and bonus activities. Registration is required and spots are limited.
A free, family-friendly community event designed to introduce children to dentistry in a fun and positive way. Activities include a first dental visit experience, face painting, balloon animals, games, and free gifts. Registration is encouraged.
Snowshoe Saturday offers free snowshoe rentals and a chance to explore prairie trails. Visitors can learn how to snowshoe, enjoy the outdoors, and warm up with hot chocolate and free drop-in activities.
Family Art Afternoon invites children and their families to drop in and create using a variety of art and craft supplies in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
A hands-on drop-in program where families can tackle engineering challenges using blocks, Keva Planks, K’NEX, and more. Creations remain in the library.
A relaxed jigsaw puzzle social with options for speed and casual puzzlers. Volunteers provide tips and tricks, with all puzzles and supplies provided.
A free matinee screening of the classic Western following two outlaws in 1890s Wyoming as they flee to South America. Runtime is 112 minutes and rated G.
Winterfest Family Skate Night invites families to enjoy a festive evening on the ice with music and a welcoming community atmosphere.
FREE INDOOR SKATING
Free Swim and Loonie/Toonie Swims
Sat: 6:30 – 9:45 p.m. (Youth swim)
Sat: 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Sat: 3 – 5 p.m.
Fri: 7:30 – 9 p.m. (Youth swim)
Sun: 4 – 5 p.m.
ADULTS 18+ ONLY
Catch Busted live on the Mainstage at McPhillips Station Casino! Enjoy a high-energy night of live music in a lively casino atmosphere. Open to guests 18 and older.
Enjoy an evening of live music with On the Que Trio at Loft 180 inside McPhillips Station Casino. A relaxed late-night vibe with great music awaits. Open to guests 18 and older.
Experience a dynamic live performance from the Nazeem Lakay Band on the Mainstage at McPhillips Station Casino. A great way to spend a Saturday night out. Open to guests 18 and older.
Don’t miss First Avenue performing live at Loft 180 inside McPhillips Station Casino. Enjoy great music, drinks, and a fun late-night atmosphere. Open to guests 18 and older.
Join the excitement of Winnipeg Jets Game Day at the Casinos of Winnipeg! Fans can cheer on the Jets while enjoying game-day food and drink specials, prize giveaways, and a lively atmosphere throughout the night. Open to guests 18 and older.
KIDS EAT FOR FREE
Kids eat free on weekends at Hooters! Children 10 and under can enjoy a free meal from the kids’ menu with the purchase of an adult entrée priced at $12 or more.
Note: This offer may stop at any time without prior notice. Call the restaurant first to confirm availability.
Enjoy a family-friendly Sunday at Fionn’s where kids eat free all day, and adults can sip on $7 Caesars. A great way to wrap up the weekend with good food and savings.
Note: This offer may stop at any time without prior notice. Call the restaurant first to confirm availability.
The Manitoba Sports Card & Collectibles Show kicks off 2026 with a buy, sell, and trade event featuring sports cards, collectibles, and trading cards. Hourly door prizes and a wide variety of vendors make this an affordable outing for collectors of all ages.
Cineplex Family Favourites makes weekend movie outings affordable with select family-friendly films at a low price. This week’s feature is Madagascar: 20th Anniversary, part of Cineplex’s popular Family Favourites series.
The Winnipeg Sports Car Club’s “Fire on Ice” Drift & Race Tour delivers high-energy ice racing and drifting action. Spectators can watch multiple racing classes from their vehicles, tune into live race commentary, and enjoy hot snacks on site.
