Top 5 things to do in Winnipeg this weekend (Nov. 28-30)
There’s this thing called an arctic chill that has settled in over Winnipeg, and now that you’ve had a horribly long week braving the cold, I think you deserve some warmth and fun inside somewhere.
There’s a great folk show at the West End Cultural Centre if you want something more relaxing to do or a talent show and dance party at the Good Will if you can muster the energy.
There’s also a great show just for kids at the symphony if you need to get your offspring out of the house for a few hours, and last but not least, a great place to get fancy and stay warm in the Exchange.
WHAT: MUSIC – Last Ditch on the Left at the WECC
When: Saturday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m.
Where: West End Cultural Centre at 586 Ellice Ave.
Cost: $15 in advance or $20 at door
Last Ditch on The Left is releasing their debut album at the West End Cultural Centre Saturday night.
If you haven’t heard of the new-ish two-piece folk-outfit, you should acquaint yourself.
Basically, it’s two very talented neighbours from Wolseley – Kerri Stephens and Brent Warren – who make gentle-sounding folk/Americana type music.
It’s a bit Johnny Cash, a bit Jenny Lewis and maybe a bit Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – so really easy, nice listening.
The price is a bit steep, but I do think this is a show worth spending a few extra dollars on.
Oh! And they’ll be joined by Joey Penner of French Press, who is great.
Go, bring a date and then when it’s over head a few blocks down Sherbrook to the Good Will.
WHAT: SHOW – TALENT! at The Good Will
When: Saturday, Nov. 29 at 10 p.m.
Where: The Good Will at 625 Portage Ave.
Cost: $10
This is going to be so much fun.
Art City and the Graffiti Gallery are hosting a talent show at The Good Will Saturday night to raise money for the United Way.
There will be a clever host, all sorts of strange and wonderful five-minute talent acts (from volunteers and staff at Art City and the Graffiti Gallery) and even a photo booth.
It’s only $10 and after all the talent is over, DJ Hunnicutt is going to play some songs you can dance to.
It’s just going to be delightful, and it’s for a good cause, so there’s no excuse not to go.
Get tickets early though, The Good Will isn’t a big place!
(And you can probably still make this after the Last Ditch show, so plan accordingly.)
WHAT: ACTIVITY – Escape from a locked room (no, really)
When: Friday, Saturday or Sunday
Where: The Real Escape at 2003 Portage Ave.
Cost: $20
There’s a new business in Winnipeg that locks you in a room with your friends and tosses away the key.
It’s called The Real Escape and is as bizarre as it sounds – which seems like reason enough to check it out.
Basically, you go to this place, they take you to a room, lock you in there for an hour and give you some clues to find your way out.
You pay $20 and hopefully don’t become so enraged by having to co-operate with your friends in an enclosed space that you say some things you regret.
But seriously, this sounds kind of fun. It’s not the same thing you do every weekend, and it’s brand new.
I would only bring people whose reasoning and logic skills you feel like you can get on side with, otherwise it’ll be a bummer of a ride home.
WHAT: KID STUFF – WSO does a Rocky Mountain Fairy Tale
When: Sunday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m.
Where: Centennial Concert Hall at 555 Main St.
Cost: $12 for kids, $25 for adults
You know how kids always seem to be having a way better time than adults? It’s because they’re into stuff like this.
The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is doing one of their concerts for kids Sunday afternoon with a cute little fairy tale about a little girl who skis.
There’s brilliant music, a narrator and some cool visuals that will totally keep your little kidlet distracted for a few hours.
These are great shows because they’re super affordable, totally cozy and a decent way to spend the afternoon with a little human.
Plus, you can feel like an amazing parent for expanding their tiny horizons and exposing them to the symphony, which is awesome.
If you don’t have kids, skip to the next item. I got you, kid-less people.
WHAT: DRINKS – Fancy drinks at Peasant Cookery
When: Friday, Saturday or Sunday
Where: Peasant Cookery at 283 Bannatyne Ave.
Cost: Around $10 for a fancy drink
It’s going to be horrendously, terrifyingly cold this weekend, so it might be a good time to head to Peasant Cookery, sit in front of their fire place and try their drink menu.
The lounge side of Peasant is way too often overlooked. The place has an amazing cocktail list they update regularly, and the bartenders there are some of my favourite in the city.
You can go, explain what fancy ingredient you like or what fancy drink you’re interested in trying, and the guys behind the bar will make you something fantastic.
My favourite French 75 in Winnipeg is poured at this bar, but you can be way more adventurous and find something you love.
Bring a friend and try and steal a table near the back.
Oh and PS: They have an delicious, super affordable poutine you really should order as a snack.
