Mary Pidlaski

Spring has officially arrived in Winnipeg, and with it comes a vibrant lineup of events that showcase the city's rich culture, culinary delights, and architectural heritage. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, these happenings offer a fantastic way to connect with the community and experience the best our city has to offer. Here are my top four picks for this month:

🩰 Bolero with Angels in the Architecture & Hikarizatto – Royal Winnipeg Ballet

• Dates: May 1–4, 2025

• Location: Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main Street

• What to Expect: Experience a dynamic triple bill of contemporary ballets showcasing the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's versatility. The program features Mark Godden’s Angels in the Architecture, Stephan Azulay’s Bolero, and Itzik Galili’s Hikarizatto. This performance also marks the final curtain for Artistic Director André Lewis after 50 years with the RWB, making it a historic event not to be missed. 

🎨 Winyan by Lita Fontaine at WAG-Qaumajuq

• Dates: May 3 -May 17, 2025

• Location: Winnipeg Art Gallery – Qaumajuq, 300 Memorial Blvd

• What to Expect: Winyan (the Dakota word for “woman”) is a solo survey exhibition by Dakota/Anishinaabe/Métis artist Lita Fontaine. The exhibition brings together both seminal and recent works, celebrating Indigenous femininities through collage, textiles, and medallion-style paintings. Fontaine's art serves as a resistance to colonial practices, incorporating symbols of assimilation and gender-discriminatory policies while honoring her sisters, matriarchs, and Dakota culture.

🎉 Cinco de Mayo Carnival at Assiniboia Downs

• Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025

• Location: Assiniboia Downs, 3975 Portage Avenue

• What to Expect: Celebrate Mexican culture at the Cinco de Mayo Carnival, hosted by the Mex y Can Association of Manitoba Inc. Enjoy a day filled with authentic Mexican cuisine, live music, traditional dances, and family-friendly activities. It's a vibrant cultural experience that brings the community together in celebration.

🚚 MB Food Truck Battles at Assiniboia Downs

• Dates: Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25, 2025

• Location: Assiniboia Downs, 3975 Portage Avenue

• What to Expect: Prepare your taste buds for a weekend of culinary competition! Winnipeg's top food trucks will battle it out for the title of Food Truck Champion. Enjoy a variety of delicious eats, live music, kids’ activities, and a vibrant festival atmosphere. It's a foodie’s paradise and a family-friendly event all in one.

🏛️ Doors Open Winnipeg 2025

• Dates: Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25, 2025

• Location: Various sites across Winnipeg

• What to Expect: Explore Winnipeg's architectural gems and hidden historical sites during this annual city-wide celebration. From iconic landmarks to lesser-known treasures, Doors Open Winnipeg offers free access to buildings and guided tours that showcase the city's rich heritage. It's a fantastic way to connect with the community and discover the stories behind our built environment.

Whether you're immersing yourself in Indigenous art, indulging in culinary delights, celebrating cultural festivals, or uncovering the city's architectural history, Winnipeg offers a diverse array of events this May. These experiences not only enrich our cultural landscape but also highlight the vibrant community spirit that makes our city unique.

Feel free to share this post with your network, and let's celebrate the best of Winnipeg together!

As the snow melts away and Winnipeg begins to bloom, the city comes alive with events that bring us together, celebrate creativity, and showcase the unique spirit of our communities. Whether you’re a long-time local or new to the neighbourhood, these spring happenings offer the perfect chance to enjoy the best of Winnipeg’s culture and charm.

Here are a few must-visit events this April and May that I’m especially excited about:

🎨 Lita Fontaine: Winyan

📅 May 3 – May 17
📍Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq

Lita Fontaine, a celebrated Dakota/Anishinaabe/Metis artist, presents her solo exhibition Winyan, a powerful exploration of Indigenous identity, womanhood, and tradition. Her work is deeply rooted in storytelling, and this exhibit invites reflection on the roles, strength, and spirituality of Indigenous women. It’s a must-see for art lovers and anyone interested in Winnipeg’s rich cultural mosaic.

😂 Winnipeg Comedy Festival – "Maybe It’s Me"

📅 April 29 - May 4

📍 Burton Cummings Theatre, 364 Smith St

Laughter is the best way to shake off the winter blues, and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival never disappoints. This year’s show Maybe It’s Me promises a hilarious lineup of Canada’s top comedians. The iconic Burton Cummings Theatre provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of big laughs and even bigger smiles.

🏛️ Doors Open Winnipeg 2025

📅 May 24–25
📍 Various historic locations across Winnipeg

Doors Open Winnipeg is a citywide celebration of our local heritage and architecture. This annual event lets you peek behind the doors of some of the city’s most iconic and rarely accessible buildings — for free! It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about Winnipeg’s past while exploring landmarks and hidden gems that shape the city’s identity today.

🌾 St. Norbert Farmers’ Market

📅 Every Saturday - year round! Summer hours start May 17th!
🕒 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Summer hours - 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
📍 3514 Pembina Highway

There’s something special about shopping local, and the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market is the heart of that experience in Winnipeg. From fresh produce and baked goods to handmade crafts and friendly smiles, this market is a springtime staple. It’s also a fantastic way to support local growers and makers while soaking up the sunshine.

Spring is more than just a season — it’s a feeling. A time to reconnect, refresh, and rediscover the beauty of our communities. As a Winnipeg realtor, I love helping people find not only the right home but the neighbourhoods and events that make this city such a vibrant place to live.

Whether you’re attending a gallery opening, laughing until your cheeks hurt, or picking up fresh greens at the market, these moments remind us why Winnipeg is so easy to fall in love with — especially in the spring.

As the snow melts and Winnipeg bursts into spring, it's the perfect time to think about ways to live a little greener at home. Earth Day is a reminder that small changes can make a big impact—not just for the environment, but for your home's comfort, efficiency, and value.

As a local realtor, I’ve seen eco-conscious features become increasingly important to buyers here in Winnipeg. Homes that offer energy efficiency, sustainability, and smart upgrades tend to stand out—and often sell for more.

So whether you're thinking about selling or just want to create a more eco-friendly space, here are some seasonally appropriate, practical ways to green your home this spring and summer.

🌿 Simple Swaps for a Greener Home

You don’t have to start with a renovation—small changes can add up:

• LED bulbs for patios, porches, and garden lighting—more efficient and longer-lasting.
  
  

• Low-flow fixtures help save water as we head into gardening and lawn-care season.
  
  

• Eco-friendly cleaning products for spring cleaning that’s safe for your family and the environment.
  
  

• Reusable items like beeswax wraps, cloth napkins, and refillable containers to reduce everyday waste.

🌞 Spring & Summer Sustainability Tips

• Rain barrels: Collect rainwater to use in your garden and reduce strain on the water system.
  
  

• Native plants & pollinator gardens: Choose local species that thrive in our climate and support biodiversity—bonus: they’re low-maintenance!
  
  

• Outdoor compost bins: Get ready for garden season by composting food scraps and yard waste to create rich soil.
  
  

• Unplug & open up: Take advantage of warmer weather by unplugging and letting natural light and fresh air in.

⚡ Energy-Efficient Upgrades That Add Value

• Energy-efficient windows & doors: Still important in Winnipeg, but especially useful in keeping your home cool during our hot prairie summers.
  
  

• Smart thermostats: Control cooling efficiently and save on energy bills during temperature swings.
  
  

• Solar panels: Manitoba has plenty of sunny days—solar can be a smart long-term investment, and Manitoba Hydro offers programs to help.

🏡 Why Green Homes Matter in Winnipeg

Winnipeggers care about sustainability, and buyers are paying attention. Eco-friendly features like efficient heating/cooling, water-saving upgrades, and green landscaping don’t just benefit the planet—they make your home more comfortable, more attractive, and more valuable when it hits the market.

Thinking of making your home a little greener this season? Let’s chat! I’d be happy to share which upgrades are worth the investment in our local market—and help you turn Earth Day inspiration into real value for your home.