October’s the month where both the indoors and outdoors duke it out for your attention. In one corner, we have creepy clown forests and frustratingly complex corn mazes. In the other, enthralling shows and compelling art collections. Here’s how to make the most of the week, both inside and out.
And don’t forget, you have only two weeks left to scare yourself (or preferably your kids 😏) absolutely silly at one of our varied Halloween haunts.
Screech in horror at a Halloween haunt
This extremely creepy pic is from Six Pines.
Various dates and venues
‘Tis the season for fear and fright, and what better way to give yourself the shivers than by getting out to one of Manitoba’s many Halloween haunts. From haunted forests for the adults (Six Pines) to ghostly tours for the kids (Lower Fort Scary), there’s something bone-tinging for everyone this October.
Relish the handmade at a craft show
Remember last year when you were running through the mall on December 24th, desperately seeking that perfect (but inevitably sold out) gift? That’s not going to happen this year. That’s right, craft season has arrived and there are tons of shows and markets to browse.
Be enthralled under the big top
Photo by François Bergeron
Sep 10 to Nov 1
Under the big white top on Kenaston Blvd, Winnipeg
Beautiful music, astounding acrobatics and magnificent horses. The internationally acclaimed Cavalia pushes the limits of live entertainment with its latest production Odysseo. Let your mind believe the unbelievable and lose yourself in one of the most spectacular shows on Earth as you experience four hearts of Cavalia’s Odysseo.
Celebrate the season with hay rides, corn mazes and pumpkin patches
A Maze in Corn photo by @cateblc via Instagram.
Various dates and locations
Nothing says fall quite like hay rides, corn mazes and pumpkin patches. Don your boots, scarf and sweater and head out to A Maze in Corn for all of the above, plus a petting zoo, pony rides, exhilarating ziplining and a spooky Haunted Forest. The Scarecrow Forest in Steinbach has just about every farm activity you could think of, from Bales of Fun to Pig Races. Other options include Deer Meadow Farms, Boonstra Farms and Meandher Farms. Might as well make a fun day out of it and declare a Corn Maze Road Trip!
Wrangle up some fun at the rodeo
Oct 22 to 25
Keystone Centre, Brandon
Hitch yer wagons and head out to Brandon for the Wheat City Stampede! Catch bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and more in this high energy tribute to the Western, and farm hand way of life.
Cheer on those feisty Jets
Oct 23, 25
MTS Centre
The good old hockey game brings the roar to the crowd when the Winnipeg Jets take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 23 and the Minnesota Wild on October 25. As always, tickets are limited, so grab what you can before they’re all gobbled up. And there’s plenty of pre- and post-game action at surrounding pubs, clubs and eateries like The Pint, Shark Club, The Met, and Tavern United.
Experience our stark seasons at unique exhibit
Sep 17 to Nov 14
Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba, Brandon
The Thaw is a video and installation project by Canadian artist Jillian McDonald who is hopelessly in love with the North. The project features participants costumed in shades of white, acting out animals – both predator and prey – while the still prairie transforms from winter to spring. It was shot on location around Southwestern Manitoba, from Virden to Souris Valley and the Riding Mountain National Park.
Venture to the outskirts of the wild, wild west
Oct 13 to Nov 7
Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Winnipeg
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance has all the usual suspects – a notorious outlaw, a gunslinger, and a lawless town. When a young lawyer travels west in search of new adventures and opportunities, he is beaten and left for dead by Liberty Valance. After he is nursed back to health, he brings order to the chaotic town. But when Valance returns to finish what he started, our unlikely hero is faced with the ultimate choice: to turn and run, or stand his ground?
Explore the ancient world at Olympus
On until Apr 17, 2016
Winnipeg Art Gallery
Take the entire brood to see the famous families of ancient Greece and Rome at Olympus. Spanning almost 10 centuries of artistic production, this extraordinary collection features over 160 ancient treasures including statues, vases and jewelry. Get to know the The 12 gods of Olympus at the WAG before you meet them in the flesh – or rather in the marble, bronze, and terracotta.
Get your fill at a fall supper
Oct 24 – Chatfield, Deloraine, Elm Creek, Friedensfeld, Hadashville, Sifton
Oct 25 – Arborg, Brunkild, Emerson, Westbourne, Zhoda
Fall just wouldn’t be fall without the opportunity to enjoy a hearty, home cooked meal. Fall suppers are a long standing (and very tasty) Manitoba tradition, bringing together local communities with warm meals. Fall suppers topped our list of best places to eat this fall.
Be enveloped in human stories at CMHR
Open Tuesday to Sunday
Canadian Museum for Human Rights, The Forks
Contemplate inspring stories of struggle and triumph at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. This new national museum strives to create inspiring encounters with human rights, by engaging you in an immersive, interactive experience that offers both the inspiration and tools to make a difference in the lives of others.
While there, check out the exhibit XOXO: An Exhibit About Love and Forgiveness. This exhibit about feelings is great for children and families. You will play, act silly, consider what makes you sad, mad and happy, think about love and think about forgiveness.
Listen to the unique sounds of Eagle & Hawk
Oct 21
William Glesby Centre, Portage la Prairie
One listen to Eagle & Hawk’s distinctive sound and you’ll be hooked. By blending inspired vision with musical talent, Eagle & Hawk have created a progressive style of ‘rock’ steeped in roots, fusion, and solid songwriting that continues to earn fans – and loads of fanfare – worldwide.
Journey to the wildest places on earth!
On until Apr 24, 2016
The Manitoba Museum, Winnipeg
Earth Explorers brings to life the unparalleled adventures of National Geographic. Visitors to the Museum will learn about the daring men and women who go farther…deeper…higher than anyone else to discover new places, help protect our planet’s biodiversity, and unearth new scientific discoveries.
Sam Waller Museum
Open daily
Pas Community Courthouse, The Pas
Housed in the oldest brick building in northern Manitoba (built in 1916), the must-see Sam Waller Museum houses exhibits related to natural history and northern culture, along with oddities such as costumed fleas collected by late naturalist, teacher and taxidermist, Waller.
Got a tip for a future Hot this week? Send us your suggestion and it might just make the list! Comment below or tweet us @travelmanitoba.
