Hear that? Silence. It’s the sound of November— the beautiful, calm month as you come down from a crazy summer and a chaotic start to the kids' school year, before you brace yourself for the beginning of another bustling holiday season.
November is when you can catch your breath — and finally catch up with your girlfriends. Whether you're from The Peg or staying in one of our city's amazing hotels, have time for an entire weekend with the ladies or just a single evening to spare, we've got a list of ideas and events for you.
Spas
November is the perfect time to relax with the ladies at Thermea for the day. Actually, any time is the perfect time to visit the award-winning Nordic spa, but November’s temperate days are especially enjoyable when you can comfortably sit around the fire in your bathrobes drinking wine.
For indoor relaxation, check out Ten Spa at The Fort Garry Hotel or the Riverstone Spa at Inn at the Forks, both of which boast beautiful restaurants — the Palm Lounge and SMITH restaurant.
The Winnipeg Jets have six home games in November (The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club)
Sports
Grab dinner downtown at The Merchant Kitchen, Carne Italian Chophouse or Hermanos then catch the Winnipeg Jets in one of their six home games in November at Bell MTS Place.
If you still haven't had enough hockey, rally the girls again next month and cheer on Canada’s national women’s hockey team at Bell MTS Place on December 5th — part of a six-game exhibition series versus arch-rivals, Team USA.
For next time: The Winnipeg Blue Bombers offer an awesome Girls Night Out package during their CFL season — two tickets, two drinks (beer or wine), and tw $10 vouchers to use with Skip the Dishes starting at $37 per person.
There are half a dozen must-see holiday markets in Winnipeg this month (Mike Peters)
Shopping
November plays host to a huge number of holiday markets, shopping events and sales.
On November 18, St. Vital Centre holds its annual Behind Closed Doors event where a $5 ticket lets you shop huge sales after-hours. Only a few blocks away is Harth, the new Italian osteria and wine bar that’s been getting plenty of praise since opening in August. We recommend the burrata to start.
Browse an eclectic collection of treasures at the Manitoba Antique Association’s fall/winter antique sale on November 19 where jewelry, art, farmhouse antiques and mid-century decor are on display.
Feel free to use one of the many Christmas markets as an excuse to treat yourself, too. The Third + Bird holiday market happens Nov 25th, the 7th Annual Aboriginal Arts & Crafts Sale is on November 24, and the WEST Etsy fall market is on November 4 followed by the holiday market December 16.
Snacks & Sips
Most Winnipeg tasting tours are offered in the summer, but Downtown Winnipeg BIZ offers a cool, fun cocktail crawl you can complete entirely indoors —all year round! The next one takes place November 10.
On November 18, find out why Franco Pepe, from the tiny village of Caiazzo, Italy, is considered the top pizzaiolo in the world as he visits The Forks Market for a wine and pizza pairing. The event is helping celebrate the recent opening of the Red Ember Common at The Forks.
Brunch in style and song at the Sunday Brunch Collective on November 19. A four-course gourmet brunch menu is prepared with fresh local ingredients by Chef Ben Kramer, while music accompanies the meal by Winnipeg Folk Festival’s Young Performers.
The Barenaked Ladies bring their Fake Nudes tour to the Burton Cummings Theatre November 25 (Dan Harper)
Shows
Some must-see shows come to town this month, including the Barenaked Ladies: Fake Nudes Tour at the Burton Cummings Theatre, Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker and Cirque Musica Holiday’s Believe at Bell MTS Place.
On November 10, Just For Laughs Alternative Comedy Tour features some of comedy’s funniest and quirkiest stand-ups for an evening of off-beat hilarity, hosted by T.J. Miller.
The Aboriginal Designers Cooperative Ltd hosts dinner and a fashion show at Prairie 360 on November 23rd, and the Manitoba Country Music Awards take place on November 10 at the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre with several of Manitoba’s top country acts performing.
Get creative with pottery workshops and painting classes (Tyler Walsh)
Workshops
A new, sunny space in downtown Winnipeg is home to the Collective Workshop, where artists and makers in the community offer a variety of interesting and relevant creative workshops. Upcoming November workshops include hand painted plates, macrame plant hangers and weaving.
Sip on a beer or wine flight and make your own bouquet, wreath or terrarium when you join in on one of the popular Freshcut Downtown workshops held at restaurants and breweries across the city.
The Painters Café opened in September in the city’s east end and offers a variety of fun, creative classes including chalk paint 101, hand-painted sign workshops, holiday décor and private parties. The store's paint-it-yourself studio even lets you rent the space, paint, brushes, tools and waxes by the hour!
A festive crafting bee takes place on November 29 at Fort Whyte Alive. Crafting workshops here use natural and recylced materials, and wine, prizes and snacks are offered throughout the evening.