👑 Follow the music this weekend

Regina's friendly local roundup · Friday, June 19, 2026

Happy Friday, Regina! 👋

What a weekend to be in the Queen City. The grads are crossing the stage, jazz is pouring out of venues all over town, and tomorrow we gather in Victoria Park to honour and celebrate Indigenous cultures, communities, and achievements. Add a downtown farmers' market, a 100-artist makers fair, and a hometown guitar hero back on stage, and you've got about as full a June weekend as Regina serves up. Let's get into it.

In today's edition:

Over 2,400 Grads Are Crossing the Stage at the University of Regina This Week

It's convocation season, and the U of R campus is full of proud families, photo ops, and well-earned celebration. This spring, 2,452 graduates are receiving 2,645 degrees, diplomas and certificates across four ceremonies running June 17 to 19, with the final ceremony happening today. These newest grads join an alumni community of more than 97,000 people making a difference across Saskatchewan and beyond.

There are some standout stories in the crowd. The University Medal goes to Eshaal Rabiya, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology graduate who maintained a 97.14 per cent average while researching pain assessment for people living with dementia, all while volunteering at Regina General Hospital and with Canadian Blood Services. The university is also awarding honorary degrees to Indigenous governance leaders Sol and Elsie Sanderson, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, and Dr. Bob Steadward. Congratulations to every single grad. You earned this.

JazzFest Regina Hits Its Biggest Weekend, and the Whole City Is Invited

If you've heard music drifting out of patios and venues this week, that's JazzFest Regina in full swing. The festival runs June 11 to 24 at venues right across the city, including Le Bistro, The Exchange, Bushwakker, Revival Music Room, Casino Regina and the Conexus Arts Centre, and this weekend is the busy heart of it. There's something for every kind of listener, from intimate club sets to a proper concert-hall night out.

The lineup this weekend is a treat. Saturday brings the Pile of Bones Brass Band to The Exchange, while Sunday stacks up a Father's Day Jazz Brunch, a Multicultural Afternoon supporting the Regina Food Bank, and a Jason Marsalis Quartet tribute to Lionel Hampton. Whether you're a lifelong jazz devotee or someone who's never sat down with the genre before, this is one of those Regina traditions that rewards just showing up. Full set times are in the events guide below and more info at JazzFestRegina

A Regina Line Dancing Class Is Building One of the City's Warmest Communities

Here's a feel-good one. Hannah Polk's line dancing classes at Collective Studios in Regina have become a welcoming, inclusive space where people can pull on their cowboy boots and, in her words, stomp it out. The classes aren't exclusively for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, but they've become a safe and joyful gathering spot where everyone is encouraged to show up exactly as they are.

It's a lovely reminder that community can grow out of the simplest things: a good playlist, a few dance steps, and a room full of people happy to welcome a newcomer. No experience required, just a willingness to learn and have a good time. If you've been looking for a low-pressure way to meet people and move a little this summer, this might be your scene.

A Tagged Monarch Butterfly Made an Unprecedented Northern Trip Through Saskatchewan

A tiny traveller has been making big news. A monarch butterfly fitted with a miniature radio transmitter by the U.S.-based organization Monarch Watch passed through Saskatchewan on what researchers are calling an unprecedented northern journey. The featherlight trackers let scientists follow individual butterflies in ways that simply weren't possible before, turning a single insect's flight into a genuine data treasure.

For all of us watching at ground level, it's a charming excuse to keep an eye on the milkweed and the wildflowers this summer. Monarchs are a beloved and increasingly fragile species, so every confirmed sighting and every kilometre tracked is a small cause for celebration. Keep your eyes up. You never know who's passing through.

Just East of the City, White City Is Turning a Walking Tour Into a Wetlands Classroom

A short drive east of Regina, the community of White City is doing something clever with its local history. In collaboration with the Town of White City and local biologist Dale Hjertaas, the White Butte Museum is expanding its "ecomuseum" concept, weaving together nature and heritage along an outdoor wetland walking path. The idea is that the whole community becomes the museum, with the wetlands themselves as one of the exhibits.

It's a thoughtful, low-cost way to get outside, learn something about the prairie ecosystem on your doorstep, and appreciate just how much life a Saskatchewan wetland supports. If you're looking for an easy weekend outing that mixes a gentle walk with a bit of learning, it's well worth the short trip. Bring good shoes and a curious eye.

June 19 – 21

🪶 National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration | Victoria Park | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Free | The City of Regina's official celebration of the heritage, cultures, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Expect a Grand Entry, powwow dancers including the Northern Prairie Dancers and Charging Bear Productions, a performance from Brandon Alexson, an Indigenous artisan market, a Kids Zone with beading and button-making, and food trucks. The City is offering free transit to and from downtown between 10 AM and 1 PM. Details

🎨 National Indigenous Peoples Day: Colour & Create with Tianna Delorme | Victoria Park | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Free | Meet artist Tianna Delorme, learn about her work, enjoy colouring pages, and make a unique button celebrating Indigenous culture. Details

🎬 Mädchen in Uniform | RPL Film Theatre, Central Library, 2311 12th Ave | 4:30 PM | Free | A restored 1931 German classic directed by Carl Froelich and Leontine Sagan. 88 min, PG. Details

🎸 Lachlan Neville Show + Doc Screening | The Artesian, 2627 13th Ave | 8:00 PM | Ticketed | A live show and documentary screening presented by Western Seer Records. Details

🎬 Scream 7 | RPL Film Theatre, Central Library, 2311 12th Ave | 7:00 PM | Free | The latest in the horror franchise on the big screen. 114 min, 14A. Details

🃏 Social Mah Jongg | Sunrise Branch (RPL) | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Free | Play following National Mah Jongg League rules. All levels welcome. Details

🥕 Regina Farmers' Market | Pat Fiacco Plaza, 2190 12th Ave | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Free entry | The downtown market runs Wednesdays and Saturdays through the summer, with local produce, baked goods, honey, and makers. A perfect start to a Saturday. Details

🎨 Bazaart Makers Market | MacKenzie Art Gallery, 3475 Albert St | From 10:00 AM | $7 ($5 members, free for kids 12 & under) Saskatchewan's premier art, craft and design fair brings together more than 100 artists and makers from across the province, plus food trucks. Admission includes gallery access. Cash at the gate or buy ahead online. Details

🎺 The Pile of Bones Brass Band (JazzFest Regina) | The Exchange, 2431 8th Ave | 8:00 PM | $25 | A high-energy, all-ages, licensed JazzFest show from one of Regina's favourite brass outfits. Details

🎸 Jack Semple Plays Lightfoot | Casino Regina Show Lounge, 1880 Saskatchewan Dr | Show time varies | Ticketed | Juno-winning Regina guitar great Jack Semple pays tribute to Gordon Lightfoot's catalogue, with classics like "Sundown" and "If You Could Read My Mind." A lovely full-circle night in the same room Lightfoot himself played. Details

🎬 Hoppers | RPL Film Theatre, Central Library, 2311 12th Ave | 1:00 PM | Free | A 2026 animated feature, rated G. 104 min. Great for families. Details

🎬 Pariah | RPL Film Theatre, Central Library, 2311 12th Ave | 4:30 PM | Free | Dee Rees's acclaimed 2011 drama. 86 min, 14A. Details

🎬 Adjust Tracking 86: Magic Crystal (40th Anniversary) | RPL Film Theatre, Central Library, 2311 12th Ave | 7:00 PM | Free | The 86th edition of the RPL Film Theatre's beloved VHS night, hosted and programmed by Jon Vaughn. Details

🎷 Father's Day Jazz Brunch with Francois Bourassa Quartet (JazzFest) | Le Bistro | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | $55 / 2 for $100 | Treat Dad to brunch and a top-tier jazz set to mark Father's Day. Details

🌍 Multicultural Afternoon Celebrating Indigenous Day (JazzFest) | Le Bistro | 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Min. $10 donation to Regina Food Bank | An afternoon of music and culture, with proceeds supporting the Regina Food Bank. Details

🎺 Jason Marsalis Quartet: Lionel Hampton Tribute with The Regina Horns (JazzFest) | Le Bistro | 7:00 PM | $40 | A standout headline set honouring jazz great Lionel Hampton. Details

🎶 The Stampeders…One More Time | Conexus Arts Centre, 200A Lakeshore Dr | 7:30 PM | Ticketed | The Canadian classic-rock legends behind "Sweet City Woman" bring their show to Regina. Details

🎓 Thom Collegiate Graduation | Conexus Arts Centre, 200A Lakeshore Dr | Ticketed/Private | Congratulations to the Thom Collegiate Class of 2026 marking the milestone at Conexus. Details

🎭 Arsenic and Old Lace | Globe Theatre at MacCorquodale Place, box office 1801 Scarth St | Through June 28 | Ticketed | A macabre, screwball comedy to close out the Globe's season. Murder never looked so charming. Details

🐃 Bruce Anderson: Herd-Bound | Dunlop Sherwood Gallery, Sherwood Village Branch | Through October 14 | Free | A newly opened exhibition curated by Alexander Rondeau. Details

🖼️ Maia Stark: Strange Dark Memory | MacKenzie Art Gallery, 3475 Albert St | Through August 9 | Free admission | Saskatoon artist Maia Stark's first major solo show explores doubles, folklore, and the self through painting and ceramics. Details

👀 Looking ahead: JazzFest wraps Monday, June 22 with Kristin Korb's Eurythmics Jazz Tribute at Bushwakker (7:00 PM, $25).

It's a packed Regina weekend. What's your move?

Hit reply to let us know :)

Thanks for reading Queen City Digest. It's one of those weekends where the hardest part is choosing, so whatever you pick, get out there and enjoy your city. Happy Father's Day to all the dads, and a meaningful National Indigenous Peoples Day to everyone marking it.

Next edition: Monday, June 22.

-QCD