👑 Lots of good news this Monday

Regina's friendly local roundup | Monday, May 4, 2026

Happy Monday, Regina! 👋

What a weekend that was. After months of waiting, spring finally showed up in proper fashion, and Sunday's 21°C tease was everything we needed. Monday comes with a bit of a reality check, with cloudy skies and a high of around 7°C, but the forecast brightens up quickly from there, with sunshine returning Tuesday and temperatures climbing back toward double digits by Wednesday. Prairie spring is nothing if not dramatic.

The big news this weekend was a sentimental one: Regina's own Mitch Picton officially closed the door on his Roughriders career, and he did it the right way. There is also a packed week ahead, with Ron James at Conexus Arts Centre tonight, the Globe Theatre's new production well into its run, and the farmers' market now back where it belongs in the heart of downtown.

In today's edition:

🏈 Mitch Picton retires after nine seasons, a Grey Cup, and a storybook ending
🏆 Nine outstanding Saskatchewanians named to the province's highest honour
🎭 Globe Theatre's "Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer" hits a milestone
🛒 The Regina Farmers' Market is officially back downtown at Pat Fiacco Plaza
💰 Income assistance benefits up 2 per cent in Saskatchewan starting this month
🧹 Spring street sweeping is underway across the city
📅 Your events guide for May 4 to 6

A Storybook Ending: Mitch Picton Hangs Up His Cleats as a Grey Cup Champion

Regina product Mitch Picton announced his retirement from the CFL after nine seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the team he grew up watching, capping his career with a Grey Cup championship in 2025. He finished with 96 receptions for 1,081 yards and six touchdowns across 64 regular-season games. Picton was selected in the fifth round of the 2017 draft and spent his entire career in green and white, never suiting up for another team. He was that rarest of things in professional sports: a local product who stayed local and won it all.

At his retirement press conference, Picton was candid about the rarity of his moment. "Not many people get to walk away on their own terms," he said. "Most guys either get cut, or you have a career-ending injury." He played in the first game at Mosaic Stadium as a University of Regina Ram, later suited up for the Riders in that same building, and in the end helped bring the Grey Cup back to the province he grew up representing. Picton and his wife Kaylee will continue to call Regina home. Off the field, he spent years visiting schools across the province talking with kids about literacy and mental health. Thank you for everything, Mitch.

Nine Remarkable Saskatchewanians Named to the Province's Highest Honour

Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre announced nine outstanding individuals as the next recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the province's highest honour. The recipients will be invested at a ceremony in Regina in June, recognized for achievements spanning music, engineering, law, health care, education, and heritage. Among those named are Dr. Raymond B. Blake, a University of Regina professor recognized as one of Saskatchewan's most distinguished historians with more than 25 years at the institution, and Lionel Peyachew, a Cree artist from Red Pheasant First Nation and assistant professor at First Nations University of Canada in Regina.

The list also includes Donny Parenteau, a Métis singer and musician recognized for more than three decades of contributions to Saskatchewan's cultural and social fabric. Parenteau is a three-time Juno nominee who founded the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association and Awards in 2022, working to bring greater recognition to Indigenous music across the province. The investiture ceremony takes place in Regina in June.

Globe Theatre's Milestone Indigenous Production Is Worth Every Minute of Your Time

The Globe Theatre is hosting Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer, a comedic Indigenous play exploring colonialism, marking its 100th performance. Written by Kevin Loring, the production runs through May 17 at MacCorquodale Place and brings warmth, humour, and Indigenous storytelling to Canada's only permanent theatre in the round. Performances run Wednesday through Sunday, with evening shows and weekend matinees available. If you have been meaning to get downtown to the Globe this season, this is the show to see.

The Regina Farmers' Market Is Back Downtown Where It Belongs

The Regina Farmers' Market has returned to Pat Fiacco Plaza for the 2026 outdoor season, with both Wednesday and Saturday markets now operating downtown, marking a full return to the organization's longtime home. The outdoor season runs through October 10, with markets open every Wednesday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 2190 12th Avenue. The move came after a community survey drew more than 1,700 responses, with respondents pointing to atmosphere, walkability, and connections to surrounding businesses as the reasons they wanted the market back in the core.

Executive director Holly Laird said the plaza has always felt like home, and that returning gives the market an opportunity to bring people together again around local food in the heart of the city. Whether you stop by for fresh Saskatchewan produce, local honey, baked goods, or just the energy of a busy downtown morning, Wednesday markets are now part of your regular week again. Saturday is the bigger market day, but Wednesday is a great mid-week pick-me-up. Bring cash or look for the Market Money booth if you prefer to pay by debit.

Income Support Benefits Rising This Month for Thousands of Saskatchewan Families

Monthly core income assistance benefits are increasing in May, as announced in the Government of Saskatchewan's 2026-27 budget. An $11.7-million investment will raise core income assistance benefits by two per cent, providing households with up to $40 more per month. Saskatchewan Income Support clients will receive higher monthly benefits for the fifth consecutive year, and the increase also marks the fourth consecutive year of increases for Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability clients. The province is also introducing a new benefit to help prevent evictions, with a one-time $1,000 utility arrears benefit available to at-risk clients who need help staying housed.

The government noted the increase is intended to help make the costs of daily life more affordable for individuals and families with low income. The May increases also include improvements to SAID residential support benefits for families caring for loved ones at home. These are quiet changes that do not always get a lot of headlines, but they make a real difference to thousands of Saskatchewan families and individuals navigating tight budgets. Worth knowing about and worth talking about.

Spring Street Sweeping Is Underway Across Regina

Good news for anyone who has been watching the winter grime pile up: the City of Regina's residential spring street sweep officially kicked off on May 1, and crews are now working their way through neighbourhoods across the city. The sweep is designed to clear away the sand, leaves, and debris that accumulate over winter before it has a chance to wash into the storm sewer system. It is one of those quiet, unglamorous things the city does every spring that makes a real difference to how the community looks and functions heading into the warmer months.

If you see the sweepers coming down your street, move your vehicle if you can and give them room to work. The more pavement they can access, the better the results for everyone. Keep an eye on the City of Regina's website and social channels for neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood progress updates as the sweep makes its way across the city.

Check when the sweepers will be moving through your neighbourhood and/or download the app here : Regina.ca

May 4 to 6, 2026

MONDAY, MAY 4

🎤 Ron James: The Noise Between Our Ears | Conexus Arts Centre | 200 Lakeshore Drive | 7:30 PM | Paid admission One of Canada's most celebrated stand-up comedians is back on tour and stopping in Regina tonight. Ron James has been selling out theatres from coast to coast for over two decades, combining sharp satirical wit with storytelling that cuts right to the bone of Canadian life. A perfect Monday night outing. Tickets and info

🔬 Western Regional 3MT Competition | Darke Hall | 3737 Wascana Parkway | 7:00 PM | Free / check ahead Graduate students from across Western Canada each have exactly three minutes to explain their research to a non-specialist audience. It is surprisingly gripping, often moving, and a great reminder of the depth of talent coming out of our universities. Darke Hall is a beautiful room for it. Details at darkehall.ca

💃 Stream of Dance Festival: Rosa (SD Fest #4) | Globe Theatre Black Box Studio | 1801 Scarth Street | 7:30 PM | Paid admission The Stream of Dance Festival's fourth instalment of its spring series. The Globe's intimate Black Box Studio is one of the best small performance spaces in the city, and SD Fest consistently brings adventurous contemporary dance to Regina audiences. Details at globetheatrelive.com

🎸 Electric Six with Tragedy | The Exchange | 2431 8th Avenue | 7:30 PM | Paid admission Electric Six brings its high-energy rock set, paired with Tragedy, the heavy metal Bee Gees tribute that sounds absurd right up until the moment you hear it and realize it is extraordinary. A fun, loud, memorable Monday night at one of Regina's best live music rooms. Tickets

🎨 Drop-In Art Studio | Regina Public Library (Central) | 2311 12th Avenue | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM | Free A relaxed open studio space for adults to work on creative projects with materials provided. No experience needed and no agenda, just a welcoming space to make something. Details

⛸️ Public Skating | Co-operators Centre | 1700 Elphinstone Street | Check schedule (typically 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM) | Free / check ahead Open ice for all ages. A great midday reset or after-school activity. Check the May drop-in calendar before heading out. Drop-in calendar

🎤 Open Mic Night | The Cure Kitchen + Bar | Signup 8:00 PM | Starts 8:30 PM | Free | A welcoming stage for musicians, poets, and performers of all kinds. A great late-Monday option if Ron James or Electric Six already have you in a night-out mood. Check ahead to confirm. thecureregina.ca

🎬 Michael: The IMAX Experience | Kramer IMAX Theatre | 2903 Powerhouse Drive | Various showtimes | Paid admission The Michael Jackson biopic continues its IMAX run in Regina. Check ahead for current showtimes. Showtimes and tickets

🎭 Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer | Globe Theatre | 1801 Scarth Street | Various times | Paid admission Globe Theatre's milestone Indigenous production runs through May 17. Tickets

🖼️ All That We Need Is In The Room | MacKenzie Art Gallery | T.C. Douglas Building, 3475 Albert Street | Gallery hours | An ongoing exhibition. Drop in any time during gallery hours this week. mackenzie.art

TUESDAY, MAY 5

🎸 An Evening with Black Flag | The Exchange | 2431 8th Avenue | Doors 7:00 PM | Paid admission The legendary American hardcore punk band brings its current touring lineup to Regina's favourite independent live music room. A high-energy, no-frills show at a venue built for exactly this kind of night. theexchangelive.ca

🎯 Trivia Night | Victoria's Tavern | 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM | Free Bring a team, test your knowledge, and compete for local prizes in a great pub setting. A solid Tuesday plan. victoriastavern.ca

🏃 Group Run: Weekly Runs | Wascana Centre / local trails | Times Vary | Free | community-led runs open to all paces, typically rotating between Wascana and nearby trails. A great way to get moving and meet people. Check local clubs here : Run Regina

🏺 Pottery Wheel Class | Off The Rails Studio | Tuesday and Wednesday Evenings & Sunday Afternoons : A beginner-friendly wheel throwing class in a Cathedral-area studio setting. A hands-on evening for anyone who has been curious about ceramics. offtherailsstudio

🎭 Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer | Globe Theatre | 1801 Scarth Street | Various times | Paid admission globetheatrelive.com

🖼️ All That We Need Is In The Room | MacKenzie Art Gallery | T.C. Douglas Building, 3475 Albert Street | Gallery hours | An ongoing exhibition. Drop in any time during gallery hours this week. mackenzie.art

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6

🛒 Regina Farmers' Market | Pat Fiacco Plaza (City Square) | 2190 12th Avenue | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Free First Wednesday market of the season back downtown. Local produce, baked goods, honey, preserves, and Saskatchewan-made goods. Grab a coffee from a nearby spot and make a morning of it. reginafarmersmarket.ca

🎶 Aca-May-zing Voices | Darke Hall | 3737 Wascana Parkway | 7:00 PM | Paid admission A spring vocal showcase at one of Regina's most beautiful and underappreciated concert halls. Darke Hall's acoustic warmth makes it a natural fit for choral and a cappella performance. darkehall.ca

🎵 Folk Night: This Story | Bushwakker Brewpub | 2206 Dewdney Avenue | 7:30 PM | Free / cover Bushwakker's Wednesday Folk Night is one of the most reliably enjoyable midweek spots on the Regina social calendar. This week features local act This Story. Settle in with a pint and some pub fare. Events Info

🌿 Heal Documentary Screening | Regina Floral Conservatory | 1450B 4th Avenue | 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM | Paid admission A screening of the wellness documentary Heal inside the conservatory's tropical greenhouse. One of the more distinctive event settings you will find in Regina. Tickets on Eventbrite

🎬 RPL Film Theatre | Central Library | 2311 12th Avenue | 7:00 PM | Paid admission New weekly screenings open each Wednesday. World cinema, critically acclaimed new releases, and repertory programming you won't find at any multiplex. reginalibrary.ca/film-theatre

👶 STEAM Storytime and Kids Craft | Regina Public Library (Central) | 2311 12th Avenue | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | Free Science, technology, and art-themed activities for kids right at the downtown library. A great Wednesday evening option for families. reginalibrary.ca

🧘 Guided Meditation | Yoga Mala | check ahead Mid-week mindfulness to reset and recentre. A quiet and worthwhile way to close out a busy Wednesday. Check ahead to confirm the session. yogamala.com

🏒 Adult Drop-In Hockey | Co-operators Centre | 1700 Elphinstone Street | Check schedule (typically 10:00 PM) | Paid admission Drop-in scrimmage for adult players. Check the May calendar before heading out. Drop-in calendar

🎭 Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer | Globe Theatre | 1801 Scarth Street | 7:30 PM | Paid admission globetheatrelive.com

🖼️ All That We Need Is In The Room | MacKenzie Art Gallery | T.C. Douglas Building, 3475 Albert Street | Gallery hours | An ongoing exhibition. Drop in any time during gallery hours this week. mackenzie.art

🎬 Michael: The IMAX Experience | Kramer IMAX Theatre | 2903 Powerhouse Drive | Various showtimes | Paid admission The Michael Jackson biopic continues its IMAX run in Regina. Check ahead for current showtimes. Showtimes and tickets

Mitch Picton is officially retired. How do you feel about it?

🥹 Honestly a little emotional, not going to lie

🏆 Perfect ending. Grey Cup and out on your own terms

👟 Ready to cheer on the next generation of Riders

🤷 Wait, who's Mitch Picton?

Hit reply or find us on Facebook and Instagram @QueenCityDigest

Thanks for reading Queen City Digest. Spring is trying its best out there, the market is back downtown, the Globe is running strong, and Ron James is at Conexus tonight. It is a good week to be in Regina :)

Next edition: Wednesday, May 6.

-QCD