Regina's friendly local roundup | Friday, July 31, 2026

Happy Friday, Regina! 👋

Queen City Ex is in full swing at REAL District, the heat is sticking around for one more hot, hazy weekend, and there is a busy few days of baseball, ball games and grandstand concerts ahead. Watch for a chance of an evening thunderstorm tonight before things dry out and heat back up for the weekend.

Five stories to get you into the weekend, then your full events guide for Friday through Sunday. Let's go.

In today's edition:

Regina Pats games are getting more affordable this fall. The team's ownership group, Brandt Sports & Entertainment, announced Thursday that every ticket price is dropping 15 per cent across the board for the 2026-27 WHL season, with a new Family Zone offering seats at $12.50 each plus taxes and fees. "Times are a little tougher, so we need to be more competitive price-wise," said Shaun Semple, owner of Brandt Sports & Entertainment. The cuts arrive as the organization prepares to take over day-to-day operation of the Brandt Centre itself once the REAL District transaction closes Sept 1.

Running both the team and the arena means the organization can lean on concessions, sponsorship and the overall game-day experience for revenue instead of relying so heavily on ticket sales, executives say. Season ticket renewals open August 4, new season ticket sales begin August 17, and single-game tickets and other packages go on sale August 24. On the ice, a roster led by prospects Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue under a new coaching staff will try to give fans even more reason to fill the barn. Cheaper seats, bigger ambitions.

Queen City Ex is doubling down on accessibility this year. Kidway Morning returns to the fair, offering a quieter, calmer environment for up to 200 children with sensory sensitivities, with select attractions featuring adjusted music, lighting and sound levels. "We want every guest to feel welcome, included, and able to make lasting memories," said Trent Fraser, acting president and CEO of the Regina Exhibition Association Limited. Designated areas throughout the grounds also give guests a place to step away from the crowds when things get overwhelming.

The fair has also brought back the Joshua Tree Quiet Zone, a low-stimulus space hosted by the Joshua Tree Learning Centre at Queensbury Downs' Ballroom A, open noon to 6 p.m. daily through Sunday. It is built for neurodivergent individuals, children, families and anyone who needs a break from the sights and sounds of the midway. With three more days of rides, concerts and fair food ahead, it is a good reminder that Regina's biggest summer tradition is trying to make room for everyone to enjoy it.

The reigning Western Canadian Baseball League champion Regina Red Sox are back at Currie Field for the last homestand of their 2026 regular season. After a Friday doubleheader against the Weyburn Beavers, the Sox host the Moose Jaw Miller Express Saturday at 6 p.m., then close it out with a Sunday doubleheader against the Saskatoon Berries at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. It is a short stretch, just five games left on the schedule, but a meaningful one as the club looks to finish the regular season strong.

The Sox won their third Harry Hallis Memorial Trophy last season and have spent 2026 defending that title with a roster built for a deep playoff run. The regular season wraps up at home against Weyburn on Wednesday, August 5, fittingly right back where the club hopes to launch another postseason push. If you have not made it out to Currie Field this summer, this weekend is the last call before the games start to matter even more.

The Regina Farmers' Market's Tomato Festival is back for its third year, taking over the Queen Elizabeth II Gardens at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building on Saturday, August 1 starting at 9 a.m. With Queen City Ex occupying the market's usual Confederation Park spot this week, the Saturday market is relocating for the day into a full celebration of tomato season, with more than 70 vendors, live bluegrass music, a petting zoo and boat tours out to Willow Island.

The tomato contest is always the highlight, with categories for the prettiest, ugliest and tiniest homegrown tomatoes judged by the public. Last year's event drew close to 10,000 people to the grounds. Cornhole, potato sack races and other games round things out on the West Lawn for kids and families. It is a good excuse to get out and enjoy the Legislative grounds this weekend, tomato-themed prize basket optional.

When the Saskatchewan Roughriders wrapped up wind sprints at practice this week, the group included three extra runners: offensive tackle Jermarcus Hardrick's kids. Jermarcus Jr., 13, Santana, who turns 11 next week, and Lyla, who turns 10 in August, are regulars on the practice field whenever the Hardrick family is in Regina from their off-season home in Lincoln, Nebraska. "It's awesome to see them out here," said head coach Corey Mace. "They're always welcome on the field and in the facility. It's not just his family. There are multiple others as well."

For Hardrick, last season's CFL Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman and a Grey Cup champion, having his kids underfoot after practice is part of what makes Regina feel like home for half the year. "I love bringing my kids to work," he said. "It's just the family atmosphere we have here... they call the guys uncles, so it's a blessing." The Riders are back in action Saturday at 5 p.m. against the Edmonton Elks, chasing revenge after last week's 36-34 home loss.

Riderville.com

July 31 to August 2

🎡 Queen City Ex | REAL District | Noon–Midnight | Rides, food and the midway carry on into the weekend. Details →

🎤 Geordie Kieffer & Down With Webster | Confederation Park, REAL District | 8:30 PM | The Grandstand Stage wraps the work week with a high-energy double bill. Details →

🎸 Collective Soul | Conexus Arts Centre | 8:00 PM | Regular tickets sold out; VIP packages remain | The Atlanta rockers behind "Shine" and "December" play Regina. Details →

⚾ Red Sox vs. Weyburn Beavers (doubleheader) | Currie Field | 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM | The final homestand of the season gets underway. Tickets →

🦉 Twit-Twoo Craft Crew | Royal Saskatchewan Museum | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Included with admission | A drop-in craft project designed for ages 5 to 8. Details →

🎬 RPL Film Theatre: The Way Way Back | Central Library, 2311 12th Avenue | 4:30–6:15 PM | Free admission | This week's feature at Regina's independent cinema. Details →

🀄 Social Mah Jongg | Central Library | Free | Drop-in Mah Jongg for all skill levels. Details →

🚗 Friday Nights Classic Car Show | Southland Mall, parking lot in front of Mark's | 5:00–9:30 PM | Free, weekly through Sept. 25 | A rotating display of classic and newer rides. Details →

🎡 Queen City Ex | REAL District | Noon–Midnight | Details →

🤠 Dallas Smith | Confederation Park, REAL District | 8:30 PM | The CCMA-award-winning country star headlines the Grandstand Stage. Details →

🍅 Regina Farmers' Market Tomato Festival | Queen Elizabeth II Gardens, Legislative Building | 9:00 AM | Relocated for the day from the market's usual spot; 70+ vendors, live music, a petting zoo and the annual tomato contest. Details →

⚾ Red Sox vs. Moose Jaw Miller Express | Currie Field | 6:00 PM | Tickets →

🎡 Queen City Ex | REAL District | Noon–Midnight | Final day of the fair. Details →

🏃 QCX Midway 5K Run | Confederation Park | 9:00 AM | A 5K through the fairgrounds and Mosaic Stadium, with a medal, pancake breakfast and free QCX admission for finishers. Details →

🧘 Yoga in the Gardens | North Lawn, Government House | 9:00–10:00 AM | Free, drop-in | A calm start to the day led by instructor Fran Switzer. Details →

⚾ Red Sox vs. Saskatoon Berries (doubleheader) | Currie Field | 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM | Tickets →

🎸 Arkells | Confederation Park, REAL District | 8:30 PM, fireworks at 10 PM | The JUNO-winning Hamilton band closes out the Grandstand Stage in style. Details →

🖼️ Strange Dark Memory | MacKenzie Art Gallery | Free, through Aug. 9 | Maia Stark's first major solo exhibition. Exhibit info →

🖼️ Death Boat and Other Stories | MacKenzie Art Gallery | Free | Long-term exhibit of Indigenous art. Exhibit info →

🔭 Kalium Observatory Free Public Observing | Kramer IMAX Theatre | Ongoing through Dec. 11 | Free public stargazing sessions. Details →

🚣 Mystery at the Lake Outdoor Escape Room | Wascana Centre | Through Oct. 31 | Self-guided outdoor puzzle experience along the lake. Details →

🕵️ Society of Wonders Outdoor Escape Room | Warehouse District | Through Oct. 31 | A self-guided puzzle adventure through the neighbourhood's historic streets. Details →

🧺 Picnics on the Island | Willow Island Overlook, Wascana Centre | Sundays through Aug. 23 | A relaxed Sunday picnic series on the island. Details →

🎡 One more lap through the midway
🎸 Front and centre for Arkells
⚾ At Currie Field cheering on the Sox
🍅 At the Tomato Festival instead

Hit reply and let us know :)

Thanks for reading Queen City Digest. Stay cool, drink some water, and have a great long weekend.

🗓️ Next edition: Monday, August 3.

-QCD