Queen City Digest — Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Your friendly, positive roundup of what’s happening in Regina

Opening note ☕❄️

Morning, Regina. If you woke up and thought, “Is the wind… personally mad at me?” you’re not alone. Today’s forecast is giving big Prairie main-character energy: blustery, chilly, and basically begging you to plan your errands like a military operation (quick, efficient, and with snacks).

The good news: this is also the kind of week where Regina shines at the small stuff — warm places, good coffee, and cozy culture. I’ve got a couple “leave the house for this” ideas, plus a few low-effort wins you can do even if you’re moving at half-speed.

Let’s do it.

Wed (today): High -11°C / Low -30°C — Very windy.
Thu: High -28°C / Low -39°C — Brisk and much colder.
Fri: High -27°C / Low -32°C — Still extreme-cold territory.

Practical plan:

2025 generated more than $135 million in estimated economic impact for Regina — the kind tied to hotel stays, restaurants, shopping, and all the “we’re in town for the tournament/conference” spending. They also note Regina welcomed 170,000+ event visitors, and that Tourism Regina worked with organizers on dozens of events to encourage attendees to explore local attractions and businesses. Looking ahead, they say several funded events are already confirmed for 2026.

Why it matters: More visitors usually means more steady work for hotels, venues, restaurants, and a whole lot of small businesses.

If you’re planning a “winter survival routine,” the City’s Leisure Pass is worth understanding. The City says it can be used for things like indoor/outdoor swim admission, drop-in fitness classes, fitness centres, the indoor track, public skating at City indoor arenas, and even booking indoor tennis/badminton courts at the Fieldhouse. They’ve also posted 2026 pricing (in effect Jan 1–Dec 31, 2026) — including monthly and yearly options for adults, seniors, youth, children, and families.

Why it matters: If you’ll actually use it, a pass can simplify winter decision-making: “I’m going somewhere warm and moving my body.”

Still looking at your dried-out Christmas tree like it’s a permanent roommate? The City notes the Yard Waste Depot re-opens temporarily for Treecycle during the holiday season window, running Dec 26, 2025 to Jan 31, 2026 (9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). They also outline winter operations like landfill winter hours and that green cart collection moves to a biweekly schedule during the winter period (with collection calendars updating automatically).

Why it matters: It’s a small win, but clearing the tree + knowing the winter waste rhythm makes the rest of winter feel way less chaotic.

If you need a “get out of the house, but not outdoors” plan, the MacKenzie Art Gallery has several exhibitions running through winter — including The 2025 Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts exhibition (on from Dec 4, 2025 to May 3, 2026). They’re also showing exhibitions like Joi T. Arcand: ayâtaskisow and The Memory of Trees across the season.

Why it matters: Regina having major national-calibre exhibitions is a quiet flex — and a very good excuse to plan a warm afternoon out.

The Art Gallery of Regina is advertising an upcoming main-gallery exhibition, The Thread of the Wish, running Jan 30 to Mar 28, 2026, with an opening reception Friday, Jan 30 (5–8 PM). The gallery describes it as a group exhibition exploring weaving and textile practices and how those forms carry story — especially across diverse communities.

Why it matters: It’s a fresh winter culture anchor — and opening receptions are one of the easiest “show up, be social for 30 minutes, feel like a person again” outings.

If you haven’t done it yet, try this simple loop: MacKenzie Art Gallery + a warm drink. Their site notes Craft Services Café is now open, which makes the MacKenzie an easy winter hang: walk an exhibition, grab a coffee, and leave feeling 17% more human.

Do this: Pick one exhibit to actually read (not just wander), then reward yourself with something warm after.
Where: 3475 Albert St (MacKenzie Art Gallery)

(8–12 ideas so you can choose your own adventure.)

1) Regina BeerFest 🍺

2) Sportsworld Collectibles Show 🏒🃏

3) J. J. Voss in Concert 🎶

4) Young Guns Hockey Academy Showcase 🏒

5) Holy Rosary Cathedral Tours ⛪

6) The 2025 Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts (exhibition) 🎨

7) Joi T. Arcand: ayâtaskisow (exhibition) 🖼️

8) The Memory of Trees (exhibition) 🌲

9) Regina Pat Canadians vs Moose Jaw Warriors 🏒

10) Sask Volleyball Sask Cup #1 🏐

Use this like a menu. Pick what you want. Ignore the rest.

Wed: Windy + cold night

Thu: Deep-cold day

Fri: Still brutally cold

Sat: Event day

Sun/Mon: Cold but a bit steadier

That’s it for today. If you do one thing this week: pick a warm, indoor “third place” (pool, gallery, café) and make it your winter default.

Reply and tell me: what’s your go-to “Regina winter comfort” spot — and what do you order there?

If this helped, forward it to a friend who’s currently negotiating with the wind.