5 things to do in Winnipeg this weekend

From here on out, Winnipeg's weekends are going to be packed with festivals until the end of summer. If you're not escaping the city for the cabin, there is a ton to do in the city.

This week there's everything from Noble Thiefs in the Exchange to volleyball in the park to almond croissants in Wolseley.

So forget about your hot apartment and go have some fun with the locals. 

When: Friday at 10 p.m.

Where: Old Market Square

Cost: FREE

Another weekend, another excuse to hit the beer gardens at Old Market Square and listen to some excellent local music.

This weekend, my top pick is The Noble Thiefs (yes, thiefs). They're playing The Cube for free as part of the Fringe Fest celebrations and are the absolute perfect band to see at an outdoor venue. They're a four-piece rock-soul band with a really big sound, and they put on incredibly energetic, entertaining shows.

Go park your butt in a beer garden, get a cold one and don't bring anyone interesting. You'll be too busy staring at lead singer Myron Dean all night to keep up a good conversation.

When: Friday at 11:15 p.m. or Sunday at 5:45 p.m.

Where: Alloway Hall at the Manitoba Museum

Cost: $10

I have to admit I'm not a Fringer. Don't get me wrong, I love the food trucks and the music at Old Market Square and all the amazing creative people in this city getting together to do great things.

But something in me is too lazy and admittedly cheap to go see multiple plays. If you're like me, and see about one Fringe Fest play per year, make it this one. Suspend your laziness and open your wallet to go see Rope at the Manitoba Museum. 

If the name sounds familiar it's because Hitchcock did an adaptation of the play in the '50s and it was incredible. Basically, someone gets murdered right off the hop, and two roommates host a party in a room where the murdered guy is hanging out. They also invite the murdered guy's girlfriend. Intrigue!

Hitchcock's film was one of the best he has ever done, and I am so excited to see what the young director and lovely local celebrity Thomas Toles will do with the play. It's only $10, and I have a feeling it's going to be great.

When: Friday and Saturday

Where: Maple Grove Rugby Park (190 Frobisher Rd.)

Cost: $25 for a weekend pass

Before you totally dismiss this one -- I promise you it's not just for meatheads and women with exceptional athletic ability. There are beer tents, great local music and it's all to raise money for a group of very deserving athletes. 

There are a ton of nice people who are in great moods because they've been active and in the sun all day for a good cause. For the uninitiated, the event is a giant fundraiser for Team Canada Women's Volleyball Centre. Yay endorphins and raising money for good things! 

You also don't have to play to go check out the outdoor concert. This year Moses Mayes is taking the stage at 10 p.m. Friday night, in case you're not a Buckcherry superfan (they're playing Saturday night).

The only downside is that park is always full to the brim with mosquitoes so try to find some decent smelling spray and bring a sweater! And I know $25 sounds steep, but that covers two days of music.

When: Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Tall Grass Bakery at 859 Westminster Ave.

Cost: Depends on what you get ($5-$10, likely)

If you're a long-time Winnipegger you're probably more than aware of all the awesome places to get cinnamon buns in the city -- Tall Grass, Jonnie's Sticky Buns, Stella's, your grandma's house. BUT, there is something far better than cinnamon buns from all of those places combined: the elusive almond croissant from Tall Grass Bakery.

They are, hands down, the most amazing treat I have ever had in this city. And they are only available once a week for about an hour before the bakery runs out. They are like regular croissants except they've been dipped or cooked or slathered in some sort of sweet, delicate, almond flavoured sauce. 

It's fluffy, delicious, amazing food. And it's such a cheap treat. For about $5 you can get a small milk or juice and an almond croissant. The only catch is, you have to get there early on Saturday. They're ready around 9:30 a.m., and you'll have to battle lines of other Wolseleyites to get your hands on one or 10. They're usually all gone by 11 a.m., but I'm telling you, it's worth getting up early to nab one. 

Pull on your sneakers, put your kidlets, best friend or significant other in some sort of wagon, and walk sleepily down to Tall Grass on Saturday morning. You won't be disappointed. 

Best laid plans include a follow-up walk through Wolseley, down Palmerston or Westminster.