Spirit Week — Back Downtown

Back Downtown Spirit Week
May 15-19, 2023

You’re invited to join our cross-workplace culture. Bring your spirit.

Working from home has a lot of perks — you can get your laundry done, cuddle your dog and crush miles on your Peloton. But there’s no substitute at home for a vibrant workplace culture or the bustling community downtown. There are some things you just have to come back downtown to experience.

Woman sitting at a desk, working on a laptop.

So, for one week, we’re inviting downtown workers to celebrate the things you can only find working downtown. Back Downtown Spirit Week has plenty of ways for workplaces to bring the spirit to life within their walls. Plus, we’ve got big fun ‘n games, a therapy dog pup-up, free gym classes, free coffee before noon and a collective happy hour to fill each day of the week with more reasons to love working downtown.

Whether it’s taking in some fun right after the workday, visiting with the office dog, getting coffee at your local shop, working out with co-workers or hitting happy hour with friends, the spirit of working downtown is undeniable.

Let’s break down those walls between us and enjoy an engaged workforce and downtown culture for one whole week that’s sure to inspire more.

Group of three people sitting around a desk with drinks, food and playing cards.

Monday, May 15

We’re bringing the oversize fun to you with big basket pong, Jenga and Connect Four. Gather up your co-workers for some really big fun in the park.
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Locations:
Old Market Square
Central Park
True North Square Plaza or Lobby
Manitoba Hydro Place or Lobby

Two people sitting at a desk cheersing take away coffee with a croissant and candy in front of them.

Tuesday, May 16

Free coffee for the first 100 visitors! Visit one of the participating coffee shops between opening time and noon for a free coffee or tea on us!
Time: Open - 12 p.m.
Locations:
Harrison’s
Human Bean
Hildegard’s Bakery

Two women at a desk holding dumbells with a water bottle in front.

Wednesday, May 17

Grab a friend for a wellness break with free gym during the workday! The best part? Your gym break is on us!
The Community Gym
Free one-hour classes at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Get your pass here
GoodLife Fitness
Free Body Combat Class at 12:15 p.m.
Free HIIT Class at 5:15 p.m.
True North Square Plaza
Free yoga at 8:00 a.m.
Free fitual or ritual at 5:00 p.m.
(bring your own mat)
Sport Manitoba Fitness Centre
Free Strength & Conditioning class at 6:30 a.m.
Ashtanga Flow Yoga at 12:15 p.m.
TRX at 5:15 p.m.
Free facility access all-day
Register here
Drop-In Dance
Free dance class at 12:00 p.m. at Vimy Ridge Park

Woman sitting at a desk petting a multicoloured, small dog.

Thursday, May 18

We’ll show our gratitude with puppy cuddles, courtesy of the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Time: 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Locations:
201 Portage Lobby

Three people sitting around a desk cheersing wine with snacks in a bowl nearby.

Friday, May 19

Happy Friyay! End the week with a ‘cheers’ and take a well-deserved break with an extended happy hour at participating businesses!
Times vary by location.
Locations:
Rose Bar: happy hour 12-7 p.m., duelling pianos 4-7 p.m.
Rudy’s: all-day happy hour
Shannon’s Irish Pub: extended happy hour
Tavern United Downtown: extended happy hour ‘til 7 p.m.
Devil May Care Brewing: happy hour specials 12-6 p.m.
Amsterdam Tea Room: happy hour 12-6 p.m.
Little Brown Jug: happy hour 12-5 p.m.
Patent 5 Distillery: $1 off classic vodka or gin martinis. Aviation back for Spirit Week only!
Rosé Coffee + Wine: $10 wine glasses 12-3 p.m.
Nonsuch Brewing Co.: BOGO Belgian Blonde Pints 2-5 p.m.
Across the Board Game Café: all-night happy hour
Cordova Tapas and Wine: happy hour 5-8 p.m.

For Downtown Workers:
Check out the line-up for all the events out in the community, and make sure to bring the spirit to life in your office with these tips. Then, get ready for a fun-filled workweek supporting local and falling in love with the city again!

DOWNLOAD SCHEDULE
Calling all Downtown Leaders and HR Reps:
Back Downtown Spirit Week is a great way to bring a community together and we’re counting on you to help us make it a success.
It’s easy! Simply download our free tip sheet for ideas on how you can help activate Spirit Week within your own walls and promote the event to your staff. Be sure to loop in your HR or social committee to bring the spirit to life in your office!

REGISTER NOW