Winnipeg to Host Heritage Classic Fan Festival
The NHL announced a fan festival for the 2026 Heritage Classic on Oct. 25 in Winnipeg, with the Stanley Cup available for photos. The ticketed event at the University of Manitoba will feature more than 20 partner activations, alumni autographs, and local food options. The Jets and Canadiens will play at Princess Auto Stadium at 6 p.m. CDT.
The NHL's pregame gathering for the 2026 Heritage Classic will take place Oct. 25 at the University of Manitoba's U Lot, noon–5:30 p.m. CDT. Entry is limited to those holding tickets to the Jets-Canadiens outdoor matchup. The Stanley Cup will be available for photographs, and Winnipeg band Flatland Famous will perform on the music stage.
More than 20 league partners will offer activities, including Canadian Tire's frozen-lake goalie area, Esso's puck-target challenge, Rogers augmented reality, and Nestle's KitKat accuracy contest. Alumni signings and food from Classic Fare Catering, such as Montreal smoked meat and perogies, reflect both clubs. The game starts at 6 p.m. CDT at Princess Auto Stadium.
The festival could draw hockey fans and visitors to Winnipeg, giving local food vendors, hotels, and transit services a modest boost around the outdoor game. It may also strengthen community ties by bringing Jets and Canadiens supporters together for shared activities, alumni appearances, and photos with the Stanley Cup. For families and casual fans, the ticketed pregame may add a festive, immersive layer to the Heritage Classic weekend, though its impact likely remains concentrated among attendees and nearby businesses.