Finding affordable or no‑cost learning opportunities in Brandon is easier than you might think — whether you’re looking to improve your skills, meet new people, or just try something creative. Here’s a curated guide to free and accessible workshops in Brandon.
1. Brandon Literacy Council
The Brandon Literacy Council (BLC) offers free ESL and conversation classes for immigrants and new residents. These sessions, held Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM, help build English fluency in a friendly, supportive setting. BLC also provides free computer literacy workshops, helping you learn basic email, Word, and Excel skills
2. Brandon Public Library – Kids & Community Clubs
During summer, the Brandon Public Library hosts free Summer Kids Clubs for ages 6–12, with themes like crafts, reading circles, and storytelling sessions. Clubs run twice daily from early July through late August. While these are aimed at children, they can help parents connect with library staff and learn about other free offerings
3. Moonpreneur Robotics Workshops
Moonpreneur held free in-person robotics and STEM workshops for kids aged 7–14 in Brandon in May 2025 at venues like the Colonial Inn.  These full-day sessions introduce coding and robotics in a hands-on environment. Keep an eye on their announcements; they may host future free educational events in the city
4. Doors Open Brandon – Heritage Tours
Doors Open Brandon is a free annual event (mid-August) organized by the City of Brandon, offering self-guided public access tours of historic buildings and heritage sites usually closed to the public. It includes multiple tour routes and gives residents a deeper sense of local culture and architecture
5. Sustainable Development and Eco Workshops
The City of Brandon partners with Efficiency Manitoba and the Manitoba Eco‑Network to provide free community presentations on energy-saving, sustainability, and environmental topics. Residents can book one-hour sessions on topics like green building or home upgrades, often with incentives. While not traditional “classes,” these are informative workshops valuable to anyone interested in eco‑friendly living.
6. Green Action Centre – Composting Workshops
Green Action Centre hosts free public workshops on composting — backyard, winter, and vermicomposting — open to Manitobans. These sessions are a practical way to reduce household waste and learn sustainable living tips
7. Community Volunteering & Clean‑Up Events
While not always labeled as workshops, events like “Spruce Up the City” downtown clean-ups teach safe waste handling, sharps disposal, and community engagement in one-time sessions.These free events build skills and local pride at the same time
🧠Summary Table
| Type of Workshop | Who It’s For | Cost | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conversation / ESL classes | Immigrants, adults | Free | Speaking, fluency, computer basics |
| Library Kids Clubs | Children 6–12 + families | Free | Reading, crafts, storytelling |
| Robotics & STEM Workshops | Youth 7–14 | Free | Coding, robotics, hands-on technology |
| Doors Open Tours | Everyone | Free | Local architecture, history sites |
| Sustainability Presentations | Homeowners/groups | Free | Energy efficiency, environmental tips |
| Composting Workshops | Home/garden users | Free | Composting methods and waste reduction |
| Community Clean‑Ups | Volunteers | Free | Safety, waste handling, civic skills |
How to Stay Updated
Visit the Brandon Public Library website or call 204‑727‑6648.
Check the Brandon Literacy Council website or drop by in person.
Follow Moonpreneur and local event sites for STEM workshops.
Watch the City of Brandon event calendar for Doors Open and green initiatives.
Sign up with Green Action Centre for environmental and composting workshops.
From English conversation practice to robotics for kids, heritage tours, and sustainability workshops, Brandon offers a surprising variety of free or low-cost learning opportunities. These programs are not just educational—they’re pathways into community, confidence, and local knowledge.