This weekend in Windsor-Essex features the Kingsville Highland Games, TRUE Fest in Amherstburg, the annual lavender festival at North 42 Degrees Estate Winery, and the return of Ontario’s free Family Fishing Week from June 27 to July 5.
Kingsville Highland Games
On Saturday, June 27, Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens (1562 Road 3 E.) hosts the Kingsville Highland Games, a full day of Scottish and Celtic tradition on the shores of Lake Erie. The event includes pipe bands, heavy athletics, Highland dance, artisan vendors, and food. Gates open at 8 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $20; children 12 and under are free. More information is available at kingsvillehighlandgames.ca.
Walkerville Distillery District Night Market
The Walkerville Distillery District Night Market kicks off Friday, June 26 from 5 to 11 p.m., featuring local food, drinks, and entertainment. This free, all-ages market offers artisan vendors, food trucks, pop-up kitchens, and live music. The market runs on the last Friday of each month through September.
TRUE Fest in Amherstburg
TRUE Fest takes over Murray Street in downtown Amherstburg on Saturday, June 27 from 6 to 10 p.m. This free outdoor event features a disco-inspired dance party with live entertainment and drag performances. All ages are welcome. A full list of Pride weekend events is available at visitamherstburg.ca.
Lavender Festival at North 42 Degrees Estate Winery
North 42 Degrees Estate Winery (130 County Rd. 50) hosts its annual lavender festival this weekend. Visitors can enjoy local artists and artisans, live music, family-friendly activities, food and wine, and the winery’s signature lavender lemonade slushies. The festival offers handcrafted goods, live performances, and wine tasting amid lavender fields. More details are at north42degrees.com.
Open Streets in Harrow
Open Streets takes over downtown Harrow on Friday, June 26 from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring over 30 vendors, a car show, live music, food trucks, a magician, and more. The event transforms the town core into a walkable hub of entertainment and community fun.
Essex Fun Fest
Essex’s 37th annual Fun Fest runs July 2-5 at the Essex Fairgrounds (60 Fairview Ave. W.). The celebration includes carnival rides, a car show, fireworks, a parade, wrestling, a youth talent showcase, a dog show, and the people’s choice awards. The main stage features Canadian country stars the James Barker Band on July 3 at 8:30 p.m. (tickets $35) and Essex’s Billy Raffoul on July 4 (free). Fun Fest entry is by donation. See essexfunfest.com for details.
Amazing Race Canada Winners at Bank Theatre
On July 3, Craig Ramsay and Catherine Wreford, winners of The Amazing Race Canada, appear at the Bank Theatre (10 Erie St. South, Leamington) at 7 p.m. They will share their journey from ballet to Broadway through storytelling, song, and dance. Tickets are $35. More information is at banktheatre.com/project/behind-the-curtain.
Free Family Fishing Week
Ontario’s free Family Fishing Week runs from June 27 to July 5, allowing Canadian residents to fish without a licence in Ontario waters. Regular fishing regulations, including catch limits and size restrictions, still apply. This is a chance for families to enjoy the province’s lakes and rivers.
