The City of Windsor has revealed more details about its half-million-dollar summer event series, which now includes a waterfront drone show and aquatic movie-watching experiences.
53 Free Staycation Events
During a media event at City Hall Square on Tuesday, municipal and community leaders announced Windsor will host 53 free staycation events across the city from now until early October. Those events include a $150,000 Windsor Pizza Festival, Saturday morning movies at the Capitol Theatre, and a riverfront speakeasy, intended to give residents fun things to do without breaking the bank.
Families should not have to choose between making ends meet and making memories, said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. Dilkens praised his council colleagues for adopting a tax freeze in the 2026 budget while continuing to invest in the things that make Windsor a great place to live and play.
Drone Show Over the Detroit River
Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino shared details about the illuminated drone show planned for September 6 in Dieppe Gardens. As darkness falls across the Detroit River, hundreds of illuminated drones will take to the night sky in a breathtaking display celebrating our country, our community, and the pride we share in calling Windsor home, Agostino said. It's going to be emotional, patriotic, and one of those 'You had to be there' Windsor moments.
Dive-In Movies at Lanspeary Pool
The Windsor International Film Festival is joining the fun by offering free family-friendly movies at the Capitol Theatre every Saturday morning in July and August. It's also playing water-related dive-in movies including Finding Nemo, Shark Tale, and Jaws for swimmers at Adventure Bay Lanspeary Pool on four dates in August.
Funding Source
The money comes from Windsor's tourism development, infrastructure and program fund, which is supported by the Municipal Accommodation Tax on hotels, motels, and other short-term rentals, not the property tax base. Ontario municipalities are required to spend the hotel tax dollars on tourism-related expenses. Last month, city council voted unanimously to spend up to $500,000 on Experience Windsor: dozens of events planned for parks, civic centres, and waterfront spaces across Windsor.
