Residents of Windsor-Essex have a vibrant weekend ahead with the return of the Downtown Windsor Farmers' Market and a diverse lineup of local events celebrating community, culture, and creativity.
Downtown Windsor Farmers' Market Launches 17th Season
The Downtown Windsor Farmers' Market returns for its 17th season on March 28, offering an expanded experience with approximately 25 percent more space and an increased number of vendors. This annual event transforms a section of Pelissier Street between Wyandotte Street West and Park Street West into a bustling hub where local farmers, artisans, and sellers showcase their products.
Visitors can explore a wide array of fresh produce, handmade goods, and specialty items while enjoying live music performances on an entertainment stage. Interactive games and a dedicated food hall add to the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect Saturday outing for families and individuals alike. The market operates every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., running from March 28 through October 31.
Commemorating Pandemic History with Film Screening
The Windsor International Film Festival marks the five-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic with a special screening of Dispatched From the Field Hospital. This documentary provides a poignant look back at the early days of 2020, when Windsor established a field hospital to care for residents of long-term care facilities.
Directed by Matt Gallagher, the film delves into the emotional challenges faced by patients, their families, and frontline healthcare workers, including Gallagher's personal experience with his father becoming a patient. The screening takes place at the Capitol Theatre on March 28 at 2:30 p.m., with tickets available for purchase on the festival's official website.
Celebrating Folklore with Festival Du Nain Rouge
Windsor's fourth annual Festival Du Nain Rouge brings centuries-old French folklore to life on March 28 at Mill Street Park in Olde Sandwich Towne. The event centers around the Nain Rouge, a mischievous red dwarf from local legends believed to inhabit the Detroit River region, with sightings traditionally associated with misfortune.
This spring celebration transforms the folklore into a family-friendly festival featuring live music, dancing, singing, and a dedicated kids' activity corner. The festivities run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., offering a lively afternoon of community engagement and cultural heritage.
Chili Cook-Off and Fashion Week Finale
Shine Hospitality hosts its inaugural chili cook-off on March 28 at 62 King Street East, inviting home cooks to compete for top honors. Former Colchester Bar & Grill owner Julie Appleby will serve as a judge, helping to crown winners for both a grand prize and a people's choice award. Entries must be submitted by noon, with judging commencing at 1 p.m.
Fashion Week Windsor-Essex 2026 concludes with a main stage runway competition on March 28 at the Water's Edge Event Centre. Six local designers will showcase their collections, with the audience selecting the winner. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by opportunities for attendees to meet the designers and view the garments up close.
Family-Friendly and Adult-Oriented Activities
For younger audiences, the Chrysler Theatre Kids Music Theatre Camp presents Disney's Mary Poppins Jr., a 60-minute musical adaptation set in 1910 London. Performances are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on March 28, with general admission tickets priced at $20 plus taxes, available through the theatre's website.
Looking ahead, WindsorEats Food Hall hosts an adults-only Easter egg hunt on April 4, starting at 7 p.m. Participants aged 19 and older will have 20 minutes to find hidden eggs, with prizes ranging from candy and chocolate to gift cards and merchandise. This unique event offers a twist on traditional holiday activities for the adult community.
Residents are encouraged to share upcoming events by emailing NewsWin@postmedia.com, ensuring the community stays informed about local happenings throughout Windsor-Essex.
