Events & Festivals
Downtown Windsor festivals and events offer something for everyone. From the Red Bull Air Races and Festival Epicure to Windsor's Elvis Fest and the Windsor International Film Festival, downtown Windsor's events and festivals offer a unique and spirited cultural mix with strong roots in arts and entertainment.
The Red Bull Air Races (June 4 - 6, 2010)
One of the most exciting new sports
The Red Bull Air Race World Championship features the world’s best race pilots in a motor sports competition that combines speed, precision and skill.
Using the fastest, most agile and lightweight racing planes, pilots navigate a low-level aerial track made up of air-filled pylons, flying at speeds reaching 370 km/h (230 mph) while withstanding forces of up to 12G.
Touching down in eight cities worldwide in 2010, each Red Bull Air Race is unique. From the heart of the city to the open countryside, over land or water, a Red Bull Air Race can take place almost anywhere. Spectacular backdrops and jaw-dropping action guarantee that spectators experience one of the most innovative and exciting new sports around today.
Speed and skill
The objective is to complete the course, navigating the 20 metre (65 ft) high specially designed inflatable pylons known as ‘Air Gates’ in the fastest possible time. But it’s not just about speed. Pilots must pass between the Air Gates in the correct position (either knife or level flying) taking care not to touch them with their wings. Precision is crucial because any mistakes incur penalty seconds which are then added to the pilot’s time.
The pilots compete for World Championship points at each race and the one who accumulates the most at the end of the season is crowned Red Bull Air Race World Champion.
The world’s best race pilots
World-class pilots fly low to the ground at breakneck speed, attempting difficult turns and Air Gate crossings while coping with the high G-forces requires immense skill that only a certain number of pilots in the world possess. At the Red Bull Air Race Qualification Camp a rigorous selection process ensures that only the most skilled and experienced gain the ‘Super Licence’ needed in order to compete in the World Championship.
These pilots are at the top of their game – they have to be as the Red Bull Air Race puts huge demands on their flying abilities. They are constantly being pushed to their limits in a contest where hundredths of a second can be the difference between winning and losing.
For more information or to purchase tickets,
click here.
SummerFest (June 16 - July 4, 2010)
Summer Fest is a 24 day long festival, which takes place along the scenic riverfront in Windsor Ontario. This festival is a perennial favorite for the entire family, offering something for all ages, and stages. Over the years more than 500,000 people have come out annually to enjoy the many activities, and attractions which run in conjunction with Summer Fest.
For more information, click here.
Carrousel of the Nations: Carrousel by the River ( June 11 - 13, 2010)
Jun 11, 2010 to Jun 13, 2010 - The Carrousel of the Nations is a wonderful exploration and fusion of world music, dance, art, food and culture.
Hosted by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, the Carrousel of the Nations supports Windsor-Essex.
Unique multicultural identity and flavour and dominates the last three weekends in June, and is the area only regional multicultural festival. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Carrousel of the Nations offers festivalgoer fine food, music and warm hospitality.
Presenting signature headliners complemented by dance, art and other forms of cultural expression, the Opening Weekend of June 11-13 signals non-stop entertainment.
Hours: Fri 6 pm-11 pm; Sat 12 pm-11 pm; Sun 12 pm-10pm
Cost: $5
Venue: Riverfront Festival Plaza, Windsor
contact@themcc.com
www.carrouselofnations.ca
Phone 519-255-1127 for more information.
For more information, click here.
Carrousel of the Nations: Carrousel Around the City ( June 18 - 20, June 25 - 27, 2010)
In keeping with the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County's mandate "To promote and encourage a harmonious society that is multi-faith, multi-ethnic, and multi-racial and to work towards the social equality of all cultures", Carrousel of the Nations 2010 is once again presenting the premier opportunity to showcase the rich cultural diversity of our community.
For more information, click here.
Windsor Elvis Fest ( June 18-20, 2010)
We’re going to celebrate our 5th Anniversary and Elvis 75th with your favourite ETA’s in a new format.
All feature shows will be held in the beautiful and stately,
historic Capitol Theatre.
Friday, June 18, 2010 – 3-6pm, Capitol Theatre - FREE
“Weekend Welcome” with the annual late Friday afternoon Open Mic session!
4 GREAT SHOWS!!!
Friday, June 18, 2010 – 7:30pm, Capitol Theatre - $30
Vegas Years Champions Jesse Aron, Anthony Carbone, John Cigan, Rick
Duin and PETE PAQUETTE! with the ExSpence Account (EAS) Showband!
Saturday, June 19, 2010 – 1pm – 4pm, Capitol Theatre - $10
2006 – 2009 Finalists
Saturday, June 19, 2010 – 7:30pm, Capitol Theatre - $30
Early Years Champions Chris Ayotte, Joey Cundari, Brycen Katolinsky,
James Gibb and STEPHEN KABAKOS! with the ExSpence Account (EAS)
Showband!
Sunday, June 20, 2010 – 10:30am, Capitol Theatre - $15
GARYELVIS GOSPEL SHOW – GaryElvis Britt with the popular Tribute Artist Gospel Choir
Weekend package – all 4 shows for $75!!
Saturday, June 19, 2010 (on the street by the theatre) -FREE
“CRUISIN’ CLASSIC CAR SHOW” - 75+ beautiful classics from the 20’s to the 60’s
For more information, click here.
Festival Epicure ( July 9-11, 2010)
A Celebration of Food, Wine and Music. Every year the bar gets raised higher and this year is no exception. With it's eclectic, high caliber approach to every facet of the festival, Festival Epicure continues to kick off the Windsor-Detroit region's summer festival season with a bang.
Last year's visitors enjoyed both scrumptious taster portions and fantastic full meal offerings from the Festival Epicure food vendors. Wine vendors also offered sampler servings or wine by the glass. Crown Royal will be this years spirits vendor with a full array of spirits in their Summer Refreshment Tent! Of course, your Epicurean experience wouldn't be complete without entertainment! Festival Epicure 2010 will deliver toe tappin' tunes featuring the area's top R&B, pop, jazz, swing and Latin artists.
With 28 vendors and a musical lineup that will prove to be the summer's best, EPICURE 2010 will definitely be Windsor's greatest summer event!
For more information, click here.
BluesFest International (July 16-18, 2010)
In 1995, BluesFest International started in downtown Windsor and is now Canada's Premier Blues Festival. BluesFest International is a community event with the mandate to produce an annual world class music festival, promoting local, regional and international artists.
For more information, click here.
Windsor International Busker Festival ( To Be Announced )
From its humble beginnings in 1993 The Windsor International Busker Festival has evolved into one of the Windsor-Detroit area's most popular summer family events and one of Canada's most successful busker festivals, attracting some of the world's most sought after street performers.
For more information, click here.
The Windsor Fringe Arts Festival ( July 16-25, 2010 )
Jul 16, 2010 to Jul 25, 2010 - A 10 day performing arts event, where live theatre and other performing arts such as: Music, Visual art, Chalk artists and more, are presented in an informal, accessible and low cost environment.
Theatre groups who were not allowed to participate in Scotland’s prestigious Edinburgh Theatre Festival first staged fringe Theatre over 50 years ago. These groups performed on the ’fringe’ or the outskirts of the city of Edinburgh and ’Fringe Theatre’ was born. This type of festival has become so popular that there is now a ’Fringe of the Fringe’ in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Hours: 12pm-12am Saturdays /12pm-9pm Sundays /5pm - 12am Weekdays
Venue: More than 6 venues in Downtown Windsor, Windsor
for more information Phone 519-258-9887 or fringe@actorstheatreofwindsor.com
For more information, please phone 519 258-9887 or click here.
Windsor Symphony Summer Series ( July - August )
FREE WSO Summer Concerts Begin July 4th.
- Saturday, July 4 at 7:00PM: WSO Woodwind Quintet, Lakeview Park, Lakeshore/Belle River
- Sunday, July 5 at 6:00PM: WSO Woodwind Quintet, Assumption Church Lawn (Huron Church and University Ave.)
- Saturday, August 15 at 7:00PM: WSO Brass Quintet, Navy Yard Park, Amherstburg
- Sunday, August 16 at 6:00PM: WSO Brass Quintet, Assumption Church Lawn.
For more information, click here.
Windsor Pride ( August 3-8, 2010 )
From our humble beginnings as a small celebration back in 1992, the Windsor Pride Festival has blossomed into a 7-day celebration in July each year, attracting nearly 5,500 visitors at the 2007 edition. From our Pride Flag Raising Ceremony in City Hall Square to our Parade through Downtown Windsor and two full-days of events at Riverfront Festival Plaza, our Pride celebration is dedicated to the various aspects of LGBT life with an international flare; our festival has caught the attention of gay travelers from across Ontario, Michigan and parts of Ohio and New York, all the while celebrating the rich diversity that exists right here in Windsor.
Windsor Pride Festival consists of a variety of events designed to initiate dialogue, establish camaraderie and contribute to building a safe and supportive community spirit for LGBTT people, their friends and relatives. The wide range of educational and recreational activities are intended to celebrate the outstanding intellectual, artistic, political, and social accomplishments made by women, men and youth of the LGBTT community and to celebrate the rich diversity of the Pride experience.
For more information, click here.
Windsor Reggae Festival ( August 14-15, 2010 )
Aug 14, 2010 to Aug 15, 2010 - 2010 is Windsor’s naugural Reggae & Reggaeton Festival. The Windsor Reggae & Reggaeton Fest will take place at Riverfront Festival Plaza downtown beautiful Windsor, Ontario along the banks of the Detroit River.
This year’s festival will feature live performances by some of the hottest artists in reggae, dancehall, reggaeton, soca, R&B and hip hop and will incorporate a dancehall queen showcase.
The festival begins Saturday August 14 at 10:am to 1am and will run all day Sunday from noon to 11pm.
Hours: 10:00am
Cost: $ 25.00
Venue: Festival Plaza, Windsor
For more information phone 519-956-9360 or email info@windsorreggaefest.com
Children's Fest ( September 18-19, 2010 )
Children's Fest is a wonderful way to spend time with your kids and enjoy many fun activities.
With the price of one ticket, each child can visit both Saturday and Sunday. There will be a bouncy castle, children's entertainment, interactive stations, facepainting, kids karaoke, educational actitivies, safety classes, a family fun bazaar and a chance to win great prizes.
All of the proceeds from the event supports Rotary Club of Windsor projects, such as The John McGivney Children's Centre, Maryvale and the Children's Safety Villiage.
For more information, click here
BookFest Windsor ( November 4-6, 2010 )
The annual BookFest Windsor (formerly the Windsor Festival of the Book) celebrates all facets of the book, combining author readings, interviews and signings with workshops on book arts, book collecting and publishing—as well as lectures on various aspects of book history and production. The festival is a celebration of the book in all forms, from the art of book binding to the joy of reading and the freedom of expression.
For further information, click here.
Windsor International Film Festival ( November 4-7, 2010 )
The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) is a cultural, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to recognize and celebrate the art of cinema by showcasing Canadian and international films and filmmakers. Through its exhibition, education, and community development programs, WIFF builds audiences for Canadian content and talent, provides training opportunities for emerging filmmakers, and promotes the creative economy of Windsor and Southwestern Ontario.
For more information, click here.
