August is a great time to plan some fun in Windsor, Ontario. Here are fun 10 things we think are must-do in Canada’s southernmost city to close out summer.
WHISKYTOWN FESTIVAL
August 4, 2018
You can’t be called Whiskytown, Canada without having a festival dedicated to that golden nectar. Imbibe in a variety of whiskies and cocktails at a festival dedicated to whisky in the home of Canadian whisky.
The festival will take place in historic Walkerville, a neighbourhood in the heart of Windsor, Ontario and that was the original company town built and designed by whisky baron and creator of Canadian Club whisky, Hiram Walker.
In fact, the festival will be out on the grounds of St. Mary’s Church, which was built by Hiram Walker’s son and bares the name of Hiram’s wife. It’s even said there are secrets hidden in the church’s design.
Get your tickets in advance for $30.
DRINKS OF WALKERVILLE
August 4, 2018
Named an Ontario Signature Experience, our Drinks of Walkerville tour celebrates what is unique and exceptional about Canada’s southernmost city, including a tour inside of North America’s largest distillery.
Enjoy a hands-on tour of the Hiram Walker & Sons distillery, learn the history and brewing process of Walkerville Brewery, then finish off the tour discovering street art at Good Neighbour Restaurant. Did we mention you get to sample drinks at each stop? Yup.
There are only a couple spots left for the August 4 tour, which would pair perfectly with tickets to the Whiskytown Festival the same day.
EAT YOUR CITY RESTAURANT WEEK
August 6-12, 2018
A highly anticipated event every August, Eat Your City Restaurant Week. From August 6-12, diners can visit any participating Eat Your City Restaurant Week restaurant and indulge in a 3-course meal starting at $13.
PRIDE FESTIVAL
August 8-12
Pride Fest is always a great party and this year they have a great new location in Lanspeary Park. The new location features more green space and shade, and this more intimate setting will enable tourists and local attendees to connect, explore vendors, enjoy great entertainment, and everything else that makes Pride Fest a one-of-a-kind festival in the region.
The festival culminates with a parade down Ottawa Street on August 12 at 11:00am and celebrations through the evening to 8:00pm.
PART ART PART PARTY!
August 10, 2018
It’s the 16th instalment of the Part Art Part Party series and it’s going to be of epic proportions in the amazing art alley beside Maiden Lane.
The fun will take place both behind Five Ten studio as well as a huge exhibition inside our studio gallery!
There’s also going to be public painting! A short bus will be on site for everyone to join in and create their own artwork on, surely to make it become one of the areas most iconic vehicles.
It’s free and it’s all ages.
BUSKERVILLE FESTIVAL
August 10-12, 2018
Enjoy eye-catching vendors, tasty treats, The Windsor Circus School’s Busker Academy, two saucy 19+ shows at the Walkerville Brewery on Friday and Saturday night, and of course spectacular stunts put on by some of the world’s most incredible and unique buskers.
The festival starts Friday, August 10th at 6pm and ends Sunday, August 12th at 6pm and takes place in the heart of the Walkerville neighbourhood.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
August 10 and 24, 2018
Let’s get lit!
Imagine the sight of hundreds of colourfully and brightly lit cyclists rolling by, bells clacking, as they partake in a pub crawl on two wheels.
This is Friday Night Lights, a bi-weekly bike ride that will light up the night!
Riders are always trying to outdo each other with their decorations on each ride. If you pay close enough attention, you may catch a glimpse of the couple on a tandem bike which has a custom built chandelier installed hanging over them as they ride.
Riders will meeting up at 7:30pm at Willistead Park before we take guests out on the town to explore the night life in Windsor. The catch: since it’s a night ride you’ll need lights on your bike. The more lights the better!
Simply put, Friday Night Lights is a pub and grub crawl on two wheels throughout the city of Windsor. While not mandatory, we encourage guests to deck out their bikes in bright lights to light up the night and enjoy the company of good folks and the flavours of three great establishments we visit along the way.
Pre-registration is $5 and easy peasy. If you show up the night of, it’s $10. The choice is simple.
Also, if you rent a bike with us your registration is included.
BIKES & BEERS
August 11, 2018
Like bicycles? Love beer? Welcome to paradise.
There’s no better way to celebrate a ride than over some beers with friends. The Bikes & Beers tour will roll you through the streets of Windsor, Ontario, as we introduce you to some of our favourite local craft beers that are helping make the city a beer lover’s paradise. We’ll also feed you along the way, making sure your bellies and taste buds are happy as can be.
Tickets can be purchased online.
WINE TRAIL RIDE
Every Saturday beginning August 11, 2018
Enjoy the wines of 3 wineries will feasting on a progressive meal stretching each of the stops on the award-winning Wine Trail Ride cycling tour.
Meander the through the farmlands along the Lake Erie coastline a la bicyclette and fall in love with Canada’s southernmost region, taking selfies for Instagram and living the life you dreamt of.
You’ll roll through the scenic, flat countryside at a leisurely pace, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of a burgeoning wine appellation. In other words, the riding is easy and the wine and food are tasty and plenty.
Tickets are available at www.winetrailride.com.
THE GREAT CANADIAN POUTINE EXPERIENCE
August 25, 2018
This tour has been a huge hit with our American friends heading over to Canada.
Get your cheese curd cravings ready because we’ve got a true Canadian tour for you: the world’s first poutine tour!
The Great Canadian Poutine Experience will take you on a stroll through the streets of downtown Windsor. Keke Challenge your way along what is affectionately known as “The Poot Route” and explore the flavours and folklore surrounding Canada’s most iconic dish: the poutine!
This is the world’s first and only poutine specific tour, where you’ll take in an authentic Quebec-style poutine as well as take in a true Windsor, multicultural spin on the classic Canadian dish. We are Canada’s fourth most ethnically diverse city, after all.
Along the way, learn about some interesting, long lost tidbits of Canadian history.
