Windsor, get ready to jazz it up! A brand new festival is about to hit Via Italia and Electric Avenue Art Alley — and trust us, you’re gonna want to be there. Here’s everything you need to know about the Electric Avenue International Jazz Festival, happening July 4-5, 2025.
1️⃣ It’s Completely Free to Attend
Yup — you read that right. Thanks to the incredible support of the St. Clair College Alumni Association, this entire weekend of live, world-class jazz is 100% free. No tickets. No wristbands. Just show up and vibe.
2️⃣ It’s Happening in Windsor’s Via Italia & Electric Avenue Art Alley
Friday’s performances will take place right in Via Italia — one set on the steps of St. Angela Merici Church (thanks to the Via Italia Business Improvement Association), and another at the Medica Pharmacy Bocce Courts (thanks to Medica Pharmacy). When the first performance ends, simply stroll down Via Italia to concert #2!
Saturday’s action moves to WindsorEats Food Hall, located inside Electric Avenue Art Alley (400 Erie Street East), one of the city’s coolest hidden gems filled with murals, patios, and alley party vibes.
3️⃣ Bring Your Lawn Chair (But Leave the Coolers at Home)
If you’re coming to the Friday evening shows, pack your folding chairs — you’ll want a comfy seat as you soak in the tunes.
Heads-up: no outside beverages allowed at any licensed performance venues — both Friday’s church steps and bocce courts and Saturday’s WindsorEats Food Hall are licensed for alcohol. You’ll be able to grab a cold one while enjoying the music.
4️⃣ Windsor’s Own JUNO-Nominated Jazz Artist Is Headlining
Local trumpet sensation Russ Macklem — fresh off a JUNO nomination for his live album The South Detroit Connection — will be closing out the festival Saturday night with his Russ Macklem Detroit Quintet. If you haven’t seen Russ live yet… now’s your chance.
5️⃣ Expect Serious Cross-Border Jazz Collabs
This isn’t your average jazz fest lineup. The Electric Ave Festival Quartet brings together musicians from Windsor, Detroit, Toronto, and Vancouver for a one-of-a-kind national showcase.
Plus, a can’t-miss Detroit/Windsor Tenor Sax Battle will pit Stephen Grady Jr. (Detroit) against Len Temilini (Windsor) in a musical showdown.
6️⃣ Detroit Jazz Star Kasan Belgrave Is Performing
Hot off his debut album Dual Citizen and multiple performances with Jazz @ Lincoln Center, Kasan Belgrave is bringing his quintet across the border for an electric set on Saturday evening.
This is big. Don’t sleep on it.
7️⃣ The Full Festival Schedule Is Stacked
Here’s when and where everything’s happening:
Friday, July 4
📍 Via Italia — bring your lawn chairs! Licensed areas, no outside beverages.
- 5:30PM — Electric Ave Festival Quartet (St. Angela Merici Church steps)
- 7:30PM — The New Standard (Medica Pharmacy Bocce Courts)
Saturday, July 5
📍 WindsorEats Food Hall inside Electric Avenue Art Alley — 400 Erie Street East (all-ages, licensed space)
- 12:30PM — Assumption Jazz Band
- 2:15PM — Andrew Levasseur’s Organization Trio
- 4:00PM — Detroit/Windsor Tenor Sax Battle
- 5:45PM — Kasan Belgrave Quintet
- 7:30PM — Sam Dickinson Trio
- 9:15PM — Russ Macklem Detroit Quintet
8️⃣ It’s Not Just for Jazz Nerds
Whether you’re a die-hard jazz lover or just someone who loves good vibes, cold drinks, and live music outdoors — this festival is for you.
The mix of soul, blues, modern jazz, and cross-border collaborations means there’s something for everyone. It’s an party (and Via Italia block party) with a killer soundtrack.
9️⃣ All Licensed Venues Means Drinks Are Available 🍻
Friday’s Via Italia venues and Saturday’s WindsorEats Food Hall are all licensed for alcohol. You’ll be able to grab a drink and enjoy it while catching the live performances.
No outside beverages allowed at any licensed venues. But don’t worry, the bars have you covered! This is because we need to ensure we’re following all liquor laws and we can’t tell what’s being brought into the licensed area in any water bottles/jugs.
🔟 Good to Know Before You Go
Heading to the Electric Avenue International Jazz Festival? Here’s the lowdown on everything you might be wondering:
- Family-friendly? Absolutely! Both days welcome all ages for a weekend of great music and fun.
- Pet-friendly? Well-behaved, leashed fur babies are welcome on Saturday at WindsorEats Food Hall and Electric Avenue Art Alley. Friday’s licensed venues do not allow pets.
- Food? Yes! On Saturday, enjoy tasty bites from Rico Taco Mexican Street Eats, Kaeru Snack Bar, and Roaming Flavours. Plus, Via Italia restaurants will be open Friday night.
- Drinks? Oh yes! While Fridays performances will have a scaled down drink menu since it’s offsite (think Aperol Spritzes, mixed drinks and craft beer), the WindsorEats Food Hall will have their full cocktail menu available. That means you can enjoy a fantastic medium tempo with an equally fantastic margarita (or margarita flight!)
- Rain or shine? Yep, the show goes on. Bring an umbrella just in case!
- Should I bring a chair? Definitely for Friday’s outdoor shows. Saturday’s WindsorEats Food Hall has seating, but bring one if you want.
- Parking? Free street parking, a large and free gravel lot, and paid lots within steps. Walk, bike, or park and stroll! Please note, we try to be good neighbours. Please, do not park in the New Beginnings or Nizam Pastry parking spots.
- Tickets? No tickets or registration needed — just show up and enjoy!
To put on an event like this takes a lot of community support. We want to thank our title sponsor, the St. Clair College Alumni Association, for making it possible to offer free entry to the Electric Avenue International Jazz Festival, to Medica Pharmacy and the Via Italia Business Improvement Association for making the Friday performances possible, and to Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island for their marketing support. These supporters of arts and culture deserve so much kudos!
📣 Follow WindsorEats on Instagram and Facebook for artist features, schedule updates, and behind-the-scenes peeks!
