What you need to know about the 2025 Ford Fireworks

The streets in Downtown Windsor are closed as the city prepares for Detroit’s Ford Fireworks. CTV Windsor’s Travis Fortnum has more.

Many Windsor-Essex residents and visitors take in the Ford Fireworks over the Detroit River as a kickoff to summer.

The 67th edition of the fireworks start at 9:55 p.m. on Monday.

Viewing options

A number of venues have special viewing parties along Windsor’s Waterfront.

Bistro at the River hosts its Windsor Riverfront Fireworks Party, River Room Restaurant is having a Ford Fireworks Buffet, St. Clair College Centre for the Arts hosts a charity fireworks party and Windsor Premier Cruises is having a Fireworks Cruise.

However, organizers say some of the best seats are also along the riverside parks and people are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Safety tips for parents

All families attending the show along the riverfront are being asked to take photo of their kids at the beginning of the event, in the same clothes they’re wearing that night.

Police say this will ensure you can provide officers with a recent and accurate photo if they are separated during the evening.

Choose a designated meeting spot ahead of time in case you become separated.

If your child becomes lost, report it immediately to the nearest police officer.

Free Transit and shuttle services

Thanks to Zehrs, residents can ride the bus for free to see the fireworks. Free City buses will run starting at 6 p.m. until the end of the service day.

In addition, park ‘n’ ride shuttle buses will operate from Devonshire Mall beginning at approximately 6 p.m. and continuing until 9:30 p.m. Return shuttles will depart immediately following the fireworks, running until approximately 12:15 a.m. or until all passengers in line have boarded a bus back to their vehicle at Devonshire Mall. This annual event includes our Stuff the Transit Windsor Bus initiative—visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to help support local food banks.

Also, avoid the annual parking issues and road closures by enjoying the free ride from Devonshire Mall to the Windsor riverfront and back. Shuttles leave Devonshire Mall (3100 Howard Avenue) starting at 6 p.m. from Sydney Avenue, and the last shuttle will return to the mall from a pickup location across from the Windsor Arena on McDougall Street near Wyandotte Street West directly after the fireworks until midnight.

Road closures map

Many streets in the downtown area will have restricted access beginning at 6 p.m. on the day of the event. Vehicles parked in the restricted areas labelled “no-parking zones” will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

Police say review the detailed map posted for full details on road closures and no-parking zones.

Helpful links:

• Road Closures Map: Ford Fireworks Night
• Ford Fireworks Guide (Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island)
• Transit Windsor Detours
• Transit Windsor Free Fireworks Shuttle
• Ford Fireworks: child safety, road closures & alternate transportation options (Windsor Police Service)