What’s Up YQG: AWE Summer Nights, Essex Fun Fest and casino shows

Art Windsor-Essex paint room in Windsor, Ont., on Thursday, July 2, 2026. (Melanie Kentner/CTV News Windsor)

With summer in full swing, there’s a full roster of activities in Windsor-Essex.

Here’s a look at events July 2-5.

AWE Summer Nights

Thursday July 25:00 pm to 9:00 pm

There’s something new happening this summer. AWE Summer Nights, every Thursday in July & August! This week is sip and paint!

Essex Fun Fest

Thursday July 2 to Sunday July 5

Essex Fun Fest returns for four unforgettable days of family fun, entertainment, food, music, and community celebration.

Live at the Lighthouse in Kingsville – 401 Smooth Jazz

Thursday July 27:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Join us every Thursday throughout July and August for a free evening of live music at the gazebo next to the Lighthouse

Terrace Dinners at St. Clair College Centre For The Arts

Friday July 3

Enjoy a four course dinner on the roof top terrace overlooking the Detroit skyline!

Cheer Up, Hamlet!

Friday July 3 to Sunday July 5

Don’t miss Cheer Up, Hamlet!

Amherstburg Open Air Night Markets

Friday July 3

Check out Amherstburg Open Air Night Markets every Friday Evening until the end of the summer!

Uncorked Weekend

Friday July 3 to Saturday July 4

Ease into the holiday weekend with an afternoon of smooth jazz, exceptional wine, and authentic wood-fired pizza.

Wheels Nights at City Hall Square

Friday July 36:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Wheels Nights is a Friday evening summer event series taking place at City Hall Square in partnership with the DWBIA.

Behind the Curtain

Friday July 3 6:30 pm

Join Broadway alumni and real-life best friends Craig Ramsay and Catherine Wreford, winners of The Amazing Race Canada, as they raise the curtain on their incredible journey from the ballet barre to Broadway and beyond.

Line Dancing at The Fort

Friday July 37:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Grab your boots and round up your friends — Line Dancing is BACK at The Fort!

Concerts

True North Voices

Friday July 38:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Get ready to celebrate the songs and artists that helped shape the Canadian soundscape with True North Voices!

Leamington’s Music Onthe42 Summer Concert Series – EPIC EAGLES: The Definitive Eagles Tribute Band

Saturday July 4

The Municipality of Leamington is excited to announce the full lineup for the 2026 Music Onthe42 Summer Concert Series, returning to the SUNSET® Amphitheatre at Seacliff Park with free live music all summer long!

Lakeside Market

Saturday July 48:00 am to 1:00 pm

Don’t miss the Lakeside Market!

Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market

Saturday July 49:00 am to 2:00 pm

Discover fresh local produce, artisan foods, family fun, and community events at the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market.

Farmer’s Market In The Quarry

Saturday July 410:00 am to 1:00 pm

Join Stone and Sky at the Quarry for their weekly Farmers Market!

City Cinema Saturdays

Saturday July 411:00 am to 2:00 pm

Presented in partnership with the Windsor International Film Festival, City Cinema Saturdays invites visitors to enjoy free family-friendly movies and popcorn every Saturday morning throughout the summer.

Pensioners’ Day: Special Tours At Park House Museum

Saturday July 41:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Pensioner’s Day - join us for special tours of the Park House Museum!

Arts & Culture

Art Windsor Essex Guided Tour

Saturday July 42:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Discover the stories behind the artworks at Art Windsor–Essex!

Share

Grand Opening of The Coach House Historical Exhibition Expansion

Saturday July 4 5:00 pm

Come Explore The Coach House Historical Exhibition Expansion at Willistead Park.

Stone and Sky Music & Art Series At the Quarry – The Soul Delagation

Saturday July 4 5:30 pm

Come experience all the sights and sounds at the Stone and Sky Music & Art Series!

Hiram Walker 210th Birthday Celebration

Saturday July 46:00 pm to 11:00 pm

In honour of the 210th birthday of Hiram Walker, the Willistead Manor Inc. Board of Directors and Thyme To-Go will host a Roaring 20s and Prohibition-themed evening fundraising event at Willistead Manor.

90’s Dance Cruise

Saturday July 47:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Join us for our infamous throwback 90’s cruise!

Jody Raffoul Band Live at El Rancho

Saturday July 47:00 pm to 10:00 pm

JRB is BACK at El Rancho servicing up some of the best Rock & Roll tunes this side of the Rio Grande!

Best of the Bee Gees and Rod Stewart, Night Fever and Forever Young

Saturday July 47:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Night Fever, the world’s number one production of the Bee Gees, and Forever Young, a dynamic Rod Stewart tribute, combine to deliver an unforgettable night of music.

Kyle Lucey LIVE Comedy At Tipsy Toucan

Saturday July 47:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Kyle Lucey Live at the Tipsy Toucan!

“Weird AL” Yankovic with special guest Puddles Pity Party

Saturday July 4 8:00 pm

Yankovic brings his legendary full-production multimedia comedy rock show back to the stage with the Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour.

Maple Magic

Saturday July 48:00 pm to 10:00 pm

A Drag Show celebrating Canadian music, from Celine to Avril Lavigne

Electro on Erie

Saturday July 4 9:00 pm

Electro lounge beats all night long with resident DJ, Greg Gnyp + new DJs every week.

6th Annual High Tea and Garden Party

Sunday July 5

The July summer tours season kicks off at Willistead Manor with one of the At the Manor series’ most popular events.

Militaria Gun, Bow and Knife Show

Sunday July 58:00 am to 2:00 pm

Join us at CTMHV for our annual Militaria Gun, Bow and Knife Show.

LSC Pro Tackle 2nd Annual Kids Fishing Derby

Sunday July 58:00 am to 12:00 pm

Join us for a fun morning of fishing, prizes, and family-friendly activities.

Port Windsor Music & Arts Festival

Sunday July 511:00 am to 9:00 pm

Don’t miss Port Windsor Music & Arts Festival

Sunday Sounds At Oxley Estate Winery

Sunday July 51:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Starting May 17th, join us every Sunday all summer long for live music, great food and wine, and good company right here on the estate.

Sprucewood Shores – Summer Music Series Featuring The Smiths

Sunday July 51:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Join us July 5th for local father daughter duo The Smiths.

Park House Museum Discovery Days

Sunday July 52:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Looking for a fun way to spend your Sundays this summer? Join us for Discovery Days!

Derek Hough Symphony of Dance: Encore

Sunday July 5 8:00 pm

Following the sold-out successes of Symphony of Dance, Dance for the Holidays, and Live: The Tour, Derek Hough is back with his most dynamic live experience yet.