Open Air Weekends conclude for the 2026 season

Monique Moisenko

Open Air Weekends have been concluded for 2026 and the results of the next election could see a change in the 2027 format, depending on who is elected.

Meanwhile, Amherstburg tourism officials are pleased with how this season went and are now shifting to putting the final touches on planning for the Amherstburg Uncommon Festival.

“It was a good year, action packed,” said Jen Ibrahim, the town’s manager of economic development, tourism and culture. 

Ibrahim said she liked it when the community came together, and noted third party events helped with themed weekends. She noted “Cycle the Burg” weekend was put on by the Windsor-Essex Bike Community (WEBC), the “Barrels & Brass” weekend by the Marsh Historical Collection and the Carousel of Nations from the Multicultural Council of Windsor-Essex County. Ibrahim added the third party organizations wanted to “capitialize” on Open Air Weekends.

Ibrahim said organizers of events like Ribfest and the Amherstburg Art Crawl also gave positive feedback. The Scottish Society of Windsor also chipped in during the “Bagpipes in the Burg” parades with Farm Fest, Latin Fest and other themed weekends also held this year.

There were over 40 local performers that took part in the 14-week Open Air program, some established but many not, she added. The latter gave people an opportunity to get experience playing music in front of a crowd.

“That’s very rewarding,” said Ibrahim.

There was an attempt to have different themed weekends throughout, she added.

Non-profit organizations and service clubs like the Fort Malden Golden Age Club, Habitat for Humanity and the Rotary Club of Amherstburg were also among the groups involved this year, she added.

“It’s always nice to have people come together for a cause,” she said.

Doug Biekx

With the municipal election coming Oct. 26, it could lead for changes to Open Air Weekends and how or if it is presented. Ibrahim said there are professionals in the tourism department who will adapt to what is asked of them.

“There is a possibility we’ll have to pivot,” said Ibrahim. “We’ll be ready for whatever council chooses to do.”

Costs, grants and attendance are not known as of yet, with Ibrahim stating those will be calculated and presented to town council in a future report.

The town now switches to Uncommon, which runs in the downtown core Sept. 18-20. The steampunk and Harry Potter event will take place in the Open Air footprint but is expanding to the new Waterfront Festival Plaza.

“Having the (plaza) space will allow us to accommodate some food vendors this year,” said Ibrahim.

Musicland held an open stage Sept. 5 as part of Open Air Weekends where people, including Musicland students, could sign up and perform.

The Amherstburg Uncommon Festival had over 100 volunteers last year and Ibrahim added “it takes an army” to co-ordinate that event. Anyone, including high school students needing volunteer hours, can call 519-730-1309 or e-mail tourism@amherstburg.ca. 

The final “Coffee & Culture” event was held as part of last weekend, with Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 giving this week’s talk. Branch president Shawn Wilkie went over the history of the local Legion, which is in its 97^th year. The Royal Canadian Legion in Canada is celebrating its 100^th anniversary this year.

The Amherstburg Legion’s first president was Charles Ackerman with the first Ladies Auxiliary president being Mary Fells. Wilkie pointed out the projects the Legion supports, from veterans’ hospitals to community organizations. Executive members Sherry Vanhoorne pointed out the seniors’ programming they offer through a Canada New Horizons grant and 1^st vice president Annette Knight highlighted the youth education and bursary programs.

Wilkie also noted recent initiatives like the veterans’ banners, commemorative sidewalk, the placing of poppies on street signs and the designation of a portion of Dalhousie St. as “Veterans Way.”

Open Air Weekends conclude for the 2026 season

By Ron Giofu