Open Air Weekends make their return in downtown Amherstburg

Bagpipes in the Burg were part of the opening night of the 2025 Open Air Weekend season last Friday.

Open Air Weekends returned last weekend and plans are in place to have them continue throughout the summer.

The 14-weekend program started last Friday and continued through Sunday. A night market, the “Bagpipes in the Burg” parade, town crier Norm Ross, live music and more helped get the first day of Open Air Weekends started last Friday night.

“I’m always excited for Open Air,” said Grace Bridgen. 

Bridgen said she enjoys coming to downtown Amherstburg to check it out. 

“It just makes me want to come downtown to explore Amherstburg,” said Bridgen.

Bridgen came to Open Air with her friend Emily O’Reilly. O’Reilly called it “a great festival” and noted she enjoys the night markets. Both O’Reilly and Bridgen are from Amherstburg.

“It gives everyone something to do,” she said.

Spencer and Maggie Whiteman of Amherstburg came with their children to Open Air Weekends last Friday night.

“We love it,” said Spencer. “We are super excited to come down.”

Maggie said she wasn’t expecting the crowds that came out Friday night due to the cool, wet conditions. Spencer added he likes the atmosphere, including the food, scents and sights.

Stu Smith, who helped organize Bagpipes in the Burg, said they needed funding to help keep the program going. He said he saw bagpipe performances in Kincardine, never forgot them, and wanted to bring them to Amherstburg.

Smith put the plea for funding on social media and within 25 minutes, Gibb Insurance stepped up with a $6,000 donation. Gibb Insurance owner Chris Gibb said he saw the post and wanted to help.

Kobbler Jay performed during the first night of Open Air Weekends in downtown Amherstburg.

Gibb said the donation was made by his company. He is also the deputy mayor.

“I was fortunate that my company was able to help,” he said.

Gibb said three Gibb brothers came to Canada from Scotland in the mid-1800s and he wanted to continue that heritage.

“I’ve always liked the bagpipes,” he said. “It’s a heritage thing for me. It’s unique, just like Amherstburg.”

Open Air Weekends run Fridays at 3 p.m. to Sundays at 8 p.m. until Aug. 31.

The town put out a press release last Wednesday that promoted daily live entertainment, performances & children’s activities; the bagpipe parades on select Fridays at 7 p.m. (June 6, June 27, July 4, July 11, July 18, July 25, Aug. 8); Sunday morning yoga in the King’s Navy Yard Park; “culture conversations” and guided historic walking tours every weekend; local vendors, artisans, and delicious eats from local restaurants; new art installations featured in the Art Alley and a chance to win tickets to shows at The Colosseum with our Concert Ticket Giveaway, courtesy of Caesars Windsor. 

Open Air Weekends will also feature the Amherstburg Ribfest June 20-22, the Art Crawl July 18-20, Farm Fest Aug. 15-17, Latin Fest Aug. 22-24 and Rest & Relax Aug. 29-31.

The town also pointed out the Medieval Faire June 14-15 at Fort Malden National Historic Site and the Amherstburg’s Gone Car Crazy Show July 27.

To learn more about the full schedule of events and what’s new this year, visit www.visitamherstburg.ca/openair. 

Open Air Weekends make their return in downtown Amherstburg 

By Ron Giofu