Downtown Amherstburg streets will be closed to vehicle traffic every weekend from today through September 6, as the town’s Open Air Weekends program returns for a seventh year. Organized by the Town of Amherstburg, the event shuts down Richmond Street, Dalhousie Street, and Murray Street from Fridays at 3 p.m. to Sundays at 8 p.m., creating a pedestrian zone with vendor markets, live entertainment, and expanded restaurant patios.
The kickoff weekend begins today at 3 p.m. and features a vendor market, live music, and a traditional bagpipe parade. The free, 14-weekend program will showcase themed weekends like Brazilian Village (June 12-14), Pride Weekend (June 26-28), Heritage Weekend (July 31-August 2), Cycle the Burg (August 14-16), and Barrels & Brass (August 21-23). Regular activities include guided historic tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., Sunday morning yoga in the park at 10 a.m., learn-to-play chess, and Coffee & Culture talks.
The 2024 Open Air Weekends drew nearly 249,000 visitors and generated an estimated $4.3 million in local economic impact, according to a town staff report. The event cost the town $57,000 to run. A 2023 survey found 89.3 percent of residents attended and almost 75 percent wanted it every weekend. The program was named Best Street Festival at the 2025 Best of Windsor Essex Awards.
Not everyone supports the extended closures. Council voted 4-2 in November 2024 to keep the format, with Coun. Diane Pouget and Coun. Molly Allaire opposed. Pouget raised concerns about parking and accessibility for people with mobility issues, while Allaire said some businesses find it impossible to operate during the weekends. Despite the debate, council maintained the format after survey results showed majority community support.
Visitors and residents are advised to plan alternate routes or parking, as vehicle access will be restricted in the designated areas each weekend. More information on road closures and event programming is available through Visit Amherstburg.
