Amherstburg’s summer festival season kicks off this week with two cultural villages from the award-winning Carrousel of the Nations, followed by the return of a downtown rib festival that had been absent for years. The Brazilian Village runs June 12 to 14 in the downtown core, while the Irish Village runs both weekends — June 12 to 14 and June 19 to 21 — at GL Heritage Brewing Company on Howard Avenue. Both are part of the 51st Carrousel of the Nations, organized by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County.
The Irish Village will feature authentic Irish food from The Hub Catering Company, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available, along with craft beer, hard seltzers, live music, dancers, storytellers, and games. This is only the second year for the Irish Village, which was added during the festival’s 50th anniversary in 2025. The Brazilian Village brings its own mix of food, music, and traditions to the downtown.
Amherstburg Ribfest then takes over Ramsay Street from June 19 to 21, running Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event was revived in 2024 by local realtor Dan Gemus after a roughly five-year break. It features rib vendors and food stalls between Richmond and Murray streets, along with live entertainment and family activities.
Carrousel of the Nations has been named Ontario’s top festival for three straight years by Attractions Ontario, chosen from about 2,000 annual festivals province-wide. This year, a record 42 cultural villages are spread across Windsor and Essex County, up from 37 in 2025. The festival also received a $30,000 grant through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund to promote the 2026 edition.
Both events coincide with Amherstburg’s Open Air Weekends, which close portions of downtown roads to traffic from Friday afternoons through Sunday evenings until September 6. Residents and visitors can pair festival stops with shopping and dining in a pedestrian-friendly core. For full schedules and details, check the Town of Amherstburg events page.
