Thanksgiving weekend events & activities in Windsor-Essex Region including free, fun family & kids’ activities, live music, theatre & performing arts, sports, and exhibitions. A few weekday events are also listed.
Things to do this Thanksgiving Weekend in Windsor Essex Region: Friday, October 6 – Monday, October 9, 2023
I. Family & Kids Activities this weekend
Fall Fun at PéPé’s Pumpkin Patch
Daily | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pepe’s Pumpkin Patch, Front Road, Windsor
No admission fee. (pay per activity)
Phantoms of the Canard Ghost Tour
A 2-hour ghostly historical tour on the water in historic River Canard. Details
Fridays & Saturdays in October | 8:00 PM
River Canard Outpost, 9350 Malden Road, LaSalle
$25 – $30
Fall & Halloween Fun at Thiessen Orchards
The FUN ACRE is located right in the middle of our orchard and has 2 huge swings, 2 giant tube slides, a bouncy castle, a barrel train ride, climbing areas, and more! Your children will benefit from being active, having fun on the farm, and maybe meet a new friend along the ways. Details
September 7 – October 29, 2023
Thiessen Apple Orchards, 400 Talbot Road East, Leamington
$5 – $13
Family Fun at Allsop Farm
There are mums, pumpkins, gourds, activities for the family to enjoy, and the our Star Wars corn maze! Kingsville Brewery will be with us every weekend serving up some local beer and vodka smash!! Details
Monday to Thursday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday to Sunday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Allsop Farm Pumpkins & More, 195 rd 3 E, Kingsville
Family Fun at Colasanti’s
Petting Farm, Mini Golf, and Arcade Rooms are open at Colasanti’s Tropical Garden. Meet some new friends at Colasanti’s in our indoor and outdoor petting zoo. Mini-golf Course – Enjoy mini-golfing on Colasanti’s 18 hole indoor mini-golf course. Details
Daily
Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, 1550 Road 3 E, Ruthven
Varies
Go Apple Picking
Delicious apples are now ready to pick. Check out these u-pick apple farms.
- Meleg’s Lakeview Orchard & Cider Mill
- Thiessen Orchards
- Wagner Orchards and Estate Winery
- Kennette Orchard
You may like: Places to Go For Apple Picking in Greater Toronto Area & Hamilton
Do call the farms to confirm their hours before starting
Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
Corn Mazes in Ontario
Get lost at world-famous corn mazes or the one nearest to you for a memorable experience with the family or your bestie. Most of these farms also have a whole bunch of other great activities so you can enjoy the entire day picking pumpkins, milking goats, cuddling bunnies and so much more! Details
Fall in Southwestern Ontario
Fall is a time of country harvests, crunching leaves, and soothing drinks. It’s a time when families curl up close to stay warm and prepare for winter: the leaves are changing and the air is getting crisp. Don’t let the weather fool you, though; Fall shouldn’t mean hibernating alone at home. There are plenty of fun fall activities to get you outside, around the table, or jumping from the tree tops. To help you make your Fall bucket list, we’ve compiled a list of 50 Fun Fall Activities in South Western Ontario.
- Fun Things to Do this Fall in Southwestern Ontario
- Weekend Getaways from GTA: Exploring Ontario Provincial Parks
Fall Activities and Getaways in Ontario
When Ontario comes alive with vibrant colours in autumn, cities and towns across the province offer a unique environment, and distinct character for visitors and locals to truly explore.
- Bucket List Ideas for Fall Activities and Getaways in Ontario
- 10 Fantastic Fall Activities in Ontario
II. Live Music/ Theatre/Performing Arts
WSO Café Concert: J.C. Bach’s London
A musical look into 18th Century London: Bach, Geminiani and Handel, the 3 featured composers for this concert, were expatriates who settled in London for its vibrant concert life. Handel’s famous Water Music Suite was composed for King George I for a festive occasion on the banks of the River Thames. J.C. Bach, also known as the London Bach, became internationally famous, having composed his dark and dramatic G Minor Symphony and gaining the attention of Mozart. Rounding out the concert is Italian composer, Geminiani’s Concerto Grosso. Details
Friday, October 6, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Pentastar – in Capitol Theatre, 121 University Ave. W. Windsor
$25 – $45 including fees
Nelly
Award-winning rap superstar Nelly hits The Colosseum stage at Caesars Windsor. Ages 19+. Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Caesars Windsor, 377 Riverside Drive East, Windsor
$62 – $108+
Curious George & The Golden Meatball
Everyone’s favorite mischievous monkey and his friend in the yellow hat sing and dance up a storm in this adventure-filled musical. Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 2:00 PM
Chrysler Theatre, 201 Riverside Dr W, Windsor
$27.50+ taxes and fees
Hangman
Northern England. 1963. Hanging has recently been abolished. A now-unemployed executioner who operates a pub with his family must deal with a rival executioner from the big city, a nefarious former assistant, and the possibility that he’s responsible for hanging an innocent man. Details
October 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 & 21, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Shadowbox Theatre, 1501 Howard Ave. Unit 103B, Windsor
$25
III. Sports
Windsor Spitfires
Watch the Windsor Spitfires in action at WFCU Centre.
Motorcycle Night – Rev up your engines and ride over to Motorcycle Night. Free VIP Bike parking and free gift for the first 100 riders
Pucks and Paws! – Bring your furry friends and howl for victory on Dog Night! Catch the fast-paced hockey action while treating your four-legged companions to a tail-wagging good time with special dog-friendly activities. Details
Motorcycle Night – vs. Sarnia on Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 4:05 PM
Pucks and Paws! – vs. Sault Ste. Marie on Monday, October 9, 2023 | 2:05 PM
WFCU Centre, 8787 McHugh Street, Windsor
$20.80 – $44.80
Hike 42 Degrees
Come experience the simple joys of Forest Bathing while touring the winery’s 40 acre secret oasis! Enjoy a guided hike through the vineyard to the lush Carolinian forest to view the stunning fall colours of the flora and fauna, and learn about the various plant and animal life that surrounds the property. Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
North 42 Degrees Estate Winery & Bistro 42, 130 County Rd 50, Harrow
$67.80
Go Hiking or Visit Nature Areas
Parks and pathways, Provincial parks and conservation reserves are open for people to enjoy some time with nature.
Enjoy a leisurely walk with the family at any of these locations:
- 25 Hikes to Enjoy Fall Colours in Ontario
- Must-Visit Nature Attractions & Parks in the Windsor Essex Region
- 25 Fabulous Scenic Lookouts to Visit in Ontario
- 25 Nature and Wilderness Adventures in Ontario
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Scared Evil Haunted House
The spookiest of attractions are waiting for you at Scarehouse Windsor.
From crazy zombies and frightening nightmares locked behind doors to horrors lurking in the dark, they have everything that can possibly scare you out of your mind.
Select days, September 28 – October 31, 2023
Scarehouse Windsor, 1441 McDougall Street, Windsor
Various Packages $45 – $100
Free For All Walls Festival
Free For All Walls (F4AW) is a unique platform that brings together artists from diverse backgrounds to transform the city’s walls into stunning works of art. This year’s festival will feature over 40 talented artists who will collectively breathe life into the urban canvas of Windsor.
Part Part Art Party will include a live art battle, art exhibition, prizes, live music/ DJs, live painting/art demonstrations and unique vendors. Details
October 3 – 10, 2023
Part Part Art Party | Saturday, October 7 | 2:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Across Windsor
Part Part Art Party @ Windsor Eats, Erie Street E, Windsor
Free
Oktoberfest
Head to the Heimat Windsor Banquet Centre for two weekends (September 29 – 30, October 6 – 7) of Gemütlichkeit! Live band every day, cold Oktoberfest beer straight from Munich and delicious food like Oma used to make! Enjoy new menu items this year and a new online ticket system allows you to choose your seat and table. Details
October 6 – 7, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Heimat Windsor Banquet Centre, 1367 Drouillard Rd., Windsor
$9 – $10
Fibre Optix
An exhibit of all fibre mediums. Details
Thursday – Sunday, October 5 – November 5, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Gibson Gallery, 140 Richmond Street, Anhersburg
Free
Windsor Graffiti Scooter Tour
Zip around Windsor on an official Bird Canada electric scooter, rolling through streets and alleys to see the many visually stunning ways artists, both local and internationally renowned, have used the urban landscape as their canvas.
This tour will take you to some of Windsor’s best photo spots and ensure you get the perfect pic. It’s a great way to explore the city for both tourists and locals alike and you’ll be able to leave with great shots that will give all your friends FOMO. 18+. Details
October 5 – 10, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Various locations, Windsor
$59
Immersive Dinner Experiences at the Scarehouse
Haunted House attraction with Immersive Dinner Experiences catered by Nico Taverna. Enjoy a 90 minute VIP private-themed immersive dining experience. You and your friends will savour over a multi-course meal and then venture thru all 3 of Scarehouse’s attractions. Details
October 6-7, 12-15, 19-22, 25-30, 2023
Scarehouse Windsor, 1441 McDougall Street, Windsor
$99 plus taxes and gratituity
Against the Current
An interactive experience discovery map that highlights Canadian artists from Art Windsor Essex collection, across Downtown Windsor. Details
Downtown Windsor
Free
Halloween Evening, Acrylic Landscape Painting Class
You will be guided with step by step instructions how to paint this landscape. No previous experience required. Orange and black are the main colors used in Halloween during this mystical holiday season. We will be Painting with Acrylis on Canvas.. Details
Friday, October 6, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Expressive Brush Art Studio, 3919 Howard Avenue Windsor
$37.52
Ontario Culture Days
Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. At the end of each September, millions of people attend thousands of participatory arts and culture events across the country. Culture Days programs invite the public to get hands-on and behind-the-scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities. Details
September 22 to October 15, 2023
Across Ontario
Free
Brewing for comedy PROSHOW: Annette Mullaney
Annette Mullaney is a San Francisco-based comic who’s performed all over the country, from SF Sketchfest and Austin’s Out of Bounds Festival to the Detroit Women of Comedy Festival, and recently opened for Third Eye Blind. Originally from Michigan, she lived in Syria for several years and she has been a software engineer, translator, and writer for a magazine that she now realizes was a money-laundering front for the cousin of a dictator. Details
October 6 – 7, 2023
Windsor Comedy Club
$20
Go on a Mural Tour
View the thirty -six outdoor murals located along Drouillard Road that signifies the importance of Ford City in history. A self-guided Mural Tour booklet is available by calling Marina Clemens at (519) 253-1073. Details
Visit Sculpture Gardens
Sculpture gardens are the perfect blend between nature and art, featuring art installations from local and international artists and concerning multiple different themes. As you stroll or bike through these outdoor galleries, you’ll find yourself experiencing a unique story at each location.
Downtown Windsor Farmer’s Market
At the Downtown Windsor Farmers Market you’ll find farm fresh fruit, vegetables, produce and unique artisan food products from the best our area has to offer. We have a Kids Corner, art exhibits and crafts vendors, community booths, entertainment, food demonstrations, and other special events that attract the community to our fun and family-friendly environment. Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Pelissier St. & Maiden Ln W, Windsor
Free
Amherstburg Farmer’s Market
The Amherstburg Farmers Market is a weekly rural market for local produce, prepared food & craft products. Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
8728 Howard Avenue, Amherstburg
Free
VI. Thanksgiving Dinner/Events
You might like:
- Mary’s Mindful Bakehouse
- Steve Green Foods
- Lee & Maria’s
- The Farmhouse Market
- Trimble Farms cattle Company
Thanksgiving Dinner Dine-in/ Take-Out
- Ciociaro Club on October 7 – 8
- Green Heart Kitchen on October 7; Pre-order by October 2
- Harbour House Waterfront Eatery on October 9; Pre-order by October 6
- Koolini on October 8
- The Butcher of Kingsville on October 6 – 7; Pre-order by October 1
- North 42 Winery & Bistro 42 on October 5 – 9
- Just Jeffs on October 7; Pre-order by October 4
- Other Place Catering and Reception Centre on October 6 – 8; Pre-order by October 4
- Open Table listing
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there may be typographical/oversight errors or events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned event Websites/officials.