Windsor, the holiday season properly kicks off this week.
This week (Nov 12–19) River Lights Winter Festival lights up Amherstburg with its 20th-anniversary opening night, Lee Brice brings his Sunriser Tour to Caesars Windsor, and the FMX World Tour's freestyle motocross riders defy gravity at the WFCU Centre. Add Santa's grand arrival at Devonshire Mall, the Windsor-Essex Christmas Market, and a wave of holiday bazaars and craft markets across the region, and there's no shortage of ways to get into the spirit.
Here's your full guide to the best of Windsor-Essex this week.

🏍️ November 14 – FMX World Tour: Stars of Freestyle Motocross
Pit Party 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Show 2:30 PM | WFCU Centre, 8787 McHugh Street, Windsor

Get ready for an explosive, full-throttle afternoon as the world’s top freestyle motocross riders defy gravity! 🔥 Watch elite athletes soar through the air with jaw-dropping tricks like Superman Seat Grabs, Cliff Hangers, Kiss of Death, Back Flips, Super Backflips and more. With roaring engines, mid-air rotations and heart-stopping landings, this high-octane show is packed with adrenaline for seasoned fans and first-timers alike.

Arrive early for the Pit Party to get up close with the riders and their machines before the action takes off! 🏁💨🤘

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Windsor’s music scene is stacked this season—from techno nights and live summer DJ parties, there’s a sound for every vibe and every night out.

🤠 November 13 – Boots & Barrels Hoedown Fundraiser
6:30pm | Sprucewood Shores Winery, Harrow
Line dancing lessons, drinks and great company fill this fundraising evening for Steve's Dancing with Easter Seals Stars campaign, with no experience necessary. Tickets $20 advance, $25 at the door, 19+.

🎻 November 14 – Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3
7:30pm | The Capitol Theatre
The Windsor Symphony Orchestra pairs the intensity of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 with Hindemith's Mathis der Maler, featuring pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin under conductor Andrew Crust.

🎷 November 15 – GWCB "Autumn Celebration and Dances" FREE Concert
3:00pm | Banwell Community Church
The Greater Windsor Concert Band performs "Autumn Celebration and Dances" featuring Margo Cole on saxophone, a free concert with donations gratefully accepted at the door.

🎤 November 12 – Forever in Blue Jeans – Tribute to the Music of Neil Diamond
6:30pm | Paglione Estate Winery
An evening packed with Neil Diamond favourites, a salad and pizza bar, and dinner at 6:30pm followed by the live tribute show. Tickets $75 plus tax per person, advance booking required.

🔥 November 13 – Fall Fire Fridays – Dave Wilson
5:00pm – 8:00pm | Oxley Estate Winery
Cozy patio dinners run later into the evening with live music from Dave Wilson every Friday, plus something warm to sip as the sun goes down. Reservations recommended.

🎶 November 19 – Lee Brice: Sunriser Tour at Caesars Windsor
The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
Country star Lee Brice brings his Sunriser Tour to The Colosseum stage with special guest Grace Tyler, fresh off Platinum hits like "Rumor" and "One of Them Girls."

🎹 November 14 – The Piano Men Dinner Show
Doors 6:00pm, Dinner 7:00pm, Show 9:00pm | St. Clair Centre for the Arts
St. Clair College Centre for the Arts presents a dinner show tribute celebrating the music of legendary piano men, with full dinner service followed by a live performance.

🎼 November 19 – Winter's Overture
7:30pm | Capitol Theatre Windsor
Windsor Symphony Community Orchestra celebrates the sounds of winter with music, storytelling and seasonal favourites, narrated by 89X host Dan MacDonald, including a suite from The Polar Express.

Windsor’s comedy scene is bringing nonstop laughs with stand-up showcases, lighting up intimate venues all across the city.

🎤 November 14 – The Bridge: DETROIT Edition LIVE Comedy At Tipsy Toucan
8:00pm | The Tipsy Toucan
Josh Adams crosses the border with two of his funniest friends for his bi-monthly Detroit takeover of the Windsor Laughs Comedy Club, located downstairs, 19+.

😂 November 13 – Ashwyn Singh in Windsor: The Imperfect Ally Tour (Early Show)
The Tipsy Toucan
Ashwyn Singh brings his sharp, hilarious and thought-provoking stand-up show exploring allyship, identity and navigating the world as a progressive today to Windsor Laughs Comedy Club.

🎙️ November 17 – Phogheads Comedy Showcase
8:30pm – 9:30pm | Phog Lounge, 157 University Ave W
A free weekly comedy showcase featuring funny local and touring comedians performing fresh stand-up sets in one of the city's most intimate venues, with doors at 8pm.

📖 November 12 – Book Launch: Colin McAdam's Daphnis and Chloe
7:00pm | Biblioasis Bookshop
Giller Prize-nominated author Colin McAdam discusses his modern retelling of the ancient love story Daphnis and Chloe at this free, refreshments-included author event.

🖼️ November 13 – Artist Talk with James Baxter
7:00pm | Villa92 Eatery and Cultural House, Tecumseh
Local photographer James Baxter walks guests through his work on display in the dining room gallery, followed by a Q&A session with attendees.

🎗️ November 13 – The Big Party – HDGH
5:30pm | Ciociaro Club
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Foundation's annual gala features live entertainment, dinner, food stations, a silent auction and raffles, with proceeds supporting HDGH's Mental Health and Addictions Programs.

🎂 November 14 – Bryer's 50th Birthday Bash
6:00pm | ScareHouse Windsor
Michael's 50th birthday celebration doubles as a fundraiser for the Windsor Firefighters' Benefit Fund and Sparky's Toy Drive, with $40 admission supporting local crews and families.

✍️ November 14 – Creative Writing Circle
4:00pm | Windsor Public Library - Central Branch
Writers share their work and connect with fellow creatives in a friendly environment with constructive feedback, open to all genres and styles, no registration required.

🏛️ November 14 – Duff-Baby Mansion Tour Day
12:00pm – 4:00pm | Duff-Baby Mansion
Visit Windsor's oldest house, built in 1798 by Scottish fur trader Alexander Duff, for free self-guided tours showcasing new exhibits and recent restoration work.

🪴 November 14 – Succulent Terrarium Workshop
2:00pm – 4:00pm | WindsorEats at Tinseltown
Create your own succulent terrarium at this hands-on workshop, with tickets including all materials and one drink from a selected menu, limited seats available.

🎨 November 12 – Frosty Paint & Sip at AWE
Art Windsor-Essex
Guests enjoy Coopers Hawk wine while guided through creating their own masterpiece, with each ticket including two wine tickets, all supplies and a snack.

👩‍🍳 November 14 – Cooking Classes with Chef Vanessa – Mexican Flavours
CREW – Colchester Ridge Estate Winery
Chef Vanessa leads a demonstration-style class featuring guacamole, roasted tomatillo salsa, chili lime shrimp tacos and Mexican hot chocolate pie, limited to 10 guests.

🖌️ November 15 – Linocut Printing with Sandra Ellis at AWE
Art Windsor Essex
Learn linocut printmaking by carving your own design into a linoleum block and experimenting with ink and colour to create handmade prints, open to all skill levels.

🍣 November 19 – Kona Sushi Masterclass
Kona Lakeshore
Learn to properly prepare and roll your own sushi in this hands-on, all-you-can-eat class that includes a free Kōna sushi rolling mat to take home.

🐦 November 19 – Science on Tap: Birds and Beers VI
Walkerville Brewery
The University of Windsor hosts an evening with bird researchers featuring bird trivia, grad student research posters and a Science Meets Art exhibit over your favourite beverage.

💼 November 17 – Job Interview Seminar @ Central Library
4:00pm | Windsor Public Library - Central Branch
A retired professional resume writer and employment strategist leads this free seminar on nailing job interviews with confidence, registration requested by email.

🔭 November 17 – The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada ~ Windsor Centre
7:00pm | Ojibway Park Nature Centre
RASC Windsor's monthly general meeting covers what's visible in the night sky this month, with guest speakers sharing astronomy insights for members and newcomers alike.

Enjoy markets, shows, fashion at Windsor.

🎭 November 13 – O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy
7:30pm | Chrysler Theatre
London's award-winning duo James & Jamesy steep an outrageously funny, boundlessly imaginative British panto-style comedy when catastrophe strikes at their Christmas tea party.

🚐 November 14 – 6th Annual Christmas Camper Photo Shoot – FREE Event
9:00am | Leisure Trailer Sales
A retro camper gets dressed up for the holidays for this free annual family photo tradition, with a group of holiday vendors on site for extra shopping.

🛍️ November 14 – Bedford Holiday Bazaar & Yard Sale
9:00am – 2:00pm | Bedford United Church
A holiday market and fall bazaar with silent auction items, jewellery, baked goods, Christmas crafts, knitted items and a yard sale, plus lunch available from 11am.

⛪ November 14 – Emmanuel United Church Holiday Bazaar
9:00am | Emmanuel United Church
This Christmas bazaar features freshly baked goods, frozen pies, crafts, books, jewelry and treasures, with a light lunch available from 9am to 2pm.

📚 November 14 – Nostalgic Book Fair at Walkerville Brewery
12:00pm – 5:00pm | Walkerville Brewery
Browse and shop from local vendors and independent bookshops at this afternoon book fair, with craft beer and cider on hand to make the browsing extra cozy.

🎄 November 14 – Poinsettia Bazaar
10:00am | 3200 Woodland Drive
Paulin's Annual Poinsettia Bazaar brings a variety of vendors, baked goods and lunch to make holiday shopping more fun with a handmade, homemade touch.

🎇 November 14 – River Lights Opening Night
5:00pm | Amherstburg Waterfront
Amherstburg kicks off the 20th anniversary of River Lights with a Super Santa 5k, opening ceremonies, a tree lighting, cannon firing and fireworks over the river.

✨ November 14 – River Lights Winter Festival
Nightly through Jan 3 | King's Navy Yard Park & Toddy Jones Park, Amherstburg
Hundreds of custom LED light displays transform downtown Amherstburg's two main parks every night through January 3, with traditional and whimsical holiday scenes for the whole family.

🧵 November 14 – Snowflake Bazaar
9:00am | St. John's Anglican Church Parish Hall
Home-baked goods and jams, Christmas decorations, handmade crafts and attic treasures fill this parish hall bazaar, with a $5 chili or hotdog lunch available.

🎅 November 13 – Tinseltown Windsor Christmas Popup
Through Dec 31 | WindsorEats Food Hall
WindsorEats transforms floor-to-ceiling for the holidays with themed cocktails, live Christmas music every Friday and Saturday, pub crawls, board games and a grown-up book fair.

🎁 November 14 – Windsor-Essex Christmas Market
11:00am | The WFCU Centre
Celebrate the season with local holiday shopping, seasonal treats and Christmas cheer for the whole family at the WFCU Centre, with free admission.

🛍️ November 15 – Christmas Craft & Vendor Market
9:00am – 3:00pm | St Mary's Hall
A free-admission craft and vendor market collecting donations of non-perishable food items for the local food bank alongside holiday shopping from local vendors.

🎄 November 15 – Holiday Craft and Gift Show
9:00am – 3:00pm | Atlas Tube Recreation Centre
Shop local vendors, handmade treasures and gifts at this holiday craft and gift show, with kids activities and door prizes throughout the day for $2 entry.

🎅 November 15 – Santa's Arrival At Devonshire Mall
11:00am | Devonshire Mall
Welcome Santa to his Winter Woodland as he makes his grand arrival by helicopter, with entertainment from the Windsor Optimist Youth Band and Windsor Fire's Sparky's Toy Drive.

📖 November 17 – Story Time with Santa at Devonshire Mall
3:00pm | Devonshire Mall
Join Santa in his Winter Woodland for story time, with one lucky child winning a book to take home; additional sessions run Nov 24, Dec 1, 8 and 15.

🌲 November 19 – Essex Tree Lighting
6:00pm | Essex Town Hall
Essex Town Hall hosts its annual community tree lighting to kick off the holiday season, bringing residents together for the start of Christmas festivities in town.

🛒 November 14 – Lakeside Market
8:00am – 1:00pm | St. Joachim L'Association
Local farmers, growers, makers, artisans and food vendors gather for this community market celebrating the bounty of the county and strengthening local connections.

🎄 November 14 – Kingsville Holiday Market
Lakeside Park Pavilion, Kingsville
Shop from over 40 local vendors inside the beautiful Lakeside Park Pavilion, with festive holiday drinks, cookies, salsa and handmade gifts for everyone on your list, free admission.

🍷 November 15 – Holiday Sip and Shop
North 42 Degrees Estate Winery
Six YQG-made vendors showcase handcrafted jewelry and cards at this decked-out winery shopping event, with complimentary snacks, tea tasting and a festive wine sample included.

🔔 November 19 – The Salvation Army Essex Community Church Christmas Kettle Kick-Off and Tree Lighting
5:00pm | Essex
The Essex Salvation Army launches its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign with a community tree lighting, kicking off the season of giving in partnership with the Essex BIA.

🏡 November 14–15 – Erie Shores Christmas House Tour
10:00am – 4:00pm | Mastronardi Estate Winery, Kingsville
Tour beautifully decorated homes across Essex and Kingsville for holiday inspiration and seasonal cheer, with proceeds supporting Erie Shores HealthCare and Erie Shores Hospice. Tickets $40.

Enjoy games, trivia and dinner nights in Windsor.

🎲 November 12 – Brews & Board Games at Walkerville Brewery
5:00pm – 9:00pm | Walkerville Brewery
Tabletop Bellhop hosts a night of board games and great beer, with a variety of games available or feel free to bring your own to share.

🧠 November 13 – Trivia Challenge
6:00pm | St. Nicholas Macedonian Orthodox Church Community Centre
The Rotary Club of LaSalle Centennial hosts this trivia fundraiser with host Mack Flash Entertainment, featuring a pasta and chicken dinner and a wine draw. Tickets $50.

🎬 November 14 – Movie Trivia w/ Mack Flash at Walkerville Brewery
7:00pm – 9:00pm | Walkerville Brewery
Test your film knowledge from cult classics to modern blockbusters at this free monthly movie trivia night, with prizes to win and beers to drink.

🎵 November 15 – Music Bingo Trivia at Walkerville Brewery
5:00pm | Walkerville Brewery
A night filled with a little bit of bingo, a little bit of trivia and a whole lot of music, free to play with great prizes to be won.

🃏 November 16 – Card Board Game Night
5:00pm – 10:00pm | The Shadowbox Theatre
A wide variety of card and board games await at this monthly drop-in night, with strategy, trivia, party games and RPGs available for just $5 at the door.

🎲 November 12 – Trivia Night at The Manchester Bar
7:00pm – 9:00pm | The Manchester Bar, downtown Windsor
Weekly trivia night hosted by BRN Trivia at The Manchester Bar, with drink specials and three rounds to keep you and your friends entertained all evening.

🎲 November 19 – Trivia Night at The Manchester Bar
7:00pm – 9:00pm | The Manchester Bar, downtown Windsor
Weekly trivia night hosted by BRN Trivia at The Manchester Bar, with drink specials and three rounds to keep you and your friends entertained all evening.

Enjoy the sports events in Windsor of your choice!

🏐 November 13 – Windsor Lancers Volleyball
6:00pm (W), 7:30pm (M) | Toldo Lancer Centre
Catch the Windsor Lancers take on McMaster in an exciting volleyball doubleheader, with tickets available online at goLancers.ca.

🎳 November 14 – Forest Glade Optimist Junior Bowling
SuperBowl Lanes
The Forest Glade Optimist Club's children's bowling league teaches the basics of bowling in a fun, social setting where kids can meet new friends while building skills.

🏒 November 12 – Niagara IceDogs V.S. Windsor Spitfires – $5,000 Dash For Cash
WFCU Centre
Four lucky fans compete for a chance to win $5,000 in real cash falling from the rafters during one of the most exciting intermissions of the season.

🏍️ November 14 – FMX World Tour
WFCU Centre
Professional freestyle motocross riders defy gravity with jaw-dropping stunts like Superman Seat Grabs and Super Backflips in this explosive, full-throttle action-sports spectacle.

🏒 November 15 – Saginaw Spirit V.S. Windsor Spitfires – Toy Story
WFCU Centre
Bring the whole family for a game night inspired by iconic animated favourites, with themed entertainment and a chance to skate with Spitfires players after the final buzzer.

🏒 November 19 – Soo Greyhounds V.S. Windsor Spitfires – Jurassic Night
WFCU Centre
The Spitfires travel back in time for a prehistoric-themed OHL matchup against rival Soo Greyhounds, with roaring fun and themed entertainment all night long.

That's your week across Windsor-Essex. Whether you're lighting up the night at River Lights Opening Night, singing along with Lee Brice at Caesars, or getting a head start on holiday shopping at one of this week's Christmas markets, there's plenty to keep you busy as the season shifts into gear. Get out there, support local — we'll be back next week with another roundup of the region's best.
— Windsor Pulse