Windsor and its surrounding communities are full of museums that put on special exhibits, whether they are one-time-only or annual occurrences. Every May, thousands of nature enthusiasts from around the world visit Pt. Pelee National Park in Leamington for their Festival of Birds, as songbirds migrate through the area.  (In September, the birding enthusiasts make their way to Holiday Beach Conservation Area for the extensive autumn migration, with special programming during their Festival of Hawks.) July, the Leamington Arts Centre hosts a weekend summer art exhibit, Arts @ the Marina , featuring all sorts of artwork and entertainment from various vendors. During the summer (June to October, inclusive), Windsor also hosts a downtown Farmers Market on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market is located in front of the armory on 37 University Avenue.

Windsor really shines during the summer, when festivals abound all over the city. In late June or early July, the annual Windsor Summerfest takes place over about two weeks. The carnival, complete with rides, food and game booths, opens mid-afternoon on weekdays and at noon on weekends. Closing time is usually around midnight, but depends on the crowds.  The spectacular highlight of this is a huge fireworks display that takes place over the Detroit River -- an event that celebrates the national holidays of Canada and the United States.  The St. Peter’s Festival , also occurring around the same time, celebrates the city’s patron with displays, music, food and games. The Festival Epicure in early July features samplings from the city’s top restaurants, wineries and food specialists; money from the event goes toward the Kidney Foundation of Canada. From July 18 to July 27 is the Windsor International Fringe Festival  that ecompasses music, theatre, dance and the arts. Taking place in a number of Downtown Windsor locations, the Fringe includes: the Chalk & Chocolate Festival, the International Buskers Festival, Buskin' to the Beat, the Visual Fringe and the Theatre Fringe. Come out this summer and make the FIRST Windsor International Fringe Festival the BEST!!

Other notable festivals that take place in Windsor are Art in the Park, the Lasalle Strawberry Festival and Carrousel of the Nations events in June, as well as Windsor Elvis Fest (end June/early July), the Bluesfest International (mid-July on the Riverfront Festival Plaza), the St. Angela Merici Festival (August, in Via Italia), and the Shores of Erie International Wine Festival (September, at Fort Malden).   Lots of county fairs, including Comber Fair in August, Harrow Fair over Labour Day weekend, and events that celebrate the rich agriculture here, like Leamington Tomato Festival and Tecumseh Corn Festival.  There's even a Windsor International Film Festival, which takes place in November!

The local official Convention & Visitors Bureau has a great online calendar with further info on these and other events, as well as local theatre and performing arts and fundraisers. There are additional listings at Windsor 411 Windsor & Essex County Events Directory , and an even broader calendar which includes community events available through the Windsor-Essex Community Portal.