Picture it: the sun’s finally dipped below the Detroit River, fairy lights zig-zag overhead, and a busker on Pelissier Street nails a Motown cover while you sample jerk chicken on a compostable fork. That’s a regular summer night thanks to Windsor Essex’s Night Market Hop—nine neighbourhood pop-ups stitched into one giant warm-weather block party.
If you’re even thinking about living in Windsor, Ontario, let me show you why these markets aren’t just weekend fun—they’re your cheat-sheet to scouting the vibe of every community before you sign on the dotted real-estate line.
Amherstburg Open Air Night Market
When: Every Friday, May 30 – Aug 29, 5 – 10 p.m.
Where: Richmond, Dalhousie & Murray Streets, Downtown Amherstburg
Why go: Heritage storefronts, riverfront sunsets and live-music buskers make this weekly market a no-fail Friday plan. Expect 40-plus makers slinging everything from kettle corn to small-batch candles—perfect for testing that “can I see myself living in Windsor, Ontario’s prettiest historic town?” gut-check
Belle River “Stroll the Street”
When: May 9, June 13, Aug 8, Sept 12, Oct 10 (6 – 8:30 p.m.)
Where: 419 Notre Dame St., Downtown Belle River
Why go: Think mini-festival vibes with chalk artists, food trucks and classic cars one block from Lake St. Clair. Great litmus test for lakeside living and commuter-friendly real-estate
LaSalle Night Markets
When: May 25, June 29, July 27, Aug 31 (outdoors) & Sept 28 (indoors), 4 – 8 p.m.
Where: Town of LaSalle Civic Centre, 5950 Malden Rd. (Sept edition at 970 Front Rd.)
Why go: Family-forward green space turns pop-up bazaar—think farm-fresh produce, live acoustic sets and space for the kids to roam. A top pick if you’re eyeing newer subdivisions with quick 401 acces
Downtown Windsor Night Market
When: Monthly May – Sept (headline nights in July 12 & Sept 6, 4 – 10 p.m.)
Where: Pelissier St. Parking Garage rooftop
Why go: Industrial-chic skyline views, DJ sets and vegan shawarma five minutes from the riverfront. Ideal for condo shoppers craving urban buzz while still living in Windsor, Ontario’s affordable core
Essex Centre StreetFest
When: June 21, Aug 16 & Oct 11, noon – 5 p.m.
Where: Talbot St., Downtown Essex
Why go: One-day street takeover loaded with live music, artisan rows and vintage-tractor photo ops. Scout century homes under $500 K while your teens conquer the skate-demo zone
Kingsville Block Party (incl. Cottam)
When: June 21 (Cottam), July 19, Aug 16 & Sept 20, 5 – 10 p.m.
Where: County Rd 34, Cottam & Kingsville Town Centre
Why go: Wine-trail backdrop meets small-town street dance. Sip County rosé between boutique browsing; then picture cycling home to your new bungalow among the maples.
Leamington Mill St. Market
When: Jun 13, Jul 11, Aug 8 & Sept 12, 5 – 10 p.m.
Where: Mill St. West, Uptown Leamington
Why go: Each date comes with a cheeky theme (Hippie Vibes, Jingle-in-July, etc.). Street-food heaven plus live theatre previews make this a magnet for creatives hunting roomy semis at still-reasonable prices.
Tecumseh Night Market
When: Sept 5, 5 – 10 p.m.
Where: McAuliffe Park, Tecumseh
Why go: One-night mix of craft brews, glow-stick games and dance-floor energy under the pines. Great chance to gauge the vibe of Tecumseh’s quiet cul-de-sacs before they hit MLS
Walkerville Distillery District Night Market
When: Jun 27, Jul 25, Aug 29 & Sept 26, 5 – 11 p.m.
Where: 525 Argyle Rd., Outside Walkerville Brewery
Why go: Edison bulbs, barrel-aged cocktails and up-cycled leather wallets—Walkerville packs hipster heritage punch. A must-see if loft living inside converted brick warehouses sounds like your jam.
Quick-hit planning tips
Parking: Street parking is usually free after 6 p.m.; arrive 30 min early for prime spots.
Bring cash: Mobile terminals can sputter once selfie uploads clog the network.
Reusable gear: Many markets are plastic-free—bring your own cutlery & tote.
House-hunting hack: Chat up vendors; they’re often locals who’ll spill the tea on schools, taxes and which streets flood after a squal
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Most markets welcome leashed pups; Downtown Windsor restricts during peak hours. Pack water.
Q: Are these markets year-round?
A: They’re strictly spring-through-fall. When frost hits, many vendors migrate to indoor holiday bazaars—another intel-goldmine for neighbourhood scouting!
Q: I’m vegan/gluten-free—worth going?
A: Absolutely. From jackfruit tacos in LaSalle to gluten-free butter tarts in Kingsville, specialty menus have exploded the past two seasons.
Q: How’s cell reception?
A: Great in urban centres, patchy in lake-adjacent spots like Belle River. Download event maps offline.
