"SOMETIMES YOU WILL NEVER KNOW THE VALUE OF A MOMENT UNTIL IT BECOMES A MEMORY"
—DR SEUSS
During the summer, I love the sound of the Friday bagpipes kicking off another Open Air weekend. We have talked about Open Air before being a great example of What Makes Amherstburg Great, but since it ends this weekend we thought we should shine a light on it one last time. Especially since a new council will decide on its future in 2027.
Open Air came about six years ago during the dark days of the pandemic. Seven councillors did the right thing and saved restaurants and downtown shops by closing a few short blocks and allowing people to move about safely in the open air. River Bookshop had just opened, and I’m not sure we would be open today without that council decision. Since then, Open Air has become a recognized top tourist event in Ontario, and has been a big reason why more people are visiting Amherstburg and more residents are coming downtown.
Unfortunately, council does not give it enough funding to make it even better. However, many others have stepped up to activate the streets. Rib Fest, Art Crawl, and Amherstburg's Gone Car
Crazy each funded three weekends at no cost to the town. Also, a number of third party groups were willing to invest their time and money in helping activate our downtown streets:
️ BRAZIL CARROUSEL OF NATIONS️ PRIDE FEST️ HERITAGE WEEKEND️ FARM FEST️ WEBC CYCLE THE BURG️ BARRELS AND BRASS️ LATIN FEST
So come out again this coming weekend to show that you want it back next year. And when candidates come knocking at your door, ask them where they stand on its continuance. If the new council cancels it, Amherstburg will definitely lose something that helps make Amherstburg great.
WHAT MAKES AMHERSTBURG GREAT: NEXT UP
Next week we highlight a very special beach—only a few kilometres out from downtown.
AUTHOR MAURICE SWITZER EVENT: SEPT 26 AT 2PM
Join us Saturday, September 26th at 2PM in the Art Alley for a special event with Maurice Switzer! Maurice will be visiting town to talk to us about his book Sons of Tecumseh. Also featuring a special guest, Indigenous artist Naomi Peters!
The book is fiction rooted in fact, deeply researched, and highly educational. Switzer will be here as part of our town's recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and we're very lucky to have him. Hope you can join us! Books are in stock at River Bookshop. Stop in or shop online. Click here!
BACK TO SCHOOL STORY TIME SUNDAY AT 11AM
On Sunday, September 6th at 11AM, educator Ina Berard returns to Sunday Story Time at River Bookshop.
BACK TO SCHOOL is an exciting time. Whether your little one is ready or even a little apprehensive, we have some positive and encouraging CLASSROOM and FRIENDSHIP stories to share.
RIVER BOOKSHOP WISHES EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY BACK TO SCHOOL WEEK!
Join us for the last Open Air Weekend from September 4th-6th! Take one last look at the Friday Night Market vendors, enjoy live music all day Saturday featuring all the musicians that played during this season, and take part in our special activities.
What's Happening This Weekend:
Friday
- Night Market: 5-9pm
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Live Music:
– 5-7pm: Denis Bastarache
– 7-9pm: David Wilson
Saturday
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Activities:
– 8am: Acai Yoga/Pilates
– 2pm: Historical Tour -
Live Music from 12-6:30pm featuring our amazing 2026 Open Air Musicians!
– 12-12:30pm: Bethany D’Alimonte
– 12:30-1pm: Denis Bastarache
– 1-1:30pm: Tina Schroeder
– 1:30-2pm: Doug Biekx
– 2-2:30pm: Nick Robinson
– 2:30-3pm: Haruya Calla
– 3-3:30pm: Isabella Carey
– 3:30-4pm: Jackson Crawley
– 4-4:30pm: Monique Moisenko
– 4:30-5pm: Compass Rose
– 5-5:30pm: DUZZI
– 5:30-6pm: Mending Eras
– 6-6:30pm: Jenna & Liam
– 7pm: Open Mic at Musicland
Sunday
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Activities:
– 10am: Yoga in the Park
– 11am: Story Time Sundays at River Bookshop
– 2pm: Historical Tour
– 3pm: Coffee and Culture -
Live Music:
– 4-6pm: Doug Biekx
SAVE THE DATE: SEPT 18-20 UNCOMMON FESTIVAL
One of the most anticipated events of the year is back!
Step into a world where steampunk meets magic. Gears, gadgets, and enchantments abound at the extraordinary Amherstburg Uncommon Festival.
Dress up in your favourite wizardry or steampunk cosplay costume and join us for a weekend filled with fun. Expect more buskers, live performances, games, vendors, and downtown businesses open to serve you and wackier-than-ever fun-filled days. You will want to return every single day so you don’t miss a thing!
Stay tuned for 2026 event details! You can click here to see up-to-date info.
Last Weekend, Clifford the Big Red Dog joined us for two very special Story Time readings. On Saturday we enjoyed an outdoor reading, and on Sunday Clifford joined us upstairs in the Hole in the Wall. Rain or Shine, Clifford loves Story Time! Thanks Clifford, and thanks to all the families who attended.
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team