CELEBRATING THE FINAL OPEN AIR WEEKEND 2025
This was one hot summer, but Amherstburg was keeping things fresh and cool with Open Air weekends...the award-winning event that makes the streets of Amherstburg walkable and enjoyable. Clearly, the best summer yet! This is the last weekend of Open Air for the summer, but there's a lot to see this weekend, and September is right around the corner. Read on to find out what's happening!
EVELYN’S is turning 3 & throwing a Summerween Bash!
It’s been three amazing years of candy, community, and fun! Now it’s time to celebrate with the sweetest, spookiest party of the summer starting at 10AM on Saturday, August 30th.
Evelyn’s Golden Ticket Bars are Back! Prizes include gift cards, cotton candy, and Evelyn’s After Hours Experience.
Anniversary Giveaways! The first 50 guests get a spooky mystery candy bag! Plus with every purchase over $10, take your receipt to River Bookshop for a 10% discount (excludes Jellycat & TWSBI) valid on Saturday, August 30th.
Photo Wall & Costumes: Snap pics, trick-or-treat, and win prizes for best dressed! Cheers to 3 sweet years! Can't wait to see you Saturday.
HALLOWEEN JELLYDROP — FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH
Calling all Halloween Jellycat followers! River Bookshop will be hosting a JELLYDROP on Friday, September 5th, at NOON! There will be a limit of three (3) total Jellies from the Halloween collection, per person, per day. We are also limiting this drop to in-store pickup only. That means, you can buy it in person, or pay over the phone to reserve yours, starting at the drop time.
SPOILER, Skeleton Bob and Mummy Bob will be making their return! Mark your calendars, and we'll see you Sept. 5th at noon!
SHINING A LIGHT ON AMHERSTBURG
With “Landmarks and Lunch,” Windsor filmmaker Mike Stasko shines a spotlight on small town Ontario in a new original TV series, and two of the episodes focus on Amherstburg.
One show includes Kevin McDonald of Kids in the Hall at Fort Malden. Originally built in 1795, it was a British stronghold on the Detroit frontier during the War of 1812 and the rebellions of 1837-1838. Today it opens a fascinating door into Canada‘s early military history. If you haven’t visited in a while, it’s time you did before it shuts down for the winter.
River Bookshop recently celebrated its fifth birthday, so the timing is perfect. In addition to a visit to the beautiful bookshop, check out Richard Peddie’s tour of Amherstburg, showcasing King’s Navy Yard Park, the town’s heritage buildings, and its many new retail shops. You might also enjoy the “Richard Peddie grilled cheese sandwich.”
Click here to view Episode Four: Richard Peddie at River Bookshop on Apple TV+. (You can also check out episodes One, Two, and Three.)
Or check out the entire four part series on Bell Fibe TV1.
BACK TO SCHOOL STORY TIME
Local teacher Nadine Draper joins us as our reader on Sunday, August 31st at 11AM for our BACK TO SCHOOL themed Story Time.
Are you going to school for the first time? Are you nervous about meeting your teacher or making new friends? Are you really excited to get back to school and to learn new things? Come join us to share stories about all the feelings and fun that going BACK TO SCHOOL can bring!
Story Time takes place every Sunday at 11AM at River Bookshop.
REST & RELAX — OPEN AIR
Take a deep breath and treat yourself to a weekend of calm during Rest & Relax, part of Open Air Weekends in downtown Amherstburg this August 29-31. In partnership with Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island, this special edition is all about self-care and slowing down.
Stroll the open streets, discover wellness-inspired vendors, and enjoy experiences focused on mindfulness, movement, and relaxation. It’s the perfect chance to reset before the back-to-school bustle begins. Whether you’re sipping tea, stretching out, or simply soaking in the peaceful vibes, Rest & Relax Weekend is your invitation to unwind and recharge!
SAVE THE DATE: UNCOMMON FESTIVAL SEPT 19-21
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 costume and join us for a weekend filled with fun. Click here for full details.
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!
WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?
Last Sunday some of our Story Time guests were dogs! Dr. Beth Cozens joined us as our guest reader, and her furry friends were happy to be in attendance. Reading books about animals has never been more fun. A big thank you to Dr. Cozens from all of our Story Time friends.
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team