September in Windsor-Essex: Farmers Markets, Apple Picking, and the Events Worth Marking on Your Calendar

September might be the best month in Windsor-Essex. The humidity breaks, the orchards start filling up, and there's a genuine stretch of fairs, markets, and community events packed into just a few weeks. Whether you're looking for something to do this weekend or planning out the whole month, here's what's on.

Farmers Markets

Local markets are still in full swing through September, with fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts every week.

• Downtown Windsor Farmers' Market: Saturdays, 9am to 2pm, at Pelissier Street and Maiden Lane. Runs right through to October 31.
• Amherstburg Farmers' Market: Saturdays, 8:30am to 1:30pm, at Toddy Jones Park.
• Belle River Farmers' Market: Sundays, 10am to 2pm, at Optimist Park.
• Tecumseh Farmers Market: Third Sunday of the month at Lacasse Park, so mark September 20 on your calendar.

Apple Picking and Orchards

It's officially apple season, and Windsor-Essex has no shortage of orchards worth a Saturday drive.

• Wagner Orchards & Estate Winery (Lakeshore): Pick your own apples, plus a cidery and winery on site if you want to make a full afternoon of it.
• Kennette Orchards (Lakeshore): A good variety to choose from, including Macintosh, Royal Gala, Empire, and Fuji.
• Meleg's Lakeview Orchard (Kingsville): A family owned and operated orchard worth the trip out to Kingsville.
• Thiessen Orchards (Leamington): Pick your own, with family friendly activities on site.
• Abbruzzese Farms (Kingsville): Ready picked apples if you'd rather skip the picking and just grab a bag, including Honeycrisp, Royal Gala, and Empire.

Fairs and Festivals

• Harrow Fair, September 3 to 6 (Labour Day weekend), at the Harrow Fairgrounds. This is the 172nd year for one of Ontario's oldest agricultural fairs, with livestock shows, homecraft and produce competitions, and a midway. Worth going for the history alone.
• Great Canadian Riverfront, September 6, at Dieppe Park and Gardens. Free admission, live entertainment, food, and family activities right on the water.
• Windsor Waterfront Half Marathon & 5km, September 13, starting at Festival Plaza on Riverside Drive East. The 5km kicks off at 7am and the half marathon at 8am, so it's an early one, but the route along the water is hard to beat.
• Windsor Pizza Festival, September 19, at City Hall Square.

A quick note: event details can shift closer to the date, so it's always worth double checking times and locations before you head out.