After suffering a brutally hot and dry summer in Texas, I am thrilled to be in Windsor to experience autumn. The crunch of crisp leaves, the smell of pumpkin pie, and the sense of impending fright enchant me. I suspect this occult obsession started when I was born on the fall equinox (September 23rd) and intensified as I grew up around several witchy women. Despite my love for the frigid, unforgiving days after summer, I often let autumn pass me by. Schoolwork takes hold of every ounce of my time. I can’t summon witches from the grave or travel to Halloweentown, but I still want to feel as satisfied in my eerie endeavours as possible. These events in (and close to) Windsor, ON, are the perfect way to embrace the autumnal spirit!
- Nightmare in Sandwich Town (Windsor, ON; 13-minute walk, 5-minute drive from Campus)
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The Nightmare in Sandwich Town Halloween festival will ooze through the streets of the Sandwich area of Windsor, ON, from October 27 to October 29, 2023. This frightful festival features a mystifying dance party, free pumpkin carving, and a “Black Market” of local vendors. From partiers to shoppers, all patrons will find devilish delight at this Halloween festival. Plus, it’s incredibly close (a four-minute drive) to UWindsor’s main campus! To view a complete list of events and more information about this festival, go to http://www.sandwichtowne.com/event/nightmare-in-sandwich-town/.
- Ruthven Apple Festival (Kingsville, ON; 40-minute drive from Campus)
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Firstly, it’s a red flag if you don’t like Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens in Kingsville, ON. The plants, goats, and beloved doughnuts make Colasanti’s the perfect quick getaway (about a forty-minute drive) from the city. On September 30 and October 1, 2023, Colasanti’s will host the Ruthven Apple Festival. At the Ruthven Apple Festival, you will find vendors and entertainment, including music and games. Nothing says “fall” quite like a drive through the county and a crisp apple. Visit https://ruthvenapplefestival.myshopify.com/ to learn more about the events schedule and vendor list!
- Windsor Zombie Walk (Windsor, ON; 1-hour walk, 9-minute drive from Campus)
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If your tastes are grim and gruesome, consider the Windsor Zombie Walk. As somebody who grew up in Windsor, this event used to terrify me. I remember thinking as a child that real zombies were crawling around Windsor. If dressing up in your most blood-curdling attire excites you, meet with the other corpses at the corner of Shepherd St. and McDougall St. at 5:30 p.m. on October 14, 2023. Zombies are encouraged to bring canned goods and money to 1441 McDougall St. to support the Downtown Mission! Learn more at https://www.windsorzombiewalk.com/.
- Hexes & Jinxes Market (St. Thomas, ON; 2 hours away from Campus)
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The Hexes and Jinxes Market will convene and conjure from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on September 30, 2023. Over eighty vendors, including my lovely family members, will sell their oddities at the Hexes and Jinxes Market in St. Thomas, ON. You have to hit this event if you’re in need (and who isn’t?) of a crocheted witch hat or a bottle of vampire’s teeth. Unfortunately, this event is a two-hour drive from campus. If you can join in on the witchcraft, read more about this market at https://hexesandjinxesmarket.com/.
Final Thoughts
I am looking forward to a ghastly autumn, aren’t you? From a magical market to a soulless saunter, there are plenty of spooky activities to attend in (and near) Windsor, ON. All students need to make time for their passions and activities. If you love this sinister season as much as I do, consider getting in touch with your inner ghoul and haunting these fall events!