What Makes Amherstburg Great: Art Crawl
- July 8, 2026
Guest Content Creator: River Bookshop
Today Amherstburg is one of Ontario’s great small towns, but greatness doesn’t happen on its own. Nature, history, and human actions always play a part. Amherstburg’s location right beside the Detroit River originally made it an important place and adds to its beauty to this day. From the War of 1812, to Freedom seekers escaping slavery in the United States, and Rum Running – history has left its mark! But so have the creativity, hard work, and enthusiasm of its residents.
During 2026 we are going to shine a light on what we think makes Amherstburg great. Our hope is that this new series helps you get to know the town better, support its many businesses and attractions, and become a strong, positive champion of the town. Look for our first story in our next Buzz.
Subscribe to the Weekly Buzz to received updates at riverbookshop.com
“In a world increasingly organized around outrage, speed, and tribal certainty, the arts do something radical: they slow us down. They invite empathy. They expand the imagination. They humanize.” – Jaime Watt
The Amherstburg Art Crawl originated after studying what Huntsville was doing in the Arts, and learning what the Ontario Art Council research said about the importance of the arts in a community. Subsequently, four years ago, the non-profit Art Amherstburg Society launched the Amherstburg Art Crawl. The Gibson Gallery has long carried the torch for the arts in Amherstburg. More recently they have been supported by a very active local group called The Local Art Collective. The Arts are clearly thriving and yet another example of What Makes Amherstburg Great! Two new murals are coming to help further beautify A’burg. Kevin Burdick’s “The Stories We Tell” will be unveiled at noon in Art Alley. This will be the 24th installation in Art Alley – another special destination in the town.
ART CRAWL WEEKEND: WMAG CONTINUES
On Sunday, meet our Town Crier in Art Alley and he will lead us to our surprise mural by David Creed at 1PM.
None of this would happen without the generous support by key sponsors: EverJonge Homes, Amherstburg GM, The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team, and Hotel STRY. All events are located in the Open Air footprint, which is walkable and accessible.
Saturday, July 11th, 2026
- 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Plein Air Competition. Various locations downtown.
- 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM “Unleashed” Art Locations. Click here for locations.
- 12:00 PM Mural Unveiling. Art Alley.
- 12:30 PM Kids and Teens Art Contest Winners. Art Alley.
- 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Local Author Fair. Richmond Street.
- 2:00 PM Mural Unveiling. Art Alley.
- 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM Art Bash ’26. The O @ Hotel STRY.
- All Day Events at The O, Art Crawl Headquarters.
Sunday, July 12th, 2026
- 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Jr. Art Crawl in Art Alley. Click here for Junior Art Crawl schedule.
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Plein Air Exhibition and Sale. Amherstburg Freedom Museum.
- 11:00 AM Story Time with Tia McGraff and Tommy Parham. River Bookshop.
- 12:00 PM Painted Fire Hydrants Tour. Starts at River Bookshop entrance. Check out more information about the fire hydrants here!
- 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Local Author Fair. Outside of River Bookshop.
- 1:00 PM Town Crier Art Crawl, Meg Reiner Art Tour. Art Alley.
- 1:00 PM Story Time with Marcus Cutler. River Bookshop.
- 2:00 PM Plein Air Awards Presentation. Amherstburg Freedom Museum.
- 3:00 PM WSO Brass Quintet. Navy Yard Park.
- All Day Events at The O, Art Crawl Headquarters. Click here for schedule.