Windsor-Essex Jane's Walk Festival 2026
All Jane’s Walk events are free to attend, but registration is required as capacity is limited.
Jump to the day:
Essex County Weekend:
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Friday, April 24 (Point Pelee, Kingsville, Leamington, Harrow)
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Saturday, April 25 (Colchester, Amherstburg, Woodslee, Tecumseh)
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Sunday, April 26 (Comber, Essex, Cottam, Harrow, John R. Park)
Windsor Weekend:
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Thursday, April 30 (Erie Street)
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Friday, May 1 (Sandwich, Erie Street, Ottawa Street, South Walkerville)
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Saturday, May 2 (Downtown, McDougall, Walkerville)
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Sunday, May 3 (Nature parks, Downtown, Ford City, Riverside)
Picnic Weekend:
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Saturday, May 9 (Panier Picnic / Rain Day)
View schedule as a time table
About our events:
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Jane’s Walks are hour-long, guided walking tours.
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Jane’s Talks are seated presentations hosted in wheelchair-accessible community spaces.
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Jane's Tours are tours of historic, interesting buildings.
Please refer to individual event descriptions for specific accessibility notes.
County Weekend
Thursday, April 23
Bois Blanc Island – From The Rebellions of 1837 to Boblo and Today
Thursday, April 23rd from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Amherstburg / Bois Blanc Island
Take a ferry ride to Bois Blanc Island and learn about the Rebellions of 1837, the Boblo Island Amusement Park, and the future of the island. (Registration is full - learn more)
Friday, April 24
Hiking the Habitats: A Look at the 5 Habitats of Point Pelee
Friday, April 24th from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Point Pelee
Join us for a walk though our trail as we highlight our 5 habitats and touch on many of the species who live or pass through our ecologically diverse park. (Register here)
My Favourite Kingsville Houses
Friday, April 24 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Event type: Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: Kingsville
A house doesn’t need to be big or beautiful to be interesting, it just needs a great story. And Kingsville has some very interesting homes! (Register here)
The Experience of Sanctuary Now and Then
Friday, April 24th 1:15 PM to 2:15 PM
Event type: Jane’s Tour - Tour of building
Location: Leamington
Sanctuary is an ancient concept associated with refuge , peace and safety. Step into the historic St John's church and experience the history and peace of Sanctuary.(Register here)
Wilkinson's Corners to the Four Corners: A History of Leamington's Uptown
Friday, April 24th from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Event type: Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: Leamington
Join us at the library to look back in time at Leamington's Uptown, how it has grown and changed. (Register here)
Explore 100 Years of Mennonites in Essex County
Friday, April 24th from 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Event type: Jane's Tour - Building Tour
Location: Leamington
Mennonites have made their home in Essex County for 100 years. Learn more about their dramatic journey to Canada. (Register here)
Get to Know the Migrant Workers Community
Friday, April 24 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Leamington
Join us for a walk downtown Leamington as we highlight the importance of having migrant workers in our community, the value they bring, the work they do, and the need to recognize and appreciate them.
Echoes of Industry: Stroll along Sinasac Avenue
Friday, April 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Harrow
Ever wondered about the buildings near the railroad tracks in Harrow? Lynda Leopold did! Join her for a sunset walk and she’ll share what she learned with you. (Register here)
Saturday, April 25
Celebrating 150 years at St. John the Evangelist Church
Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Event type: Jane's Tour - Building Tour
Location: Woodslee
Visit Woodslee's St. John the Evangelist Church with all its history through pictures along with the St. John School Time capsule with memorabilia from the year 2000. (Register here)
Colchester Schoolhouse, Church and Cemetery Tour
Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Colchester
Tour of Christ Church cemetery, replica chapel and 1881 Colchester schoolhouse. Visits by Rev. Pollard and others share the Colchester story. (Register here)
Best Kept Little Secret in Essex County
Saturday, April 25th from 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM
Event type: Jane's Tour - Building Tour
Location: Maidstone
Discover the Maidstone Bicentennial Museum, a wonderful community museum highlighting WWI & II, Textiles, Rum Running, War of 1812 and much more. And don't forget the Heritage Native Gardens on the property! (Register here)
After the Army
Saturday, April 25th from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Amherstburg
Explore what happened when the British military no longer needed Fort Malden. (Register here)
The Art of the Station
Saturday, April 25th from 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Event type: Jane's Tour - Building Tour
Location: Amherstburg
A history of Fort Malden Guild of Arts and Crafts, our art community history, a description and tour of our historically significant former train station and railway car, a tour of our latest exhibit and our train museum housed in our train car. (Register here)
On the Move: A History of Transportation in Amherstburg
Saturday, April 25th from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Amherstburg
Nowadays the most common method of transportation is personal vehicles, followed by buses within cities. How did people in Amherstburg get around before these modes of transport were available? (Register here)
What’s In a Name?
Saturday, April 25: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Event type: Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: Tecumseh
What's in a Name? Get to know more about the Town of Tecumseh's namesake and his leadership in securing Canada's borders in the War of 1812. Find out why Ryegate has been mistakenly referred to as a previous name for the Town of Tecumseh. (Register here)
It Happened In Amherstburg: Black History In Amherstburg
Saturday, April 25th from 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Amherstburg
Explore Black settlement and activity in Amherstburg, with a focus on the lives of Freedom Seekers (those escaping enslavement and persecution in the United States) and their descendants who built their lives in our region. (Register here)
A Story in Four Objects
Saturday, April 25 from 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM
Event type: Jane’s Tour - Tour of building
Location: Amherstburg
Through the evaluation of four seemingly insignificant items, the Park House Museum will tell the story of a time of turmoil, uncertainty, resistance, and resilience. These items, though they may seem insignificant, tell the story of a larger historical event and how the ripple effects were felt in Upper Canada, with a focus on the Amherstburg area. (Register here)
Stroll Through Ste. Anne Cemetery
Saturday, April 25th from 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Tecumseh
Walk and talk through Ste. Anne’s Cemetery while learning about burial practices, memorialization, the historical significance of cemeteries, and the importance of heritage and ritual. (Register here)
Beyond the River: The Underground Railroad & Black Community in Amherstburg
Saturday, April 25: 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Amherstburg
Step back in time and explore the rich Black history of Amherstburg on this guided walking tour. Along the way, you will learn about the Underground Railroad, the Black residents who built a thriving community, and the notable businesses and individuals who shaped Amherstburg’s history. (Register here)
Layers of Amherstburg: Unearthing Our Past and Preserving Our Legacy
Saturday, April 25 from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Amherstburg
Explore Amherstburg’s past through archaeology and community history. This Jane’s Talk features a look at artifacts from a local archaeological collection alongside the story of the Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Branch 157 and its long legacy of service, remembrance, and community involvement. (Register here)
Sunday, April 26
Community Catalysts
Sunday, April 26th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Comber
Join Crystal Waddell and Jacob Dickie for a guided walk along Main Street in Comber exploring the importance of catalytic development in the community. Along the way, we’ll discuss urban infill, mixed-use zoning, main street design, and how nature, farming, and industry have shaped Comber. (Register here)
An Unusual Case of Classical Revival Architecture at the John R. Park Homestead
Sunday, April 26 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Event type: Jane’s Tour - Tour of building
Location: John R. Park Homestead
Guests are invited to learn about and experience a wonderful, local example of Classical Revival Architecture in this talk and tour. The 1842 Park Family home is an interesting and somewhat unusual example of this architectural style - guests are encouraged to look more closely at the fine details through this experience. (Register here)
Family and Community: Navigating Diverse Perspectives Together
Sunday, April 26th from 12:15 - 1:15 PM
Event type: Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: John R. Park Homestead
Taught by the author of Humanism from the Heart: Building Bridges Beyond Belief, this immersive session teaches participants how to turn disagreement into meaningful connection by focusing on relationship over “winning” and using respectful, Socratic-based questioning to explore beliefs with curiosity and care. Through guided practice and interactive exercises, attendees gain practical tools to navigate difficult conversations with confidence, calm, and empathy. (Register here)
Stories of the Rising Village: A Walking Tour of Early Essex
Sunday, April 26th from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Essex
Walk through downtown Essex and discover Talbot Street as it appeared in the formative years between 1873 and 1905. This guided walking tour explores key locations, shops, and hotels in the historic core of Essex, bringing to life the buildings, businesses, and personalities that shaped the early rising village. (Register here)
Before It’s Gone: The Lively Legends Behind Our Landmarks
Sunday, April 26th from 1:30 - 2:30 PM
Event type: Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: John R. Park Homestead
A lively look at Windsor‑Essex’s listed properties and the quirky stories hidden in their walls. A reminder that if we don’t protect them now, those stories may disappear forever. (Register here)
Rails to the Essex Railway Station: Surviving Two Explosions
Sunday, April 26th from 2:15 - 3:15 PM
Event type: Jane’s Tour - Tour of building
Location: Essex
Walk where the tracks were laid! Learn how and why Essex Railway Station became MCR Depot and how it survived two explosions. (Register here)
Mapping the Ghosts of Essex County
Sunday, April 26: 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Event type: Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: John R. Park Homestead
Join Windsor Hackforge for "Mapping the Ghosts of Essex County" to learn how we're transforming archival paper records into an interactive digital map. (Register here)
Downtown Essex Mural Walk
Sunday, April 26: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Essex
Join us for a walk downtown Essex to see and discuss 11 of our beautiful wall murals. (Register here)
Harrow’s Historic Downtown
Sunday, April 26, 2026: 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Harrow
Take a stroll through the heart of Harrow’s historic main street with the Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society (HEIRS). This year’s Jane’s Walk follows King Street, between the BME Cemetery – and site of the original Munger’s Corners at Walnut Street – to the oldest surviving built heritage in Harrow’s commercial district. (Register here)
Oh, the things you'll learn about Cottam!
Sunday, April 26 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Cottam
Learn the early history of the Cottam community along the Talbot Trail. (Register here)
City Weekend
Thursday, April 30
Brewing Community
Thursday, April 23 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: Windsor - Erie Street
Join Eric from Brew Talk for a presentation on craft beer history, process and community impact. Learn about the history of craft beer in Windsor/Essex and the community it has created, plus the process of making beer and how easy it is to do at home. (Register here)
Friday, May 1
River Revival: Exploring Detroit River Restoration in Sandwich Town
Friday, May 1st from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Sandwich
On this walk, learn about how the Detroit River shoreline in Sandwich has been transformed through decades of restoration, stewardship, and community action. (Register here)
From Tombstones to Trading Post
Friday, May 1st from 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Sandwich
Join Les Amis Duff-Bâby for a tour through Windsor's oldest neighbourhood. (Register here)
Lou Romano Water Reclamation Plant Tour - Sewage Treatment Facility
Friday, May 1st from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Event type: Jane’s Tour - Tour of building
Location: Windsor - Sandwich
Discover where wastewater from homes, businesses and industry goes and how it is treated prior to being discharged to the environment. (Register here)
Sketch & Dream: Visualizing Architectural Possibilities
Friday, May 1st from 2:30 to 3:30 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Erie Street
Bring your ideas and your imagination, an open mind and an open heart, and design your way through under utilized places in Windsor. Come for a walk with me and learn about architecture and urbanism through sketching. (Register here)
Carved in Stone - The Stories Beyond Headstone Symbols
Friday, May 1 from 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Windsor Grove Cemetery
Headstones can convey a story beyond the names and dates of our ancestors. Learn about the meaning beyond some of the common and uncommon symbols found in Windsor Grove Cemetery. (Register here)
Across the River to Freedom: Black History in Old Sandwich Town
Friday, May 1st - 5:15 PM - 6:15 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Sandwich
Explore sites related to the history of people of African descent in Old Sandwich Town, dating back to the eighteenth century. (Register here)
Memorial Park at 100: A 1920s Suburban Dream
Friday, May 1st from 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - South Walkerville
Join us for a walk through this 1920s development and discover how a century-old vision of a modern suburb—wide streets, beautiful homes, a central park, strong civic anchors, a retail corridor and access to transit —still shapes the neighbourhood today. (Register here)
These Medicines Linger: Unami Lenape Stories of the Land
Friday, May 1st from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - South Walkerville
Join D.A. Lockhart for a walk through the heart of Memorial Park to explore the rich cultural histories, traditions, and ecological knowledges of the Unami Lenape and other local Nations, the "original people" of these lands. This immersive walking conversation will move beyond the modern trails to reconnect with the spiritual and ecological worldview of the Lenape with a specific attention to the ecology of Windsor. (Register here)
Lincoln in the Woods: What Shapes a Lasting Neighborhood
Friday, May 1st from 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - South Walkerville
Explore a distinct pocket of South Walkerville shaped by park planning, post-war growth, and a mix of architectural styles over time. (Register here)
Saturday, May 2
A Slice of Windsor Pizza History
Saturday, May 2nd from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Event type: Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: Windsor - Professor Zaaa's Pizza
Two of Windsor Pizzas biggest fanatics join together to give you a presentation like no other! Albert Dumouchelle of Win-City Pizza Reviews leads in with a talk about the history of Pizza in Windsor and Professor Zaaa follows with a demonstration of how his award winning pizza is made! (Register here)
Foundations in Footprints
Saturday, May 2 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Downtown
Join a host of Urban Planners and Economic Developers for a brief presentation of projects that are in the works for the area north of University Avenue, between Bruce Avenue and Crawford Avenue. The introduction will be followed by a walking tour of the area planned stops at development sites. (Register here)
Behind the Scenes at the Capitol Theatre
Saturday, May 2nd: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Event type: Jane’s Tour - Tour of building
Location: Windsor - Downtown
Take a behind the scenes tour of one of Windsor's iconic landmarks and discover the magic of the Capitol Theatre! (Register here)
Windsor & Essex County's Natural Areas: The Plight and the Fight
Saturday, May 2nd from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Event type: Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: Windsor - Art Windsor Essex
Join Watershed Watchers for a discussion on the state of Windsor & Essex County's Natural Spaces: land use coverage, their threats, their benefits, local efforts, how residents can help. (Register here)
Love Where You Live: Bruce Park Village
Saturday, May 2nd: 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Downtown
It's a beautiful day in the downtown neighbourhood! Join us for a walk through Bruce Park Village discovering how neighbours are collaborating together to impact where they live. (Register here)
Empowered Community: A Discussion on local democracies and returning power to the people
Saturday, May 2 from 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM
Event type: Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: Windsor - Art Windsor Essex
A panel discussion with Engage Windsor on activating members of the community. This discussion will explore social change, building strong organizing teams, and getting boots on the ground. (Register here)
Exploring the McDougall Street Corridor North of Wyandotte
Saturday, May 2 - 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Downtown
Led by the Essex County Black Historical Research Society, this tour will explore some of the sites important to the Black community of Windsor in the heart of Windsor's traditional Black neighbourhood from the Underground Railroad forward. (Register here)
Newcomer Women & Community
Saturday, May 2 from 3:30 to 4:00 PM
Event type: Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: Windsor - Art Windsor Essex
Through real examples and community stories, learn how WEST helps newcomers and job seekers find employment and build their futures in Windsor-Essex. (Register here)
Go West Young Man: Origin of Hiram Walker and Walkerville
Saturday, May 2 from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Walkerville
Many people are familiar with the name Hiram Walker and know of Walkerville. This tour aims to cover the humble beginnings of the businessman, from his early days as a grocer, as well as examining the origin of the former company town and providing a brief overview of the town's second phase of development. (Register here)
A Walk Down Butterfly Lane
Saturday, May 2 2026 from 4:45 to 5:45 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Walkerville
Stroll down Butterfly Lane to learn about the artist and organizational motives behind the creation of the alley of murals. (Register here)
The Architect of Detroit Goes to Windsor
Saturday, May 2nd from 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Walkerville
An informative and welcoming tour which will explore Albert Kahn's impact on the built world in Windsor’s Walkerville. (Register here)
Sunday, May 3
Spring Migration at Ojibway
Sunday, May 3 from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Ojibway Park
Join us for a birding walk in Ojibway during spring migration! (Register here)
Windsor's Wildlife Ecopassage
Sunday, May 3 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Herb Gray Parkway Eco-passage
Join us as we explore Canada's largest wildlife overpass, right here in Windsor! (Register here)
Labour, Architecture and Urbanism (Part 3)
Sunday, May 3rd from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Ford City
Join us for Part 3 of Ford City! This year’s walk will continue to explore the neighbourhood, its ties to Labour, and how the built environment/form impacts our community culture! (Register here)
Rooted Together: Community, Nature, and the Built Environment in Windsor's West End
Sunday, May 3 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - West End
Join Dr. Ali Mokdad and the Centre for Cities team for a guided walk along College Avenue in Windsor's West End, where nature and the built environment reveal themselves as deeply entangled parts of the same urban fabric. Together we'll slow down and learn to notice how the natural and human-made are woven inseparably through the streets, green spaces, and community life of this neighbourhood. (Register here)
Ford City Community Improvement Plan
Sunday, May 3rd from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Ford City
Join an Urban Planner from the City of Windsor for an introduction into the Ford City Community Improvement Plan and see it in action at the street level. We will discuss how the long term vision of the CIP was created in collaboration with the Ford City community and is rooted in Ford City’s history. We will stop to see a few projects created as part of the CIP. (Register here)
Coal and Fire: The Moodrey Building, a Century on Drouillard
Sunday, May 3rd from 1:00 to 2:00 PM
Event type: Jane’s Tour - Tour of building
Location: Windsor - Ford City
The Moodrey Building at 1000 Drouillard has been at the epicentre of Ford City's story, from the boom days of the nearby automotive plant through the neighbourhood's most recent revitalization. Join Shane for a walk through this storied address and discover the colourful tenants, trades, and characters that have called it home for over a century. (Register here)
The American Revolution and Essex County?? … and so much more!
Sunday, May 3 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Event type: Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: Windsor - Art Windsor-Essex
We will find out what the American Revolution had to do with Detroit and Essex County. We will also explore the history of Canada leading up to the Revolution. (Register here)
Workers in Windsor
Sunday, May 3rd from 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Ford City
We hear a lot about the history of Windsor’s employers, from Walker to Ford, but what about the everyday people who worked for them? This walking tour will explore Ford City through the lens of the working class people who worked in Windsor’s plants and lived in their shadow. (Register here)
The Bandshell: A Forgotten Jewel in Jackson Park
Sunday, May 3 from 2:15 - 3:15 PM
Event type: Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: Windsor - Art Windsor-Essex
The Jackson Park Bandshell is a rare example of mid-twentieth century performance architecture. A landmark treasured by Windsor's Black community and rock and roll music lovers, it suffers from demolition by neglect. (Register here)
Our Schools are Our Neighbourhoods
Sunday, May 3rd from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Event type: Jane's Talk - Seated presentation
Location: Windsor - Art Windsor-Essex
Garlick's stories show how schools have changed over time yet remain fundamentally exactly the same. They reflect, shape and are the communities we live in. (Register here)
Riverside Rocks: How Space and Place Make a Community.
Sunday, May 3 from 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM
Event type: Jane’s Walk - guided walking tour
Location: Windsor - Riverside
We will explore two parks and talk about how the space has changed over the years. We will also discuss ways to get involved in your community to make positive changes. (Register here)
Saturday, May 9
Panier Picnic
Sunday, May 9
Event type: Community Picnic
Location: Windsor - Willistead Park
Panier Picnic is a grassroots event celebrating gathering in public space, exploring your city on bike or foot, and discovering local, independent grocers and food shops along the way. The event is a simple invitation to connect with and discover the diversity of your community. (RSVP here)