Special Events

Residents and visitors alike enjoy the many activities that occur in and around Windsor. Free concerts and festivals happen on the bustling Town Green adjacent to the Old Town area and civic center throughout the year, and Windsor is home to the nationally known Vineman Triathlon series as well as a hot air balloon regatta and the nearby Wings Over Wine Country Air Show, the premiere air show in Northern California. Scroll down to see details of these and many more events that make Windsor a special destination!

Hot Air Balloon Classic

In 1989 the founders of what would become one of Sonoma County’s time honored traditions launched the first Hot Air Balloon Classic by sending dozens of multi- colored, lighter than air spheres into the cool dawn sky.
Twenty-two years later, balloons of all shapes and sizes are preparing to rise again as this popular attraction returns to Windsor in the Summer of 2011 -- after a one- year absence -- for two days of ballooning, food, crafts and tethered balloon rides offering spectacular vistas of the wine country from 50 feet overhead.

Wings Over Wine Country Air Show

Nothing makes the imagination soar and stimulates a passion for flying more than an air show that includes everything from model air planes, vintage war birds, precision aerobatic flying, stunt exhibitions, parachutists and flights by recent additions to our national airborne arsenal. All of this and more can be found at the annual Wings Over Wine Country Air Show at the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in August.
Past year’s flight schedules have included the Northern California Aerobatic Air Show Race along with the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18C Hornet Demonstration Team, along with static display and aerial demonstrations of the C-17 Globemaster, a historic Air Force U-2 flyby, T-38 formation flying in addition to other Navy and Air Force jet fighters passing in review.

Athletic Events

 The Half Marathon (13.1 miles) will be held in Windsor May 22. This family-oriented fitness activity will also feature 10K (6.2 miles) and 5K (3.1 miles) distance running events, live music, a pancake brunch and will coincide with the Farmers Market hours held on the Town Green.

“I have a passion for fitness as well as triathlons, but I also wanted to bring the concept of a Half Marathon to Sonoma County,” said Brad Illing, Event Director.

The Half Marathon has become a very popular distance within the reach of many local residents. My dream became reality in 2008 when we organized the first Wine Country Half Marathon in Healdsburg. Now, three years later, we are expanding the program to include similar races in Windsor.”

Summer Nights on the Green

Walk, bike, run or dance your way to the Town Green this Summer! It is home to live concerts, outdoor kids movies, classic car shows, and weekly Farmers markets. Family friendly lawn games are offered, as is valet bicycle parking, food vendors and beverage sales by local Windsor non-profits!

All events are made possible by the Town of Windsor Parks and Recreation Department, who create community through people, parks and programs!

Want to map it? Click here!

 

Arts and Festivals

Cinco de Mayo celebrations and Classic Shakespeare dramas come to life on the Green. A host of additional festivals are held throughout the summer and fall including: A Fine Arts Show, an Earth Day Celebration, an October Harvest Fest, a Zucchini Festival, Tomato and Pepper Festival, and an Annual Pumpkin Festival.

 

All these festivals are free and open to the public!

 

Holiday Celebrations

Independence Day fireworks, St. Patrick’s Day music and corned beef and cabbage, Ground Hogs Day weather prognostications, Easter Egg Hunts and the Windsor Days Parade are all part of the seasonal experience.