Ford Fireworks 2026: Everything you need to know before heading downtown Monday night

Here’s what you need to know before the Ford Fireworks on Monday. CTV Windsor’s Travis Fortnum has the details.

The Ford Fireworks will once again light up the sky over the Detroit River Monday night, bringing thousands of people to Windsor’s waterfront.

The show is scheduled to begin around 10 p.m., but if you’ve been before, you know getting a good view is only part of the experience.

Crowds, traffic, road closures, and packed buses are all part of the night.

Windsor police say fireworks night is one of the busiest nights of the year in the downtown core.

“Fireworks night has always been one of those nights where it’s all hands on deck,” said Windsor police spokesperson Bianca Jackson.

“We have all of our patrol officers, auxiliary officers, specialty units who will be out patrolling the area and making sure our families stay safe.”

Here’s what you need to know before heading downtown.

Police tips: Kids, crowds, e-bikes, and drones

If you’re heading downtown with children, police recommend taking a recent photo before leaving home.

“To make sure that you have an up-to-date recent photo,” Jackson said.

Police are also encouraging families to pick a meeting location ahead of time in case anyone gets separated.

People using e-bikes and e-scooters are also being reminded to use caution around large crowds.

“If you are in a high traffic area where there are a lot of pedestrians, we ask that you get off of your e-bike, e-scooter and walk,” Jackson said.

And if you were planning to launch a drone to capture the fireworks, police say don’t.

“Leave it at home,” Jackson said.

“They are prohibited in the airspace during the fireworks.”

She said officers will be enforcing these rules strictly, hitting drone pilots with fines.

Road closures begin at 6 p.m.

Drivers should be prepared for numerous road closures throughout the downtown core beginning at 6 p.m. Monday.

“It’s going to be a busy night. There’s going to be many road closures,” Jackson said.

Police are encouraging residents to review closure maps before leaving home and make plans ahead of time if they need access to a vehicle later in the evening.

“We’re asking everybody to exercise their patience and be prepared well ahead of the road closures,” Jackson said.

Drivers who leave their cars in the area of a closure could return to find it ticketed or even towed.

Free transit returns for the 16th year

Transit Windsor and Zehrs are once again partnering to offer free transportation to and from the fireworks.

All regular Transit Windsor service will be free beginning at 6 p.m. Monday.

Shuttle buses will also run between Devonshire Mall and downtown Windsor before and after the show.

The partnership is now in its 16th year and has resulted in more than 120,400 rides over the years.

“It’s one of our biggest nights of the year downtown,” said downtown councillor Renaldo Agostino.

“Come down there on Transit Windsor free of charge, get the kids in there, come downtown, have a great time and enjoy a great show.”

Shuttles will begin loading at Devonshire Mall at 6 p.m. and continue running downtown until 9:30 p.m.

Return trips will begin immediately following the fireworks and continue until all waiting passengers have been transported back to Devonshire Mall.

Don’t forget about your pets

Fireworks can be exciting for people, but stressful for animals.

Veterinarians at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine recommend keeping pets indoors during fireworks, closing windows and curtains, using a television or radio to help mask some of the noise and creating a quiet space where animals feel safe.

Experts say trembling, pacing, hiding, and drooling can all be signs a pet is becoming distressed.

Bottom line: Plan ahead

Whether you’re driving, taking transit or walking downtown, officials say planning ahead can make the night much smoother.

Road closures and free transit service both begin at 6 p.m. Monday.

According to Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island, the fireworks are expected to start around 9:55 p.m.