PLAN YOUR VISIT
TO WAMBO
WAMBO takes over downtown Wallaceburg and the Sydenham River for the weekend, with things happening from the first cars rolling in to the last songs at night.
You’ll hear the cruise before you see it on Friday, watch the streets fill up on Saturday, and find boats lined along the water all weekend. In between, there’s music, vendors, food, and people moving from one end of downtown to the other, stopping, circling back, and taking it all in.
YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THESE
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
TERRY GLOVER MEMORIAL CRUISE
The Terry Glover Memorial Cruise begins at 7pm, from the Walmart parking lot, with classic cars making their way through Wallaceburg and into the downtown core. People line the streets and wait for the first engines to come through. For many, it’s the moment WAMBO officially begins.
CAR SHOW
Classic cars line the downtown core. Everything from long-time restorations to newer builds, parked hood to hood and open for people to walk through. Owners are nearby, conversations start easily, and it’s as much about the stories as the vehicles themselves.
BOAT DISPLAY
Antique boats and vessels line the waterfront, tied up and on display throughout the weekend. Polished wood, older builds, and working restorations all set against the Sydenham River, the water that’s been part of Wallaceburg’s history for generations.
LIVE MUSIC
Music carries through the weekend, you’ll hear it as you move through downtown. From the park to the streets and the main stage, local bands and Canadian favourites play familiar songs people know and sing along with. It becomes the book end of each day and brings everyone together.
WAMBO SCHEDULE
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The Knights of Columbus will be providing a chicken dinner on Friday 4:30pm at the K of C Hall on the corner of Murray St and Baseline Road.
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Opening ceremonies & ringing of the bell is held at Wallaceburg Civic Square Park (near the fountain).
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Tent closes at 12am
The WAMBO main stage and refreshment tent are located at the public parking lot in front of Save Max.
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Terry Glover Memorial Cruise: Cars begin gathering between 5-6pm between Tim Hortons and Walmart (McNaughton Ave) with cruise to start at 7pm.
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Live music begins at 7pm. Tent closes at 12am
The WAMBO main stage and refreshment tent are located at the public parking lot in front of Save Max.
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Boats arriving Friday can check in with Rob Dickinson, Boats Manager at registration tent behind the Wallaceburg Library.
~ 209 James St, Wallaceburg, ON N8A 2N4
Dining downtown Wallaceburg: We highly recommend visiting The Black Goose or Glasstown Brewery.
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
WAMBO Shuttle runs from 9am-5pm. Map below to view pick-up/drop-off areas.
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The Knights of Columbus will be hosting a breakfast on Saturday at 8am for locals and event participants at the main tent.
The WAMBO main stage and refreshment tent are located at the public parking lot in front of Save Max.
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Cars, boats, motorcycles and fire trucks and motor coaches will be on display from 9am-5pm.
Art in the Park and Vendors will also be open from 9am-5pm.
Shows and vendors will be scattered throughout the downtown area. Please view the event map below to find your way around.
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The Wallaceburg Museum hosts a variety of events for children and families to attend. 10am-2pm there will be children’s games in the Parkette. 10am-4pm there will be free admission for the museum, as well as a cooling station in the Jeanne Gordon Hall including crafts and colouring for kids. Between 11am-2pm, the museum hosts a bbq as well.
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Tent closes at 12am
The WAMBO main stage and refreshment tent are located at the public parking lot in front of Save Max.
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Live music begins at 12pm.
The WAMBO main stage and refreshment tent are located at the public parking lot in front of Save Max.
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Running from 12-6pm, Karaoke Korner will be in the tent between the Wallaceburg Library and Glasstown Brewery with DJ's Mike & Melody Shepley.
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Awards Ceremonies for Cars, Boats and more – there will be a People's Choice Ballot Box available for spectators to vote. Ceremonies are held at registration booths for each display.
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Live music begins at 7pm. Tent closes at 12am
The WAMBO main stage and refreshment tent are located at the public parking lot in front of Save Max.
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Interdenominational Church Service hosted by Pastor Brian Horrobin held at the main tent.
The WAMBO main stage and refreshment tent are located at the public parking lot in front of Save Max.
SUNDAY
CARS, BOATS, MOTORCYCLES + FIRE TRUCKS
TRANSPORTATION EVENTS
Throughout the day, people move between the streets and the river, stopping to take a closer look and chat with owners. Cars line the downtown core, boats sit along the Sydenham, and motorcycles and fire equipment are on display, this is what the weekend is built around.
CLASSIC CARS
Rows of classic cars line the downtown core. Restored, maintained, and brought out for the weekend. Owners are nearby, hoods are up, and there’s always something worth stopping for.
ANTIQUE BOATS
Antique boats line the waterfront, tied up and on display throughout the weekend. It’s a quieter stretch of the event, but just as much a part of it and a direct nod to the town’s history on the water.
MOTORCYCLES
Motorcycles are set across one of the downtown streets, adding yet another hard to miss layer to the mix. Different styles, different builds, different decades, and all part of the same lineup.
FIRE TRUCKS + MOTOR COACHES
Antique fire trucks and motor coaches are displayed, drawing attention across the river. It’s a reminder of another kind of service and tradition that’s been a proud part of the community for years.
ANNUAL CRUISE THROUGH DOWNTOWN
TERRY GLOVER MEMORIAL CRUISE
Friday night is where WAMBO begins to take shape. Before the cars settle into place for the weekend, they’re out on the road, moving through Wallaceburg and into the downtown core. People line the streets early, find a spot, and wait for that first stretch of headlights and engine noise to come through.
The Terry Glover Memorial Cruise has become a steady start to the weekend. It’s not about speed or spectacle, it’s about showing up, taking part, and being part of something that’s been happening here for years. For many, it marks the start of WAMBO.
CAR OWNERS: THE CRUISE IS OPEN TO EVERYONE
You do not need to be a WAMBO registered vehicle to participate in the Terry Glover Memorial Cruise. Anyone with a classic or custom vehicle is welcome to attend. Participants should plan on being at the Wallaceburg Walmart parking lot to later than 6pm on the Friday of WAMBO weekend. Cruise begins at 7pm and goes through the downtown streets.
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WAMBO have been notified by the Chatham Kent Police Traffic Enforcement Division that they will no longer be escorting any cruises with any car show within the Municipality. They will move from a “Traffic Management” policy to a “Traffic Enforcement” policy. All traffic signage, speed limits and intersection lights MUST be obeyed. CKPS will be watching. The safety of our WAMBO participants/viewers and visitors is and has always been a top priority with us. We appreciate your cooperation in abiding by the rules of daily driving during our cruise event moving forward.
2026 ENTERTAINMENT
LIVE MUSIC
As the evening sets in, people gather at the stage or settle into the refreshment tent. Lawn chairs come out, friends meet up, and the focus shifts from moving around to staying put for a while. Each night brings a lineup of familiar songs that carry the crowd through the evening and give the weekend its rhythm after dark.
FRIDAY 7pm
BIG SHINY TOONS
Bringing an explosion of energy, 4 part harmonies, exquisite but questionable dance moves, and a ton of fun, Big Shiny Toons brings all your favourite 90's hits you forgot you loved.
SATURDAY 12pm
TO BE ANNOUNCED
Saturday afternoon band will be announced soon. Please keep an eye on this page for more information.
SATURDAY 7PM
SCOTT MANERY + THE BARN BURNERS
With 20+ years of twang, Scott Manery + The Barn Burners have five CD's under their cowboy belts the band features all original material as written by Manery.
VENDORS AT WAMBO
SHOP + EAT
Vendors are set up throughout the park and downtown. From handmade goods in Art in the Park to local businesses and food vendors, there’s plenty to stop for. Whether you’re browsing, picking something up, or grabbing something to eat along the way, it’s a part of the weekend you may not plan for, but always end up spending time in.
ART IN THE PARK
Set up under the trees, it brings together local makers and artists with handmade goods, prints, and one-of-a-kind pieces. People take their time here, walking through and stopping to talk with the people behind the work.
LOCAL VENDORS
From small businesses to retail booths, it’s a range of products and setups that give people something to browse between everything else going on. People move through and stop when something catches their eye.
FOOD VENDORS
Food vendors are set up throughout the event, with a mix of options that keep people moving, stopping, and gathering. Some grab something quick and keep walking, others find a place to sit and stay awhile.
PLACES THE COMMUNITY CAN GATHER
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Throughout the weekend, local groups and organizations host events that bring people together in a different way. Whether it’s stepping up to the mic at Karaoke Korner, sitting down for the Knights of Columbus chicken dinner on Friday, or starting Saturday morning with breakfast before you venture through the displays.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CHICKEN DINNER
Hosted by and at the Knights of Columbus, it’s a chance to sit down, have a proper meal, and take a break before or after heading out to the cruise. People come with family, meet up with friends, and ease into the weekend together.
KNIGHT OF COLUMBUS BREAKFAST
The Knights of Columbus breakfast is a chance to get something solid before heading out into the day. From there, people head out to the streets, the river, and the park, ready to take in the displays and spend the day moving through it all.
KARAOKE KORNER
People gather around, names go on the list, and the fun builds as more people step up to the mic. Some come ready, others get talked into it, but either way, it’s a good way to spend part of the day and just have fun.
INTERDENOMINATIONAL SERVICE
Held Sunday morning, it brings people together from across the community for a shared service before the day continues. For many, it’s a way to pause, reflect, and close out the weekend on a different note.
KIDS ACTIVITIES + MORE
WALLACEBURG MUSEUM
The Wallaceburg + District Museum is a popular place for kids and adults alike during WAMBO. On Saturday, be sure to take advantage of the day's free admission to our Museum exhibit spaces. Tour the Glass Gallery, Sports Hall of Fame, Baldoon Mystery display, Industrial Room, Legion Room, and more!
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The Wallaceburg & District Museum will be open to the public free of admission from 10am-4pm.
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Cooling Station in the Jeanne Gordon Hall including free crafts and colouring for children from 10am-4pm.
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Children's Games in Parkette from 10am-2pm.
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BBQ at the Museum from 11am-2pm.
SHUTTLE SERVICE + MAP
FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND WAMBO
WAMBO is spread across downtown Wallaceburg, from the main streets to the Sydenham River, with different parts of the event set up along the way. Use the map below to get a sense of where everything is. From car displays and boats to vendors, stages, and community events. Shuttle service runs throughout the weekend, with designated pickup and drop-off locations to help you move between areas if needed.
RUNNING SATURDAY FROM 9AM-5PM
WAMBO SHUTTLES
WAMBO takes place throughout the downtown core of Wallaceburg and along the Sydenham River.
Most of the event is within walking distance, so once you’re here, it’s easy to move between the cars, water, vendors and everything else the event has to offer.
Parking is available nearby, with signage to help guide you in.
All Shuttle locations shown on map below.
FESTIVAL LAYOUT + SHUTTLE LOCATIONS
WAMBO EVENT MAP
This map gives you a clear view of how the weekend is set up, so you can get your bearings before or during the weekend, and to see how everything connects across downtown and the river.
