The summertime has plenty of amazing things to do with friends and family. London is always full of fantastic events, and fun things are always happening somewhere in the city. If you are wondering what to do this summer, then look at this great guide to summer events in London, Ontario.
What: Wine, Women, and Shoes event
Where: Paradigm Springs (100 Kellogg Lane)
When: June 2nd
This event benefits the Children’s Hospital, and it’s perfect for a night out. Dine on some delicious food and sip on some of the best wine while enjoying the fashion show. The fundraiser also has a silent auction, wine wall and a Key to the Closet event, so you can end up leaving with some great items while you help out a local charity.
What: CMAOntario Festival & Awards
Where: Centennial Hall
When: June 2nd to June 5th
The Country Music Association is proud to present its awards show and live music events. The award show features tons of local country music acts like Beverly Mahood, Nate Haller, River Town Saints, and Aaron Goodvin. If you don’t want to attend the award show itself, check out some of the free events they are hosting all around the city, like their amazing tailgate party with performances from Alli Walker, Roslyn Witter, and David Boyd Janes.
What: Kids 1st Day
Where: Covent Garden Market
When: June 3rd 10am- 3pm
Kids’ 1st day is the perfect event to take the little ones in your family for a day full of fun and excitement. Hosted at the Covent Garden Market, this family-friendly event has tons for kids, including live music, magicians, balloon artist, and take-home activities. The event is hosted every year by the Kiwanis club, and it is meant to help the children of London who are experiencing poverty.
What: Gathering on the Green
Where: 165 Elmwood Ave in Old South
When: June 4th at 10 am
If you want to support the Old South neighbourhood, then check out the Gathering on the Green market. This year they have 80 vendors that are selling everything from handmade clothing to fantastic art, and the event is run by OSCO (Old South Community Organization) volunteers. The event is rain or shine, and it’s a great place to find some fantastic local artists to support.
What: Bark In The Park
Where: Plunkett Estate (9282 Elviage Drive)
When: June 12th
Bring your four-legged friends over to the Plunkett estate for this fantastic event. There are plenty of fun things for dogs and humans to enjoy, including an off-leash dog pond, dog lure course, dock diving, silent auction, and tons of vendors selling great products for your pets. Tickets are sold online, and admission is $20 per vehicle.
What: London Children’s Festival
Where: Victoria Park
When: June 17th – June 19th
If you want the perfect place to take your little ones on Father’s Day weekend, then head over to Victoria Park to have some fun at the London Children’s Festival. This festival has been running for 25 years, and it’s one of the best places to find activities, music, and activities for kids of all ages. The festival has food, rides, and entertainment that your kids will love, plus there’s free admission.
What: London International Food and Drink Festival
Where: Victoria Park
When: June 24th- June 26th
Foodies will love this incredible event that is hosted every year in the park which gives you a taste of some of the best restaurants in the area. The London International Food and Drink Festival features food and drinks from all over the world, and admission to the event is free. There is also live music every day featuring bands like Finger Pistols, Low Down Dirty Mojos, and The Mongrels.
What: The London Beer Fest
Where: Covent Garden Market
When: June 24th- June 26th
Get your drink on at the London Beer Fest and experience some of the area’s best local craft beers, along with plenty of beers and wines from all around the world. The event features beers from breweries like Railway City Brewing (from St. Thomas), Upper Thames (from Woodstock), and Rusty Wrench Brewing (from Strathroy). With 19 breweries, 1 cider, and a cocktail bar, you’re sure to find something you’ll love to drink at this free event.
What: Forest City Comicon
Where: Centennial Hall
When: June 25th
Whether you are a Potterhead or a Trekkie, you’ll find every fandom you can imagine at the London Comicon convention. This annual event has a wide array of vendors, Cosplay contests, gaming contests, and celebrity guests. This year has actors, YouTube personalities, and professional comic book artists stopping by the event so you can grab yourself an autograph or photo to add to your collection.
What: Adult Waterpark Party
Where: East Park waterpark
When: June 25th
This event is just for the older crowd (19+), and it’s a fantastic way to experience the East Park water park in a whole new way. The event features drinks, dancing and access to the waterpark so you can let loose and have a fantastic time with your friends or family. Tickets are $25.00 per person, and there is a limited number available, so make sure you get your tickets fast.
What: London Night Market and Canada Day Celebrations
Where: Downtown London
When: June 30th, 7-11 pm and July 1st, 7-11 pm
After two years of hiatus, the night market is back in full force with tons of different vendors and events for families to enjoy this Canada day long weekend. Come on down to the downtown core to experience the celebrations. Details on the event are still being finalized, but the London Heritage Association is very excited to be hosting the event this year.
What: 2022 Sunfest
Where: Victoria Park, London
When: July 7th- July 10th
Sunfest is one of the best events in London every summer, and people come from all over the province to experience the fantastic music, vendors, and exciting events that go on. There is no admission to attend, and there are over 200 vendors selling food, crafts, and free trade items from all around the world. People also love to attend to hear the fantastic sounds of the 30+ musical acts that are featured at the event.
What: Start.ca Rocks The Park
Where: Harris Park
When: July 13th – July 15th (July 16th TBD)
Concerts have come back to London in a big way, and this year’s Rock The Park event features music for everyone on your list. Wednesday night is an excellent night for pop-rock, and it features Alanis Morisette, The Beaches, and Garbage. Thursday has The Glorious Sons, July Talk, Big Wreck, and the Trews taking the stage, while Friday features all of your retro favourites with TLC, Nelly, and Aqua performing some of their biggest hits.
What: Home Country Music and Arts Festival
Where: Victoria Park
When: July 15th- July 17th
Music lovers will enjoy hanging out at Victoria Park and enjoying some of the sweet sounds coming from the Home Country Music Festival stages. They have been running for 47 years, and the festival features over 100 artisans, over 30 food vendors, and a local craft beer garden. Admission is by donation, and the festival offers a free bike valet.
What: London Ribfest
Where: Victoria Park
When: July 28th – August 1st
Grab yourself a bib and head over to London Rib Fest for some of the best meat you’ve ever tasted and some great entertainment. The festival has more than just ribs available, and there are plenty of different food vendors selling every different style of food. There will also be live music and the famous rib judging competition that pits various BBQ masters against each other.
What: Vintage on the Block
Where: Downtown London (Dundas Place Flex Street from Richmond to Clarence)
When: Every 3ed Saturday of the Month
Artisanal goods await you at the Vintage On the Block market that is being hosted on Dundas Flex Place all summer long. They have over 35 vendors selling vintage clothing, jewelry, and antique furniture. The market is pedestrian-friendly, and they also host live music so you can dance while you shop.
What: Budweiser Gardens Concerts
Where: Budweiser Gardens
When: All summer long
There are great events going on all summer at Budweiser Gardens. Have a look at their schedule to see who’s coming and what the ticket prices will be. Some of the highlights of the summer include Dallas Smith (June 23ed), The Doobie Brothers (June 30th), Comedian Russell Peters (July 9th), Randy Bachman & Burton Cummings (July 20th), Rod Stewart (July 23ed), and Sting (August 25th).
What: London Music Hall Concerts
Where: London Music Hall
When: All summer long
The London Music Hall is another great place to find fantastic concerts featuring major artists this summer. Some of the biggest artists coming to the music hall this summer include BBNO$ (May 31st), Henry Rollins (June 1st), Protest The Hero (June 11th), Our Lady Peace (June 27th), Classified (July 14th), and Metric (August 25th). Ticket prices for each event vary, so have a look at their website for prices and availability.
London is full of fantastic things to do all summer for the entire family and plenty of things for adults only. New events are popping up all the time so check out the London Tourism website for an updated list of current events.
