Check out all the amazing summer festivals in London, Ontario! Updated for 2022
The other day, I heard someone say that they were “stuck” in London all summer. Now, I get it. We all want to go other places than our own home cities – exploring the big wide world and all that.
But, it’s pretty darn great right here! There are LOADS of fun things to do this summer, starting with all of the amazing summer festivals! Best of all, most of them are FREE!
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SUMMER FESTIVALS IN LONDON ONTARIO
TD SUNFEST
First up is Sunfest, July 7-10. Organized by the London Committee for Cross Cultural Arts, this festival showcases over 35 world music and jazz ensembles from every corner of the world. With 5 stages, more than 225 exhibitors providing delicious international cuisine and local craft beer as well as handmade arts and crafts items. Held at Victoria Park. Hours are Thursday 6-11 pm and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 11 pm. Admission is free.
ROCK THE PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL
July 13-17 is Rock the Park. With a lineup of world-class headliners, it has moved beyond its classic rock beginnings to add in such genres as country music, hip hop, and more. Festival foods, licensed beverage areas, and big screens so you’re sure to catch all the action make this a very popular event in London each year.
This year’s lineup includes Alanis Morissette, Garbage, Crash Test Dummies, The Trews, TLC, Aqua, Dierks Bentley, and more.
Note: This festival is NOT free.
PRIDE LONDON FESTIVAL
This is an 11-day festival running from July 14-24 celebrating with cultural, artistic, and education events to support and affirm gender identity and the lives of the LGBTQ community. Takes place in various locations including 3 days in Victoria Park alongside a number of events throughout the year.
Includes a movie night at the Hyland, an art show, Shabbat dinner, music, dancing, and so much more! Many of the events are free.
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HOME COUNTY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Ahhh, this one is my personal favourite! I’ve been attending since I was a young teen and it has never failed to be one of the highlights of my summer. It is, in fact, the longest running festival in the city.
Home County started out as a folk festival but has expanded to 6 stages, offering something for everyone. Featuring 80+ juried craft artisans. Over 25 food vendors with a variety of cuisines. Community/open stage. Local craft beer garden. Victoria Park, free admission.
Friday, July 15th – 5:30p – 11p
Saturday, July 16th – 12p – 11p
Sunday, July 17th – 12p – 9:30p
MUSLIMFEST
The event features local and international artists who showcase their talent in various genres or art. Concert, comedy, art exhibit, rising talent, spoken word, theatre, kids’ carnival, and multicultural bazaar constitute some of the fun activities and programs one can expect at MuslimFest.
THE LONDON RIBFEST AND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
This is a fun one for the foodies taking place July 28-August 1 at Victoria Park. Free admission. London RibFest features an array of ribs for your tasting, fun exhibits, live music, and rides.
Food options available:
Pork Ribs • Beef Ribs • BBQ Chicken • Roasted Corn • Cheese Cake • Fresh Cut French Fries • Fresh Cut Sweet Potato Fries • Perogies • Canadian Bacon Poutine • Veggie Burgers • Sausages • Hot Dogs • Hamburgers • Greek Salad • Ceasar Salad • Garden Salad • Baked Beans • Cole Slaw • Pulled Pork Sandwich • Corn Bread • Pulled Pork Arepa • Butter Beer Soda • Old Fashioned Soda • Roasted Yams • Grilled Pineapple • Beef Gyro • Frozen Slush
Thursday – Sunday – 11am – 11pm
Monday – 11am – 9pm
OXFORD RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Not in London, but nearby, this one is located at the Dorchester Fairgrounds, September 23-25. A Renaissance Festival is a wonderful mix of entertainment with a splash of history that colours the festivities. As you walk into the gate, we hope that you will feel that you have visited a small village festival in the heart of Oxfordshire, England, in the middle of the 1500s.
Some people choose to dress the part but you can go as you are too! Throughout your day, you will have an opportunity to enjoy live music, stage shows, interactive renaissance characters, and a host of renaissance-styled vendors who make up the village. It is a music show, live theatre, fine arts, food, fun, and history all wrapped up in a single visit!
Queen Elizabeth the 1st, Full metal Jousting (not that theater stuff), Birds of Prey, Vikings, Pirates, a mermaid, Cannon’s, Trebuchet, Full combat fighting, wenches and so much more!
- Friday, Sept 23rd – 9AM Education Day (Students Only) Medieval Dinner 6PM (TBA) immediately following is opening pub
- Saturday, Sept 24th – 10AM -1AM Festival day 1 – ends at 7PM and followed by pub night
- Sunday, Sept 25th – 11AM-7PM Festival day 2
Have I missed any of our amazing summer festivals in London Ontario? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll get them added!
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