Festivals all summer long
Don’t miss out on some of the biggest festivals in London and surrounding area this summer. This list is your guide to where you can enjoy great live music, taste delicious food and make new friends. For more info please visit the festival websites.
MUSIC
Ever After Music Festival
June 7 to 9, 2019
425 Bingemans Centre Dr., Kitchener, Ont.
Ever After Music Festival is one of the most popular EDM (electronic dance music) festivals in Ontario. Every ticket package also includes entrance into Bingemans Waterpark, the festival midway and a giant games zone.
TD Sunfest
July 4 to 7, 2019
Victoria Park, 580 Clarence St., London, Ont.
The annual TD Sunfest music festival is a staple event for Londoners and beyond. According to the event’s webpage, the Sunfest committee is a non-profit community arts group with the main initiative of promoting cultural awareness through a variety of arts. Experience music, dance and creative arts at this three-day festival in Victoria Park.
Rock the Park
July 10 to 13, 2019
Harris Park, 531 Ridout St. N., London, Ont.
Arguably the biggest summer music festival in London, Rock the Park is celebrating its 16th year of great live music. This four-day festival features different genres each night. This year, some performances include Old Dominion, Pitbull, Snoop Dogg, James Barker Ban and Killswitch Engage, among others.
Home County Music & Art Festival
July 19 to 21, 2019
Victoria Park, 580 Clarence St., London, Ont.
The Home County Music and Art Festival is London’s longest running music festival. Since 1973, the festival showcases a full weekend of Canada’s best roots, traditional, indie, and folk/pop acts. Admission is by donation.
Wortley Village Jazz & Blues Festival
August 18, 2019
www.wortleyjazzbluesfest.weebly.com
Various locations in Wortley Village, London, Ont.
Located in London’s historical Old South neighbourhood, this pay-what-you-can festival highlights London’s best jazz and blues musicians.
Music in the Fields
August 22 to 24, 2019
Graceland Festival Grounds, 557 Walter St., Lucknow, Ont.
This country music festival is a world-class event with a small town feel. Celebrating its 11th anniversary, Music in the Fields has grown from 1,200 people in 2009 to over 8,000 in recent years. This three-day festival features two stages with well-known names in country music as well as new performers.
FOOD
London Food & Craft Beer Festival
June 21 to 23, 2019
Victoria Park, 580 Clarence St., London, Ont.
Celebrate cultural diversity at the London International Food Festival. This festival includes live music acts, local vendors and cuisines from all over the world. In partnership with the food festival, the Craft Beer Festival will be taking place in the same venue. The Craft Beer Festival includes craft beer from surrounding areas. Some fun foods to look out for include gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, fried chocolate poutine and wontons.
London Rib-Fest & Craft Beer Festival
August 1 to 5, 2019
Victoria Park, 580 Clarence St., London, Ont.
Get all up in the grill at London’s Rib-Fest, where you can enjoy juicy ribs and sticky fingers with fellow meat lovers at Victoria Park. Taste ribs cooked by Canada’s top ten rib teams, take on your friends in a game of Jenga Giant, and watch artists bring their art to life in the Expressions in Chalk street painting performance.
COMMUNITY
Gathering on the Green
June 1, 2019
165 Elmwood Ave., London, Ont. (The Green, Old South)
This is the Forest City’s longest running community festival. The day features live entertainment, an all-day BBQ, silent auction, local craft and plant vendors, and much more. Gathering on the Green also happens to be London’s largest plastic water bottle-free festival, with the city’s own Thirstmobile onsite to keep everyone hydrated, free of charge.
Fiesta London Mexican Festival
June 2, 2019
Covent Garden Market 130 King St., London Ont.
For a taste of the Mexican culture, Londoners can discover Mexican crafts, music and food, and even participate in some fun contests.
Fanshawe Dragon Boat Festival
June 8 to 9, 2019
fanshawedragonboatfestival.com
Fanshawe Conservation Area, 1424 Clarke Rd., London Ont.
Come out and watch the amazing boat race as individuals use their strength and power to paddle towards the finish line. This event is organized in support of the London Health Sciences Foundation.
London Children’s Festival
June 14 to 16, 2019
Victoria Park, 580 Clarence St., London, Ont.
A long-standing London tradition, the Children’s Festival celebrates the city’s youngsters with a weekend of free entertainment, food and activities. Little ones can play games, enjoy carnival rides, and try out crafts, VR (virtual reality) and more.
Pride London
July 18 to 28, 2019
Various locations in London, Ont.
Show your support and love for diversity within the community through this 10-day-long celebration. Every day offers educational, artistic and cultural events, with a final parade through downtown bringing the celebrations to a close.