London 
London is opening the doors to some of its most fascinating buildings, museums, cultural spaces and historic landmarks when Doors Open London returns September 19 and 20, 2026.
Banting House National Historic Site of Canada
Presented by the London Heritage Council, the free city-wide event is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with the theme “Cheers to Years: Celebrating 25 Years Together.” The anniversary program looks at how London’s buildings, organizations, neighbourhoods and cultural communities have evolved over the past quarter century.
Visitors can explore participating sites across the city free of charge, with activities ranging from guided tours and historical interpretation to live music, hands-on demonstrations, exhibitions and family programming.
Many participating locations are not normally open for unrestricted public exploration, making the weekend a chance to see behind the scenes at civic buildings, military museums, laboratories, heritage homes and cultural institutions.
What to See During Doors Open London 2026
This year’s lineup stretches across the city, with individual locations operating their own hours on Saturday, Sunday or both days. Some of the highlights include:
Places to Visit:
- 1st Hussars Museum – 1 Dundas Street (Sat – Sun, 10 am to 4 pm)
- Explore the history of the 1st Hussars from 1856 to the present, see military artefacts and outdoor displays, and hear live music.
- The museum is also celebrating the regiment’s 170th anniversary.
- Performances by Laura Gagnon Duo on Saturday at 12 pm-12:30 pm and the Antonio Alas Mariachi Band on Sunday at 1 pm-1:30 pm.
- 427 Wing, 2155 Crumlin Sideroad (Sat – Sun, 12 pm to 4 pm)
- Visit the London Aviation Museum inside a surviving Second World War British Commonwealth Air Training Plan building.
- Displays, volunteers, a youth scavenger hunt and hands-on activities explore London’s aviation history.
- Performance by David Sax Music Band on Saturday at 2 pm – 2:30 pm and The Heartaches Duo on Sunday at 2 pm- 2:30 pm.
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London Research & Development Centre – 1391 Sandford Street (Sat only, 10 am to 2 pm)
- This federally run centre combines genomics, biotechnology and integrated pest management in state-of-the-art labs and greenhouses.
- Meet scientists, tour research and greenhouse spaces, take a wagon ride and learn about crop science, biotechnology, pest management and sustainable agriculture.
- Banting House National Historic Site of Canada – 442 Adelaide Street North (Sat – Sun, 10 am to 4 pm)
- Explore the London home associated with Sir Frederick Banting and the discovery of insulin, see original artwork, try interactive exhibits, and visit the Flame of Hope and Banting Statue.
- Live performance by York Street Thought Process on Saturday at 2:30 pm – 3 pm and Shawn Andrew on Sunday at 1 pm- 1:30 pm.
- Brick Street Cemetery – 370 Commissioners Road W (Sat–Sun, 10 am –4 pm)
- Discover one of London’s oldest pioneer cemeteries through guided or self-guided exploration, gravestone symbolism, restoration stories and information about unmarked graves revealed through ground-penetrating radar.
- Performances by Tyrone Traher on Saturday at 12 pm – 12:30 pm and Patrick James Clark on Sunday at 2 pm- 2:30 pm.
- Canada Life, Dufferin Building – 255 Dufferin Avenue (Sun only, 10 am–5 pm
- Celebrate the landmark building’s 100th anniversary while viewing historic photographs, artefacts, Canadian art and the restored fourth-floor Proscenium stage.
- Simple Reflections for Artists will also present Spanish-speaking and Latin American cultural programming from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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- City Hall — 300 Dufferin Ave. (Sat only, 10 am – 3 pm)
- Tour Council Chambers and the Mayor’s Office, explore several floors, see archival displays and visit the observation deck for views over London.
- Performances by Jonathan Noel on Saturday at 11 am – 11:30 am and Cool Shoes at 1 pm- 1:30 pm.
- Collège Boréal — 142 Fullarton Street (Sat only, 10 am – 2:30 pm)
- Explore the downtown Francophone college and participate in bilingual bingo in French and English.
- Don Wright Faculty of Music at Western University, Talbot College and Music Building (Sat only, 10 am – 2 pm)
- Tour performance, rehearsal, and research spaces, see the New Horizons Adult Band in rehearsal, and learn about Western’s music programs and upcoming events.
- Eldon House — 481 Ridout St. N. (Sat only, noon–4:30 pm)
- Visit London’s oldest residence, explore the historic house and gardens, meet interpreters and enjoy Victorian lawn games and scavenger hunts.
- Elmwood Lawn Bowling Club — 17-1/2 Edward St. (Sat only, 11 am –2 pm)
- Tour the club’s historic 1916 clubhouse, learn about a recreational tradition dating to 1911, and try lawn bowling with guidance from club members.
- Fanshawe Pioneer Village — 1424 Clarke Rd. (Sat–Sun, 10 am– 4 pm; Hindu Legacy Sat, 11 am–4 pm)
- Explore more than 30 historic structures, meet costumed interpreters and experience demonstrations and activities illustrating life from the 1820s through the early 20th century.
- Watch Redskye//Burns perform on Saturday at 2 pm- 2:30 pm, followed by Ryan Naismith Band on Sunday at 2 pm- 2:30 pm.
- Join educational sessions to learn about Hindu art, dance, music, clothing, and food.
- First-St. Andrew’s United Church — 350 Queens Ave. (Sat only, 10 am–4 pm)
- Explore this historic Gothic Revival church through guided tours, architectural interpretation, and organ and live music performances.
- Live performance by Pop Rockets on Saturday at 12 pm-12:30 pm.
- Forest City Irish Fest — Wortley Green, 206-226 Wortley Road (Sat only, 11 am–7 pm)
- Celebrate Irish culture with live music, art, storytelling, history, sports, vendors, food, and children’s activities.
- Graham Arboretum — 925 Arboretum Avenue (Sat, 10 am–4 pm, Sun, 11 am to 3 pm)
- Celebrate the arboretum’s 100th anniversary while exploring more than 300 trees representing at least 75 species, with guided walks and interpretive displays.
- Grosvenor Lodge — 1017 Western Road (Sun only, 10 am to 4 pm)
- Tour the 1853 heritage home, explore exhibits and anniversary retrospectives, and enjoy family activities and music on the veranda.
- HDR Architecture Associates Inc. — 252 Pall Mall Street, Suite 300 (Sat & Sun, 10 am to 2 pm)
- Go inside a working architecture studio, meet architects and designers, view virtual tours of projects, and learn how architectural ideas become finished spaces.
- Heritage London Foundation — 399 Ridout Street North (Sat only, 10 am to 4 pm)
- Visit the historic Middlesex County Courthouse, built in 1826, and explore the courtroom, architectural features, and exhibits examining London’s early history.
- Indigenous Fellowship of Hamilton Road — Mushkeeki Gitigan at South Branch Park (Sat only, 11 am – 10 pm)
- Learn about Indigenous medicines, plants and land-based teachings, hear drumming and songs, explore Indigenous vendors and activities, and join a community feast while supplies last.
- Jet Aircraft Museum — 2465 Aviation Lane #2 (Sat–Sun, 10 am–4 pm)
- Explore a working aircraft hangar filled with historic Canadian aircraft, discover restoration projects and, where available, climb into select cockpits.
- Labatt Memorial Park — 25 Wilson Ave. (Sat only, 11 am –5 pm; tours 1 & 3 pm)
- Discover the history of the Guinness-recognized baseball park, visit the 1937 Roy McKay Clubhouse, see baseball memorabilia and watch games including a vintage baseball presentation.
- London Amateur Radio Club at Secrets of Radar Museum — 2155B Crumlin Sideroad (Sat, 10 am–4 pm; Sun, noon–4 pm)
- Tour the radio station, watch live demonstrations and learn how amateur radio supports emergency communications and major community events.
- London Children’s Museum — 100 Kellogg Lane (Sun only, 9:30 am–5 pm)
- Families can explore eight immersive exhibits, revisit classic experiments, discover archival materials and take part in special behind-the-scenes programming.
- Advance registration is encouraged because walk-in entry is subject to capacity.
- Performance by Fiddler Afsha on Sunday at 1 pm- 2 pm.
- London Fire Station No. 4 — 807 Colborne St. (Sat–Sun, 10 am–3 pm)
- Step inside the historic 1909 fire hall, see firefighting artefacts and images, and learn about the evolution of fire protection and fire-safety practices.
- London Muslim Mosque — 151 Oxford St. W. (Sat–Sun, 11 am–4 pm)
- Join guided tours, learn about the mosque and London’s Muslim community, experience Arabic calligraphy and henna, hear Quranic recitation and explore cultural traditions.
- London Police Service HQ — 601 Dundas St. (Sat only, 10 am–3 pm)
- Guided tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the headquarters, police operations, specialized units, vehicles, equipment and selected training spaces.
- London Public Library (Central) — 251 Dundas St. (Sat only, 10 am–4 pm)
- Go behind the scenes at Wolf Performance Hall, explore backstage spaces and learn about lighting, sound and the production of live performances.
- Performances on Saturday by Willy Aristide at 11 am- 11:30 am and The Truth Untold at 2 pm- 2:40 pm.
- Museum London — 421 Ridout St. N. (Sat only, 11 am–5 pm)
- Programming includes artist talks, embroidery and felting activities, live music, guided collection experiences and Saturday’s Community Corn Roast connected to Ron Benner’s As the Crow Flies.
- Performances on Saturday by Frank Ridsdale at 1 pm- 1:45 pm and 2:15 pm- 3 pm, featuring an eclectic repertoire ranging from Port Stanley Harbour to Latin American revolutionary songs.
- Join artist Amanda McCavour on Saturday for a Double Shadow Artist Talk and Tour at 11:30 am- 12:30 pm.
- Amanda McCavour’s drop-in workshop from 1:30 pm- 4 pm.
- Attend welcome remarks on Saturday at 12:45 pm by Indigenous Elder Mary Lou Smoke.
- Celebrate the 21st anniversary of Ron Benner’s outdoor photographic and garden installation, As the Crow Flies, at the Community Corn Roast on Saturday from 1 pm- 4 pm.
- Gather around Ron Benner’s travelling corn-roasting wagon, Maiz Barbacoa, on Saturday from 1 pm- 4 pm.
- Hear behind-the-scenes insights on Sunday from 12 pm- 4 pm in All Around Me All Around You.
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- My Sisters’ Place — 566 Dundas Street (Sat only, 9 am–3 pm)
- Explore the restored Coach House, learn about its adaptive reuse and discover the Micro Enterprise program, which supports women through entrepreneurship and creative skills
- Rising Moon Bellydance — 444 Glenora Drive, Unit 2 (Sat only, 3–6 pm)
- Watch belly dance performances, learn about the history and cultural context of the art form and take part in a foundations workshop.
- Live performance by Anthony Patrick Saoud on Saturday at 3:30 pm-4 pm.
- Royal Canadian Regiment Museum (Wolseley Barracks) — 701 Oxford St. E. (Sat & Sun, 11 am–5 pm)
- Explore more than 150 years of Canadian military history through exhibitions, guided outdoor tours and family activities.
- Government-issued photo identification is required to enter the military site.
- Performance by Golden Harps Steel Orchestra on Sunday at 1 pm-1:30 pm.
- Saint James Westminster & Brassroots —115 Askin Street (Sat only, 11 am–4 pm)
- Tour the Gothic Revival church, see stained glass and its Casavant organ, and enjoy a full schedule of performances featuring Brassroots and other London ensembles.
- Live performances featuring Brassroots from 11:30 am- 12:15 pm and again from 2:30 pm- 3:15 pm, the Canadian Celtic Choir from 12:30 pm- 1 pm, London Pro Musica from 1:15 pm- 1:45 pm, Alexandre von Wartburg and Eliza Lam from 1:50 pm- 2:20 pm, and Stephen Holowitz & Friends from 3:30 pm- 4 pm.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral — 472 Richmond Street (Sat & Sun, 10 am–4 pm)
- Explore London’s historic Anglican cathedral, its transformed interior, 28-foot labyrinth, stained glass and artwork, with guided and self-guided tours, music and family activities.
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- Explore London’s historic Anglican cathedral, its transformed interior, 28-foot labyrinth, stained glass and artwork, with guided and self-guided tours, music and family activities.
- Secrets of Radar Museum — 2155B Crumlin Sideroad (Sat–Sun, 10 am–4 pm)
- Discover the once-secret history of Canadian radar personnel during the Second World War and learn how wartime radar research influenced later scientific and technological development.
- Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada, London — 151 King Edward Avenue (Sat only,10 am – 4 pm)
- Visit Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church and explore Ukrainian architecture, art, traditions, and cultural exhibits while learning about the Association’s 100-year legacy.
- Urban Roots London — 21 Norlan Avenue (Sun only,10 am – 1 pm)
- Tour the urban farm, learn about sustainable agriculture and ecological restoration, visit the beehives, make a wildflower seed ball and browse the farmgate market.
- Village SoHo — 373 Hill Street (Sat 10 am – 4 pm; tours at 10 am, 1 pm & 3 pm)
- Explore 11 outdoor interpretive panels on the former Victoria Hospital grounds and learn about the hospital, medical school and communities that shaped the SoHo neighbourhood.
- Western Centre for Brain & Mind —Western University (Sat only, 10 am–2 pm)
- Join a small-group guided tour of research facilities and laboratories and learn how interdisciplinary teams investigate cognition and neuroscience.
- Woodland Cemetery Mausoleum & Crematorium — 493 Springbank Drive (Sun only, 10 am–2 pm)
- Explore the historic 97-acre cemetery, visit mausoleums, follow QR-code interpretation and discover stories associated with notable Londoners buried on the grounds.
Doors Open Meets Nuit Blanche
On Saturday evening, September 19, the focus shifts to Dundas Place for Nuit Blanche London, running from 7 PM to midnight along Dundas Street between Wellington and Ridout. Under the 2026 theme, This Is Not a Landmark, the nighttime program uses contemporary art to challenge familiar ideas about public space and encourage visitors to see the downtown streetscape from new perspectives.
Highlights include 10 contemporary art installations throughout Dundas Place, along with extended programming at several downtown arts venues. Museum London will be open from 5 PM to 11 PM with Jessica Karuhanga’s Moon in the 12th House and Amanda McCavour’s Double Shadow, while Good Sport Gallery hosts a group exhibition and free drop-in art activity from 7 PM to 11 PM.
At Michael Gibson Gallery, visitors can attend exhibition openings featuring new work by Emelie Robertson and Susan Day from 7 PM to 9 PM. TAP Centre for Creativity will offer resident artist exhibitions, open studios and hands-on activities from 7 PM to 11 PM.
The evening also includes live jazz presented by the London Jazz Association from 7 PM to midnight and a special film-focused activation by the Forest City Film Festival, adding music and moving-image art to the mix of installations and gallery experiences.
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A 25th Anniversary Celebration
Doors Open London has been connecting residents and visitors with the city’s heritage for a quarter century. The 2026 anniversary theme encourages participating organizations to look not only at their histories, but also at how their buildings, programs and communities have changed during the past 25 years.
The weekend covers considerably more than traditional heritage architecture. Visitors can move from military history and Victorian homes to cutting-edge neuroscience, agriculture, contemporary art, music, religion, aviation, sports and multicultural programming.
Doors Open London Appreciation Day
The anniversary celebrations begin a day early with Doors Open London Appreciation Day on Friday, September 18 at 1 p.m. at the Canada Life auditorium. The London Heritage Council is offering limited public registration for the event, which recognizes the sponsors, funders and community members who have supported Doors Open London over its first 25 years.
Consider using the London Transit to visit all the places! Visit the website for route information and schedule detours.
Doors Open London 2026
What: A free annual event celebrating the rich heritage of Forest City.
When: September 19 & 20, 2026
Where: Various venues, London
How much: Free admission
