Things to do this Civic Day Long Weekend in London
Friday, August 4 – Monday, August 7, 2023
August long weekend events & activities including free, fun family & kids’ activities, live music, theatre & performing arts, exhibitions and more.
- Summer Fun: 100+ Fun Things to Do This Summer in London
- Free Concerts: Free Outdoor Summer Concerts in London
- U-Pick: Places to Go Berry Picking Around London
I. Family & Kids Activities this weekend
Adventure Farm at Kustermans
Enjoy acres of family fun and farm-fresh food at the Kusterman’s Adventure Farm. Details
Daily | 9;00 AM – 6:00 PM
Kustermans Berry Farms, 23188 Springwell Rd, Mount Brydges
$17 – $19
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Festival Fridays
Enjoy theme nights with special guests and events on Fridays. Details
Fridays, June 30 – September 1, 2023 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Friday August 4 – Earn Your Green Thumb at the Garden
Storybook Gardens, 1958 Storybook Lane, London
$5 per adult, Free for Children; Register
The Academy Circus
Special guest The Academy Circus for a mini-show and workshop at the London Children’s Museum. Details
Friday, August 4, 2023 | 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
London Children’s Museum, 21 Wharncliffe Road South, London
All programs are included in general admission.
East Park London
Enjoy golf, a driving range, mini-golf, footgolf, batting cages in addition to go-karting, the waterpark, pools, and splash pads. Details
Open for the Season
East Park London, 1275 Hamilton Rd, London
Varies with activity
Boler Mountain Treetop Adventure Park
Boler Mountain’s Treetop Adventure Park is an adventurous and unique form of recreation for those who crave activities that are healthy, inspired by nature and exhilarating, which promote personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. Details
Treetop | Daily | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Boler Mountain, 689 Griffith Street, London
Treetop Adventure Park $28 – $55
Fun at Storybook Gardens
For a day of adventure, check out this kids amusement park which brings nursery rhymes and fairytales to life. Details
Daily | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Storybook Gardens, 1958 Storybook Lane, London
General Admission $8.75 per person
TD Free Family Fun Night
TD Free Family Fun Night is an opportunity for all families to enjoy an evening of free admission, made possible by our friends at TD. Details
Thursdays | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
London Children’s Museum, 21 Wharncliffe Road S, London
Free admission; Register
Neighbourhood Playground Programs
Join for summer fun at your neighbourhood parks! These free, half-day programs offer outdoor recreation to kids aged 6 – 12. Details
Monday – Thursday, July 4 – August 17, 2023
Various locations, London
Register
Scenic Train Rides
Enjoy a scenic ride on the Port Stanley Terminal Railway. Details
Various dates, May – December, 2023
Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays & Monday, August 7 | 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Port Stanley Terminal Rail, Bridge Street, Port Stanley
$9 – $15
Enjoy a Picnic in the Park
Parks around London are open to enjoy a fun time together with your family. Fly kites, go cycling or hiking, or just enjoy the outdoors. Pack a picnic basket and make it a day out!
Any Park in London
II. Live Music
Polluted – ‘Insidious’ EP Release
w/ Lovers, Bad Words & Wiener Kebab. Details
Friday, August 4, 2023 | 8:00 PM
London Music Hall, 185 Queens Avenue, London
$10.00 (+ fees)
Keisha Christian
Keisha Christian is an engaging and compassionate singer from Barbados who has been singing from as far back as she can remember. Her intrigue for music was so pronounced that for her first birthday, her uncle bought her a Michael Jackson’s Thriller album. The young toddler was said to erupt in a gleaming excitement whenever she heard Michael’s music played. Details
Friday, August 4, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Aeolian Hall, 795 Dundas Street East, London
Free
III. Theatre/Performing Arts
Outdoor Movie Nights
The 2023 outdoor movie nights will showcase family-favourite movies in neighbourhoods across London this summer. Details
Various dates, June 16 – September 23, 2023
Home | Thursday, August 3 @ Vauxhall Park
Various Parks in London
Free
World in a Weekend International Puppet & Music Festival
Discover the potential of the wonderful world of puppetry. Details
August 3- 6, 2023
Various locations, Stratford
Free and ticketed events
Judy Saves the Day
After being pushed around for over 400 years, the famous hand puppet heroine Judy, has had enough! Cheer for her as she goes on a quest for respect, justice, and a well-deserved nap. This modern interpretation of the traditional “Punch and Judy” show is a hilarious, timely, hand-crafted farce that the whole family will enjoy! Details
August 5 – 6, 2023 | 11:15 AM, 2:30 PM
Nancy Campbell Academy, 45 Waterloo Street South, Stratford
$15 to $35
A Brief History of Time
Inspired by the work of astrophysicist and science popularizer Stephen Hawking, Théâtre du Renard presents a bold adaptation of his bestseller, A Brief History of Time, in the witty and playful style that characterizes object theatre. Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, Einstein and Hubble are sung, rapped, recounted and made hilarious again. One woman and 100 objects : this is the story of science as you’ve never heard it before! Your chance to understand (at last!) the theory of Relativity, the expansion of the Universe, and especially the famous E=mc2 ! Details
August 4 – 5, 2023
Factory 163, 163 King Street, Stratford
$15 to $35
Zen Tales
Based on traditional Zen tales, this show features monks and samurai warriors as our heroes. Each one’s body is a vegetable or a fruit that reveals its personality. The puppeteers’ moves are as steady and minimalist as a calligrapher’s stroke or a Japanese cook’s slice, as ritualistic as the art of serving tea, and as amusing and inventive as the art of the object allows! Details
August 4 – 5, 2023
Factory 163, 163 King Street, Stratford
$15 to $35
The New Canadian Curling Club
Inspired by the local refugee resettlement program, a small town organizes a Learn-to-Curl class to welcome newcomers. But when its organizer slips on the ice and breaks her hip, the rink’s ice maker and former champion curler Stuart MacPhail is forced to step in as head coach. Trouble is, Stuart has some strong opinions about immigrants… What follows is an inspiring and hilarious story of a group of unlikely athletes who face off against local prejudice and claim their identity as “new Canadians”. Details
August 9 – September 3, 2023
Huron Country Playhouse, RR 1, 70689 B Line, Grand Bend
$34.00 – $55.00
Here For Now Theatre Festival
Here For Now Theatre Company is thrilled to announce their 2023 Season, which features six one-act plays. This will be the fourth annual season of the little Stratford indie theatre company-that-could, producing intimate one-act plays in a variety of settings, with a focus on new or underproduced works. Details
June 28 – September 23, 2023
Falstaff Family Centre, 35 Waterloo Street N, Stratford
$32.50
Stratford Festival
North America’s largest classical repertory theatre, presenting the works of William Shakespeare and other great writers. Details
April 8 to October 28, 2023
Queen Street, Stratford
Varies
Blyth Festival
With seven productions, two world premieres, and a rare chance to see The Donnellys: A Trilogy back-to-back, there’s never been a better reason to experience the best of Canadian theatre inside and out. Details
June 14 – September 9, 2023
Blyth Festival, 377 Gypsy Lane, Blyth
$20-$50
Drive-in Movies
What better way to spend an enjoyable time with family than to watch a movie under the stars?
For more ideas see, Check out the Drive-In Theatres in Ontario
Various dates
IV. Sports/Fitness
Open Car Lapping Track Day
Anyone can bring their car to Toronto Motorsports Park and test their skills and vehicle’s performance on the 3km road course. Details
April 1 – November 29, 2023
Toronto Motorsports Park, 1040 Kohler Road, Cayuga
$90 to $200
Yoga In The Garden
Join instructor Kim Fulton for an beginners level yoga class on the beautiful lawns of Eldon House this summer. Details
Sunday, August 6, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Eldon House Grounds, 481 Ridout Street North, London
$15.00 – $25.00 incl. HST
Big Creek Guided Kayak Tour
Guided nature based kayak tours in the Long Point Biosphere. This 4 hour guided kayak tour takes you through a unique paddle route through the Carolinian forest where you will be serenaded by the sounds of birds and immersed in a lush forest. Details
May 19 – October 14, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Big Creek by Long Point Eco-Adventures, 1730 Front Rd., St. Williams.
$99.95 – $119.95
London Majors
vs Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday, August 4, 2023 | 7:35 PM
vs Brantford Red Sox on Saturday, August 5, 2023 | 7:35 PM
Labatt Park, 25 Wilson Avenue, London
$10 – $12
Go Golfing
Ontario Golf Courses are open. Book a tee time to enjoy golfing at Fanshawe Golf Course and Thames Valley Golf Course. Details
Go Hiking or Visit Nature Areas
Parks and pathways, Provincial parks, and conservation reserves are open for people to enjoy some time with nature. Londoners can explore their own neighbourhoods and choose the path less travelled. Residents can make use of the CityMap to find less busy pathways and parks close to home.
Enjoy a leisurely walk with the family at any of these locations:
- 25 of the Best Nature Attractions and Hiking Trails in London
- 25 Fabulous Scenic Lookouts to Visit in Ontario
- 100 Adventures in Ontario Provincial Parks
- 25 Waterfalls to Visit Near Toronto
- 25 Nature and Wilderness Adventures in Ontario
V. Food Events & Activities
A Countryside Dining Experience
Entice your senses as you enjoy 6 tasting plates from the farm and locally, in the greenhouse. Details
Fridays/Saturdays | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Lynn River Farm, 2529 Line 37 Stratford
$115.00
Summer Tea at Eldon House
Join us for afternoon tea on the beautiful lawns of Eldon House, overlooking the Thames River. Enjoy an afternoon sipping tea, surrounded by the grounds and gardens of London’s oldest residence. Details
Wednesday – Sunday, July – August, 2023 | 12:30 PM & 2:30 PM
Eldon House Lawns, 481 Ridout Street North, London
$20.00 – $45.00 incl. HST
London Ribfest
London RibFest features an array of ribs for your tasting, fun exhibits, and rides. Join us every year at Victoria Park, London, Ontario on the Civic Holiday weekend. Details
August 3-7 2023
Victoria Park, London
Free
Londonlicious – Summer Edition
Londonlicious highlights our city’s venues and spotlights what is unique and delicious, while offering the opportunity for new and previous customers to enjoy specially curated price-fix menus. Details
July 21 – August 13, 2023
Participating Restaurants, London
price-fix menus
Covent Garden Farmers’ Market
Shop fresh, organic, local produce, baked goods, handmade goods, and more. Details
Daily | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Covent Garden Farmers’ Market, 130 King Street, London
Free
Port Stanley Calipso Festival
A weekend filled with food, fun and Drinks. The Calipso weekend ends with fireworks in Port Stanley Ontario. Details
August 4-7 2023
Port Stanley
Free
VI. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Walking Tour: Heaven and Hell
From soaring gothic cathedrals to the surviving ale houses of Whiskey Row, follow this 19th-century architectural tale of our historic churches and taverns.
Learn more about the city on walking tours (rain or shine) led by experienced guides who will share architectural and cultural stories with themes like Hidden Secrets of Downtown, Castles to Cottages, Heaven and Hell (cathedrals and ale houses), and many more!! Details
Saturday, August 5, 2023 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Museum London, 421 Ridout Street North, London
$10 early bird price (at least 4 days before tour), $15 after, pre-registration is required
Sunday Exhibition Tours at Museum London
Drop in and join our knowledgeable guides for exhibition tours. Ask questions and engage in a discussion with the group! Details
Sunday, August 6, 2023 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Museum London, 421 Ridout Street North, London
Free
Immersive Disney Animation
Surround Yourself in the Worlds, Music & Stories of Disney Animation. Details
June 3 – September 4, 2023
100 Kellogg Lane, London
Starting $35
2nd Annual Summer Vendor Bender
Local Options is hosting their 2nd Annual Summer Vendor Bender on Saturday, August 5th from 10-3pm. Enjoy 70+ Vendors, Food Trucks, Free Admission, Games/Prizes, Craft table. Come out and say hi, FUN for the whole family. Details
Saturday, August 5, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Meadowgate Park, 1165 Darnley Boulevard, London
Free
London’s Got Talent – Audition Day!
Join us on August 5th at 2pm at the prestigious Covent Garden Market for an unforgettable opportunity to shine. Audition to be on the grand stage in November to compete for a GRAND PRIZE of $1000. Whether you’re a remarkable singer, a mesmerizing dancer, a sensational magician, or possess any other awe-inspiring talent, we want to see you in action! Details
Saturday, August 5, 2023 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Rotary Square, London
Free
Getting Around London
This exhibition of images from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries explores how Londoners traveled in and around the city over time. Details
June 24, 2023 to April 21, 2024
Museum London, 421 Ridout Street North, London
Admission by donation
London Collectors
Do you recognize the names Millicent Giddens, Edward Phelps, or Dr. J. Malcolm Smith? You might if you have ever read the artifact credit lines in Museum London’s many different historical exhibitions. This small exhibition features highlights from their larger collections. Details
March 4 to September 3, 2023
Museum London, 421 Ridout Street North, London
Admission by donation
Go Fishing
You can cast a line and reel in that big catch at Ontario Provincial Parks.
Fire Stones and Stories
Around the fire, you will be sitting comfortably in complete safety and you will help us. With the stones you choose, we will discover images, objects, characters… and then… Once upon a time… Details
August 4 – 6, 2023
Stratford Perth Museum, 4275 Huron Street, Stratford
$15 to $35
World in a Weekend – FREE Puppetry Events
Join us over the weekend at Veterans Park. There will be puppet performances, installations and DIY experiences. Will you see the larger than life stiltwalkers, the astonishing marionettes or the interactive animal puppets? The sensory garden installation is perfect for little ones to bring to life. Details
August 5 – 6, 2023 | 10 AM to 5 PM
Veterans Drive Park (outdoor), Veterans Drive, Stratford
Free
Introduction to Object Puppetry Workshop
From the masterful puppetry artists bringing us Brief History of Time and Zen Tales, learn the foundations of object puppetry and give it a try for yourself! No prior experience required. Details
Saturday August 5, 2023 | 11:00 AM
Factory 163, 163 King Street, Stratford,
$25 to $45
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there may be typographical/oversight errors or events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned event Websites/officials.
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