In this Issue:

August Event Calendar
Check out the Calendar here
Go to our Events Page here

Summer Patio Tunes!
🎶 Summer Patio Tunes hits downtown patios every Wednesday in August, bringing free live local music to patios across downtown London. Take a break after work, meet up with friends, or make a night of it with great food, drinks, and performances from talented local musicians.

August Schedule:
Wednesday, August 5 | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

  • London Bicycle Café – David Rayo
  • Wink’s Eatery – Naide and the Living Notes
  • Barney’s Patio – Bradley Kerr

Wednesday, August 12 | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

  • London Bicycle Café
  • The Church Key Bistro-Pubv
  • Molly Bloom’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Wednesday, August 19
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

  • Black Walnut Bakery Café

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

  • London Bicycle Café
  • Moxies London Downtown Restaurant

Wednesday, August 26 | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

  • London Bicycle Café
  • Runt Club Pub
  • Barney’s Patio

Summer Patio Tunes is presented by Downtown London Business Association in partnership with the London Arts Council, with support from the Paul Seed Fund.

While you’re out enjoying the music, check in on the Downtown London Patio Trail. Sign up for free at DowntownLondon.ca/Trails and earn rewards as you visit participating patios all summer long ☀️

200+ Reasons to Visit Downtown
The Bicentennial marks 200 years since the establishment of London in 1826. The bicentennial celebrates the community’s history, culture, people, and growth while recognizing the diverse communities and Indigenous histories that shaped the region long before its official establishment.

Throughout 2026, the city will host community events, cultural programs, historical exhibits, festivals, and legacy projects designed to bring residents and visitors together. The celebration highlights London’s evolution from a small settlement at the Forks of the Deshkaan- ziibi / Thames into Southwestern Ontario’s major urban centres, known for its education, healthcare, arts, green spaces, and innovation.

The bicentennial is both a reflection on the past and a vision for the future – honouring 200 years of stories, achievements, and community spirit while inspiring the next generation of Londoners!
Read the program flipbook here!
More about London’s Bicentennial here

Movie Nights in Harris Park
Celebrate summer in downtown London with River District Movie Nights in Harris Park!

This free outdoor film series features four iconic movies that celebrate adventure, music, sport and London’s bicentennial:

1️⃣ Tuesday, August 4 – Jurassic Park (1993)
2️⃣ Tuesday, August 11 – La Bamba (1987)
3️⃣ Tuesday, August 18 – 42 (2013)
4️⃣ Tuesday, August 25 – Bicentennial Man (1999)

Events are weather dependent. If a movie is cancelled due to weather, it will be shown the following Wednesday. Watch the City’s Facebook and Instagram channels for updates.
More event and movie details here

Grand Laughs: Grand Theatre Comedy Series
Introducing Grand Laughs: the Grand Theatre’s inaugural comedy series. Spanning all season on both of our stages, enjoy top-tier improv, standup, and conceptual comedy from Canada’s leading comic talent!

Grand Laughs Packages AVAILABLE NOW!
Single tickets on sale August 2026.

Accepting Nominations: Indigenous Business Recognition Award
Nokee Kwe is hoping to reach anyone who may know of an outstanding Indigenous-owned or Indigenous-led business that deserves recognition. Nominations can be submitted by business owners, employees, clients, community members, partner organizations, or anyone familiar with a business and its positive impact.

Eligible businesses must be at least 50% Indigenous-owned, have been operating for three years or more, and be located in London, St. Thomas, Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Munsee-Delaware Nation, or the surrounding area.

The award recognizes businesses that demonstrate leadership, innovation, community impact, and contributions to economic development. Winners will also receive cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250.
Submit your nomination here
More about Nokee Kwe here

August Highlights!

Downtown London Sponsored Event Highlights:

Downtown Celebrations
Better Business Bureau – Grand Opening
Yaya’s Café – 1 Year Anniversary
Whim and Wonder – Grand Opening
HB Face – Grand Opening
Downtown Dollar Gift Cards are accepted at 200+ businesses downtown to encourage local spending and are a great gift for someone who likes a bit of everything!

Purchase here
About Downtown Dollar Gift Cards