Canada Day is a day of celebration for many, while for others, it’s a time for reflection on our past – the good and the bad. For many, it’s a little bit of both.
Whatever July 1st means to you, London offers plenty of opportunities to gather with family and friends, learn something new, support local culture, and enjoy the city we call home.
Three to consider this week
Here are my top Canada Day recommendations:
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie in 35mm - at the Hyland
Canada Day at Museum London
Canada Day at Harris Park
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie in 35mm - at the Hyland
Wednesday, July 1 | Hyland Cinema | 7:00 PM | $10 - $14/per person
Does your Canada Day involve celebrating a hilarious, cult Canadian web series? If not, it should. I caught Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie back in September at the Forest City Film Festival and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Based on a popular web series (which I admit, I’d never heard of before seeing the movie), the film follows lovable losers Matt (Matt Johnson, Actor and Director of BlackBerry) and Jay (Jay McCarrol) on their never-ending quest to book a concert at Toronto’s legendary Rivoli on Queen St. West. Then some Back to the Future chaos ensures, leading to a series of increasingly ridiculous time-travel adventures. It’s laugh out loud funny, VERY Canadian, and a love letter to Toronto.
The Hyland is screening the film in glorious 35mm and are also hosting a pre-show event complete with a look-alike contest for die-hard fans. The movie has been selling out in Toronto night after night, and one of the reasons why is that this is a movie that is best enjoyed with a crowd. It also recently won six Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Motion Picture.
I would personally also give it an award for best performance by a Canadian Tire employee in a movie (IYKYK). So go out and enjoy this comedy with a crowd at our one and only repertory theatre in town.
Canada Day at Museum London
Wednesday, July 1 | Museum London | 12:00 – 4:00 PM | FREE to attend!
If you’re looking for a Canada Day celebration that’s thoughtful, creative, fun, FREE, and offers something for all ages, Museum London is the place to be. Over the past few years, the museum has quietly transformed its Canada Day programming into one of the city’s most engaging celebrations, drawing larger crowds each year with a mix of art, culture, music, storytelling, and hands-on activities.
Museum London offers a lively, welcoming atmosphere where families, friends, and people of all ages can spend an afternoon learning, creating, exploring, and connecting. This year features a full afternoon of crafts, guided tours, live music, storytelling, and hands-on activities.
Creating space for Celebration and Reflection
What I really like and appreciate about Museum London’s approach is that it recognizes that Canada Day can and does mean different things to different people. The event creates space for both celebration and reflection, while offering families a chance to learn, create, and connect with one another.
Whether you’re making art inspired by Amanda McCavour’s work, taking in a guided tour of an exhibition, or simply enjoying an afternoon by the river, it’s a welcome reminder that one of the best ways to celebrate a country is to explore the many stories, cultures, and perspectives that help shape it.
Museum London Canada Day Highlights:
Welcome and Smudge Ceremony
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM
Things kick off with a traditional welcome ceremony with Melissa Deleary and Mary Lou Smoke, featuring Ojibwe language, teachings, music, and storytelling. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn from two respected Indigenous educators and knowledge keepers while gaining a deeper understanding of the cultures and traditions that continue to shape this land.
Live Music: Shawn Durant
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, and 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
London’s own Shawn Durant brings his dreamy blend of folk, rock, and atmospheric pop to Museum London. Performing with music inspired by nature, connection, and shared experience, it’s the perfect soundtrack for a Canada Day afternoon by the river.
Stitch and Celebrate
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
In our world of screens, notifications, and people yelling online and on TV, there’s something very satisfying about sitting down and making something with your hands. This drop-in embroidery activity is inspired by artist Amanda McCavour’s beautiful textile installation in the Museum’s foyer.
Choose from classic designs like maple leaves and fireworks or come up with your own design. Whether you’re an experienced stitcher or can barely sew on a button, you’ll have something to take home that isn’t just another photo on your phone.
For the full event info, see the Museum London website.
Canada Day at Harris Park
Wednesday, July 1 | Harris Park | 6:00 PM – 11:00’ish | FREE to attend!
If you’re looking for a classic Canada Day experience, Harris Park remains London’s main event. London’s annual Canada Day celebration returns with live music, food vendors, family activities, giant games, and thousands of your fellow Londoners gathering along the Thames River.
It’s one of those rare events where you’ll run into your neighbours, your old high school teacher, three people you haven’t seen in years, while searching for a perfect patch of grass to call your own for the evening. Festivities kick off at 6 PM, and there will be live music leading up to the fireworks.
Entertainment Line-Up
6 PM – London’s Bicentennial Open Mic showcase (registered artists)
7 PM – La Tribu
8 PM – Lua Sol
9 PM – Headliner: John Muirhead
Sunset – NESS (O’Canada)
Then around 10 PM, the main event will start, and the fireworks will begin. The sky over downtown and the river will erupt in a spectacular display that has become a yearly summer tradition.
For full information, see London.ca:
TIPS
Take a blanket to sit on.
Parking around Blackfriars is tough! And if you find a spot, it can take a looong time to get out, with everyone trying to leave at the same time. If you can get a drop off and/or carpool – do it! The other alternative is to park somewhere close downtown like the Downtown market.
Walking, biking and LTC is also a good option.
Editor’s note: Diana is a member of the Museum London Board of Directors (and so is Steve Cordes), and we always disclose such connections in our reporting. You can find out more about the Museum London here.
There’s our arts and culture column for this week! Thanks for supporting the Loon, and please subscribe and share.
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