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Leo and I were out at the dog park early this morning, making the most of Canada Day. He was having such a great time that when it was time to leave, he made it very clear he had other plans. You can find your closest city run dog parks HERE.
Unfortunately for Leo, it's Canada Day and we have places to be! Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and memorable day celebrating with family, friends, and maybe a four-legged companion or two.
🏊 Dive into summer: city pools are officially open!
The Gist: London’s outdoor pool season is officially underway. All 10 city pools, including Byron and Gibbons, opened this past Saturday alongside nine wading pools and most local splash pads. You can now jump online to book swimming lessons and aquafit classes, and everything will stay open until late August. Just keep in mind that the Ivey Park splash pad is closed for construction until late July.
Why It Matters: If you have ever tried to survive a humid Ontario summer without a spot to cool down, you know how vital these spaces are. Having our local pools open means families have a close, affordable place to beat the heat, keep the kids busy, and catch up with neighbours on the pool deck.
🌱 A school garden growing more than vegetables
The Gist: Students at Lord Elgin Public School in northeast London have spent the spring growing vegetables in the library and the school yard as part of a new community garden project. The school received a grant from Farm to Cafeteria Canada and the Plant a Seed and See What Grows Foundation, and lessons tied the work into the science curriculum from kindergarten through Grade 8.
Why It Matters: Over the summer, teacher Jaclyn Morrison is partnering with LUSO Community Services to bring the harvest to families in need so the food students grew this spring helps feed neighbours through July and August.
🧄 Farm-to-table Ontario classics
481 Richmond St, London
Craving a truly homegrown meal? Garlic’s of London has been making the case on Richmond Row since 1993.
The kitchen leans hard on regional producers, turning out seasonal plates like local chèvre with summer compote and their famous slow-roasted whole garlic bulb. It’s a sit-down staple with a casual vibe. Perfect for a glass of wine and an easy catch-up.
💿 Crate-digging on Canada Day?
294 Springbank Dr, London
Speed City Records has been a favorite south-end shop since 1997, back when owner Michael Todd opened the doors expecting to stay open maybe six months.
Nearly three decades later, this community institution is still going strong. The bins go incredibly deep across rock, jazz, blues, punk, and reggae, and the shop is well known for paying top dollar on used collections of any size.
Speed City typically runs a fantastic Canada Day sale, so be sure to check their Instagram or Facebook pages for this year's deals before making the trip over.
Need a great realtor in London or Port Stanley?
Email Silver Phoenix at [email protected]. He’ll focus on your lifestyle goals and neighbourhood needs to find the right home in a community you’ll love being a part of.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🍔 Canada Day Backyard Grill | 100 Kellogg Lane | 07/01 | More
Smoky craft barbecue, local brewery samples, and outdoor games with friends.
🎃 StoryBOO! Theme Night | Storybook Gardens | 07/03 | More
A playful night filled with costumes, trick-or-treating, and family dance parties.
🏛️ THEMUSEUM Reciprocal Days | Children’s Museum | 07/03-07/04 | More
Free general admission perks for members exploring partner museum exhibits.
⚽ Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026 | Victoria Park | 07/04 | More
Free downtown fan zone with two live round-of-16 match screenings.
🎵 Springbank Garden Concert Series | Guy Lombardo Pavilion | 07/05 | More
Breezy afternoon jazz and classic vocal melodies under a canopy of shade trees.
👑 Taylor Swift & Prince Tribute Night | Centennial Hall | 07/05 | More
Double-header tribute show delivering high-energy pop anthems and funk hits.
☀️ SUNFEST '26 Global Music & Jazz Festival | Victoria Park | 07/09-07/12 | More
A sun-soaked celebration of international music, artisan crafts, and culinary flavors.
🧘♂️ Canada Day Backyard Mat Class | The Movement Connection | 07/01 | More
A refreshing, open-air pilates session held in a serene garden space.
🍹 Ladies Night on the Patio | Crabby Joe’s London East | 07/03 | More
An open-air evening of patio drinks, dinner, and social connection.
😎 Made In Nepal | London Music Hall | 07/04 | More
Soulful global indie-pop melodies creating a danceable concert atmosphere.
🕺 July Dance Party | The Wortley Roadhouse | 07/04 | More
Retro synth-pop and rhythmic new wave hits for a nostalgic dance experience.
🥊 Fight To End - London Media Launch | Toboggan Brewing Co. | 07/07 | More
An impactful community party introducing charity boxers over fresh craft brews.
🎸 Billy Bragg | London Music Hall | 07/07 | More
The English singer-songwriter brings folk, fire and razor wit. Ticketed, 19+.
🍺 FOXWARREN | Rum Runners | 07/08 | More
Indie-rock grooves layered with cinematic storytelling and moody guitar!
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
