The Victoria Day long weekend, widely considered the unofficial start of summer, has arrived.
Just like every other long weekend it comes with fun events to keep the family entertained, as well as closures that may throw a wrench into errand running.
The excitement begins Friday with singing and dancing on Dundas Place. The downtown flex-street is playing host to the TD Sunfest Block Party, which includes local, national, and international musical acts. It runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. It is free to attend.
LOVE TEXT, a video art project that explores LGBTQ2S+ love in the digital world, is on display at 345 Ridout Street from 9 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Developed by Curveball Creative in collaboration with the London Arts Council, this free event is presented through vignettes of a central character who navigates common tropes and experiences of the digital dating world.
The London Knights play Game 5 of the OHL championship against the Peterborough Petes at Budweiser Gardens on Friday. The Petes lead the series three games to one. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.
Family favourite Storybook Gardens will be open all weekend with attractions including the miniature play village, hands in the sand play area, on the riverbank splash pad, and adventure island. A general admission fee is required.
Both the Thames Valley Golf Course and Fanshawe Golf Course are open for play this long weekend. Information about the two city run courses’ golf passes, green fees, power cart rates, and to book a tee time can be found at london.ca/golf.
Poutine Feast is on at Victoria Park until Sunday. Those feeling peckish for fries, gravy, and cheese curds can check out any of the more than 50 varieties of the beloved Canadian dish. There are also kids activities happening in the green space, including games and face painting.
The London Majors home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs goes Saturday at Labatt Park. Cost is $10 to $12. The first pitch goes out at 1:05 p.m.
The London Lightning look to bounce back from their Game 1 NBL Final loss against the Windsor Express on Saturday. The two teams meet for Game 2 at Budweiser Gardens. Tip-off is 7 p.m.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village opens its 64th season on Saturday. It will be open every Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until the Thanksgiving long weekend. On Monday, the village will recognize the 204th natal year of Queen Victoria with speeches, heritage dancing, and games. Eldon House will be on hand to teach about tea hosting and the Royal Scots 1812 Reenactors will be sharing details about the life of a soldier. Regular admission rates apply.
The Factory at Kellogg Lane is extending its hours on Victoria Day. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Children’s Museum, which is normally closed on Mondays, will open its doors on Victoria Day.
Families can try a recreation and aquatic program at any of the city’s indoor facilities for free on Monday. Programs being offered at no cost include recreation swims, indoor roller skating, family open gym, aquafit sessions, family tennis, yoga sessions, shuffleboard, slime workshops and lane swims.
“I encourage Londoners to browse all available activities. I’m sure they’ll find a program – or two or three or more – that will help make this a memorable long weekend for everyone in the family,” Mayor Josh Morgan said in a statement. “I’m proud of the wide range of free recreation programs the city is offering this weekend and applaud staff who work so hard to provide these opportunities for all Londoners to enjoy our recreation facilities.”
The following is a list of what’s open and closed in London on holiday Monday:
CLOSED:
Government offices (municipal, provincial, and federal)
Schools
Canada Post (no mail delivery)
Malls (including White Oaks Mall, Masonville Place, and Westmount Shopping Centre)
Banks
LCBO
Grocery stores
Costco Wholesale
London Public Library branches
Most drug stores (Shoppers Drug Mart locations at 1224 Commissioners Rd. W, 510 Hamilton Rd. and in Sherwood Forest Mall at 1225 Wonderland Rd. N will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
OPEN:
Fanshawe Pioneer Village (Queen Victoria birthday festivities starting at 1 p.m.)
Fanshawe Conservation Area (Fanshawe Optimist Fireworks Show at dusk, for campsite availability call 1-866-668-2267)
Labatt Retail Store on the corner of Richmond Street and Horton Street – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
London Children’s Museum
London’s 18 spray pads – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Movie theatres
East Park – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The LTC will be running on a holiday schedule
