City announces more than 200 reasons to keep visiting Downtown in London’s 200th summer

As London celebrates its Bicentennial, Dundas Place is helping bring the milestone year to life through reoccurring arts, culture and community programming. From live music and dance to public art and family-friendly activities, weekly programming creates opportunities for Londoners to connect with one another while celebrating the city's past, present and future. 

Weekly programming reflects the original vision of Dundas Place as a flexible public space that acts as both a street and a destination for community life. People can experience local culture and connect through shared experiences throughout the season.  

“Dundas Place is designed as a flexible public space that can be activated throughout the week,” says Cheryl Smith, Deputy City Manager Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services. “From live music and movement to interactive public art and games for kids, the space is intentionally programmed so residents can access free family-friendly activities in our downtown core.” 

Ongoing since 2021, Friday Night Salsa has become a weekend ritual for hundreds of salsa lovers. 

“Every Friday night we see people showing up with curiosity and leaving with confidence,” says Anna Marie, who is a dance instructor along with fellow instructor Fernando at Friday Night Salsa. “Whether it’s your first time dancing or your fiftieth, we are creating something that brings people together to learn something new and feel welcome in the heart of the city.”

Summer programming will be occurring throughout the Downtown this summer, complimenting festivals and a range of events currently underway for London’s Bicentennial. Often inspired and often led by residents, artists and community groups, Londoners can expect a variety of activities and performances ‘popping up’ in some key downtown locations like Market Lane, Golden Jubilee Square, Harris Park, Rotary Square, and Victoria Park.  

Weekly programming highlights:  

• ‘Flowmies’ (Movement Practice) Meetups – Tuesdays, 7:00–9:00 PM, Market Lane
• Games in the Lane – Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, Market Lane
• City of Music Concert Series – Thursdays, 7:00–10:00 PM, Market Lane
• Friday Night Salsa – Fridays, 7:30–10:30 PM, Market Lane
• Pop-Up Art Hive – Saturdays, 12:00–3:00 PM, 179 Dundas St. on Marquee Block
• Sunday Jazz – Sundays, 2:00–4:00 PM, Market Lane
• Rhythm Kickboxing – Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Golden Jubilee Square
• Market Roller Jam – Wednesdays, 4:00 – 7:00 PM, Rotary Square, Covent Garden Market 

Londoners are encouraged to follow @DundasPlace on Instagram, or visit london.ca/dundasplace for ongoing event information. The full summer program is also available here. 

Happening This Weekend: 

Londoners can enjoy a mix of downtown festivals and street programming, including City of Music Concert (June 18), Pure Country Rising Star Showcase (June 19), Indigenous Solidarity Day (June 19), London Beer Fest (June 19–20), Filo Fest in honour of Filipino Heritage Month (June 20), the Pupusas Festival (June 19–20), London Children’s Festival in Victoria Park (June 19 – 21) ‘Bibliomania’ Book Festival (June 20) and Tennis Soccer (June 20). 

Bicentennial Highlights: 

• Bicentennial Arts Spectacular Unveiling Event – June 20, Library Reading Garden
• FrancoFun to celebrate London as a Welcoming Francophone Community – June 20, Ed Blake Park 

Getting Downtown  

Dundas Place is located in downtown London and is accessible by walking, cycling, and public transit. Public washrooms are located at the Dundas Place Field House (179 Dundas Street).

• Bus routes: Visit londontransit.ca to plan your route. Nearest bus stops at Dundas & Richmond and Dundas & Wellington.
• Bike parking is available throughout Dundas Place. Secure bike parking available at Covet Garden Market. Refer to the City’s Bike Locker Map.
• Download the HONK app to easily select and pay for parking. Free two-hour parking is available downtown all on-street meter locations on Saturdays.