In 2026, London is officially marking 200 years since its founding in 1826. This timing follows historical precedent: in 1926, London celebrated its Centennial, and the London & Middlesex Historical Society confirms that 1826 is recognized as the year London was formally established. As we prepare for this once-in-a-generation celebration, 2026 is the year we come together to honour London’s history, growth, and future.
Long before London was founded, this region was home to Indigenous peoples for more than 10,000 years. The Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lenni-Lenape Nations have continuously lived, gathered, and cared for this land, and their stories remain an integral part of our community’s foundation.
We can’t wait to celebrate this incredible milestone with you! Check back often for updates on bicentennial events, stories, and ways to get involved as we make history- together.
Bicentennial Events
| New Years Eve in Victoria Park | December 31, 2025 |
| January 29, 2026 | |
| Roots and Rinks skating at East Lions Park | February 1, 2026 |
| Roots and Rinks skating at Meredith Park | February 15, 2026 |
| Sidewalk Visuals Marking 1826 Town Plot | Spring 2026 |
| April 22, 2026 | |
| April 30, 2026 | |
| Touch a Truck | May 2026 |
| Red Dress Day | May 5, 2026 |
| London Emergency Preparedness Day | May 3 - 9, 2026 |
| Dundas Place Public Art Unveiling | May/ June 2026 |
| Peony Garden at Civic Garden Complex | June 2026 |
| June 17, 2026 | |
| Wonderland Gardens Heritage Signage Unveiling | June 21, 2026 |
| Canada Day | July 1, 2026 |
| July 3-31, 2026 | |
| August 14-28, 2026 | |
| August 19, 2026 | |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Public Art | September 2026 |
| September 20-26, 2026 | |
| September 21-26, 2026 | |
| September 22, 2026 | |
| September 23, 2026 | |
| September 24, 2026 | |
| Fire Prevention Week | October 4 - 10, 2026 |
| Newcomer Day | October 2026 |
| UNESCO City of Music Annual Celebration | November 2026 |
| Planting of 200 Trees for 200 Years | |
| Thames River Clean Up | |
| Cultivating Community | |
| Opening of Fire Station 15 | |
| "Invest in the Next Century" Infrastructure Projects |
| Eldon House New Years Day Levee | January 1, 2026 |
| Terrific Tales of London and Area- Harriet Priddis: Local Historian, Artist and Diary Keeper | January 21, 2026 |
| Black History Month Opening Ceremony at Museum London | February 7, 2026 |
| Black History Month Family Celebration at the Central Library | February 14, 2026 |
| Terrific Tales of London and Area- London: Expansion and Annexation | February 18, 2026 |
| February 21, 2026 | |
| February 28, 2026 | |
| March 5, 2026 | |
| March 19, 2026 | |
| All Are Welcome Here | March 25, 2026 |
| March 28, 2026 | |
| April 2, 2026 | |
| The London Singers: Celebrating 200 years of Faith in our community | April 4, 2026 |
| April 12, 2026 | |
| April 19, 2026 | |
| May 7, 2026 | |
| May 21, 2026 | |
| The Hidden History of Hamilton Road: Gone but not forgotten: Manufacturers of Hamilton Road | May 21, 2026 |
| Labatt Park Baseball Tours by the London Heritage Council | |
| 125th Anniversary of the Grand Theatre | |
| June 6, 2026 | |
| Simple Reflections Latin Street Party | June 12, 2026 |
| Indigenous History Month | June 2026 |
| Seniors History Month Tours with Creative Age London | June 2026 |
| Wolseley Barracks 140th Anniversary- RCR Museum | June 26, 2026 |
| Canada Day Celebrations | July 1, 2026 |
| Simple Reflections White Party | July 18, 2026 |
| Emancipation Day | August 1, 2026 |
| Simple Reflections Festival | August 15, 2026 |
| September 5, 2026 | |
| Blackfriars Bridge Annual Celebration | September 5/6, 2026 |
| September 16, 2026 | |
| Simple Reflections Spanish Speaking Heritage Day | September 19, 2026 |
| Doors Open London 25th Anniversary | September 19 - 20, 2026 |
| Indigenous Fellowship of Hamilton Road Mushkeeki Gitigan Indigenous Medicine Garden | September 2026 |
| Anniversary of Eldon House | September 26/27. 2026 |
| History Symposium at Museum London | October 17/18, 2026 |
| October 24, 2026 | |
| Halloween Tour at Eldon House | October 2026 |
| Simple Reflections Fusion Art Exhibit | October/November 2026 |
| Downtown for the Holidays | |
| Christmas at Eldon House | December 3, 2026 |
Bicentennial Initiatives
Forest Capital of Canada Designation
London has long been referred to as " The Forest City," and we officially have the title to prove it! Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Parks and Forestry teams, London has received the Forest Capital of Canada Designation from the Canadian Insititute of Forestry for 2026 - 2027!
We were selected in recognition of our exceptional forest heritage, leadership in sustainable urban forestry, and deep-rooted community commitment to environmental stewardship. London also has a long-standing and evolving relationship with our forested landscapes, from Indigenous land stewardship along the Deshkan Ziibi (Thames River) to the preservation and management of over 290 municipally-owned woodlands today.
Learn more and find out how we're celebrating at london.ca/ForestCapital.
Bicentennial Merchandise
Pick up your piece of London history! T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and more are available for purchase at both Tourism London Welcome Centres, located at 696 Wellington Road South and 391 Wellington Street.
Forest City Facts
Forest City Facts is an initiative created in partnership by the City of London, the London and Middlesex Historical Society, and Western University Public History. This team of dedicated historians is working to develop 200 facts about the city we call home.
Take a look at some of the facts below- you might learn something new!!
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