Celebrate Canada Day by dropping in for an afternoon of free, family-friendly activities at Museum London. From interactive art activities and performances to educational nature walks and cultural ceremony, we invite you to join us in honouring community, culture, and connection across all areas of the Museum and their grounds.
No registration required, all are welcome!
Canada Day Programs:
Centre at the Forks | Main Level, Welcome & Opening Smudge Ceremony from 12 PM to 12:15 PM
Begin your day with a traditional smudging ceremony led by Melissa Deleary and elder Mary Lou Smoke, who will share teachings on Ojibwe language and culture.
The Adventures of Jay and Gizmo: Pow Wow Edition from 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Join author Kristi White (Oneida Nation of the Thames, Bear Clan) as she introduces her children’s book series following Jay and his cat Gizmo as they explore Indigenous culture and tradition.
Fancy Dance Performance by DJ White from 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM
Experience the power and pride of Fancy Dance in a live performance by DJ White. This expressive and energetic display is followed by an audience Q&A.
Anishinaabe Language and Song with Melissa Deleary from 1:15 PM – 1:45 PM
Immerse yourself in traditional Anishinaabe storytelling through song and language in this special cultural performance.
The Adventures of Jay and Gizmo: Hoop Dance Edition from 1:45 PM – 2:15 PM
Join Kristi White for another storytime adventure with Jay and Gizmo, this time exploring the art and significance of hoop dancing!
Hoop Dance with River Christie-White from 2:15 PM – 3 PM
Join River Christie-White for a moving and accessible hoop dance performance followed by an audience Q&A. This performance is interwoven with advocacy, disability awareness and inclusion.
Closing Smudge Ceremony from 3 PM – 4 PM
Close the day in reflection and celebration with a final ceremony featuring traditional drumming and teachings by Melissa Deleary and elder Mary Lou Smoke.
Drop-in Activities, exhibition tours from 12 PM – 2:15 PM | All levels
Enjoy guided tours of our current exhibitions departing from our Atrium every 30 minutes. Each tour runs for approximately 45 minutes.
Hydration Station & Strawberries from 12 PM – 4 PM | Atrium, Main Level
Stay refreshed with complimentary water and strawberries.
Kids’ Collaborative Weaving Activity from 12 PM – 4 PM | Atrium, Main Level
Participate in a tactile, creative weaving activity celebrating connection and community.
Lecture Theatre Screenings from 12 PM – 4 PM | Lecture Theatre, Lower Level
Celebrate Canada’s diverse stories with a curated selection of short films from the National Film Board. These cinematic works reflect tradition, innovation, and identity across generations. Runtime: 1hr 13min (looped):
- The Land – Rex Tasker & Jean-Claude Labrecque (1969, 8 min)
- First Stories - His Guidance (Okiskinotahewewin) – Duane Linklater (2007, 6 min)
- Trans-Canada Express – Stanley Hawes (1944, 9 min)
- Momentum – Colin Low & Tony Ianzelo (1992, 20 min)
- The Magic Quilt – Bettina Maylone (1985, 12 min)
- Losing Blue – Leanne Allison (2023, 16 min)
- Instant French – Andre Leduc (1979, 1 min)
- The Maple Leaf – Paul Bochner (1978, 1 min)
London Bicycle Café Bike Valet from 12 PM – 4 PM | Front Lawn
Arrive by bike and leave it worry-free with their complimentary Bike Valet, courtesy of our friends at the London Bicycle Café! Just like a coat check, you’ll receive a ticket, and your bike will be securely watched by volunteers. When you’re ready to leave, exchange your ticket and ride home in style. All bikes must be collected by 4 PM or they will be returned to the London Bicycle Café (320 Thames Street).
Pattern Play: Textile Print Pop-Up from 12 PM - 4 PM | Front Lawn
Experience hands-on textile printmaking inspired by our current exhibition Fashion: Grit, Glamour and Guts. Create unique patterns using stamping, stencils, and Gelli plate printing in a vibrant pop-up tent.
Nature Walk with Bluebird Environmental from 2 PM – 3 PM | Front Lawn
Explore the land, water, and wildlife of the nearby Thames River with Bluebird Environmental. This guided walk includes engaging ecological activities and insights into local river assessments. Limited to 15 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone welcome!
This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.
