London's Old East Village has long been a hub for eclectic and innovative artists. Discover one of the city's most unique neighbourhoods, located just east of downtown.
Old East Village (or OEV, as the locals call it) is located in London’s Core Area. Surrounded by a beautiful heritage neighbourhood, OEV’s commercial district stretches along Dundas Street. Here, you’ll find unique locations established by creative entrepreneurs who have a fierce passion for supporting all things local.
Live Music Venues
One of OEV’s brightest gems is Aeolian Hall, a nationally recognized music venue praised for its acoustics and warm welcoming atmosphere. Located in the former London East town hall, the heritage building is a beautiful setting for classical, jazz, indie and tribute shows throughout the year.
Honey Dip is one of the most unique music venues in London! Located above Dough EV, a donut shop and community gathering space, this intimate venue plays host to punk, underground and indie artists, plus plenty of queer events. It speaks to the underground arts culture that has long thrived in Old East Village.
Heritage Lives on
OEV is also home to one of London’s only National Historic Sites: Banting House, the birthplace of insulin. Frederick Banting lived here before making his discovery and the house has since been transformed into a museum marking his life and career.
Just down the street, the Palace Theatre puts on high-quality community theatre productions “where Londoners play a part. The Palace Theatre is another heritage building.
Take time to Play
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Old East Village is home to plenty of places to play. Start by spending a day at 100 Kellogg Lane! This former cereal factory has been reimagined as Canada’s largest entertainment complex.
Within, you can find The Factory (a massive family fun centre that includes trampolines, ziplines and arcades), the London Children's Museum, dining establishments and more. The building is also frequently home to events, seasonal markets and rotating exhibits.
Just a few blocks away, visit the Western Fair District for thrilling entertainment, including everything from live harness racing on their half-mile track to tournaments at the Sports Centre.
There’s also the Western Fair itself, which draws tens of thousands of people every September, and The Market at Western Fair District, which boasts two floors of food and artisan vendors every weekend.
Magical Mosaics
Combining thousands of handmade tiles into intricate designs, Clayworx: Ceramics Arts Learning Centre (formerly the London Clay Art Centre) has facilitated many mosaic projects throughout Old East Village. The first major project was a large mosaic with 3D elements on their building.
Another breathtaking installation, Hope, Love and Belonging, is located on Indwell's Embassy Commons building. It depicts the Thames River and blossoming Ontario wildflowers using 12,000 tiles across three panels. And make sure to watch for mosaic sidewalk tiles as you stroll down Dundas Street!
For those looking to get their own hands on some clay, Clayworx offers classes and workshops, from hand building to wheel throwing. Their retail shop is stocked with pieces from local artists, so you're sure to leave with a treasure or two when you stop by.
To take in more public art in OEV, keep an eye out for the many murals found along the corridor. Explore London's interactive mural map here.
Good Eats
It’s no secret that OEV is home to some of London’s tastiest dining options, featuring unique cuisines from many different cultures. If you’re looking for a delicious series of restaurants, check out the Only in OEV Dumpling Trail! This self-guided tour is a curated list of seven different cultures’ takes on an age-old fave— the dumpling. From kimchi dumplings at Bella’s Acacia Catering to Polish pierogies at Unique Food Attitudes, you’ll travel the world while enjoying everyone’s favourite comfort food.
There’s much more to discover. From quaint bakeries and chic cafes, to artisanal butchers and international grocers, you can explore a full list of options right here.
Craft beverages
There's no better way to follow up a good meal than with a locally crafted beverage! Luckily, Old East Village is home to its fair share of London's breweries and craft beverage creators.
Anderson Craft Ales, London Brewing, Powerhouse Brewing, Beer Kitchen. Paradigm Spirits, London's only distillery. Cocktails at 1913 in the Hard Rock Hotel.
Shop Local
Shopping in OEV is like stepping back to a time when main streets were your go-to for all things retail and service. Take a walk down Dundas and check out the long list of independent retailers and multi-generational businesses who have called OEV home for decades.
If you’re looking to update your wardrobe, check out local favourites like Illbury + Goose. Wonderful shops like Grow & Bloom Co. can add colour to your life. Stop by the East Village Market at 630 Dundas Street, a charming spot where you can find several vendors under one roof, including Baker’s Table & Pastry Co. and more.
This is just a snapshot of all the great things this neighbourhood offers, but it’s definitely not all! Check out coveted tattoo parlours, hair salons, barber shops, a plethora of vintage and second-hand options and so much more!
With so much to see and do, there’s no time like the present to start exploring OEV! Learn more about the community and find upcoming events on the Old East Village Business Improvement Area's website.
Don't forget to tag @TourismLondon and #ExploreLdnOnt for the chance to have your photos featured!
