Eight things to do in London this summer

CREDIT: ZOË ALEXANDRA KING
We've all been longing for the warm weather to be back and now that it’s approaching, this is my reminder for you to make the most of it.

If your summer plans include staying in the city this year, be prepared for a series of summer festivals and markets! If this is your first summer in London and you aren’t sure what exciting activities you can take part in, make sure to take a note on the below events, and be sure to check out our other publication, the Navigator.

We’ve all been longing for the warm weather to be back and now that it’s approaching, this is my reminder for you to make the most of it.

1. RBC Rock the Park

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If you’re not familiar with Rock the Park, it’s a music festival that takes place every year in the summer at Harris Park. This year, Rock the Park will be taking place between July 12 and 15. This year’s lineup includes nearly twenty artists, with highlights including Mumford and Sons, Vance Joy, Alexisonfire, Ludacris, Papa Roach and Cypress Hill.

2. London International Food Festival

The London International Food Festival is one of my all-time favourite festivals during the summer. Last year, I actually found someone from my home country selling food, and just the smell alone took me right back to Barbados. If you are a fan of Caribbean food, I would highly recommend attending this festival as I saw Jamaican and Trinidadian food there as well. Of course, you can also expect cuisine from all over the world such as Portuguese, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Serbian, and much more. This festival is taking place between June 23 and 25.

3. OPA! Greek Festival

OPA is a Greek festival that is going to be held at the Hellenic Community Centre on 133 Southdale Rd. W. This festival is taking place on June 9 between 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., June 10 between 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and June 11 between 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. At this festival you can expect authentic Greek cuisine, live entertainment, authentic Greek dances, and more.

4. Shania Twain at Budweiser Gardens

The famous Canadian singer- songwriter and actress, Shania Twain, will be performing at Budweiser Gardens on June 21 during her Queen of Me tour. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets start from $70. You probably know this Canadian legend from her hits like, “Man, I Feel Like a Woman” and “From This Moment On.”

5. London Ribfest & Craft Beer Festival

Ribfest is one festival you have to attend at least once! I’m sure after one visit, you will be counting down the days until the next one. This year, Ribfest will be taking place between August 3 and 7 at Victoria Park. Last year, I attended the festival early and was able to see all of the vendors set up. Waiting, I had a lemonade in my hand from one of the vendors and the smell of smoked ribs is still ingrained in my memory.

6. Kevin Hart at Budweiser Gardens

Iconic American comedian, Kevin Hart, will be stopping in London during his Reality Check tour. This event is taking place at Budweiser Gardens on April 15 at 8 p.m. Tickets start from $102 and can be secured on StubHub, AXS, Budweiser Gardens, Event Ticket Center, and Courier Express.

7. Walk or run through Ann Street Park

Ann Street Park is located just a few streets down from London’s famous Richmond Row. In the summer, this is a great trail to walk through either on your own or with friends. It’s a great spot for pictures, and if you’re a fan of ducks and geese, I can confirm that there will be some there!

8. Walk through Victoria Park

Victoria Park is the first thing I think about when someone says, ‘summer in London.’ Vic Park is where a lot of festivals take place and it’s simply a great spot to spend time in the sun with your friends. With a Starbucks right across from the park, it’s easy to grab a refresher and enjoy it outside. If you have time for more than a walk, I suggest taking a blanket and having a picnic at this park.

These are eight activities that you can take part in this summer. For even more summer fun ideas, be sure to pick up your copy the Navigator magazine, on newsstands at Fanshawe and Western now. This is your sign to take full appreciation of all that the city has to offer, especially during the summer season.