A MERLA-MAE SUMMER TRADITION
National Ice Cream Day
Our free community concert in London, Ontario - live local music, giveaways, family games, and soft-serve all afternoon.
Every July, Merla-Mae turns National Ice Cream Day into a free community celebration in London, Ontario — live local music, giveaways, family games, and towering soft-serve cones. Free admission, all ages, all afternoon.
NEXT CELEBRATION
Sunday, July 18, 2027
1080 Adelaide St. N, London, ON · Free admission · All ages
THE CELEBRATION
A free summer tradition in London, Ontario
What began as a simple ice-cream stand celebration has grown into one of London's most anticipated summer days. Every third Sunday of July, we turn our Adelaide Street parking lot into an outdoor stage — live local music all afternoon, family games, giveaways, and of course endless soft-serve, sundaes, and milkshakes. Admission is always free, and everyone's welcome.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Live music every year
It started with a cappella. Years ago, a local group called The Essentials began singing right here in our parking lot - and that simple tradition grew into National Ice Cream Day. Today that same lot becomes a full outdoor stage, with bands and solo artists bringing the energy from afternoon into evening. Local favourites like Turning Corners, Full Throttle, Sweet Theory, Lyubov Kay, Sarina Haggarty, and Jason Mercer - and many more over the years - have helped make the day unforgettable. And in a full-circle moment, Screeched Inn returned featuring founding members of the original Essentials. New acts join the lineup every year.
Turning Corners
Full Throttle
Sweet Theory
Jason Mercer
EXPLORE BY YEAR
Every celebration, year by year
Relive the music, the crowds, and the sweet surprises - pick a year for its full recap, lineup, and photos.
2026
Our biggest yet
2025
5 live acts
→ Recap
2024
Where it grew
→ Recap
HIGHLIGHTS
A taste of the day
A minute of music, prizes, and ice-cream smiles from past National Ice Cream Day celebrations.
SUPPORT THE DAY
Sponsor National Ice Cream Day
This free event is made possible by local businesses and community partners. Sponsorship helps cover entertainment, staging, prizes, and logistics - and connects your brand with thousands of London families. Presenting, community and supporting roles open each year.
GOOD TO KNOW
Questions, answered
Q - Is it free?
Yes - admission and the concert are completely free. Ice cream is available to buy.
Q - Where is it?
At Merla-Mae Ice Cream, 1080 Adelaide Street North, London, Ontario.
Q - Can I perform?
Yes! We book local musicians every year - apply on our auditions page.
Q - When is it?
The third Sunday of July each year. The next one is Sunday, July 18, 2027.
Q - Where do I park?
Free nearby parking lot parking - we recommend arriving early.
Q - Can my business sponsor?
Absolutely - a few sponsor roles open each year. See our “Become a Sponsor” page.