A Merla-Mae summer tradition
National Ice Cream Day
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.
- 1080 Adelaide Street North, London · Directions
- Sunday, July 18, 2027 · Add to calendar
- Free concert · 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.
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
Turning Corners headlined, with Full Throttle, Sweet Theory and DJ Deem J. See the 2026 recap
2025 5 live acts
Featuring Turning Corners, Lyubov Kay, Francesca Panetta and Tyrone Traher & The Rottweilers. See the 2025 recap
2024 Where it grew
Turning Corners headlined, with Jason Mercer, Sarina Haggarty, Gianna Rigopoulos and Tyrone Traher. See the 2024 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.
- Presenting
- Community
- Supporting
Good to know
Questions, answered
Is it free?
Yes — admission and the concert are completely free. Ice cream is available to buy.
When is it?
The third Sunday of July each year.
Where is it?
At Merla-Mae Ice Cream, 1080 Adelaide Street North, London, Ontario.
Where do I park?
Free parking in the nearby lot — we recommend arriving early.
Can I perform?
Yes! We book local musicians every year — apply on our auditions page.
Can my business sponsor?
Absolutely — a few sponsor roles open each year. See our Become a Sponsor page.
See you next July
Come for the music, stay for the soft-serve
Admission is always free, and everyone’s welcome. Mark the third Sunday of July and join us in our Adelaide Street parking lot.