The London Heritage Council is inviting residents and visitors to step into the city’s past this winter as it prepares to stage the 14th Annual Heritage Fair, a community event designed to spotlight local history, cultural milestones and the institutions that help preserve them.
The Heritage Fair will take place on February 21, 2026, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the London Public Library – Central Branch, located at 251 Dundas Street in downtown London. The event is being presented by the London Heritage Council in partnership with the London Public Library and the City of London’s Cultural Services team.
Organizers are positioning this year’s fair as a special edition tied to a major civic milestone: London’s 200th anniversary. Branded as a bicentennial celebration, the fair will be held during Heritage Week and will focus on the city’s evolution over two centuries, including the people, communities and organizations that helped shape its identity.
In a statement, the London Heritage Council said the event will serve as “a vibrant celebration of our city’s stories, milestones, and cultural legacy,” bringing together a wide range of local heritage groups under one roof for a day of interactive learning and engagement.
The bicentennial theme for 2026 is “Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present: Here’s to 200 More.” Organizers said the theme reflects both a recognition of the city’s history and an effort to connect that history to the present-day London, which has grown into one of southwestern Ontario’s key regional centres.
The London Heritage Council said the fair will highlight “two centuries of innovation, inspiration, and integration that have shaped London into the dynamic and diverse city it is today,” with a focus on how London has changed from its earliest days to the modern era.
While heritage events are often seen primarily through a cultural lens, they also carry a business and economic dimension for cities. Local fairs and public history showcases can support downtown foot traffic, strengthen community ties, and build awareness of museums and cultural institutions that contribute to the tourism economy. They can also reinforce civic identity at a time when municipalities are competing for investment, talent and visitors.
The Heritage Fair is expected to feature a range of interactive exhibits and displays that make local history accessible to the public. Organizers said visitors will be able to explore exhibits, artifacts and hands-on activities aimed at bringing London’s transformation to life.
Exhibitors will include local museums, historical societies, cultural organizations and heritage groups. The London Heritage Council said these participants will showcase how their work and collections have helped tell London’s story, reflecting changes in industry, settlement patterns, culture and community development over time.
The fair is designed to appeal to a broad audience, including families, students and those with a personal interest in local history. Organizers said the event will also be welcoming to people who are new to the city and want to learn more about the community they have joined.
“Whether you’re a lifelong Londoner or a newcomer eager to learn more about the city’s roots, the Heritage Fair offers a unique opportunity to connect with London’s past, celebrate its present, and imagine its future,” the London Heritage Council said.
The fair’s bicentennial framing also places the spotlight on London’s longer-term development, as the city continues to grow and diversify. For many local organizations, the event provides a chance to reach new audiences and highlight the relevance of heritage work in a rapidly changing urban environment.
Organizers said the day will conclude with a forward-looking message tied to the anniversary theme, encouraging residents to reflect on the city’s past while looking ahead.
“Join us to honour 200 years of history, heritage, and community—and to raise a collective toast to the next 200 years!” the release said.
The London Heritage Council described itself as an agency of the City of London that supports the local heritage sector by advocating for the role cultural and heritage institutions play in communities across Ontario and Canada. It said it is “uniquely positioned within the community” and works to strengthen public understanding of how heritage contributes to city-building, education and civic life.
The Heritage Fair is one of the council’s most visible public-facing events, offering an annual platform for heritage organizations to connect with residents and share stories that have shaped London’s identity.
For more information about the Heritage Fair, residents can contact Anastasia Osborne, Communications Officer, at (519) 661-2489 Ext. 8487 or by email at [email protected]. Additional details are also available through the London Heritage Council website at www.londonheritage.ca/heritagefair.