Doors Open London 2026
Doors Open London presents: Cheers to Years: Celebrating 25 years together

Celebrating 25 Years

What is Doors Open London (DOL)? DOL is the city's largest collective celebration of history, heritage, and culture. In its 25th year, DOL is one of the longest-running community celebrations in Ontario.

When is Doors Open London? DOL is scheduled for September 19th and 20th, 2026.

Why should my organization participate in Doors Open London? By participating in DOL, your site will be included in the London Heritage Council's city-wide marketing campaign and provincial Doors Open Ontario marketing—promoting your organization to tens of thousands of Londoners and people across the province. DOL is a great opportunity to reach new audiences.

What is this year's theme? The theme for Doors Open 2026 is “Cheers to Years: Celebrating 25 Years Together"

For a quarter century, Doors Open London has connected residents and visitors with the places, people, and moments that shape our city. In 2026, participating sites and organizations are encouraged to reflect on their journeys—highlighting how they’ve grown, adapted, and contributed to London’s evolving identity.
Be part of a weekend full of engaging experiences including live performances, interactive demonstrations, guided tours, and historical re-enactments. From the transformation of local industries to the repurposing of beloved heritage buildings, this anniversary year will shine a light on how London has continually adapted to meet the needs of its people.

Organizations are encouraged to showcase how creativity continues to bring Londoners together—fostering connection, self-expression, and a shared sense of place.

Who can participate? If you are a museum, historic site, education center, individual artist, cultural advocacy group, ethnic club, multicultural organization, place of worship, business, neighborhood organization or an organization based in London consider applying today!

Please note that not all organizations who apply will be selected.

When is the deadline for applying?
The deadline for submission is April 3rd, 2026 at 5:00pm EST.

Don't have a venue but still want to participate in Doors Open?
Please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will endeavor to align you with an appropriate venue that best meets your requirements.

What else do I need to know? If you have any further questions, please read the "Participation Criteria" below, if you can't find your answer there, please contact:

Dhira Ghosh
Director of Operations, London Heritage Council
dghosh@londonheritage.ca
226-927-4041

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Participation Criteria
- Activities must relate to the theme (“Cheers to Years: Celebrating 25 Years Together"), meaning that DOL activities must be different from regular programming/activities in a meaningful way
- Organizations must allocate 3-4 hours for their programming contributions during the event.
- Organizations are encouraged to partner and collaborate to create programming that embodies the spirit of the 2026 theme of “Cheers to Years: Celebrating 25 Years Together"
- Activities must enhance participants' knowledge of London's heritage, architecture, and/or cultural heritage
- All programming during the weekend must be free to access
- Sites must have a connection to London's historic, architectural, or cultural heritage
- Must promote activities using Doors Open London-supported designs and promotional materials
- Sites must be located within the City of London boundary
- Must use the logo of the London Heritage Council and DOL to promote programming during Doors Open London weekend
- Must complete post-event survey circulated by the London Heritage Council
- Participating organizations must use the marketing templates provided by LHC while promoting DOL activities


Submitting this application does not guarantee participation in Doors Open London. Applicants will be contacted by the London Heritage Council regarding the status of their application.


Deadline for submission is April 3rd, 2026 at 5:00pm EST.

Please type N/A in any required field that does not apply to your Site and/or Activity.

Please keep a copy of your answers for your records.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Dhira Ghosh
Director of Operations, London Heritage Council
dghosh@london.ca
226-927-4041
  • i.e. Museum London, First Hussars Museum, ReForest London, etc.
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  • Please copy official FB page link.
    Please write N/A if your organization does not have a Facebook page.
  • Please copy official Twitter handle.
    Please write N/A if your organization does not have a Twitter account.
  • Please copy official Instagram handle.
    Please write N/A if your organization does not have an Instagram account.
  • i.e. Volunteer coordinator, media contact, site host, etc...
  • Type N/A if you do not have an email address
  • - - Ext.
  • - - Ext.
  • - - Ext.
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  • Dates & Times

    Which day(s) will you be participating in Doors Open London 2026?
  • i.e. 2 pm - 6 pm on Saturday and 11 am - 2 pm on Sunday

  • Venue Information

  • - - Ext.
  • i.e. Park in back lot, enter at side door, go to meeting room 3, etc...
  • Please copy your Facebook page link.
    Please write N/A if your organization does not have a Facebook page.
  • Please copy your Twitter page link.
    Please write N/A if your organization does not have a Twitter account.
  • Please copy your Instagram page link.
    Please write N/A if your organization does not have an Instagram account.

  • Venue facilities and servies

  • i.e. first floor access only, elevator to second floor not third, some areas not wheelchair safe, etc...
  • i.e. limited parking, not on LTC bus route, some areas under renovation, etc...
  • i.e. limited parking, not on LTC bus route, some areas under renovation, etc...
  • Check all that apply
  • If you activity does not fit into the above categories, please provide a brief description here.
  • Check all that apply
  • If you activity does not fit into the above categories, please provide a brief description here.

  • Programming Categories

  • If you activity does not fit into the above categories, please provide a brief description here.
  • Check all that apply
  • If you activity does not fit into the above key words, please provide 2-3 keywords here.

  • Activity Experience

    Describe what visitors will experience at your Doors Open London activity throughout the weekend.

    *Please note: this text will appear on the Doors Open London website, provincial Doors Open website, Building Stories, as well as Doors Open London printed materials. This will be your introduction to the general public - please ensure your activity description is concise, effective, and applies to your activity.

    **May be modified for publication**

  • Upload Documents

  • Images should be in a JPEG format, colour, and unreduced in size from the camera or scanner, since they may be used in online or print promotions.

    Please note: images MUST be a minimum of 1200 pixels wide; no larger than 3000 pixels wide (between 100KB and 1 MB)

    Please do not submit an image if ownership may be in question.
  • Images should be in a JPEG format, colour, and unreduced in size from the camera or scanner, since they may be used in online or print promotions.

    Please note: images MUST be a minimum of 1200 pixels wide; no larger than 3000 pixels wide (between 100KB and 1 MB)

    Please do not submit an image if ownership may be in question.

  • Participation Agreement

    By virtue of entering into this agreement with the London Heritage Council, the Organizer identified in Section One of this registration form agrees:

    (a) to open the venue and/or offer the activity identified in this registration form to the public on the days and at the times specified.

    (b) that the Organizer has obtained any approvals or consents necessary to allow them to meet their obligations under this agreement.

    (c) that if the submitted site is accepted to participate in Doors Open London 2026 the Site and/or Activity will have the necessary public liability and property insurance to lawfully participate in this special event.

    (d) that if the submitted site is accepted to participate in Doors Open London 2026 reasonable measures will be taken to ensure the health and safety of volunteers and staff throughout the duration of the programming.

    (f) that if accepted to participate in Doors Open London 2026, I will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the London Heritage Council.

    (g) that if accepted to participate in Doors Open London 2026, I will complete the post-event survey circulated by the London Heritage Council.

    (h) submitting this form does not guarantee participation in Doors Open London 2026, and that venues and activities that meet this year's theme are preferred.

    (i) that the deadline for submissions is April 3rd, 2026, at 5:00 pm EST.

    (j) to keep a copy of my answers for my own records.
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