Rock the Runway: London’s First-Ever Airport Music Festival Takes Off This September

Rock the Runway: London’s First-Ever Airport Music Festival Takes Off This September

A brand-new music festival is ready to make its debut in London, Ontario — not in a concert hall or park, but on the grounds of London International Airport.

Rock the Runway, a two-day outdoor music experience, will take place on September 12 and 13, 2025. The event is designed to become the city’s largest musical gathering, according to Brad Jones, President of Jones Entertainment Group, which is organizing the festival.

“When you stand out on the northwest corner of the airport’s runway, the sheer size of it is overwhelming,” said Jones. “We immediately knew this space had the potential for something extraordinary.”

The festival will take advantage of the airport’s unique features. The location is naturally isolated, offering multiple access points that will help reduce traffic congestion. Additionally, the grounds are paved, eliminating the common issue of mud during bad weather.

According to Jones, the area designated for the festival can accommodate up to 25,000 people — more than twice the capacity of other local venues such as Canada Life Place or Harris Park, the site of the well-known Rock the Park festival.

“That kind of scale is crucial,” he noted. “Big-name artists often won’t play smaller markets unless they can perform for large crowds. This new space makes that possible for London.”

While the festival’s artist lineup has yet to be revealed, Jones promises a mix of both Canadian and international performers across a variety of musical genres. He said the first round of headliners will be announced within the next two weeks.

“There’s going to be something for every kind of music fan,” he said confidently.

A New Chapter for Student Life and Community Events

The event is also designed to appeal to post-secondary students, particularly those attending Western University. For 2025, Rock the Runway will incorporate PurpleFest, Western’s annual back-to-school concert, into the larger festival experience.

Jeff Armour, Chief Operating Officer of the University Students’ Council (USC), emphasized the value of this partnership. “We think it’s incredibly important to help students step outside the campus bubble early on and connect with the wider London community,” he said.

Unlike previous years where PurpleFest was a closed, on-campus event, this year’s version will welcome both students and the public. Armour added that the USC is working to subsidize tickets to keep them affordable for students. In terms of logistics, enhanced security and transportation options will be in place to ensure a safe and accessible experience for all attendees.

A Vision Beyond Travel: The ‘Aerotropolis’

The festival is part of a broader initiative to transform London International Airport into more than just a transportation hub. Scott McFadzean, President of the airport, described it as an effort to build an “aerotropolis” — a vibrant zone that integrates recreation, entertainment, and business.

“We’re creating a kind of city within a city,” McFadzean explained. “From hosting air shows and drive-in movies to adding pickleball and volleyball courts, we’re committed to making this area a destination in its own right.”

Despite the festival taking place on active airport property, McFadzean confirmed it will not disrupt flight operations. In fact, concertgoers may get the added thrill of seeing planes in the background during performances.

“You won’t have aircraft flying directly overhead, but it’s definitely going to be a visually unique experience,” he said.

As anticipation builds, Rock the Runway is shaping up to be a landmark event for London — blending innovation, community spirit, and world-class entertainment in a setting unlike any other.