Stratford (Ontario): See
1 Stratford Festival, toll-free: +1-800-567-1600. Drawing more than 600,000 visitors each year (before COVID-19), the Stratford Festival is North America's largest classical repertory theatre. While always including some plays of William Shakespeare, the Festival also produces many other classical and contemporary works: the 2023 playbill features 14 plays and musicals. (updated Jan 2023)
The Festival runs from April to October at the following theatres:
2 Festival Theatre, 55 Queen Street.
3 Tom Patterson Theatre, 111 Lakeside Drive.
4 Avon Theatre, 99 Downie Street.
5 Studio Theatre, 34 George St. East (corner of George and Waterloo streets, behind the Avon Theatre).
In addition to the play performances, the Festival hosts a wide range of tours and events. Tours run from mid-June to late October. Check the Festival website for more details.
Statford Festival tours, toll-free: +1-800-567-1600. At the Set Changeover Experience, you'll watch the stage crew transform the stage for the evening performance. The guide will explain the process, including technical details. On the Festival Teasures Tour, you'll visit the Festival's costume warehouse stores costumes and props from past productions. It is one of the largest costume warehouses in North America. $15 per person per tour. (updated Jan 2023)
Pre- and post-performance discussions, toll-free: +1-800-567-1600. There are a number of different discussions including Meet the Festival (free discussions with actors and production staff), Talking Theatre (free discussions with Festival staff on selected topics), post-performance discussions (free question and answer sessions with actors after selected performances), pre-show lectures (free lectures on that night's play hosted by a noted academic). (updated Jan 2023)
Other attractions include:
6 Stratford-Perth Museum, 4275 Huron Rd, ☏ +1 519-393-5311. Daily 10AM-4PM. A community museum dedicated to the cultural heritage of Stratford and Perth County. Adult $10, senior or student $9, child 12 and under $5, child 5 and under free, family $20 (two adults and two children). (updated Jun 2024)
7 Art In The Park, Lakeside Drive between North and Front Streets, ☏ +1 519-272-0429. Late May to late Sep: Wed Sat Sun 10AM-5PM (weather permitting). An outdoor gallery representing the works of regional artists. (updated Jan 2023)
8 Gallery Stratford, 54 Romeo Street, ☏ +1 519-271-5271. Tue-Sun noon-5PM. Exhibits of contemporary and historical art. (updated Jan 2023)
9 Shakespearean Gardens (at the Huron Street Bridge, next to the court house). This garden is modelled after traditional English gardens and includes an herb garden, a rose garden, and a picturesque gazebo. It is the perfect place for a picnic. (updated Jan 2023)