Stratford Shakespeare Festival
1 800 567-1600, (http://www.stratfordfesti...). Drawing more than 600,000 visitors each year, the Stratford Shakespeare 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 2012 playbill features 14 plays and musicals.The Festival runs from April to October at the following theatres:
Festival Theatre
55 Queen Street.Tom Patterson Theatre
111 Lakeside Drive.Avon Theatre
99 Downie Street.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. Check the Festival website for more details.
Festival Theatre Garden tour
1 800 567-1600, (http://www.stratfordfesti...). A tour of the Festival Theatre's gardens, including the Arthur Meighen Gardens, which contain many flowers and plants mentioned in Shakespeare's works. Adults $8, seniors and students $6. Tour days vary. Call or check the website.Costume Warehouse tour
1 800 567-1600, (http://www.stratfordfesti...). The Festival's costume warehouse stores costumes and props from past productions and is one of the largest costume warehouses in North America. Adults $8, seniors and students $6. Tour days vary. Call or check the website.Festival Theatre backstage tour
1 800 567-1600, (http://www.stratfordfesti...). The backstage tour shows you props and wardrobe departments and gives an interesting look at how the Festival's thrust stage is remodeled between the afternoon and evening performances. Adults $8, seniors and students $6. Tour days vary. Call or check the website.Pre- and post-performance discussions
1 800 567-1600, (http://www.stratfordfesti...). 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. Call or check the website for details and dates.Other attractions include:
Stratford-Perth Museum
4275 Huron Rd., +1 519 393-5311, (http://www.stratfordperth...). Sep-Apr: Tu-Sa, 10AM-4PM. May-Aug: Su, M Noon-4PM, Tu-Sa, 10AM-4PM. A community museum dedicated to the cultural heritage of Stratford and Perth County. Admission ranges from $3-5.Art In The Park
on Lakeside Drive between North and Front Streets, +1 519 272-0429, (http://www.artintheparkst...). W, Sa, Su in June, July, August & September weather permitting. An outdoor gallery representing the works of regional artists.Gallery Stratford
54 Romeo Street, +1 519 271-5271, (http://www.gallerystratfo...). Tu-Su, 10AM-5PM. Exhibits of contemporary and historical art.Shakespearean Gardens
at the Huron Street Bridge. This garden is modeled after traditional English gardens and includes an herb garden, a rose garden, and a picturesque gazebo. It's the perfect place for a picnic.