Niagara’s live arts scene is nothing if not diverse! Whether your ideal arts date is repertory theatre, community theatre, dance, stand-up comedy, or magic and circus arts, here are some excellent options for finding a fantastic live performance taking the stage during your next getaway to Niagara.
The Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake
What started as a summer theatre festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake honouring the work of Bernard Shaw in 1962 has evolved over the decades into a major Canadian cultural gem that performs a mix of at least 10 productions from the past and present each year to an audience of over 250,000. The Shaw’s season runs from April through December. Check The Shaw’s playbill and calendar.
Lighthouse Festival Theatre at Roselawn Centre, Port Colborne
Catch entertaining productions performed by a Canadian theatre company that brings together some of the top talent from across the country at this stately three-story Victorian Manor in Port Colborne from late spring through early fall. Check this year’s playbill and calendar.
The Lighthouse Festival is a charitable Canadian theatre company…
OLG Stage & Avalon Theatre, Niagara Falls
While live music performances make up the majority of the events that take place at these two favourite Niagara Falls venues, there are also frequent stand-up comedy shows with serious star power, like Jerry Seinfeld, as well as jaw-dropping performances by dance and circus troupes. Check the current list of shows at OLG Stage and Avalon Theatre.
You are never more than 100 feet away from an amazing performance…
Greg Frewin Theatrical Centre, Niagara Falls
In addition to thrilling Vegas-style magic shows, Greg Frewin Theatrical Centre hosts a rotating roster of musical theatre and tribute performers. Some shows feature a dinner theatre option. Check the current list of shows and calendar.
A Safe, Creative Space for All We’re more than just a venue…
FAQs
Q: Where is a good place to see a play in Niagara?
A: The Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the country’s most beloved repertoire theatres, offering at least 10 unique productions from the past and present each season.
Q: Are there live arts experiences in Niagara besides The Shaw Festival?
A: Niagara has a vibrant live arts scene with carefully curated calendars of performances at St. Catharines’ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, the Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Colborne, OLG Stage and Avalon Theatre in Niagara Falls, Greg Frewin Theatrical Centre, and more.
Q: What are the best options for family-friendly magic and circus-style performances in Niagara?
A: In addition to regularly scheduled Vegas-style magic shows at Greg Frewin Theatrical Centre, venues in Niagara, such as FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines and The Bank Art House in Welland, often host magic and circus performers.
