Get To Know Niagara’s Live Arts Venues and Their Spa & Shopping Neighbours

Visitors who flock to Niagara to experience its world-wonder natural attractions, award-winning wineries, buzzed-about farm-to-table dining scene, and The Shaw Festival’s seasonal shows are often surprised to discover that the live arts scene here thrives all year long. Adding a performance at a new-to-you live arts venue to your itinerary is a fun way to experience a whole new side of Niagara on your next trip, especially when you take advantage of nearby spa and shopping options. Here are several venues to consider as you plan your next Niagara getaway.

Big Fun In The Falls

OLG Stage, a world-class 5,000-seat theatre with state-of-the-art technology and outstanding acoustics, was built to wow music fans. Every seat in the house offers fantastic views to catch an impressive roster of touring musicians, with big acts like Matthew Good, Arkells, Blue Rodeo, Tom Cochrane, The Guess Who, Queensrÿche, Boy George and Culture Club, and more. The Avalon Theatre, an even more intimate 1500-seat venue just a short stroll away, also attracts a fantastic assortment of entertainers. 

Be sure to build in some time for browsing before or after your show at the Fallsview Casino’s Galleria Shops, where you’ll find a delightful collection of boutiques filled with the latest styles, accessories, gifts, toys, and specialty foods. The nearby Canada One Outlets is a must-shop destination for those on the hunt for name-brand deals on labels like L.L. Bean, Coach, and other popular retailers. Those who prefer a pre- or post-show spa treatment will find themselves spoiled for choice in Niagara Falls! The Damara Day Spa, located right inside the Fallsview Casino Resort, offers a diverse range of treatments from relaxing massages and rejuvenating facials to scalp-nourishing head spas, kids spa fun, and full-body treatments. Burning Springs Spa and Thermal Pools, located just a short walk from OLG Stage, boasts three outdoor thermal pools providing a hydrotherapy journey in the original location of the spectacular natural spring that first drew the spa-seeking set to Niagara Falls! In addition to a luxurious assortment of spa treatments, Christienne Fallsview Spa, currently the top-rated Ontario spa on TripAdvisor, boasts the only hydrotherapy infinity tub with a spectacular view of both the American and Horseshoe Falls.

Encore-Worthy Experiences In Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Shaw Festival season brings an impressive array of productions, such as Funny Girl, One For The Pot, Amadeus, Sleuth, Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, The Wind In The Willows, Heartbreak House, and Ohio State Murders. 

Whether strolling the streets and browsing the shops of Old Town or scoring designer deals at Outlet Collection at Niagara, a few hours of shopping in Niagara-on-the-Lake before or after your time at The Shaw is time well spent. Those in need of a little relaxation will find a wonderful assortment of options in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy some fresh air self-care at The Pillar and Post's Monet-inspired garden space - in May experience Niagara-on-the-Lake In Bloom, and in the wintertime, enjoy ice skating and snacks at The Outpost Ice Rink. The award-winning spa at White Oaks is another sensational space to catch your breath. Ranked as the #1 spa in Niagara, #2 spa in Canada, and #23 spa in all of North America by Spas of America, The Spa at White Oaks invites its guests to enjoy the on-site indoor pool, steam rooms, and saunas as part of their spa experience, making it a wonderful place to escape for an entire morning or afternoon!

Delightful Surprises In St. Catharines and Niagara Benchlands

St. Catharines’ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre welcomes popular performers like Bryan Adams, Dallas Smith, Jann Arden, Sam Roberts Band, Dwayne Gretzky, and many more. 

Just down the street, indie music fans will adore the vibe at Warehouse Concert Hall, an intimate venue with prior acts like Hawksley Workman, Virginia To Vegas, The Dears, Terra Lightfoot, and many more.

While Downtown St. Catharines is home to a winning selection of record shops, vintage retailers, and niche boutiques that show-goers will definitely want to check out, a shopping stop in nearby Jordan Village is also highly recommended. Grab a coffee at Restaurant Pearl Morissette’s partner property, RPM Bakehouse, and browse the village’s interesting selection of galleries, clothing, gift shops, and more. Spa on the Twenty, located in a historic building right on the main street, offers spa-goers a selection of distinctive treatments.

Understated Excellence In Niagara’s South Coast

Port Colborne’s Roselawn Theatre, the Niagara base for the Lighthouse Festival Theatre, serves up a delightful selection of shows, including author readings, tribute bands, comedians, and Canadian musicians. 

Downtown Port Colborne offers an interesting assortment of shops, cafés, and restaurants and its Niagara’s South Coast neighbour, Fonthill, is another lovely destination for some pre-concert exploring. Sneak in a little self-care time at The Yard Social Club, a creatively crafted boutique wellness space offering yoga, hot and cold contrast therapy, and more.

If a night out in a friendly small town complete with its own concert venue, craft brewery, and restaurants for a pre-show meal sounds like the perfect way to spend an evening, Ridgeway delivers on all accounts. The Sanctuary Centre for the Arts is a community-based event and concert space with stellar live concerts, theatre plays and comedy shows. Before sipping a pre-show pint at Brimstone Brewing Company, be sure to browse Ridgeway’s distinctive downtown retailers. Check out the schedule of drop-in classes, workshops and special events at The Yoga Dome, to see if there’s something interesting happening at this country yurt before or after your show.

Play, Discover & Relax In Niagara

Discover a Niagara getaway that blends live entertainment, shopping, and some well-deserved spa time. Be sure to check out @visit_niagara on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for additional trip inspiration and to learn about upcoming events. Then, scroll through local accommodations and restaurant suggestions to find delightful options to add to your itinerary.