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Theatre & EventsIconicDate Night

Shaw Festival Theatre

10 Queen's Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 · Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Why you should go…

Founded in 1962 and originally devoted to the works of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival has grown into one of North America's largest repertory theatre companies. Each season, running April through December, a resident ensemble performs a dozen or so productions across multiple stages, from classic drama and sharp comedies to big holiday musicals. The flagship Festival Theatre sits at the edge of Niagara-on-the-Lake's picture-perfect Old Town, making dinner on Queen Street and a show the region's definitive date night.

  • #theatre
  • #repertory
  • #shows
  • #niagara-on-the-lake
  • #culture

Good to know

General theatre & events guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Curtain time is firm

    Latecomers are commonly held at the back until a scene break, so build in a buffer.

  • Study the seating chart

    Price and sightline vary a lot within the same house. A few rows back can be the better seat.

  • Rush and lottery seats exist

    Many venues release same-day tickets at a discount if you are flexible about where you sit.

  • Arrive with time to spare

    Parking, bag check, and finding your row all take longer than you think on a full house.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Shaw Festival Theatre, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

    $50+

    Blast through Class 5 whitewater in the Niagara Gorge, pick 'get soaked' or the covered Freedom Jet.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Fort George National Historic Site

    Under $25

    Muskets, redcoats and cannon fire at the reconstructed British fort that anchored the War of 1812.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Tours
    Date Night

    Peller Estates Winery

    $25–$50

    Chateau-style Niagara-on-the-Lake winery famous for icewine, tour the barrel cellar and sip in the 10Below lounge, built from 13,600 kilos of ice.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    National Helicopters

    $50+

    Helicopter sightseeing tours over Niagara Falls and wine country, departing from Niagara District Airport.

    6.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

    Under $25

    Stroll a lush tropical rainforest where 2,000 free-flying butterflies land on your shoulders.

    8.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Niagara Glen Nature Reserve

    Free

    Free hiking through a Carolinian forest pocket deep in the Niagara Gorge, house-sized boulders, rare plants, and whirlpool views.

    8.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor