Shaw Festival
The Shaw Festival is one of Canada’s finest annual cultural attractions, presenting an eclectic assortment of award-winning comedies, dramas, musicals, mysteries and family-friendly stories in picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The Festival runs each year from April to December, with world-class productions of ten plays on three grand stages. Additionally, see a cabaret, improv or variety show under the lively outdoor Spiegeltent and check out special events and tours hosted throughout the year.
Shaw Festival Theatre | Peter Andrew Lusztyk
How to get to Shaw Festival
Location: 10 Queen's Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake
By car: From Toronto, follow the Queen Elizabeth Way and take Niagara-on-the-Lake exit 38B. Head north on the Niagara River Parkway if driving from Niagara Falls. Paid parking is available on-site.
By transit: VIA Rail and GO Transit provide service to Niagara Falls. The Shaw Express offers direct service from downtown Toronto and Burlington. Bus tickets must be bought in advance.
Know before you go
Shaw Festival tickets can be bought online or by calling the box office at 1-800-511-7429. Order your tickets by January 31 for early booking pricing. Students and people under 35 or over 65 receive discounts on select performances.
Tickets can be exchanged for another performance at least 24 hours before the scheduled runtime and may only be picked up within two hours of each performance.
Things to do at Shaw Festival
Discover more activities and experiences.
Enjoy incredible plays
Catch some of the best stage performances in the province, ranging from classics by the festival’s namesake playwright, Bernard Shaw to contemporary works that embody Shaw’s wit and passion.
Visit unique theatres
Explore the festival’s distinctive venues, which include the historic Royal George Theatre, Festival Theatre, Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre and the beautiful outdoor venue, Spiegeltent.
Learn about the arts
Immerse yourself in the theatre scene at a festival event, which includes backstage tours, rehearsals, seminars, Q&As with the actors, live music and more.
Articles and itineraries
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Interesting facts about Shaw Festival
The Shaw Festival theatre company was founded in 1962 with the goal of celebrating the works of George Bernard Shaw and other playwrights of his time while advancing theatrical arts in Canada.
“Salute to Shaw” was the original production held in the town courthouse, which later became known as the Court House Theatre. Today, the Shaw Festival is the second-largest repertory theatre company in North America.
Incredible directors like Christopher Newton, Derek Goldby, Neil Munro and Denise Coffey have worked among the theatres for the festival performances to create award-winning ensembles.
Last updated: July 10, 2024