Stratford Festival

One of Ontario’s most notable cultural events, the Stratford Festival is known for its high-quality productions of Shakespearean plays and other classical and contemporary works.

Each year, a dozen or more performances are held across several stages and theatres in the town of Stratford. Whether you’re looking for drama, a good laugh or a chance to tap your toes, the Stratford Festival offers great entertainment.

Visit the Stratford Festival website

Cast members of a Romeo and Juliet performance dance onstage at the Stratford Festival. — Stratford Festival | David Hou

How to get to Stratford Festival

Location: Festival Theatre, 55 Queen Street, Stratford

By car: The Stratford Festival Theatre is just off Highway 8 in the downtown area of Stratford. Paid parking can be found in the lower Queen Street Lot, located below the Tom Patterson Theatre at Lakeside Drive. Save money by pre-reserving your spot online.

By transit: Transportation options to Stratford include a Toronto return bus service on select dates.

Know before you go

Stratford Festival tickets can be purchased online.

The festival has four main theatres: Festival Theatre, Tom Patterson Theatre, Studio Theatre and Avon Theatre, plus additional performance venues and outdoor stages.

Although you can purchase tickets individually, membership programs offer perks like ticket discounts, free tour passes and exclusive events.

Accessibility features

Things to do at Stratford Festival

Discover more activities and experiences.

Catch classic Shakespeare plays

The festival’s signature appeal is its collection of Shakespearean classics including popular titles such as King Lear, Macbeth, The Tempest and more.

Savour delicious food

Take a break at one of several on-site eateries. The Festival Theatre Cafe offers light lunch and sweet treats, while the Tom Patterson Theatre Cafe serves local hot and cold meals.

Buy a souvenir

Browse the Stratford Festival Store for limited edition, festival-themed original clothing, scarves, jewellery, journals, unique housewares, books, music and more.

Discover theatre workshops

Learn about puppetry, props, sculpting toys and more at the festival’s educational events and workshops that lift the curtain and grant a glimpse of show production.

Enjoy family experiences

Bring the kids for behind-the-scenes programs, day camps, artist training and other forums for families.

One of the theatre venues at the Stratford Festival is lit up for an evening show. — Stratford Festival | Destination Ontario

Interesting facts about the Stratford Festival

In the 1950s, the town of Stratford suffered a setback when the railway industry left the area. As a result of this hardship, local journalist Tom Patterson brainstormed a new role for the town: a Shakespearean theatre festival.

The first season opened in the summer of 1953 with a performance of “Richard III” that received great praise. From there, the event grew into one of Canada’s premier arts festivals.

Because of its expansive size, the Stratford Festival in Ontario has become the continent’s largest classical repertory theatre company. People worldwide travel to Stratford to watch the classics, contemporary dramas and musicals.

Accessibility Features

Accessible drop-off location

Passenger drop-off is available by an accessible entrance.

Accessible entrances/exits

A sufficiently wide, hard surfaced, unobstructed path, no steps or equipped with ramp connecting to a public entrance or exit and identified by signage. Automatic door openers, adequate manoeuvring room in front of door.

Accessible parking

At least one identified, reserved parking space with a safe, clearly marked accessible route from the designated parking area to an accessible building entrance.

Accessible restaurant

Accessible entrance; adequate manoeuvring room; accessible washroom nearby. Tables with removable chairs and adequate knee clearance. Cafeteria/buffet counters reachable for mobility device users.

Accessible seating

Reserved space with a clear view of the event/activity for someone who is seated, good sound quality, and adequate manoeuvring room for a mobility device.

Accessible transportation

Accessible public transportation and/or accessible shuttle buses serve the site.

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, sink with knee clearance, and lever handles or automatic sensor faucets.

Assistive listening devices available

Assistive listening devices are available for rent or free of charge.

Easy access electrical outlets

At least one electrical outlet within easy reach has clear floor space in front for charging an electric mobility device.

Elevator access

Elevator access to all public floors with adequate manoeuvring room to enter and exit the elevator.

Information available in alternative format

Accessible formats (e.g. for menus, brochures, etc) and communication supports are provided in a timely manner upon request at no extra charge in consultation with the person making the request.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual indicators (guide dog or other animal wearing a vest/harness); or documentation available from a regulated health professional to confirm the animal is required due to a disability.

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to facilities. Please check with the organization about entry fees, if applicable.

Universal washroom

Separate, individual washroom with adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, accessible sink with knee clearance, easy-to-use faucets and adult change table.

Wheelchair accessible

Unobstructed path through public hallways that are wide enough to allow people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices to move easily through the building.

Last updated: November 25, 2024