Theatre, film and literature

Theatre, film and literature buffs will be thrilled with what’s on stage, on screen and on page in Ontario.

Enjoy new and entertaining playbills each year in Ontario with international film festivals, Broadway blockbusters, renowned theatre festivals and innovative local theatre. Many of the historic theatres are steeped in lore and history, making them as intriguing as the arts they house.

Meet some of your favourite authors and discover new ones at literary festivals, bookshops and notable events.

Get inspired

Planning your Ontario trip? Get inspired with articles on theatre, film and literary experiences.

Guide to live theatre in Ontario

Each year Ontario stages light up as theatres and playhouses announce their seasonal playbills.

Doors Open Ontario and behind the scenes tours

Get a sneak peek behind the curtains and closed doors at theatres, historic spaces and galleries that engage, inspire and entertain.

Francophone arts and culture

Learn about Francophone culture at exhibitions, festivals and historic sites that showcase French-Canadian heritage and talent.

Spring activities in Ontario

Birds soar. Flowers bloom. And everything feels new and inviting. Don’t miss a thing, spring in Ontario is spectacular.

Film festivals in Ontario

Ontario hosts a variety of cinematic events for film buffs throughout the year, including the famous Toronto International Film Festival.

Ontario four season guide

Any time of year can be the best time to experience Ontario.

Literary events in Ontario 2025

Experience the joy of storytelling with fellow writers and book lovers.

Revival theatres and art house cinemas in Ontario

A revival or repertory (“rep”) cinema is an independent movie theatre that shows rare, classic or cult films in addition to the mainstream releases.

Notable movie and TV show locations in Ontario

Visit some of the most noteworthy Ontario spots where your favourite blockbuster movies and TV shows were filmed.

Two romantic road trips to Schitt's Creek locations

Celebrate your favourite show on a couple’s country escape to some of its iconic filming locations.

Unique and independent bookstores in Ontario

From cozy secondhand or speciality bookstores to spacious bookstores showcasing new novels, there’s a place for every literary lover to discover their next great read in Ontario.

Retro diners and drive-ins in Ontario

Enjoy your next outing at Ontario’s drive-ins and pair it with home-style comfort food from classic diners.

Where to stay near theatres and playhouses in Ontario

Enjoy a live theatre performance with the convenience of staying at a nearby hotel, inn or bed and breakfast.

Specific spots

Here are some related things to do.

Stratford Festival Warehouse Tour

Peek behind the scenes of your favourite theatrical production and see what goes into the costumes and set designs.

1000 Islands Playhouse

Talent from across Canada is showcased at this historic venue with panoramic waterfront views of the St. Lawrence River.

St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts & Culture

Experience the joys and drama of stage and film productions in a beautiful retrofitted Victorian Gothic Church in the Ajax community.

Showplace Performance Centre

Peterborough’s performing arts theatre for creative and innovative productions, live shows and special events.

The Roxy Theatre

Be entertained by the live theatre performances and concerts at this former opera house, which was built more than a century ago.

Bruce County Playhouse

Enjoy the performances by Saugeen Shores' brightest talent.

Upper Canada Playhouse

Upper Canada Playhouse is an always-entertaining theatre in Morrisburg with a resident company and a playbook with excellent performances. For...

Algonquin Theatre

Experience exceptional live entertainment in a cozy, community-focused setting at Algonquin Theatre.

Last updated: April 9, 2025

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