Shaw Festival: The Guide Locals Actually Use

The Shaw Festival is a bit of a local institution, tucked away in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It's all about George Bernard Shaw’s plays—duh—but they’ve also started doing other playwrights’ works to keep things fresh. The festival takes over multiple venues in town: the Court House Theatre on Queen Street, the Royal George Theatre on King Street, and the UpStage venue near Front Street. Think of it as a giant theatre party that runs from April through October. If you’re looking for a bit more context about Shaw’s life and work, check out the Bernard Shaw Centre right in town.

Picking your show is like ordering at a buffet: there's a lot to choose from. If you're into history, go for the Shakespeare or Shaw plays—they’re where they shine. For something more contemporary and less daunting, look out for modern productions that are usually listed on their website. Avoid the ones packed with tourists; locals tend to stick to shows running at 2:30 PM because it's when the crowds thin out. And hey, if you're not into theatre but want a taste of culture, check out the Shaw Festival Theatre School classes—they run workshops for all ages and levels.

Full-price tickets at the Shaw are pretty steep—often over $100—and locals don't do that. Instead, they wait until the last minute to snag some of the cheaper seats. If you can be flexible with your schedule, there’s a good chance you’ll catch a discounted show. The festival offers a 24-hour ticket hotline at (905) 468-6713 for last-minute deals. Plus, keep an eye out for community night discounts on Wednesdays; tickets can be as low as $25 if you’re quick enough to call in and grab them.

Pre-show, head to the King Street Market for a quick bite before your show. Locals love grabbing a coffee from The Coffee House on Queen Street or some wine from a local vineyard like Pillitteri Estates Vineyards just outside town. Post-show, you can hit up local haunts like The Old Mill Inn on Mill Street or the Shaw Festival Theatre’s Onstage Bar for after-show drinks and discussions. If it's dinner time, go to one of those fancy restaurants that cater to theatre-goers; they’re pricey but have great food.

If you're not into the whole theatre thing, don't worry. You can still enjoy the festival by attending the pre-show talks or visiting the Bernard Shaw Centre. The festival also hosts events like book readings and film screenings that might be more up your alley. Plus, there's always something happening on King Street—locals love to grab a bite and chat about the shows they've seen, or haven't seen as the case may be.