Shakespeare and all his greatest works have a home within Stratford, Ontario where world-renowned actors showcase the Bard’s greatest theatrical works in multiple theatres, while also paying tribute to the extraordinary playwright all around town.
From the Avon Theatre through to our Shakespearean Gardens and at each of the Stratford Festival’s Theatres, you will find Shakespeare’s legacy very much alive within one of Ontario’s most culturally-rich towns. Every year, from April to October, the Stratford Festival delights audience members with a cultivated repertoire of theatre’s best-loved productions. This year, plan a visit to the Stratford Festival where three Shakespeare plays will be featured during the Festival.
Superior Shakespearean Performances Right Here in Southwestern Ontario
During this wonderful festival, directors, actors, writers and creative minds of every kind always come together to put on renditions of Shakespeare’s fan-favourite plays. Known as the Stratford Festival, this renowned Shakespeare festival in Stratford, Ontario, is celebrated not only for its Shakespearean productions but also for performing other classic and contemporary works. Due to the Festival’s deep-rooted associations with Shakespeare, which began even before its opening in 1952, these purveyors of theatre put special tender love and creativity into recreating and reimaging Shakespeare’s works.
Visit Stratford, Ontario, the home of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, where the creator of the Festival, Tom Patterson, began the Festival and secured our town’s position as a world-leader in theatre. Walk the streets and see how the lovechild of remarkable talent and Patterson’s dedication to elevating Stratford and Shakespeare thrives within a town that would be unrecognizable by any other name.
As You Like It
Image Courtesy of Stratford Festival
Love, disguise, and the pursuit of happiness collide in this enchanting romantic comedy. Follow Rosalind and Orlando as they navigate mistaken identities and tangled relationships in the magical Forest of Arden. Full of wit, charm, and unforgettable characters, As You Like It promises to leave audiences smiling.
Dates: May 9–October 25
Get your tickets to As You Like It at The Stratford Festival
Macbeth
Image Courtesy of Stratford Festival
Ambition, power, and the supernatural intertwine in one of Shakespeare’s darkest tragedies. Witness Macbeth’s descent into madness as he grapples with prophecy, guilt, and the consequences of his ruthless pursuit of the throne. Prepare for a gripping, spine-chilling experience.
Dates: May 3–October 27
Get your tickets to Macbeth at The Stratford Festival
The Winter’s Tale
Image Courtesy of Stratford Festival
A story of jealousy, redemption, and reconciliation, The Winter’s Tale traverses tragedy and comedy to deliver an unforgettable tale of love and forgiveness. With its themes of renewal and harmony, this play is a perfect fit for the 2025 season.
Dates: May 8–October 26
Get your tickets to The Winter’s Tale at The Stratford Festival
Exploring Themes of Love, War, and Harmony at the 2025 Stratford Festival
The 2025 Stratford Festival season explores the powerful themes of love, war, and harmony. These universal ideas are at the heart of the Shakespearean plays and are woven throughout the Festival’s broader repertoire. From the comedic twists of As You Like It to the tragic ambition of Macbeth and the redemptive journey in The Winter’s Tale, this season offers a rich exploration of the human condition.
Audiences will witness how love can heal or destroy, how war tests personal and public values, and how harmony can arise even in the face of discord. Through innovative staging and timeless storytelling, the Festival celebrates the enduring relevance of these themes in our lives today.
Plan Your 2025 Shakespearean Getaway to Stratford, Ontario
Whether you choose to laugh, cry or fall in love during one of these Shakespearean productions, be sure to pick The Parlour Inn for your post-play Stratford Festival accommodations. Stay within walking distance from all the best spots to revel in the wonder of Shakespeare and, of course, to ensure you won’t be late for your performance of choice.
Purchase your tickets and book your room at The Parlour Inn, so you can incorporate a superior gastropub dining experience and charming amenities into your Stratford Shakespeare getaway.