Arts & Culture
"Perth County is buzzing with arts and culture.”
Look in any corner of Perth County and you’ll find that arts and culture is not only alive and well – it’s thriving. Attracted in part by the largest repertory theatre in North America, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, artists have flocked to Perth County in search of a creative and supportive climate in which to pursue and present their crafts. This is evident in the area’s many art galleries, historic theatres and museums, as well as through its many events and festivals. Perth Arts Connect, the not-for-profit local organization, encourages and promotes arts and culture in all its forms, helping to ensure the longevity of creativity and imagination in Perth County. Search our database for artists and arts organizations in Perth County.
North Perth/Listowel
Listowel’s Theatre 311 is an intimate, 123-seat live theatre known for presenting quality, year-round productions. It’s located in a former Baptist church and includes an art gallery which showcases the work of local artists. The North Perth Arts Council also presents a variety of concerts and art shows during the year and features a variety of free events during the nation-wide Culture Days weekend Sept. 28-30. You can also catch some of the area’s local musical talent on Thursday nights at a downtown Listowel pub.
West Perth/Mitchell
This April, the 66th Mitchell Optimist Music Festival will once again be celebrating the musical talents of a wide range of young people through its gentle and encouraging competition – and offering up some great entertainment in the process. There’s Random Acts of Music in downtown Mitchell during the summer months, and the Mitchell Legion Band struts its stuff at several events throughout the year, including their annual spring concert and the Mitchell Fall Fair parade.
Perth South/St. Marys
The St. Marys Community Players has been presenting impressive comedies, dramas and musicals for over 30 years. This spring they’ll be doing the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Oklahoma! In the fall, it’s a comedy, Welfarewell. They perform in the St. Marys Town Hall Theatre in the restored 1891 limestone town hall. Circle your calendar and plan to attend a concert by the award-winning St. Marys Children’s Choir and Festival Youth Singers. In March, they host a Choral Festival of children’s choirs from across Ontario and in May it’s their annual spring concert.
Perth East/Shakespeare/Millbank/Milverton
Your one-stop shop for the scoop on local arts and culture is the Perth County Welcome Centre and Artisan Market in Shakespeare. Pick up a copy of the Perth Arts Connect Map and while you’re there check out the work of area artists in the Artisan Market. In August, the centre hosts Artisan Weekends, featuring local musicians, demonstrations and samples. Every July, the Amish School Auction attracts huge crowds looking for a handmade Amish treasure. The Swiss Choir holds its annual brunch in May at the Perth East Recreation Centre and the Millbank branch of the Gospel Echoes Team holds its annual Quilt Auction & Benefit Sale there in November.
Stratford
The Stratford Shakespeare Festival, celebrating its 60th season, is the largest repertory theatre in North America. Running April through October, it attracts major stars, both as performers and audience members. July through August, Stratford Summer Music, known as ‘Stratford’s OTHER festival’, hosts more than 100 events with performances in both indoor and outdoor venues – many of them free. There are classical performances by organists, pianists, quartets and orchestras, award-winning jazz singers, late night cabarets, lectures, demonstrations and intimate concerts. In May, there’s SpringWorks, the indie theatre and arts festival. Focused on ‘fringe-style fun,’ the week-long event includes performances by award-winning playwrights, choreographers, musicians, actors, visual and media artists.
.