The 2026 season of the Stratford Festival is well underway, and demand is running high. Recent performances of Guys and Dolls, Othello and Something Rotten! have been selling out, a sign of strong audience interest in the 12-show lineup running in Stratford, Ontario.
The season opened on Monday, May 25, and audience appetite has stayed high through the summer. Festival leaders point to Something Rotten! as one of the most popular titles of the season. The musical comedy is back by overwhelming demand after its 2024 run, and is directed and choreographed by Donna Feore, who also helms the new Guys and Dolls production. Both shows are playing at the Festival Theatre.
The 2026 season is a big one for the theatre company, as it marks the final curtain call for Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino. After 40 years with the Festival and 14 as its leader, Cimolino is stepping down this fall, making this season a farewell tour of sorts under the theme This Rough Magic. The Festival has already named Jonathan Church as his successor.
To help fill those 1,800-plus seats, the Festival is rolling out audience-friendly offers. Families can save up to 50% on tickets for anyone 18 and under when bought with an adult ticket, for any show, any time, and any seating zone. For city dwellers, the Stratford Direct bus offers a $42 return ride from Toronto, making it easier to catch a show without worrying about parking or traffic. The bus runs from July 15 through November 1, 2026.
The season features a dozen productions across four Stratford venues, ranging from the large Festival Theatre to the cozy 260-seat Studio Theatre. Beyond the headline titles, other shows drawing high demand include The Tempest, Waiting for Godot, Death of a Salesman, and The Hobbit. The season continues until November 1, 2026, with plenty of chances to catch a performance.
