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.

Film festivals in Ontario

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

Read moreFilm festivals in Ontario

2024 Literary events in Ontario

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

Read more2024 Literary events in Ontario

Francophone arts and culture

Feed your appetite for Francophone culture with exhibitions, festivals and visits to historic sites that showcase French-Canadian heritage and the best of Francophone talent.

Read moreFrancophone arts and culture

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.

Read moreUnique and independent bookstores in Ontario

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.

Read moreDoors Open Ontario and behind the scenes tours

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.

Read moreRetro diners and drive-ins in Ontario

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.

Read moreWhere to stay near theatres and playhouses in Ontario

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.

Read moreRevival theatres and art house cinemas in Ontario

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.

Read moreTwo romantic road trips to Schitt's Creek locations

Comprehensive guide to live theatre in Ontario

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

Read moreComprehensive guide to live theatre in Ontario

Experience springtime in Ontario

Birds soar. Flowers bloom. And everything feels new and inviting.

Read moreExperience springtime in Ontario

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.

Read moreNotable movie and TV show locations in Ontario

Specific spots

Here are some related things to do.

Last updated: March 23, 2024

Explore more of Ontario

Tag your photos with #DiscoverON to inspire others.

Theatre, film and literature

Get inspired

Film festivals in Ontario

2024 Literary events in Ontario

Francophone arts and culture

Unique and independent bookstores in Ontario

Doors Open Ontario and behind the scenes tours

Retro diners and drive-ins in Ontario

Where to stay near theatres and playhouses in Ontario

Revival theatres and art house cinemas in Ontario

Two romantic road trips to Schitt's Creek locations

Comprehensive guide to live theatre in Ontario

Experience springtime in Ontario

Notable movie and TV show locations in Ontario

Specific spots

Blyth Festival

4th Line Business

Lighthouse Festival

Blue Mountain Film Festival

Explore more of Ontario

Looking for Ontario travel advice?