Music Mecca

When you visit Orillia to enjoy any of the entertainment venues and events, you’ll soon discover that music is threaded throughout historical landmarks of the city, from indoor concerts at the Orillia Opera House and St. Paul’s Centre, to the revered Tudhope Park along the shores of Lake Couchiching. 

Featuring: Orillia's local music scenemajor music festivals, and year-round shows.

Orillia Opera House building Sean McCann performing at the Orillia Opera House

Concerts and entertainment

Since 1895, the Orillia Opera House has been the cultural hub of the Sunshine City, located in the heart of the downtown core. Not only does the venue attract exceptional theatre to the area, but some of the best musical talents grace its stages throughout the year. Each one of the 677 seats in the main stage theatre offers exceptional views and acoustics as they’re all within 75 ft. of the stage. A second, more intimate theatre space also has close seating for 100 guests. 

For decades the affectionately-named Lightfoot Auditorium - a tribute to Orillia native Gordon Lightfoot - has hosted big name artists who come to indulge in the remarkable acoustics of the historic theatre. Blue Rodeo, Bruce Cockburn, Lighthouse, The Stampeders, Sean McCann, and Oscar Peterson are just some iconic musicians who have and continue to grace the Orillia stage.

This summer, the Orillia Opera House will be bringing their Summer Theatre series to the stage, offering three professional stage plays throughout the season. The lineup includes "Moving In" the world premiere by Norm Foster, "Bed and Breakfast" by Mark Crawford, and "Halfway There" by Norm Foster. Continue to visit the Orillia Opera House website to view the full events listing. 

Live band during Roots North Music Festival Roots North Music Festival live show

Major Music Festivals

Spring evenings see the much anticipated return of the Roots North Musical Festival in April, attracting top Canadian musicians to perform on stages across the City. Previous artists have included Tommy Youngsteen, Michael Kaeshammer, Ronnie Douglas Blues Band, Kellie Loder, and Meredith Moon. Each year, headliners take the main stage at the meticulously restored St. Paul’s Centre, inside St. Paul’s United Church. Weekend pass holders enjoy headliner performances on Friday and Saturday nights, while free live performances also take place at shops and restaurants throughout the downtown core and beyond. It’s an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the honest expression and emotion of music throughout the weekend. To get a taste for the 2024 festival, visit rootsnorth.ca.

Plan for the celebratory return of the Mariposa Folk Festival to the shores of Lake Couchiching from July 7–9 at the historically significant Tudhope Park. Steeped in the values of peace and love for more than 60 years, the event honours storytelling across music, art, and activities, bringing friends together to enjoy a wide range of music, an artisan village, wide range of culinary options, and good times in a safe, family-friendly environment.  

Gordon Lightfoot live at the Mariposa Folk Festival Mariposa Folk Festival Main Stage

The three-day event will see more than 100 performances across 11 stages. So far, Tegan and Sara, Feist, Rufus Wainwright, The Wood Brothers, The Rural Alberta Advantage, KT Tunstall, Wild Rivers, Judy Collins, Matt Andersen & the Big Bottle of Joy, Jeremy Dutcher, Tim Baker and many more performers have been announced for this year’s Mariposa Folk Festival lineup.

Those who pay to camp at the treed Pete Seeger Memorial Campground, just east of the Mariposa Folk Festival entrance, will enjoy a beachfront setting throughout the weekend, including the day before and after the festivities. There are few sights more stirring at the festival than walking along this path to gain entry as the sun sinks into the lake and lights strung amongst VW vans twinkle in the dusk.  

Downtown Orillia Downtown Orillia

Local music scene

If you're in town for the weekend and looking to explore more of the local music scene, visit one of downtown Orillia's street closure events, where live music, vendors, and extended patios are open for exploration. Stay tuned for a busy summer schedule at downtownorillia.ca/events.

Local talent is further celebrated at Orillia's many busy restaurants, bars, and shops where weekly live shows are organized. Check out the Local and Live 365 Orillia page to see what's coming up next in the area.

The coming spring, summer and fall seasons are an opportunity to experience live music once again, and Orillia venues are waiting to welcome you. Be sure to buy tickets ahead of time as most sell out early, and book your accommodations at nearby hotels around the city.  

Start planning your trip

Return to VisitOrillia.ca to see what's coming up.

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© City of Orillia, 50 Andrew Street South, Suite 300, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 7T5, Tel: (705) 325-1311, Fax: (705) 325-5178, Email: info@orillia.ca

By GHD Digital