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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.
Photos by City of Orillia
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.
This spring, the Opera House is hosting performances by Washboard Union (May 3), Mudmen (May 5), and Sarah Harmer's 'Are You Gone Tour' (May 21), with many more to follow. Continue to visit the Orillia Opera House website to find out who is playing throughout the year and reserve your seats.
Spring evenings will also see the return of the Roots North Musical Festival from April 21-23, attracting top performers including The Good Lovelies, Steve Poltz, Terra Lightfoot, Logan Staats, Lydia Persaud and Craig Mainprize at the meticulously restored St. Paul’s Centre, inside St. Paul’s United Church. Ticket holders will enjoy three shows each on Friday and Saturday night, while free live performances will also take place at shops and restaurants throughout the downtown core. It’s an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the honest expression and emotion of music throughout the weekend.
Plan for the celebratory return of the Mariposa Folk Festival to the shores of Lake Couchiching from July 8–10 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.
Photos by City of Orillia
The three-day event will see more than 100 performances across 11 stages. So far, Serena Ryder, Kathleen Edwards, Lennon Stella, Mavis Staples, JP Saxe, Allison Russell and Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, and many more performers have been announced for this year’s Mariposa Folk Festival lineup.
60 in 60: Mariposa Anniversary Celebration will mark 60 years of the festival that couldn’t be celebrated in 2020 or 2021 due to COVID-19. Produced by Juno-award winner Lance Anderson, he and his band will ensure the festival captures the magic of previous years. Mariposa will also welcome John Prine’s band to the festival for Souvenirs: Songs of John Prine. The iconic songwriter and Grammy-award winner was scheduled to headline Mariposa Folk Festival in 2020 but passed away of COVID-19 in April of that year.
Keep checking the Mariposa Folk Festival lineup because there’s much more to come!
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.
Photos by City of Orillia
This summer also marks the return of Music in the Park, free Sunday evening concerts performed right on the shores of the scenic Couchiching Beach Park. Bring the whole family along with your own lawn chairs and blankets. On-site food will include local the favourites French's Hotdog Stand and Sweet Dreams Ice Cream. Stay tuned for the lineup.
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 don’t forget to book your accommodations at hotels around the city.
For more Sunshine City news, events, and activities, return to the main page here.
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