About the Theatre
Built in 1953, the Festival Theatre's revolutionary thrust stage provides a theatrical experience so profound, it has inspired look-alikes around the world. Originally housed in a tent, the stage now sits in an iconic example of Modernist architecture.
The theatre offers special access seating on the orchestra level.
PARKING
Paid parking is available in our lower Queen Street Lot (below the Festival Theatre, at Lakeside Drive). The cost is $25, but it is only $20 when pre-booked along with your auditorium ticket order. Special access parking (with a valid accessible parking permit) is available in our Upper lot next to the Festival Theatre. Spaces are limited, so reservations should be made in advance.
Parking may also be available in our Upper Lot for patrons without a disability permit. The cost is $25 and is only available day of show if space permits.
Limited free parking is available along the circular drive in Upper Queen's Park (Richard Monette Way), adjacent to the theatre, and on both sides of the Avon River.
For Motor Coaches/Buses, load and unload in Upper Queen's Park (Richard Monette Way). Please do not remain in the loading zone longer than 15 minutes.
Review: YOU, ALWAYS at Canadian Stage
by Ilana Lucas - February 18, 2026
Erin Shields’ beautiful YOU, ALWAYS, directed by Andrea Donaldson at Canadian Stage’s Berkeley Street Theatre, is a kaleidoscopic, fragmented look at all moments of a sibling relationship, from childhood to maturity and everything in between....
Review: MISCHIEF at Tarragon Theatre
by Ilana Lucas - February 03, 2026
The fish leads a more exciting life when it jumps out of the water to visit mischief on the birds. That’s what Emily (Nicole Joy-Fraser), a 288-year-old spirit, tells Brooke (Lisa Nasson), a young Mi’kmaq woman who Emily feels is treading water instead of emerging from it....
Review: OPHIS at The Great Hall
by Samantha Wu - January 13, 2026
TranscenDance Project is starting off the new year by offering an invitation into the unknown with a remount of their intoxicating interactive production of Ophis. Taking over the multifple rooms and floors of The Great Hall, audience members are invited to don a mask and follow along as dancers tel...
Past Shows
Home Bird
Apr 11 – Apr 12, 2014
The British Comedy Award’s Queen of Comedy Sarah Millican is giving up the party scene (Ann Summers), easing off on the drinking (fizzy pop equals...
Singin' in The Rain
Feb 25 – Mar 15, 2014
Direct from the West End, this superbly enjoyable production of Singin’ in the Rain is a smash hit with critics and audiences alike. It tells...
War Horse
Jan 22 – Feb 15, 2014
War Horse tells the powerful and uplifting story of young Albert, his beloved horse Joey, and the unimaginable obstacles they overcome both individually and together....
Hansel & Gretel
Jan 8 – Jan 11, 2014
Unwrap a tasty new Christmas treat next year with the world premiere of Christopher Hampson’s fantastical Hansel & Gretel. Scottish Ballet is excited to unveil...
White Christmas
Nov 29 – Jan 4, 2014
This spectacular stage musical of Bing Crosby’s classic 1954 movie is brimming with Irving Berlin hits like Blue Skies, How Deep is the Ocean?, Happy...
Eat, Pray, Laugh!
Nov 5 – Nov 9, 2013
Barry ?Humphries, whose alter egos include inebriated cultural attaché, the Honorable Sir Les Patterson, the grandfatherly Sandy Stone, and Moonee Ponds' legendary housewife, Dame Edna...
Fascinating Aïda: Charm Offensive
Nov 2
Following Cheap Flights, their massively successful sold-out tour, Britain's best comedy trio and global internet sensation Fascinating Aida bring their brand new show Charm Offensive...
Barbara Dickson
Oct 27
For over four decades, Barbara Dickson has continued to deliver songs to the public in her own incomparable fashion. As a multi-million selling recording artist...
Three Phantoms
Oct 24 – Oct 26, 2013
Three Phantoms features songs from Les Misérables, West Side Story, Spamalot, Kiss Me Kate, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Rock of Ages and Wicked to name but...
Richard Alston Dance Company
Oct 22
Celebrating this year’s centenary of composer Benjamin Britten, Richard Alston has especially revived his exhilarating Rumours/Visions. The music is Britten’s masterpiece Les Illuminations and both...
Stewart Lee: Much A-Stew About Nothing
Oct 9
Following the sell-out Carpet Remnant World, the acclaimed writer and comedian presents a mixed stew of unrelated ideas in preparation for his 2014 TV series....
Fiddler On The Roof
Oct 1 – Oct 5, 2013
This new production from the award-winning producers of The King and I and High Society captures all the emotions of laughter and joy to tears...
Glenn Miller Orchestra
Sep 21
Under the dynamic direction of band-leader Ray McVay, the Glenn Miller Orchestra continues to thrill and delight audiences around the world. Now with the line-up...
Strictly Confidential
Jul 16 – Jul 18, 2013
Craig Revel Horwood’s brand new show Strictly Confidential gives theatre audiences the chance to get up close and personal with stars of the smash hit...
Rigoletto
Jul 9
Each summer, the Teatro Antico in Taormina is home to the Taormina Arts festival. Since its construction in 7th century BC, audiences have feasted their...
Elvis Costello and the Imposters: 13 Revolvers
Jun 16
The singer, who released his 24th studio albumNational Ransom in 2010, will play 16 dates across the UK in May and June next year. The...
Flashdance
Jun 15
With standing ovations for its 5-star production of The Producers in 2012 The MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Association with pdf Productions presents Flashdance...
Bill Bailey: Qualmpeddler
Jun 6 – Jun 8, 2013
Bill Bailey had doubts about the modern world, but these have now grown into Qualms. He will be channeling these feelings of Unease and Apprehension,...
The Pirates Of Penzance
May 28 – Jun 1, 2013
Gilbert and Sullivan as it’s meant to be – pure, uncomplicated fun, performed to the highest of standards. This new co-production with D’Oyly Carte Opera...
Highland Fling
May 22 – May 25, 2013
Presented exclusively by Scottish Ballet, Highland Fling is a ‘romantic wee ballet’ choreographed by Oliver Award-winning Matthew Bourne. Inspired by La Sylphide, and with a...
Sutra
May 17 – May 18, 2013
Sutra a “unique, profoundly imagined work” (The Guardian) is a collaboration between one of Europe’s most exciting dancer-choreographers Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Turner Prize-winning sculptor Antony...
Carlos Acosta
Apr 26 – Apr 27, 2013
Carlos is the world's favourite dancer and On Before his most personal work to date. On Before builds on Carlos' astonishing dance vision and features...
The Flying Dutchman
Apr 13 – Apr 19, 2013
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of Wagner’s birth, this new production also marks the Company’s return to Wagner’s work for the first time since 2003’s Ring...
Rambert Dance Company
Apr 9 – Apr 10, 2013
Rambert, Britain’s favourite dance company, returns to Edinburgh this spring with four spectacular works featuring world-class dancers, visually compelling theatre and inspiring live music by...
The Time is Now, Again
Apr 7
The star of The Thick of It, & Mock The Week brings his twice extended, critically acclaimed tour The Time Is Now, Again to the...
The Winter's Tale
Apr 2 – Apr 6, 2013
Leontes has everything a man could want: power, wealth, a loving family and friends. But he is not at peace. Inside he harbours a bitter...
The Full Monty
Mar 25 – Mar 30, 2013
In 1997, a BAFTA award winning film about six out of work Sheffield steelworkers with nothing to lose took the world by storm. And now...
The Great Gatsby
Mar 21 – Mar 23, 2013
The Great Gatsby, choreographed by David Nixon OBE, is adapted from the classic novel by F Scott Fitzgerald. On New York’s Long Island, in the...
Scottish Dance Theatre
Mar 19
Scottish Dance Theatre returns to Festival Theatre under the charge of new Artistic Director Fleur Darkin, with two new and exhilarating works. Second Coming by...
High Society
Mar 5 – Mar 9, 2013
Get ready for the musical event of the season as Cole Porter’s timeless classic skips into town in a dazzling new production from the acclaimed...
Werther
Feb 26 – Mar 2, 2013
Pia Furtado directs a new production of Werther in which the dark psychology of this compelling drama is ever present. The theatrical staging accentuates the...
Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo
Feb 22 – Feb 23, 2013
Get ready to grab your diaries and start circling the dates when you can again be amused and amazed as the all-male divas of Les...
Licence To Thrill
Feb 20
Following on from his debut Theatre Tour Live and Unjudged, Brendan is once again set to dazzle audiences across the UK with his brand new...
The Yamato Drummers
Feb 19
The mesmeric and dynamic Yamato drummers from Japan return to the UK with their new show ‘The Beat on the Road’. A thrilling performance of...
BalletBoyz
Feb 18
Following triumphant UK and international appearances on stage and screen, this phenomenally popular company featuring 10 exceptional young dancers presents an exhilarating evening of exciting...
The Singing Kettle: Fairytale Castle
Feb 17
The Singing Kettle’s sensational Fairytale Castle is overflowing with superb audience participation, non-stop favourite songs and amazing costumes. This electrifying singalong will enthral both young...
Videos