5 Best Performing Arts Venues in Old Town and the Distillery District, Toronto

Founded in 1998 by twelve Canadian artists, Soulpepper is one of Toronto’s most well-known, independent, not-for-profit theater companies. Known for its bold and thoughtful programming, Soulpepper stages a dynamic mix of classics, original plays, musicals, and concerts throughout the year. One of its most famous productions was Ins Choi's play Kim's Convenience, which became a popular TV show. With a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, this company is a cornerstone of the city's vibrant performing arts scene.

Canadian Stage is the country’s leading contemporary performing arts organization, focusing on cross-disciplinary works that integrate theater, dance, film, visual arts, and more to reflect the complexity and cultural richness of Canada. It stages productions at the Bluma Appel Theatre ( 27 Front St. E), which seats 867, and the more intimate Berkeley Street Theatre ( 26 Berkeley St.), which has a capacity of 244 seats.

Formerly the Sony Centre, this iconic 3,172-seat hall was deemed a heritage building by the City of Toronto in 2008 and boasts an international program of diverse yet mostly mainstream artists. Paul Simon, the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and RuPaul's Drag Race Werq the World Tour are among those who have graced the hall’s stage.

Founded in 1967, the company is a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant performing arts scene, offering high-caliber French-language drama with English subtitles for accessibility. The company's repertoire spans classical pieces to bold contemporary works, spotlighting French and French-Canadian voices. Each season includes productions for a general audience, children and teens, making it a great cultural outing for all ages. Whether you're a Francophone or simply a Francophile, TfT delivers compelling theatre that transcends language barriers.

Canada’s largest and oldest professional theatre for young audiences offers high-quality productions that engage both kids and adults. With a mix of fun, interactive shows like Where the Wild Things Are and powerful dramas like Hana’s Suitcase, YPT never talks down to its audience. Performances are thoughtful, age-appropriate, and rich with meaning—making it a must-visit for families seeking meaningful, entertaining theatre.