Entertainment in Ontario offers a spectrum of dance, music, art – and ghost walks

Every parent knows how tough it can be to pull kids away from their electronic devices. This fall, the Rose Brampton is offering families some powerful alternatives with a lineup of live entertainment sure to delight youngsters and adults alike. From lively musicals to a whimsical classic ballet, this season promises plenty of crowd-pleasers.

“Experiencing live performance together is a physical feeling that stays with you,” says Jocelyn Johnston, manager of theatres at the Rose Brampton. “Children sense the energy in the room, the anticipation before the curtain rises and the collective joy of the audience. It sparks imagination, builds empathy and creates lasting family memories. For many children, a first show can ignite a lifelong love of the arts.”

Highlights of the season include Fiesta Sinfónica with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (Oct. 25), showcasing the rich musical traditions of Central and South America, in an accessible, intimate way. This afternoon concert highlights classics and high-energy orchestral showpieces.

A Big Band Christmas (Nov. 27) featuring the B-Jazzed Orchestra, is a toe-tapping, finger-snapping evening of music to help get everyone into the holiday spirit. Ballet Jörgen’s timeless production of The Nutcracker (Dec. 17-18) with its sugar plum fairies and dancing toy soldiers will also do the trick.

Local talent, global flair

Local talent shines in the Brampton Music Theatre’s community production of The Prince of Egypt (Nov. 6-9). Set in ancient Egypt, the story follows two brothers divided by a life-changing secret from their past. A sweeping score by U.S. musical theatre composer Stephen Schwartz brings the tale to life.

As the Rose Theatre looks ahead to its 20th season next September, that milestone is already inspiring big things. “We want to create unforgettable experiences for everyone, whether it is a first-time visit or a return for long-time attendees,” explains Johnston. “At the heart of it is that physical feeling of coming together and creating lasting memories that children and adults will carry forward.”

At the Aga Khan Museum, the 11th annual Duende International Flamenco Festival: Flamenco Reimagined (Nov. 16-23) is another reason to celebrate the fall arts season. The popular event has become a much buzzed-about tradition for those who love its fresh, modern take on the classic art form. International headliners from Spain make the energetic spirit of the contemporary flamenco come alive for audiences. Highlights include Eva Yerbabuena’s theatrical work Yerbagüena (Oscuro Brillante) and Alter Ego, featuring the artistry of Alfonso Losa and Paula Comitre.

Arts and culture come in many forms. Look no further than the cities and small towns of Ontario’s Central Counties –York, Durham and Headwaters – for proof. From events focused on family fun and literary events to dynamic public art, it’s an area well worth discovering.

“What surprises visitors the most is the variety and accessibility of experiences packed into our region,” says Susan Boyle, director of marketing and communications at Central Counties Tourism.

For lovers of literature, the Book Drunkard Literary Festival (running until Nov. 20 in Uxbridge) features big names, including astronaut Chris Hadfield (Oct. 27), musician Alan Doyle (Nov. 4) and author Linwood Barclay (Nov. 12).

The region can also boast some of Ontario’s best rural theatres devoted to preserving a diverse, accessible and local arts ecosystem. From the professional polish of Theatre Orangeville to the historical Century Church Theatre in Hillsburgh, these intimate venues serve as reminders of the magic of live performance thriving outside major metropolitan centres. Each stage tells its own story – of history, community and the transformative power of art.

Not all art is found on gallery walls. In downtown Oshawa, a self-guided, 3.7-kilometre loop takes visitors past 29 murals and six art installations, reflecting the city’s artistic evolution, spanning from the 1990s to today.

Halloween thrills

And with Halloween just around the corner, York Durham Headwaters offers a scarily good slate of spooky fun, from ghost walks to paranormal tours. If you’re looking for eerie spirits, you may find them haunting a place like Village at Black Creek near Vaughan and Oshawa’s Canadian Automotive Museum.

Chase chills and thrills at a family-friendly event such as Canada Wonderland’s Camp Spooky (until Nov. 2), with scare zones, mazes and activities for kids. Or take a stroll through the Aurora Haunted Forest (Oct. 25) in Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area. Younger children will love Boofest in Vaughan (Oct. 18-19, 25-26) complete with pumpkin-painting, hay-jumping activities and a petting zoo.

“Visitors often expect quiet towns,” says Doyle, “but they’re delighted to discover immersive art walks, interactive museums, seasonal thrill attractions, hands-on rural experiences and culinary adventures – all while exploring the unique charm of rural Ontario.”

From The Globe and Mail