All types of art take the spotlight at The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts — beautiful music, exciting theatre performances, family-friendly shows — there are many diverse performances to enjoy.

Music

The Oakville Centre showcases music from many genres and time periods. You’ll find everything from the elegance of classical pieces to the energy of today’s top artists.

Big names like Canadian legend Burton Cummings and country star Dean Brody have performed here, attracting fans from all over. With every seat within 55 feet of the stage, look forward to incredible sound and an experience you won’t forget.

Theatre

The Centre’s stage is always buzzing with live theatre. Audiences enjoy plays by famous writers, shows from touring groups, and productions by local talent. It has hosted timeless classics like Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and popular musicals like The Wizard of Oz. The lineup also includes original performances and new takes on favourite stories that keep theatre fans coming back for more.

Dance, Comedy, and More

Dance performances at the Oakville Centre are outstanding. From ballet to modern styles, these shows highlight the power and elegance of movement.

Shows like The 9th! by award-winning choreographers Roberto Campanella and Robert Glumbek explore universal themes like struggle and resilience.

The Centre also delivers laughs with its comedy lineup. Iconic performers like Bob Newhart and Don Rickles have entertained crowds with their sharp humour and jokes.

Film fans have a place here, too. The Oakville Festivals of Film and Art (OFFA) celebrates movies with galas, parties, and screenings of Canadian and international films. In 2024, the festival featured the Canadian premiere of Kipkemboi, a Kenya/Canada co-production, and the Eastern Canadian premiere of The Great Salish Heist, an Indigenous comedy.

The Oakville Centre is where artists from all over get to perform. From local talent to big-name stars, everyone has their time on stage.

Local Performers

The Centre regularly hosts local theatre groups, musicians, comedians, and dancers, making it easy for the community to cheer on its talent. Groups like the Oakville Symphony Orchestra and Oakville Ballet Company often perform with beautiful music and ballet, showing the town’s creativity.

International Acts

The Oakville Centre has hosted performers from all around the world. For example, the Centre has welcomed renowned European dance companies like the Ballet Nacional de Cuba and African musicians like the Ethiopian music group and The Addis Acoustic Project. These international acts entertain and educate people of all ages.

Families enjoy performances meant for kids AND adults, like the popular children’s play Rapunzel.

Holiday favourites like The Nutcracker and The Fitzgerald's Christmas help kids fall in love with the arts.

The Centre also has puppet shows, interactive storytelling, singalongs, and kid-friendly musicals. Fun productions like Freezing: A Holiday Pantomime keeps younger audiences laughing and engaged.

Special Events

The Oakville Centre goes beyond family shows with events for everyone to enjoy. Comedy nights, live podcast recordings, and themed movie screenings always keep the lineup fresh and give you something new to look forward to.

Seasonal festivals, like the Ukrainian Arts Festival Gala Fundraiser, introduce culture and fun in Oakville. These events attract diverse audiences and show how the Centre brings people together through entertainment and shared experiences.

There are even shows designated only for schools! These performances typically run for 60 minutes, offer $5 seats, and feature shows like The Magic School Bus, The Alphabet of Awesome Science, and more. 

The Dan Cooper Group supports Oakville Centre’s ongoing mission of bringing the community high-quality performances and cultural experiences. 

Through their sponsorship, they help keep the Centre alive as more people discover its creativity, inspiration, and community connection. You can be part of this legacy by becoming a sponsor, advertising with the Centre, volunteering, or making a donation on its website.

Thinking about making a move to or in and around Oakville?