Recent addition Trooper rounds out a varied season of top hits, cultural reflections, comedy, dance, jazz, and more
GUELPH, ON August 18, 2026 — Guelph’s premier performance venue promises another season chock full of Canadian legends, family favourites, side-splitting comedy, and more. Now entering its 29th year in the heart of Downtown Guelph, River Run Centre upholds its performance mandate of “something for everyone,” aiming to attract and engage broad audiences with the best of live performance.
In the 2026/27 Go-to Season, proudly supported by returning Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth, performances are presented in nine artistic series, each featuring a distinct genre or focus. Tickets are available at varying prices for adults, patrons over 60, under 30, and for children 14 and under on select shows. Bunde four shows in the season to Subscribe & Save 20% off tickets, and this season, Sliding Scale tickets of $20 and $10 are available on 14 select shows.
The season opens with the Miijidaa Music Series, celebrating Indigenous artists’ sounds and stories. The first event is She Carries the Song (Oct 23), a lineup of intimate performances by Celeigh Cardinal, Mimi O’Bonsawin, and Lacey Hill. The evening culminates in moving harmony when the three women join voices to pay reverence to tradition, womanhood, and the sacred act of song. Then, celebrate the holidays with Susan Aglukark’s Upinnaq: ᐅᐱᓐᓇᖅ A Beautiful Christmas (Dec 2). Multiple Juno and Governor General Performing Arts Award winner, Aglukark delivers heartfelt music and Inuit storytelling to warm the soul.
For a taste of the more spectacular, the Hits & Legends Series delivers powerhouse performers with timeless tracks and fan favourites. First up, Sing Pitch Perfect with Deke Sharon & Splüsh (Oct 25) brings award-winning a cappella and sing-along hits from Pitch Perfect for the whole audience to join in. More sing-along favourites follow with Becoming The Beatles (Nov 5), an on-stage musical documentary of one of the most influential bands in history. Then, Matthew Good and His Band featuring Kevin Fox and His String Quartet (Nov 13) deliver a cinematic, orchestral interpretation of Good’s catalogue, including hits, deep cuts, and rare B-sides. The next night, join generations of fans and Canada’s Greatest Party Band, Trooper (Nov 14), for timeless tracks and unforgettable favourites. In the new year, Juno winners and one of Canada’s premier vocal groups, Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale (Jan 30) celebrate their 35th anniversary with joy, energy, and powerful music inspiring an unwavering message of hope. Hits & Legends continues with I Mother Earth (Feb 6), Juno Award winners who have pushed musical boundaries and helped define Canadian alt-rock. From alt-rock to synth-pop, the next night, Men Without Hats (Feb 7) take the stage. From their global hit of the ‘80s, “The Safety Dance,” to today’s new music, they deliver highly danceable, feel-good songs in an energetic live performance. Next up, a supergroup collective who have defined Canada’s blues scene. The Maple Blues Revue (Feb 12) features The Maple Blues Band with powerhouse vocalists Jay Douglas, Samantha Martin, and Suzie Vinnick, together delivering a world class performance. Rounding out the series is Big Sugar ¡EARTHLINGS! Live (Mar 21). This Juno-winning, platinum-selling roots-rock-reggae band returns with their first new record in seven years, sure to blow the roof off of River Run’s Main Stage.
A taste of finer things follows, with the Borealis Dance Series inviting you to explore beauty and diversity through compelling choreography and art in motion. Svāhā! by Nova Dance (Oct 29), co-presented by Guelph Dance, features 16 performers fusing nearly 30 distinct dance traditions into a singular, joyful experience. This season, Ballet Jörgen returns with a Canadian twist on Swan Lake (Jan 10), setting the Tchaikovsky masterpiece — with graceful choreography, striking visuals, and emotional storytelling — in Cape Breton.
River Run’s Showcase Series delivers theatrical performances for a broad range of audiences. First up, the comedic and chaotic Sophie’s Surprise 29th (Nov 12) offers bold physical cirque including breathtaking acrobatics, outrageous surprises, and pumping beats set the backdrop of a ‘90s house party. Then, with his characteristic dry wit and uncanny character work, the incomparable Rod Beattie returns in Marsh Marigolds: An Agricultural Thriller (Dec 1), written by Dan Needles, who also authored the Wingfield Farm series. The Showcase Series closes out with silly hilarity in Hold On To Your Butts (Feb 10). Two actors and a Foley artist deliver a shot-for-shot parody of the hit blockbuster, Jurassic Park.
The Canadian Country Music Series returns with celebrated artists from across the nation. The Great Canadian Roadtrip (Nov 15) kicks it off with three of Canada’s most successful country acts: Doc Walker, Michelle Wright, and Jason McCoy. Then, with his smooth voice and moving songwriting, Juno winner William Prince (Jan 14) returns with his fifth studio album, Further From the Country. A double bill of The Heels and Rosewood Ave (Feb 13) follows. The Heels are the fastest-rising country queens in Nashville, and Rosewood Ave are a husband-and-wife duo from Northern Ontario. Rounding out this series is country heavy hitter, Tim Hicks Going Somewhere Tour (Apr 30). Hicks boasts an impressive catalogue, is a five-time Juno nominee and CCMA Award winner, continuing to evolve his signature mix of storytelling and rowdy, rock-driven energy.
With “something for everyone,” the littlest music fans are not forgotten. Park Eatery Kinderconcerts bring classical music to life for children aged 5 and under. Through interactive, 30-minute performances, members of Guelph Symphony Orchestra deliver the soundtrack with narration from award-winning artist and activist, Kween. The series kicks off with an adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker (Nov 21), telling the enchanting tale of young Clara’s adventures with her Nutcracker Prince to the Land of Sweets. Then, The Barber of Seville (Feb 6), from Rossini’s opera, tells the story of the legendary barber who puts on his cunning hat and devises a clever plan. Finally, The Lizard and the Ant (Apr 3), with the music of Avril Coleridge-Taylor, tells the tale of Lenny the Lizard and Amara the Ant in the African Savannah.
For older kids — from grandkids to grandparents — the Wooly Family Series delivers dynamic shows to fuel the imagination. A Very Merry Heistmas (Dec 5) is a festive romp with comedic, ivory-tickling takes on holiday favourites such as Handel’s Messiah on melodicas, a rollicking ragtime “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” and more. Next, Guelph Symphony Orchestra delivers a Canadian classic with In Symphony: The Hockey Sweater (Mar 13). Experience powerful childhood emotions as the string section faces off against the winds, brass, and percussion sections in this hockey-inspired program. Then, experience the underwater world with exquisitely lifelike puppets in Erth’s Shark Dive (Mar 20). Travel into a vibrant world of sea life, culminating in a close encounter with one of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures: the shark. Near the end of the season, Joss Arnott Dance delivers a performance integrating dance, projection, and animation in Meet the Hatter (Apr 29), featuring the iconic Mad Hatter from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
A new series this season, Jazz Sessions brings outstanding ensembles and jazz soloists to the stage. First up, a Juno-winning, world-renowned Canadian singer known for her smoky voice and clever arrangements. Holly Cole Swinging Christmas (Dec 11) features holiday classics including Cole’s popular rendition of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” Then, the 18-piece Toronto Jazz Orchestra (Jan 31) entertains with a wide-ranging repertoire from swing tunes to contemporary jazz. This performance also features Juno-nominated vocalist Heather Bambrick. The series is rounded out by two-time Juno winner and a distinctive voice in Canadian jazz, Emilie-Claire Barlow (Apr 2). Joyful and passionate with a charming sense of humour, Barlow infuses her music with playfulness and sophistication.
A series of Guelph favourites return to the stage in Hometown Live, which showcases local performances that reflect Guelph’s character and creativity. Boreal’s Songs for the Snowy Season (Dec 19) is a warm cup of cocoa for the soul, bringing together award-winning soloists Tannis Slimmon, Katherine Wheatley, and Angie Nussey for a celebration of stories and soothing harmonies. Another returning classic, A Very Charlie Brown Concert (Dec 20) celebrates the season with Vince Guaraldi’s beloved soundtrack from the 1965 Emmy Award-winning film. This heartwarming performance features acclaimed jazz trio Adam Bowman, Duncan Wilson, and Tyler Wagler accompanied by The Kingsbury Music Singers, a local children’s choir directed by Shannon Kingsbury. Finally, local actor and storyteller Jay Wilson brings history to life in Gwelf Early Days (Jan 17), revealing the humour, hardship, and ambition of Guelph’s first 70 years.
The celebration of the city continues with a series curated for Guelph’s bicentennial, Guelph 200. Tracy Lee, a fifth generation Black Canadian, combines performance and education in And Then What Happened… Black Canadian History: The Untold Stories (Feb 25). Masterfully weaving music and storytelling, Lee highlights the remarkable contributions and legacy of her family and other Black Canadian pioneers who paved the way for future generations. More music and storytelling combine in John Galt & the Instant City (Apr 22), created and performed by Mike Ford and Murray Foster of Moxy Früvous and Great Big Sea. This show aims to spark critical thinking about our past to illuminate truth and inspire action towards reconciliation. Finally, the City and Guelph Chamber Choir welcome a collaboration of artists to celebrate the spirit that nurtures and cultivates this city in The Bend in the River: A Concert 200 Years in the Making (Apr 24).
The last series of the season is the ever-popular GuelphToday Comedy Series,featuring standup, improv, and musical comedy — something for everyone! First, Canadian comedic hero Brent Butt (Jan 24), known widely for his TV series Corner Gas, delivers smart, relatable wit and observational humour in an evening of standup. Then, Girls Nite Out (Mar 19) returns with standup and improv from award-winning comediennes Elvira Kurt, Jennine Profeta, Diana Frances, Karen Parker, and Jordan Armstong on music. This improvised show is built on audience suggestions, delivering a completely new, side-splitting performance every night. Finally, the Just For Laughs Road Show (Apr 25) features a touring lineup of four comics from the world’s largest comedy festival. Lineup to be announced.
With a wide variety of shows in nine artistic series, these Go-to Shows truly deliver a broad range and — hopefully! — something for everyone.
Supported by local sponsors and community partners, River Run Centre gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Government of Canada, Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth, educational program support from the Linamar Corporation, and Ontario Arts Council. Several loyal series sponsors support artistic programming including community builders the Neighbourhood Group, with their four Guelph restaurants Borealis Grille & Bar, Miijidaa Café + Bistro, Park Eatery, and The Wooly Pub, and GuelphToday.com. Champions of the arts show sponsors include SV Law, Knar Jewellery, and Magic 106, with marketing support from GuelphToday, Corus Entertainment, Grand 101, Guelph Gather Here, and TOQUE Magazine. Thank you to Delta Hotels by Marriott Guelph Conference Centre, Platters Catering & Events, Vivid Hospitality, and Red Car Service for providing accommodation, catering, and transportation for visiting artists.
A theatre would be nowhere without an audience. Endless thanks to the individual donors and loyal patrons who come out to see, to play, to listen and learn in the theatre.
For show information or to purchase tickets, visit Box Office at 35 Woolwich Street in Guelph, call 519-763-3000, or purchase tickets online.
FOR INFORMATION
Kasia Rusiniak (she/her) | Program Manager, Development and Marketing
River Run Centre | City of Guelph
519-837-5662 ext. 2589
[email protected]