Kitsilano’s beloved Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival is in full swing for its 36th season, and there’s more than just Shakespeare on the schedule this summer.
Throughout July and August, the festival is hosting a series of special events that promise to entertain, educate, and bring the community together in the scenic setting of Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park.
A perennial favourite, Bard Fireworks Nights return on July 19 and July 26, pairing evening performances of Much Ado About Nothing or The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] with a post-show dessert buffet and front-row views of the Celebration of Light fireworks. Festivalgoers can bring their own picnic or pre-order dinner for an unforgettable night under the stars.
Families looking to introduce young theatre lovers to Shakespeare won’t want to miss Family Days on July 13 and August 17 at 2 p.m. These specially priced matinees include pre-show kids’ activities designed to make the Bard accessible and fun for all ages.
Wine lovers can mark their calendars for Wine Wednesdays on August 13 and September 10, where ticketholders can upgrade their evening with an exclusive pre-show wine tasting event.
For those seeking deeper engagement with the material, Bard Club offers select matinees featuring pre-show talks and mid-show discussions on July 16, August 2, August 6, and August 27. Meanwhile, literary buffs can delve into Shakespearean analysis with Bard Explored, a lecture series led by SFU professor Paul Budra on July 5, August 9, and August 16.
Additional programming includes Talkback Tuesdays, where cast members return to the stage for post-show Q&As, and In A Nutshell, free informal pre-show introductions offered before every performance to help audiences get the most out of the play.
The full festival schedule and tickets are available at bardonthebeach.org or through the Bard Box Office at 604-739-0559. Don’t miss this chance to experience world-class Shakespeare with a distinctly Kitsilano flair.
Last modified: July 8, 2025
