The Chemainus Theatre Festival is a true Vancouver Island star.  Well-known for producing amazing entertainment, like classic, award winning comedies, musicals, and dramas, as well as developing new Canadian classic adaptations and original plays, this professional theatre is dedicated to entertaining and enriching the lives of both Vancouver Island visitors and residents alike. 

Chemainus Theatre Festival

The Chemainus Theatre Festival opened their doors in 1993 and produces 5 mainstage shows annually, in addition to presenting children’s shows during the summer months – yes, indeed, they do stay busy – They must really like what they do.

The Chemainus Theatre

I have to tell you, the building that the theatre is in creates a one of a kind  ”Chemainus Theatrical Festival experience” in its own right.   You walk into an exquisite Italianate building, with domed lobby, which, by the way, houses not only the intimate, state-of-the-art 274 seat theatre (every seat, a great view), but a Dining Room and Gift Shop as well, incorporating visual and culinary arts into the Festival’s repertoire – If you’re anything like me, great food, great shopping and great theatre will make you very happy.  Since the Festival has over 14,000 patrons and 70,000 visitors annually who come from all over Vancouver Island, Greater Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest, you’ll be happily in good company.

The Playbill Dining Room

You can start your amazing evening at the Chemainus Theatre Festival in the Playbill Dining Room. Serving a great hot buffet, seasonal salad bar and an abundance of amazing desserts, they also have a very special menu of regional wines, beers, and estate ciders.  Have a little, have a lot, you really can’t go wrong.

The Gallery Gift Shop

This lovely Gift Shop houses the work of over 100 artisans from BC.  The diverse collection includes pottery, paintings, prints, jewelry, clothing, glass, wood, books and sculpture.  These great gifts are offered in all price ranges and just might tempt you to shop for yourself as well as your friends – I know I’m tempted.

You can create theatre, dinner, accommodation packages and if you’re feeling romantic, you can add a horse-drawn carriage ride to take you to the Chemainus Theatre Festival.  Amazing!

More information about the Chemainus Theatre Festival

Known as, “The envy of the world”, Vancouver Island offers clean air, pristine lakes and rivers, secluded beaches and  towering forests, all with a mild climate. There is so much to do whether outdoors or in!  In a region renowned for its many artists and artisans, Chemainus and nearby Salt Spring Island offer the opportunity to explore a variety of boutique shops, antique outlets and artist’s studios; local Galleries feature over 100 BC artists.  For the more outgoing, kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, hiking and golfing are readily available.

If you’ve been to the Chemainus Theatre Festival tell us about it – we really like hearing about your experiences.