Centre In The Square Unveils 2026/27 Season: Dare to Be There
Broadway Magic, International Spectacle, Canadian Icons and Live Experiences
Take Centre Stage in Downtown Kitchener
Kitchener, ON — Centre In The Square is proud to unveil its 2026/27 Season with a simple challenge to audiences across the region: Dare to Be There. This Season marks a milestone moment for the venue, with the most ambitious Broadway lineup ever presented on the Centre’s stage, alongside world-class international performers, iconic Canadian artists, spectacular family programming, and the continued growth of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony’s presence at the Raffi Armenian Theatre.
New this Season is the inaugural Studio Theatre Experience, an intimate series showcasing extraordinary artists in a more personal setting, alongside expanded school shows and education programming that continues to make live performance accessible to the next generation of audiences.
“‘Dare to Be There’ is more than a tagline; it’s an invitation,” says Executive Director Eric Larivière. “This season is about shared experiences, powerful moments, and the incredible energy that only live performance can deliver.”
This Season cements Centre In The Square’s position as a leader in live experience and gives audiences across Ontario every reason to make Kitchener worth the drive.
Broadway In Kitchener Series
This season, Broadway takes centre stage in Kitchener with four spectacular productions direct from New York, plus a special encore engagement of one of Broadway’s biggest hits.
Broadway Series productions include:
- Mrs. Doubtfire • November 3, 2026
- A Christmas Story – The Musical • November 25, 2026
- Legally Blonde – The Musical • May 18, 2027
- Jersey Boys • May 28, 2027
Broadway Encore:
- The Book of Mormon • March 16–21, 2027
Broadway in Kitchener season tickets offer audiences the best way to experience the magic of Broadway without leaving Kitchener. Subscribers can secure the best seats in the house for all four productions, keep the same seats for every show, save almost 25%, and receive exclusive early access to purchase tickets for The Book of Mormon before the public!
International Series
The International Series brings globally celebrated artists, immersive concert experiences, dance, and cultural performances from around the world to our stage.
International Series performances include:
- An Evening with Celtic Thunder 2026: Celebrate Your Favourite Songs • September 5, 2026
- Lorrie Morgan & Pam Tillis: Grits and Glamour Tour • October 9, 2026
- Pat Metheny – Side-Eye III+ • October 10, 2026
- The Buena Vista Orchestra • October 18, 2026
- Mariza • October 28, 2026
- The Psychology of Cults – A Live Event • October 29, 2026
- Cinderella presented by Classical Arts Entertainment • November 29, 2026
- Love Actually In Concert • December 3, 2026
- Five For Fighting with String Quartet • December 10, 2026
- YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan – Tamayura: Echoes of the Soul • February 6, 2027
- Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars • March 24, 2027
Canadians Series
The Canadians Series celebrates beloved homegrown artists and uniquely Canadian live experiences.
Canadians Series performances include:
- Ballets Jazz Montréal – Dance Me: The Music of Leonard Cohen • November 18, 2026
- Dwayne Gretzky presented by ENOVA • November 20, 2026
- Marianas Trench • December 5, 2026
- Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas • December 15, 2026
- Blue Rodeo • January 8 & 9, 2027
- Can You Sing, Kitchener • April 30, 2027
ENOVA Presents: Classic Rock Series
ENOVA returns as the proud Presenting Sponsor of the ever-popular Classic Rock Series, bringing legendary albums and iconic rock tributes back to the Centre’s stage.
ENOVA Presents: Classic Rock Series includes:
- The Australian Pink Floyd Show – The Happiest Days of Our Lives: Greatest Hits ’26 • September 21, 2026
- Classic Albums Live: Billy Joel – The Stranger • November 13, 2026
- Brass Transit: The Musical Legacy of Chicago • November 14, 2026
- Classic Albums Live: Elton John’s Greatest Hits • January 30, 2027
- Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin II • March 12, 2027
- Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon • April 9, 2027
Family Series
From magical holiday traditions to acrobatics, wizardry and theatrical adventures, the Family Series offers fantastical experiences for audiences of all ages.
Family Series performances include:
- Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland • November 26, 2026
- The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition • December 28, 2026
- Cirque Éloize: iD Evolution • February 27, 2027
Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Series
The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony continues to grow its presence at Centre In The Square, returning with five orchestral performances spanning beloved masterworks and festive favourites. The expanded KWS series reflects the strengthening partnership between the two organizations and their shared commitment to making world-class music a cornerstone of cultural life in Waterloo Region.
Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony performances include:
- Masterworks 1: Beauty and Power • September 26, 2026
- Yuletide Pops • December 19, 2026
- Masterworks 2: Solace • January 23, 2027
- Masterworks 3: Folk Dances • February 13, 2027
- Masterworks 4: The Journey Home • May 15, 2027
Grand Philharmonic Choir Series
The Grand Philharmonic Choir returns with a powerful lineup of celebrated choral masterworks performed alongside the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony.
Grand Philharmonic Choir performances include:
- Haydn: The Creation • November 7, 2026
- Handel’s Messiah • December 12, 2026
- Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem • March 26, 2027
Studio Theatre Experience Series
The Studio Theatre Series offers intimate, immersive, and innovative performances across music, theatre, and live experiences.
Studio Theatre performances include:
- Billy Raffoul • October 10, 2026
- Michael Kaeshammer • November 5, 2026
- Daniel Vnukowski: Beethoven, and Mixed Programme • March 6, 2027
- BOOM • April 28–May 1, 2027
Education Programs & Summer Camps
Centre In The Square continues its commitment to inspiring the next generation through an expanding lineup of school shows and summer camps. This season’s School Shows Series features seven curriculum-connected performances for elementary and middle school audiences, with tickets available for as little as $5.
2026/2027 School Shows:
- Sing Pitch Perfect with Deke Sharon & Splüsh • October 27, 2026
- Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure • November 16, 2026
- ILL-Abilities: No Excuses, No Limits • February 1, 2027
- Sultans of String: The Refuge Show • March 2, 2027
- Ocean Blue • March 9, 2027
- DeeDee Austin • April 13, 2027
- BOOM • April 27–30, 2027 (Studio Theatre)
In addition to school-year programming, the Centre’s popular Summer Camps return this July and August with a variety of one- and two-week sessions designed for children ages 4 to 14. Led by professional artists and arts educators, these camps offer a welcoming space to build confidence, express creativity and make new friends, culminating in a final showcase performance for family and friends.
The 2026/27 Season is proudly supported by Season Sponsor Heffner Lexus Toyota, Season Media Sponsor CTV, Destination Programming Sponsor Raelipskie Partnership, and ENOVA, sponsor of the Classic Rock Series.
The Centre also acknowledges the continued support of the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and the Experience Ontario program, the Government of Canada through the Canada Summer Jobs program, the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation, The Walper Hotel, Delta Hotels Waterloo, 570 NewsRadio Kitchener, 96.7 CHYM FM, Country 106.7, the Waterloo Region Record, M&T Printing Group, and Borealis Grille & Bar.
Centre In The Square gratefully acknowledges the major funder, the City of Kitchener for its continued support.
Tickets for the 2026/27 Season are available exclusively to CentreStage Members from May 27 through June 7, 2026, with public on-sale dates beginning June 8, 2026.
For full season details, Broadway subscriptions, memberships, and tickets, visit www.centreinthesquare.com.
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Media Contacts
Eric Larivière
Executive Director, Centre In The Square
416-557-8498
ELariviere@centreinthesquare.com
Jonathan Randall
Director, Marketing & Development
519-578-5660
JRandall@centreinthesquare.com
About Centre In The Square:
Centre In The Square is the leading destination for live experiences in the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Area. With over 180 annual events, Centre In The Square showcases top local, national, and international talent, enriching the cultural landscape with concerts, plays, comedy, lectures, and more. Located in the heart of Downtown Kitchener, Centre In The Square is a meaningful space for live experiences and community gathering, generating creative and economic impact and serving one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities.
