Theatre on the Ridge stands as a beacon of cultural vibrancy and theatrical excellence. As summer beckons and the open road calls, this captivating theatre promises an unforgettable addition to any road trip itinerary. This Port Perry hidden gem is a must-visit for seasoned theatre enthusiast or others looking for unique experiences.
Set on the grounds of Scugog Shores Museum Village, just east of downtown Port Perry, Theatre on the Ridge is a gem amidst the picturesque Durham region countryside. The theatre hosts a diverse array of performances through the summer season, with shows ranging from fun comedies to engaging musicals.
Since 2013, when the company was founded, Theatre on the Ridge has held strong to their mission of artistic excellence, accessibility, and education, all the while producing shows that foster audience engagement.
Audiences can immerse themselves in the magic of live theatre under their signature open air tent. The summer season starts June 13 this year and runs until August 24, with shows taking place on select days Thursdays through Sundays. Visit their website for more information regarding show times. Both matinees and night performances are available. Plus, theatre goers can choose from a budget-friendly single show ticket or opt for a summer pass, which features a ticket to each of the shows and is virtually like buying two tickets and getting one free.
Another fabulous highlight of Theatre on the Ridge is that they’ve partnered with local businesses for discounts. The Theatre on the Ridge Patron Perks with local partners offers a variety of deals that include both food and drink discounts.
If you’re looking for a fun getaway this summer, we’ve got the perfect road trip itinerary for you that revolves around an incredible performance at Theatre on the Ridge. You’ll find everything you need for a successful summer getaway including where to eat and sleep.
First Stop: Check-in & Lunch at Piano Inn & Cafe
Start your trip to Port Perry by checking into Piano Inn. This boutique hotel features unique rooms set in a heritage building that’s conveniently located in the heart of downtown. In addition to a great place to stay, the Piano Inn offers a lovely lunch spot.
You’ll find a wide selection of flavourful and healthy dishes, like a staple for over 20 years, Mary’s crustless quiche. Or you can order one of their unique gourmet mac & cheese dishes. If you’re keen to try a special sandwich, try the one that actor Patrick Dempsey enjoyed while filming in town. Plus, with Theatre on the Ridge Patron Perks, enjoy a 15% discount off your food items (does not apply to alcohol).
Second Stop: Explore Downtown Port Perry
Port Perry’s downtown is full of great places to visit that include coffee shops, sweet shops and boutiques. After lunch take a stroll along Queen Street to stretch your legs and explore the historic main street. Stop into Nexus Coffee to grab a great cup of coffee that’s locally roasted in Ontario.
If you’re keen for something sweet, head down the street to Hank’s Pastries. For over 50 years, Hank’s has been delighting tastebuds with their incredible and huge apple fritters. Next door you’ll find an interesting art gallery, Meta4 Contemporary Craft Gallery. Browse the gallery and shop the items that are made by local Ontario artisans.
Across the street is another tasty food stop in Port Perry. At Port Cheese Co you’ll find a wide variety of cheese, ranging from international to local cheese. This cheese shop is also a licensed wine bar that’s perfect to enjoy a midday wine and cheese pairing. Plus, with Theatre on the Ridge Patron Perks you can delight in a cheese and charcuterie board for two or a picnic pack for two for the price of $30, that’s $5 off the regular price!
A few doors down, you’ll find a collection of colourful chairs that are known as ‘Art You Can Sit On.’ Just around the corner from the chairs is the Scugog Arts Space. This shop and gallery showcases a range of mix media, like paintings and photography, created by local artists. It’s a great stop to browse and shop items made by local artisans. There’s everything from jewellery to stone carvings. Plus, with Theatre on the Ridge Patron Perks you’ll get a generous 10% reduction on your purchase of local artisan works housed in their ‘creative hub.’
Another staple in town is Brock’s Department Store. Inside you’ll find a wide array of items that include clothing, footwear and more. And as you reach the end of Queen Street, be sure to take a stroll through Palmer Park and soak in the views from this waterfront park.
Across from the waterfront park is Louies Cafe and Dessert. Inside you’ll find a mix of menu items like ice cream and sweet treats. Along with desserts, this welcoming café is known for their fried chicken. Plus, with Theatre on the Ridge Patron Perks, take advantage of Louie’s 5-piece combo or sandwich combo for $9.95 instead of $11.95. With great food and great views of the water, who can resist.
Third Stop: Scugog Shores Museum
With Theatre on the Ridge Patron Perks, enjoy complimentary entry into the Scugog Shores Museum before the play. Head over before your show starts to take advantage of your free entry to explore the museum. This seasonal local history museum is home to an intriguing collection of artworks and artifacts.
Scugog Shores Museum is also home to nearly a dozen restored historic buildings on the property. Wandering through these buildings, that range from a blacksmith shop to log cabins, will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Plus, before Friday and all matinee performances, a complimentary guided tour will be offered to theatre patrons. Simply arrive at the box office one hour before the shoe begins and you can step back in time, with a museum guide to help interpret the grounds. The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Fourth Stop: Enjoy a Theatre on the Ridge Performance
It’s time to settle in for the most exciting part of the itinerary, enjoying a performance under Theatre on the Ridge’s signature tent that’s located on the grounds of the Scugog Museum. This year there are three exciting shows to choose from.
The first is Punch Up which is about, “the world’s funniest man helps the world’s dullest man save the world’s saddest woman.” For those keen to enjoy a musical, grab tickets for The Musical of All Musicals: The Musical. It’s noted as, “a hilarious satire of musical theatre where one story becomes five delightful musicals.” Closing out the summer festival season is The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. This incredible show encompasses all 37 plays by Shakespeare and is performed in under two hours.
Fifth Stop: Old Flame Brewing for a Flight of Beer
Set in a historic building that dates back to 1874, Old Flame Brewing is an ideal next stop for a flight and to cheers to an entertaining performance at Theatre on the Ridge. It’s also a great stop because Theatre on the Ridge Patron Perks lets you refresh with a flight of beer for the price of $4 a flight (regular cost is $8). With craft beer inspired by German lagers, Old Flame has a brew to suit everyone’s taste. Along with enjoying a flight, you may score and be visiting during one of their live music nights.
Last Stop: Dinner at a Port Perry Restaurant
Port Perry is filled with a variety of amazing restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisine. There’s everything from classic Canadian pub fare to international food.
At waterfront bistro Pickles and Olives, diners will find fabulous lobster tails and pasta. While the restaurant is best known for their fish and seafood dishes, they have a number of vegetarian and gluten free options too.
For a cozy historic pub that also has a great garden patio, head over to Jester’s Court. Dishing up all the best pub grub, menu highlights include fish and chips as well as their goat cheese burger.
Another great restaurant for dinner in Port Perry is the Foundry Kitchen. With a focus on local and sustainable food, this causal fine dining restaurant has a menu fit for a grand meal. The menu features burgers and lobster tacos as well as a local Herrington’s steak with frites.
Marwan’s Global Bistro is a staple in downtown Port Perry and boasts an internationally inspired menu. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, Marwan’s Global Bistro has fabulous dishes that range from Canadian mussels to butter chicken.
Start planning a trip to Port Perry this summer that revolves around a memorable performance at Theatre on the Ridge. With this handy itinerary we’ve taken the work out of planning so that you can sit back enjoy the show and have a wonderful time exploring Port Perry’s gems.
Terms of Patron Perks:
These offers are valid on the date of the reserved performance only, when patrons show proof of Theatre on the Ridge tickets. *Exception is Scugog Arts, offer valid until August 31st, 2024. Please note, perks apply to items of ticket holders only. Non-ticket holder items will be billed at regular price. Please visit Plan Your Visit on the website of Theatre on the Ridge for further details and reference business locations and opening hours directly on the websites of each partner.
