2024's Stratford Events
City of Dreamers invites you to immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of events this October and November, celebrating the dreams and aspirations of Stratford’s past, present, and future.
This unique series delves into Stratford’s continuous evolution, driven by its visionary dreamers. Experience the magic through dynamic art creation and exhibitions, community storytelling, ballet performances, engaging discussions, explorations of our geographic and culinary landscape, and the vibrant voices of
our children.
Join us for these captivating events and become part of Stratford’s ongoing narrative of creativity and transformation.
2024 PIF Stratford promotional visuals and video content by Andy Foster
November 1 – 29, 2024
RIVER OF DREAMS
River of Dreams is a creative exploration of the Avon River, the waterway that simultaneously connects and divides Stratford.
This curated exhibition, featuring the work of more than 15 local artists, showcases collective and individual artistic expressions, with artists employing various styles and media to capture the Avon's dual essence. Their works reflect the river’s influence on shaping Stratford’s past, present and future.
These artistic visions, brought to life, also encompass themes of dreaming, change, innovation, transformation, impact, backlash, and challenges that resonate universally. They delve into the relationships and tensions between the local and the global, highlighting their significance and relevance.
The artists' works will be on display and available for purchase during the River of Dreams exhibition at Our Stōr(y) from November 1 to November 29 (closed Mondays).
Co-Presented with
Our Stōr(y)
Artists participating include:
Liz Emirzian Painting
Grahame Lynch Collage-based cyanotypes
Bora Pleasance Watercolour/ink
Colleen Schindler Drawing, textiles, sculpture, photography
Noella Upitis Painting
Indigo Esmonde Performance art
Maaike Roosendaal photo concept
Stuart Lender Cold wax & oils
Rachelle Mingail Shubert Painting
Sandra Balestrin Silversmith
Bruce Burleigh Small sculpture
Nathan Schleicher Play Designer
Justin Morris Photo series
Stephanie Kropf-Untucht Quilter
Robert Johnson Painting
Heather Ruthig Ceramics
Carter Oswald Photography
Carla Coles Painting
Andrea O’Shea Photography / Mixed Media
Friday, November 1 - 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
River of Dreams Exhibition Opening Reception
November 28, 2024
Join a captivating discussion on imagining the cities of the future, led by CBC IDEAS host Nahlah Ayed, and featuring: Jay Pitter, an award-winning placemaker focused on bridging divides in urban spaces across North America; Robin Mazumder, an environmental neuroscientist studying the impact of urban design on well-being; and Greg Lindsay, a futurist exploring the role of AI and augmented reality in shaping cities.
Their thought-provoking conversation will explore what's desirable and achievable for tomorrow’s cities as they envision the future of urban life.
Co-presented with CBC IDEAS and investStratford
Thursday, November 28, 2024 - 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Stratford City Hall Auditorium
1 Wellington St. Stratford, ON
November 30, 2024
A dynamic community-based exploration of citizen-powered urban development, envisioning the future we want for Stratford and the path to achieving it. The discussion will address current and future needs for housing, transportation, environment, culture, and economic development, strive to build genuine mutual understanding, and embrace future possibilities, offering a platform for meaningful dialogue and shared vision-building.
Co-presented with investStratford and Stratford Public Library
Saturday, November 30 1:00p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
November 30, 2024
Participate in an unforgettable evening of live readings by local actors and authors, bringing to life short stories, vignettes, plays, and historical accounts inspired by Stratford and the surrounding region. This captivating event promises to shed new light on the identity of Stratford and its rich cultural legacy.
Presenters include:
Sheila McCarthy – award winning actor and singer
Graham Abbey – film, television and stage actor
Kelly McIntosh – actor and playwright (Ladies of the CNR, Kroehler Girls), General Manager of Stratford Perth Museum
Carla Coles – poet and artist
Chris Mejaki- actor, playwright, grass dancer, hoop dancer
Bruce Barber (Bevan Amberhill) , author of Stratford –based Jean-Claude Keyes murder mysteries
Stacy Smith - actor
Nancy Campbell Academy Auditorium
45 Waterloo St S. Stratford, ON
Co-presented with
Fanfare Books
Saturday, November 30 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
New Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
CULINARY STRATFORD
A Culinary Journey Through Past, Present, and Future
Join us for an exclusive ticketed event celebrating Stratford’s vibrant culinary heritage and future. Enjoy insightful presentations from key leaders on the history of the city’s culinary scene. Savor a curated 3-course meal that showcases Stratford's evolving food scene. Participate in an engaging discussion with top chefs, farmers, and restaurateurs on what’s next for the city's culinary landscape. A captivating event for anyone passionate about food and the Stratford community.
Co-presented with Mercer
Kitchen. Beer Hall. Hotel
Thursday, January 9, 2025 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
151 Albert St. (The Old Prune)
PAST EVENTS
October 11 and 12, 2024
NEURAL BALLET REDUX
Experience an enchanting and intimate neo-classical ballet performance, where artistry and technology intertwine. Irina Lerman and Ryan Kelln’s groundbreaking collaboration fuses Lerman’s award-winning choreography with Kelln’s cutting-edge AI-generated visuals and video art -- a mesmerizing fusion of live dance and digital innovation. A Pay-What-You-Can experience for the whole family.
Following the half-hour performance, engage in a thought-provoking 30-minute discussion exploring the impact of generative AI on the artistic landscape and the future of art-making. An opportunity to explore and reflect on the evolving relationship between art and technology.
Co-presented with Gallery Stratford and Culture Days
Friday, October 11 - 7p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 12 - Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Gallery Stratford
54 Romeo St S, Stratford, ON
Watch the Full Performance Below!
