Festival Site

South Gateway

The Group2 Architects South Gateway gives you access to Leggett Way, our riverside pathway that is a secondary Meewasin Valley Trail trail that passes through our site.  This gate remains open year round for public access and only closed occasionally for Festival or private events.  Click Learn More to see our monthly calendar of events.

Contemplation Circle

The Contemplation Circle is an Indigenous led and inspired Festival Park feature for everyone to enjoy, it is for stories, songs or quiet contemplation.  On the ring above you are welcomed here in the original languages of this land.

ninanāskomōnān for the inspiration of Joseph Naytowhow and the contributions of Saskatoon Tribal Council, Gabriel Dumont Institute, Group2 Architects and all the Indigenous partners and voices that contributed to this installation.  Financially supported by Nutrien.

Indigenous Interpretive Panels

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is currently in a process with our Indigenous Cultural Consultant Joseph Naytowhow and Indigenous community partners to create a set of informative Interpretive Panels that will be a feature installation on the site and tied into a broader network of Interpretive Panels on the MVA Trail System.  Click Learn More to find out about how we continue to work toward Reconciliation.

Riverside Pathway

Supported by Malcolm B. & Marilyn J. Leggett, Leggett Way is our riverside pathway – a secondary Meewasin Valley Trail trail that passes through our Festival site.  Adorned with benches and our riverside patio, this pathway is open year round for public access and only closed occasionally for Festival or private events.

Festival Lighting

Supported by Wally & Colleen Mah, our Festival Lighting is a spectacular full site installation with incredible capabilities.  There are more than 40 fixtures including multi colour LED and Gobo fixtures capable of projecting multiple images.  At our summer festival and various events throughout the year you can come down and check out the eye catching designs.

Community Events Area

The Des Nedhe Group Community Events Area is where we set up our Festival tents each summer and home to many memorable activities including Medieval Feasts, Community Stage pre-show entertainment and our annual Chef’s on the Saskatchewan Fundraiser. To find out about all our Community Events click Learn More.

Meewasin Valley Trail

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival is a proud partner of the Meewasin Valley Authority, and excited to be a destination area on their scenic and extensive trail network, which spans over 90km to help visitors and the community explore natural areas in the South Saskatchewan River valley in Saskatoon.  Our site is only a 15 minute walk from the heart of Downtown Saskatoon, home to some of our city’s finest hotels, restaurants and shopping.  Click Learn More to visit Meewasin’s website.

Sir Toby’s Tavern

Sir Toby’s Tavern supported by Targeted Strategies Group is a great place to stop in for a pre-show or intermission drink and snack.  Conveniently located near the Community Events Area. Central Courtyard and Saskatoon’s only riverside patio.

Riverside Patio

Welcome to the Jill & Gordon Rawlinson Patio, Saskatoon’s only riverside patio on the Meewasin Valley Trail.  A great place to stop when you are out for walk, or to sit and enjoy a pre-show drink during our Festival season.  Located next to our Central Courtyard & Sir Toby’s Tavern, it could also be a great part of your own private event!

Box Office

Ye Olde Yuel Box Office, supported by Greg & Olivia Yuel, is located near the Grand Entrance for ticket pick-up and purchases.  The Box Office is open from early June until the end of the Festival season, and we keep regular hours so you can stop by and pick up your tickets.  Click Learn More to find our about our ticket prices and Box Office contact information.

Central Courtyard

The Robert Steane Courtyard is our beautiful Central Courtyard where you can gather before a performance with access to all Festival amenities.  It features a busker’s circle and a stunning paving stone pattern to help you find your way.  It’s also a great place to hang out anytime of day or to host your own private event.

Grand Entrance

Supported by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association, the Grand Entrance is our main access off the MVA trail and located just a few steps away from the washrooms and parking lot drop off area.  Our gates are open year round for public access and only closed occasionally for Festival or private events.

Spadina Parking Entrance

Follow Spadina Crescent to 948 Spadina Crescent East our official Festival address! You will see our parking lot entrance sign across Spadina from the big yellow ferris wheel in Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park.  During our festival season, if the lot is full, you can drop off guests with limited mobility at the drop off area and then complete the loop and head North on Spadina Crescent and then West on Queen Street where you will see signage to our overflow parking area at the North end of Kinsmen Park.

Donor Wall

The Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Staging the Future Capital Campaign began in early 2018 and was completed in the fall of 2020.  Our Donor Wall features the many individuals and organizations that contributed to the campaign and helped make our dream a reality.  This includes vital contributions from the Government of Canada, Province of Saskatchewan and City of Saskatoon.  Click Learn More to see a full list of these valued donors.

Washrooms

This City of Saskatoon facility is open year round for public use by anyone who visits our area.  All stalls are accessible from the outside and are gender neutral, so no more long line ups for our patrons!

Amphitheatre

Ariel’s Garden

Ariel’s Garden is our backstage “chill space” and home to plants that are found in several of Shakespeare’s plays.  It is lovingly planted each spring by our anonymous donor for this area and several volunteers who help us create the perfect festival atmosphere every summer.  To become a festival volunteer click Learn More to find out how!

Dressing Room

Our Dressing Room, sponsored by Larry & Irene Seiferling, is tucked in behind the amphitheatre at the north end of the Festival site.  This modern building with central heat & A/C provides comfort and laundry facilities for our performers and artistic team.  Interested in renting it for your own event?  Click Learn More for Festival Park rental information.

North Gateway

The Pentec Energy North Gateway gives you access to Leggett Way, our riverside pathway and secondary Meewasin Valley Trail that passes through our site.  This gate remains open year round for public access and only closed occasionally for Festival or private events.  Click Learn More to see our monthly calendar.

Parking Lot with Drop Off

NOW OPEN! This newly redeveloped parking lot features several handicap parking stalls and a convenient drop off area only steps away from our grand entrance.  During our festival season, if the lot is full, simply complete the loop and head North on Spadina Crescent and then West on Queen Street where you will see signage to our overflow parking area at the North end of Kinsmen Park.

Prairie Lily Riverboat

Follow this pathway along the river to go Cruising on the Prairie Lily where you’ll see the natural beauty of the Meewasin Valley, the welcoming of our downtown, the friendliness of River Landing and the personality of our living river. They look forward to welcoming passengers for sightseeing, dining or feature cruises during the summer months!  Click Learn More to go to their website and check out the “Crusin’ to Shakespeare” package (not available in 2021) and other great discounts!

Nutrien Wonderhub

Follow this pathway to Nutrien Wonderhub, Saskatchewan’s Children’s Museum, a not-for-profit charitable organization located in the historic Mendel building.  Their exhibits and programs highlight the unique cultural fabric of Saskatchewan by combining play with specific learning objectives in a welcoming, inclusive and fun setting. At Nutrien Wonderhub your imagination will be sparked, your inquisitiveness will be rewarded and your family will learn, play and make memories together!

Nutrien Playland

Follow this pathway and cross Spadina Crescent to celebrate the magic of play at Nutrien Playland!  Soar high above the city on the 20 metre high Ferris wheel or have a twirl on a bright and cheery carousel animal. Hop aboard for a whistle-stop tour on the Canpotex Train – a park favourite.  Work the pumps, troughs and valves in the water area or tackle the log climber and double cable ride in the sand.

Back Stage Area

Supported by Bill and Matt Garnett and families, this area is fenced off during our festival season to allow actors access to the stage from multiple entrances.