Throughout the months of July and August, Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival delivers great entertainment in addition to its five plays, with special events and entertaining activities for every taste.
From Fireworks nights to concerts and glimpses behind the scenes, here are four unique special events at Bard this summer.
Bard-B-Q & Fireworks – July 29, August 2 & 5 at 5pm
Enjoy a performance of Much Ado About Nothing or The Two Gentlemen of Verona, followed by a delicious salmon BBQ dinner and dessert, and on-site entertainment including the internationally-acclaimed Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band. The climax of the evening comes with the private view of the Celebration of Light fireworks display. Event begins at 5pm on Saturday July 29, Wednesday August 2 and Saturday August 5. Tickets from $96.
Family Nights – July 11, August 8 & 22 at 6pm
Bring the entire family to Bard. The Bard Village opens 30 minutes earlier than usual for family-friendly activities, including photos in the PIXSTAR photo booth, face painting, Emelle’s food truck and an exclusive pre-show talk designed just for kids in the Mainstage tent before a performance of Much Ado About Nothing. Family package pricing offered. July 11, August 8 & 22 at 6pm with the performance at 7:30 pm. Age 6+ event.
Exploring Shakespeare Talks – Saturdays on July 15 & August 12 at 11am
SFU’s Dr. Paul Budra delivers in-depth explorations of each of the four Shakespeare plays in his lively and engaging style. Go beyond the story and explore Shakespeare’s inspirations and influences. Have all of your questions answered and leave with a fuller understanding and appreciation of this season’s plays. Each talk will run for approximately 60 minutes, including Q & A. Saturday mornings at 11am. The Merchant of Venice on July 15 and The Two Gentlemen of Verona on August 12.
Opera and Arias: The Barber of Seville – August 28 & September 4 at 2pm & 7:30pm
The Barber of Seville, Rossini’s masterpiece of the comic opera stage, is one of the world’s most popular operas – beloved by music fans around the world. Performed by the UBC Opera Ensemble and accompanied by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, UBC’s Nancy Hermiston directs this in-concert costumed staging, with conductor Leslie Dala leading the musicians. Matinee and evening performances, Monday August 28 and Monday September 4.
Bard on the Beach is Western Canada’s largest professional Shakespeare company and its Artistic Director is Christopher Gaze.
Play performances run Tuesdays through Sundays, special events on various evenings. All evening performances start at 7:30pm; matinees begin at 2pm on select weekends and weekdays.
Last modified: July 11, 2017
