2026 Stratford events
In 2026, the Provocation Ideas Festival once again brings together a remarkable constellation of voices—community members, artists, performers, musicians, journalists, storytellers, scholars, urban planners, and culinary innovators—to explore urgent questions of our time under the unifying theme: City of Dreamers.
Flavours of Home: Stories and Meal that Connect Us
An intimate series celebrating Stratford’s newest voices
Events will take place this winter
Locations - TBC
Food tells a story—and at Flavours of Home, every bite invites you into one. This unique series of culinary storytelling events honours the experiences of Stratford’s newcomers through the universal language of food. Each gathering features a local individual or family who prepares a meal inspired by their region of origin, sharing not only recipes, but the deeply personal journey that brought them here.
As guests savour the dishes, they hear moving stories of migration, resilience, and belonging—from the first steps into a new country to the dreams that take root in a new community. Held in welcoming venues across Stratford—from restaurants, bars, schools and pop-up kitchens—Flavours of Home offers a space to gather, listen, and connect across cultures through the power of shared meals and shared humanity.
Northern Wit: Comedy as the Canadian Shield
A live comedy event followed by CBC IDEAS · Hosted by Nahlah Ayed
Northern Wit has been rescheduled for May 1, 2026
Existing tickets remain valid; refunds available for those unable to attend.
Stratford City Hall Auditorium
1 Wellington St. Stratford, ON
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
What happens when some of Canada’s sharpest comedic minds take on the myths, contradictions, and quirks of Canadian life—live?
The gloves come off and the laughs roll as a celebrated and award winning comedian Martha Chaves hits the stage for a no-holds-barred performance of comedy, satire, and gut-busting honesty. From clichés to the complexities of cultural identity, she’ll riff, react, and reinvent what it means to be Canadian.
Expect razor-sharp wit, fearless storytelling, and wildly unexpected turns in this one-night-only performance. This is Canada as you’ve never laughed at it before. Hosted by Stratford's own satirist Brittlestar.
Following the performance, join CBC IDEAS host Nahlah Ayed, and comedians Martha Chaves, Deb McGrath and Brittlestar for a sharp, hilarious, and thought-provoking evening exploring the role of comedy in shaping Canada’s national identity. From political satire to everyday absurdities, comedy has long served as a kind of Canadian shield—deflecting, reflecting, and revealing who we are.
In this live panel event, some of the country’s funniest minds delve into how humour and satire can expose national truths, challenge cultural myths, and unite us through laughter. Together, they’ll explore questions at the heart of our comedic culture:
- What can satire reveal about who we are as a nation?
- How do comedians complicate the stories we tell about ourselves?
- And why is laughing at ourselves such a quintessentially Canadian act?
Presented in partnership with CBC IDEAS and Destination Stratford as part of the Provocation Ideas Festival, this is an evening of insight, irreverence, and maybe even identity redefinition—served with a punchline. .
Click Here to reserve your tickets - Seating is limited!
Illuminating Passion
A Provocation Ideas Festival Benefit
Monday June 22, 2026
Revival House
70 Brunswick St, Stratford, ON
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Join us for an unforgettable, high octane evening to raise awareness and financial support for the Provocation Ideas Festival in a celebration of creativity and community.
Illuminating Passion is a unique benefit gala where celebrated Canadians unveil their hidden and surprising talents beyond their public personas. This is guaranteed to be an engaging event about the challenges and joys of pursuing creative passions alongside more traditional careers.
Renowned performers, actors, musicians, artists, and creatives step out of the shadows and beyond their usual roles to share remarkable unknown talents in a collaborative and spectacular fashion.
Illuminating Passion promises to be an engaging evening of unique artistic reinvention and discovery, showcasing creative expression in an intimate, vibrant and supportive environment. Guests will enjoy live performances that defy expectations as well as a live auction of unique creations.
Come for the talent you know. Stay for the talent you’ve never seen.
Reserve your seat, place your bids, and help keep Provocation bold, curious, and creative.
Click here to reserve your tickets. Seating is limited.
All proceeds support the Provocation Ideas Festival, helping us bring bold, accessible programming to the public.
Hosts for the evening are Sheila McCarthy and Chris Blake..
