Founded in 1993 by Toronto residents Attila Glatz and Susan Alberghini in conjunction with local residents, Jim and Jane Alexander, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts has become one of Canada's most significant and highly acclaimed arts festivals. Based in Huntsville, Ontario, the Festival's roots were initially strongly classical and centered around a resident professional symphony orchestra under the baton of Kerry Stratton. Today the Festival covers a broad spectrum of classical and contemporary music events, as well as dance, theatre, literature, children's cultural activities and public celebrations. Muskoka's resort and cottage country offers a variety of unique venues for the Festival's events. Starting in 2005 Huntsville's new Algonquin Theatre became principle venue. In addition, several Huntsville locations are used including Trinity United Church, Muskoka Heritage Place, Deerhurst Resort Pavilion and the Town Centre's outdoor gazebos and waterfront.The Festival fosters a sense of ownership in the community and is considered an integral summer event in the area.
Nestled within Discovery Harbour on Georgian Bay, the King's Wharf Theatre is a pleasantly rustic, 385-seat venue that offers all the comforts of a modern facility. Flanked by the historic buildings of a 19th-century British naval and military base, the theatre is located at the end of a beautiful boardwalk that looks on to the homeport of replica ships H.M.S. Bee and H.M.S. Tecumseth.
A visit to the King's Wharf Theatre takes only 45 minutes from Barrie and Orillia, or just over an hour from Collingwood. While in the area, explore the communities of Penetanguishene and Midland, which offer unique shops and dining establishments. You'll also want to discover such treasures as Ontario's first European Community at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.