By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) is celebrating its milestone 15th anniversary with the launch of its 2026–27 BPAC Presents season, unveiling a diverse lineup of music, theatre, dance, comedy, family programming, and community events, while announcing TD Bank Group as the season sponsor.
The season was officially launched before a packed audience, highlighting the important role the downtown venue continues to play in Burlington’s cultural landscape.
Sara Palmieri, executive director of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, said the enthusiastic turnout reflected the community’s continued support for the arts and excitement for the year ahead.
“The response to our 2026–27 season launch was truly overwhelming. We welcomed a full house of members, donors, sponsors, volunteers, artists, and community partners, and the excitement for the season ahead was palpable,” said Palmieri. “It was a wonderful reminder of the important role BPAC plays as a gathering place where our community comes together to experience, celebrate, and connect through the arts.”
Palmieri said the upcoming program of events has been designed to reflect Burlington’s diverse community while offering audiences a balance of familiar favourites and new artistic experiences.
“Our 2026–27 season reflects the diversity and vibrancy of our community. Audiences can look forward to an exciting mix of music, theatre, dance, comedy, family programming, and special events featuring both acclaimed artists and local voices,” she said. “We are proud to present a season that offers something for everyone while continuing to introduce audiences to new artistic experiences.”
The anniversary season also serves as an opportunity to reflect on BPAC’s growth since opening its doors in 2011. Over the past 15 years, the venue has welcomed internationally recognized performers while serving as a platform for local artists, youth programs, and community events.
“This season marks an important milestone as BPAC celebrates its 15th anniversary,” Palmieri said. “Over the past 15 years, BPAC has grown into one of Canada’s premier performing arts venues and a cultural hub for Burlington and the surrounding region. This anniversary season is an opportunity to celebrate the people and partnerships that have shaped our success while looking ahead to an exciting future, highlighted by special initiatives including WANDER: Artistic Interventions in Unexpected Places.”
Speaking at the launch event, Burlington’s Mayor Marianne Meed Ward reflected on the centre’s impact on the city and praised the staff and volunteers who help bring performances and programs to life.
“It’s become a cultural hub for Burlington, but it has also hosted a number of world-class performers,” said Meed Ward. “Artists like Rick Mercer, Jully Black, and many others have graced this stage. From classical and contemporary performances to theatre, ballet and community-driven events like Jazz on the Plaza, BPAC continues to enrich our city.”
The mayor also highlighted the organization’s commitment to nurturing future generations of performers through youth programming and summer camps.
“Our student leaders and summer camp participants have performed right here on this stage, fostering and developing young performers, some of whom have gone on to stages in New York and Broadway,” she said.
Among the many performances announced for the upcoming season is The Secret Path Cushion Concert with Kate Dickson and Shannon Thunderbird on Oct. 17, 2026. The pay-what-you-can event will invite families and community members to participate in Indigenous storytelling, teachings, traditional crafts, and drumming.
The launch also showcased some of the talent audiences can expect this season. Attendees were treated to a two-song performance by Myriad Ensemble, who will be performing All Aboard on Dec. 5, 2026. The holiday-season event will feature a live reading of The Polar Express, accompanied by choral music in a festive performance designed for children and adults alike. Myriad Ensemble is Burlington’s own upper-voice choir, led by Elise Naccarato; their work typically highlights female and emerging composers, including Burlington-born composer Katerina Gimon.
Music fans will have the opportunity to see acclaimed Americana roots-soul artist Shakura S’Aida on Feb. 9, 2027. The three-time JUNO Award nominee, who also had a recurring role on Schitt’s Creek, is known for her powerful vocals and dynamic live performances that have captivated audiences around the world. S’Aida also performed at the launch event, quickly getting the audience clapping along; by the end of her brief set, many were singing along as well.
The announcement of performances by the Jim Cuddy Band (Sept. 18, 2026), Trooper (Nov. 11, 2026), Men Without Hats (Feb. 10, 2027), and Burlington’s own Sarah Harmer (Nov. 28, 2026) drew big cheers from the audience at the launch event.
Alongside the season announcement, BPAC also welcomed two new members to the Burlington Theatre Board Inc. Board of Directors. Annie Huang, an entrepreneur and former senior executive with Deutsche Bank, and Nick Gewarges, a Burlington-based real estate broker and entrepreneur, have joined the board.
“We are pleased to welcome Annie and Nick to the board,” said board Chair Jim Thompson. “Both bring impressive leadership experience, a strong commitment to community, and skills that will complement the expertise already represented around our board table. Their perspectives will be valuable as we continue to advance BPAC’s mission and support a vibrant future for the performing arts in Burlington.”
As BPAC enters its 15th anniversary season, the organization is inviting residents to become members to access benefits including ticket discounts, advance access to performances, and entry to the exclusive Members’ Lounge. With a season that blends internationally acclaimed artists, local talent, family programming, and community engagement, the centre is positioning itself to build on a decade and a half of artistic growth while continuing to serve as one of Burlington’s leading cultural destinations.
