A beginner’s guide to Dream in High Park
iPhoto caption: Beck Lloyd and Qasim Khan in Hamlet (Dream in High Park). Photo by Dahlia Katz.
The 41st annual Dream in High Park is now underway, running in Toronto’s largest outdoor theatre space until September.
Dream in High Park is one of Toronto’s favourite traditions. Every year, thousands of people gather in the High Park amphitheatre to take in a play or musical, often bringing a picnic to enjoy under the stars while the performance takes place. Take it from us: It’s a magical time!
To make your Dream in High Park experience even more memorable, we’ve assembled some insider tips on how to have the dreamiest Dream in High Park possible.
From all of us at Intermission: Happy dreaming!
- Get to the theatre early! Since seating in High Park is first come first served, we recommend purchasing tickets online and arriving at least an hour before showtime in order to secure a perfect spot on the hill. In-person rush tickets are available beginning 30 minutes before the performance. Which leads us into our next tip…
- Pack a picnic! Take advantage of the stunning High Park landscape and enjoy a meal before the show. Concessions are available for purchase at the park, but if you really want to make the most of your Dream night, think about packing a bag with your fave snacks and beverages.
- Get cosy! The nights can cool down as you enjoy the show, so we recommend packing a blanket or two, along with some pillows or seat cushions.
- Need a cooling beverage to go with your picnic? Mix a drink! This year, Canadian Stage has partnered with Corktown café Henrietta Lane to concoct a refreshing mocktail inspired by Hamlet and the park itself. The drink features lemon juice, lavender syrup, fresh basil, and soda water — what could be better?
- Bring your friends, family, kids, or a date! Like all theatre, Dream in High Park is, of course, best experienced with loved ones. Not only is the yearly production one of the city’s best date nights, it’s also perfect for a girls’ night out or family get-together. And the abridged runtime makes the experience ideal for little ones just starting to discover the joys of live theatre.
- Nature will be nature. Bring some bug spray so you can enjoy the beauty of Toronto’s largest park unscathed!
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