LOCAL HEADLINES

Stratford is continuing to be a destination for beer lovers. End of Times Bar and Beer Shop, which opened on Oct. 8, offers rare Ontario brews not available in other retailers.

The Stratford Hunter Steel Warriors played their first cross-conference games of the season against the Hamilton Kilty B's on Oct. 3 and the Fort Erie Meteors on Oct. 4.

The Stratford Concert Choir’s new artistic director, Alexander Cann, has programmed an auspicious season of concerts sure to delight the audience. The 2025/26 season features four concerts that collaborate with other arts communities for a fullness that enhances the experience.

Halloween comes alive at the Stratford Perth Museum when it hosts a mask-making workshop inspired by the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.

A taste of Mexico is coming to Stratford this month as Gallery Stratford hosts Delectable Encounters: Art, Food and the Day of the Dead, an illustrated talk and culinary experience celebrating one of Mexico’s most cherished traditions.

Patsy-Anne Day, Indigenous educator, storyteller and member of the Oneida Nation and Turtle Clan, led a Sunrise Ceremony, giving thanks and offerings to the Creator and Mother Earth on Sept. 30 during the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Falstaff Family Centre.

Speed cameras may be coming to Stratford – though recent provincial posturing suggests the project will end before it even starts.

Designed to help shoppers and diners make their holiday dollars go a little further, the BIA is bringing back its 10 Bucks Back program to encourage shopping and dining in the downtown core.

On Sept. 27, after three years of planning, Alliance North launched its Volunteer Emergency Response Air Corps (VEAC) here in the Festival City.

During the Air Bridge 2025 training event at the Stratford Municipal Airport on Sept. 27, Mayor Martin Ritsma told the gathering pilots and stakeholders that his dream for the local airport is to be an emergency hub.

Jesse Walker has taken the southwestern Ontario culinary scene by storm, and he’s done it one burger and butter tart at a time.

A popular Scotch tasting event raising money for the Rotary Club of Stratford’s initiatives is back with tickets nearly sold-out.

Bruce Whitaker and his family have traveled the world – from Egypt to India – and now he would like to give the same opportunity to Stratford’s youth.

The Royal Canadian Legion hosted its Honours and Awards Ceremony on Sept. 28, where many legionnaires were recognized.

A weekly walking group in Stratford is giving people a gentle way to cope with grief, offering fresh air, peer support and connection through Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth.

Got an idea to make your community better? United Way Perth-Huron’s Youth in Action Grants give young people the funding and freedom to create projects that matter to them and their peers The United Way is inviting youth aged 14–24 to apply for its Youth in Action Grants, offering up to $1,200 for projects that address issues affecting young people in Perth and Huron counties. Applicants will also need an adult trustee over the age of 25. 

Speak Stratford Toastmasters is looking for more members to join their organization and ensures a safe space to practice speaking for anything from speeches to job interviews to day-to-day conversations.

Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 5-11, and this year’s theme is Charge into Fire Safety.

The Stratford Hunter Steel Warriors travelled to Sarnia to face the lowly Legionnaires on Sept. 25 and hosted the Komoka Kings at the Allman Arena on Sept. 26.  

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Stratford Festival favourite Jessica B. Hill didn’t consider herself a writer, though she knew she loved writing. Only a few years later, Hill is now considered one of Canada’s most exciting burgeoning playwrights, having been profiled by the Globe and Mail and featured on CBC Radio’s Q program.