6 Creative Scenes Making Thunder Bay an Arts Hotspot
Bonnie Schiedel
April 1, 2026
For forty years, people from across Northwestern Ontario have gathered in one place to laugh, celebrate, and feel the magic of live performance. The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium isn’t just a venue, it’s a community pillar— it’s where first concerts happened, where you graduated, the stage your kid’s dance recital took place, where you realized you wanted to perform, and where a single night turned into a lifelong memory.
This season, the TBCA is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and it’s not just about looking back, it’s about honouring everyone who has ever taken a seat in the venue, stepped onto the stage, or helped shape the TBCA into what it is today.
Since opening on October 16th, 1985, the Auditorium has welcomed millions of guests and hosted thousands of performances, from major touring artists to homegrown talent, and annual traditions that have all defined the region’s cultural calendar. With 1,500 seats and some of the best acoustics in North America, the space was intentionally designed to serve both artists and audiences. In fact, the TBCA exists largely because the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra needed a permanent home after years of performing at the Selkirk Theatre (St. Patrick’s High School). Forty years later, the venue continues to be the heart of live music, comedy, theatre, and dance in the region, and this season is all about celebrating that legacy.
The 40th experience doesn’t start when the lights go down, it actually begins from the moment you walk through the doors. If you’re heading to a show, go early, because the lobby has basically transformed into a low key museum. The TBCA has rolled out a brand new historical display, highlighting the venue’s early days and the legendary performers who’ve taken the stage over the years. You’ll spot images of Johnny Cash, Gordon Lightfoot, Olivia Newton John, ZZ Top and even Sharon, Lois and Bram (just to name a few). Add in guitars from past artists, cool memorabilia, and lots of “wait… they played here?” moments, and it’s totally worth the wander. Then head upstairs to the mezzanine, and you’ll find walls lined with autographed posters, turning your pre-show stroll into a full on nostalgia scroll (but in real life).
There are also a ton of incredible shows coming up as part of the 40th season, including something Thunder Bay hasn’t seen before. This summer, a brand new festival is stepping up to the plate! The TBCA has announced Blues in the Ballpark, a two day, blues festival happening at Port Arthur Stadium on August 21st and 22nd, 2026.
For those that don’t know, Thunder Bay has a deep and proud blues legacy. From 2001 to 2019, the TBCA produced the Thunder Bay Blues Festival, drawing international acts and thousands of fans to the waterfront every summer. Blues in the Ballpark pays tribute to that history, reviving a purely blues event while ushering in its next chapter (proof that even as the Auditorium celebrates 40 years, it’s still looking forward).
The TBSO will also continue performing throughout the year. For four decades, the TBCA has been home to the Symphony. Fun fact: the venue’s renowned sound comes in part from its 14 large rolling acoustic panels (the towering panels you see flanking the stage), which form the orchestra shell and help create the experience the hall is known for.
One TBSO highlight you won’t want to miss is Vaudeville, Baby! It’s TBSO’s latest collaboration with Badanai Theatre Company, featuring singing, dancing, comedy, classic vaudeville-style routines, and even a little magic! These collaborations are REALLY popular, and with just one performance scheduled, tickets are expected to go fast.
TBCA’s Movie Nights series also returns to the bring screen every month, bringing classic films you grew up to love to the big stage. Upcoming screenings include the 1982 family favourite, E.T., and Labyrinth featuring David Bowie as Goblin King. Grab some popcorn (yes, there will be Reese’s Pieces for E.T.) and get transported back in time…it’s movie night the way it used to be.
During the previews at Movie Nights, audiences can catch the TBCA ’s 40th anniversary video, featuring heartfelt interviews with longtime staff and community members, including local musicians and people who’ve worked behind the scenes for decades. One of those voices is Joe Szabo, a lighting technician who has worked at the TBCA since day one. “This place defines who I am. I’ve worked here for forty years, and when people see me, they say, ‘That’s Joe from the Auditorium.’ It’s not just a job, it’s been my life. And every time the crowd rises in applause, I feel proud knowing this place belongs to all of us.” You can watch the full video here.
The 40th season is a reminder of just how much the TBCA means to Thunder Bay. So grab a ticket, take photos, share your memories using #MyTBCA on your socials, and be part of the anniversary. For tickets and the full season schedule, visit: tbca.com
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CEDC © 2025. All rights reserved.