The Capitol Centre pulled back the curtain on its 2026-27 season to a near-capacity crowd at Betty Speer’s Theatre, unveiling a lineup that ranges from Canadian rock staples to Broadway talent and holiday favourites
The Capitol Centre’s Betty Speers Theatre was near capacity as several hundred arts fans eagerly awaited the launch of the 2026 / 2027 season.
Patrons were not disappointed as the Capitol Centre’s Executive Director Katina Connolly and Director of Programming Dan Misturada took the stage to announce the theatre’s lineup. Jennifer Allison, Director and Curator of the WKP Kennedy Gallery also spoke of the many exhibitions, special events and workshops planned for the gallery’s upcoming season.
The Hot Ticket Series drew much applause as the acts were announced. Canadian legends Glass Tiger are coming on October 17, with Trooper hitting the stage on November 12. On December 3, Matt Dusk is bringing A Very Sinatra Christmas to the theatre, and Five for Fighting, backed by a string quartet, will perform on December 9.
You can dance if you want to on February 3, 2027, as Men Without Hats are coming to the Bay. Broadway star Jeremy Jordan, after having to postpone his show this spring, is returning on March 5, 2027. And on April 17, fast-rising Canadian country star Tim Hicks is stopping by the theatre for his Going Somewhere Tour.
The first show of the new season falls on September 26, as Matt Weidinger and his band take the stage to perform the music of Van Morrison. Weidinger’s band was there tonight to perform a little preview of what’s to come, treating the crowd to a spot-on version of Into the Mystic and a few other classics from Van the Man.
The free season launch always attracts a lot of patrons eager to see what’s on this year’s roster. Plus, the Capitol Centre always gives away a handful of tickets at the launch event. This year, the Capitol Centre also aimed to keep tickets prices low, given the current economic climate. “With that in mind, we’re proud to say that we have consciously priced our shows to make this the most affordable season in recent memory,” Misturada said.
The most expensive ticket will be $70, he continued, with the average top-price being $44.
There’s something for everyone this season, including the Celtic music lover, as A Next Generation Leahy Christmas returns on December 1, and on March 14, Celtic Roots, a Celebration of Irish and Celtic Music perform. Singer-songwriters James Keelaghan, Irish Mythen and Stephen Fearing will also perform on April 20.
Craving comedy? Brent Butt of Corner Gas fame is performing on January 19. Plus, Big Sugar returns on March 20, and on April 1, Tom Lavin and the Legendary Powder Blues light it up.
This year, the Capitol Centre has added another series of performances—the Spectacle Series. The name says it all, so expect illusionists, dance troupes, the 360 Allstars, and the return of Ballet Kelowna on April 25 with its new version of Macbeth.
Also highlighted is a three-evening theatrical performance over Halloween. Dubbed Fright Week, the shows are co-produced by the Proscenium Club and Capitol Centre. From October 29 to 31 the Proscenium Club will perform three separate shows, Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, and Dracula. These classic horror characters have been reimagined by writer / director Joshua Bainbridge and brought to life on stage by the Proscenium Club. Each night presents a stand-alone story, guaranteed to add some thrills to your spooky season.
To complete lineup is now available to view on the Capitol Centre’s website. Same for the WKP Kennedy Gallery’s schedule. Tickets are on sale now for Capitol Centre members, and open to the public on June 9.
