TCU Place (35 22nd St. E.; tel. 306/975-7770, or 306/938-7800 for tickets; www.tcuplace.com), the city's convention center, provides a superb 2,000-seat theater for much of what there is, with a range of shows. The Saskatoon Symphony (tel. 306/665-6414; www.saskatoonsymphony.org) regularly performs during a September-to-April season. Tickets are C$21 to C$58.

The leading local theater company, Persephone Theatre (tel. 306/384-2126, or 306/384-7727 for the box office; www.persephonetheatre.org) is based at the Remai Arts Centre, at 100 Spadina Crescent E. Persephone offers six shows per fall-to-spring season (dramas, comedies, and musicals); tickets are C$25 to C$32. Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan (tel. 306/653-2300, or 306/652-9100 for the box office; www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com) produces the Bard in two tents overlooking the river just south of the Mendel Art Gallery from July to mid-August. Two Shakespeare plays are performed, plus a number of guest performances during the season. Tickets are C$30 adults, C$24 seniors, and C$18 students, with discounts for previews and matinees.

For quiet drinking and conversation in a refined setting, you can't beat Stovin's Lounge in the Delta Bessborough Hotel (601 Spadina Crescent E.; tel. 306/244-5521). For a more pub-like atmosphere, try O'Shea's Irish Pub (222 2nd Ave. S.; tel. 306/384-7444), within easy walking distance from downtown hotels. The Marquis Downs racetrack, at Saskatoon Prairieland Park, at 503 Ruth St. (tel. 306/242-6100; www.marquisdowns.com), is open for live and simulcast racing. The live season goes mid-May to mid-October. The racetrack has a lounge, cafeteria, and terrace dining overlooking the home stretch. Admission is free. The other place to wager is Dakota Dunes Casino, south of the city off Highway 219 (tel. 306/667-6400; www.dakotadunescasino.com), where you can play five or so table games. It opens at 5:30pm weekdays and at 2pm weekends.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.