Tickets for some events in Ontario are sold through Ticketmaster (tel. 705/715-6000; www.ticketmaster.ca). Tickets for most events in Sault Ste. Marie, however, can be purchased directly from the venues.
The Performing Arts-- Established in 1948, the Sault Theater Workshop (tel. 705/946-4081; www.saulttheatre.com) is community theater at its best with a variety of musicals, drama, one-act plays, suitable for the family, with special shows around the holidays, such as A Christmas Carol. Algoma Conservatory of Music (tel. 705/253-4373; www.algomaconservatory.com), connected with Algoma University, is responsible for much of the music education in the Sault area. Their concert series regularly brings touring artists and ensembles to audiences. Additionally the four choirs and three youth orchestras frequently perform. One of the longstanding arts staples is the Sault Symphony, 121 Brock St. (tel. 705/945-5337; www.saultsymphony.com), which performs a variety of concerts around the city, including an annual summertime series at the Roberta Bondar Tent Pavilion called Bratwurst, Beer and Beethoven.
The Bar & Club Scene-- To find out what's happening, pick up a copy of the Sault Star, or check their website at www.saultstar.com. A new sports and entertainment arena Sault Ste. Marie Sports and Entertainment Center (tel. 705/759-2500; www.city.sault-ste-marie.on.ca) is slated to open August 2006. It will seat 5000 when used for ice events (the Soo Greyhounds, a minor league hockey club, will make their home there) and concerts, conferences and tradeshows.
For an eclectic experience that melds art, music and food, check out the stylish lounge and gallery Loplops, 651 Queen St. E. (tel. 705/945-0754; www.loplops.com), which opened in late 2003. Husband and wife owners Stephen Alexander and Jennifer Bellerose, inspired by their travels, created an environment that celebrates fine art, food, wine, and music. The blackened steel bar and exposed beams echo the area's history as a steel town. Two galleries of contemporary and local art, an award-winning wine list, and jazz, blues, Celtic, bluegrass and folk music from Thursday through Saturday nights keep people coming. Another favored hangout, just a few steps away, is the Downbeat Lounge, 740 East Queen St. (tel. 705/256-8844; www.downbeatlounge.com), an intimate club with retro decor that offers a variety of entertainment from ska to rock to pop most nights and an inventive martini list. Right on the waterfront, located at the Roberta Bondar Park is a popular spot called Docks Riverfront Grill, 89 Foster Dr. (tel. 705/256-6868), is a bar and restaurant with pool tables and an outdoor patio serving Canadian and American fare, located between the Tent Pavilion and City Hall. Weekend entertainment is all deejays and dancing, but there is live jazz on Thursdays and an "easy listening" rock band on Wednesday nights. For local flavor and an alternative to the bar scene, or just a sweet evening snack, try The Steamy Bean Coffee Company, 357 Great Northern Rd., (tel. 705/253-9690; http://thesteamybean.com). Serving a wide variety of coffee, tea, and espresso-based drinks, the Steamy Bean is a perfect spot, too, for morning java, afternoon snack, or evening dessert; they serve alcohol, light lunch meals such as soups and salads, and lots of chocolate desserts. Sunday and Monday nights are reserved for live, local acoustic music -- so as to not compete with the bars and give people something to do all nights of the week -- and are often booked months in advance.
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.
