Confederation Centre of the Arts

Confederation Centre of the Arts Review

With a 1,100-seat main stage theater, a 1,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, and several studio stages, this block-long building—opened in 1964 to mark the centennial of the Charlottetown Conference—is the Island's leading cultural venue. Each year, from mid-June through September, it hosts the famous Charlottetown Festival (902/628-1864 or 800/565-0278, www.charlottetownfestival.com), which includes Anne of Green Gables—The Musical, plus concerts, comedy acts, and other theatrical productions.Weather permitting, the festival offers free lunchtime performances in the amphitheater and on the plaza. Off-season, a dynamic mix of touring and local productions, choral concerts, and special events is also scheduled. Visitors planning to take advantage of any of these will find that the Centre's bar and bistro, Mavor's ($$$), makes a convenient spot for pre-show dining. Also onsite: a provinical art gallery and public library. The former (which has over 15,000 works in its collection) holds year-round exhibits showcasing Canadian art. The latter, being cool and quiet, offers a welcome break from vacation craziness.