Provocation Ideas Festival Ignites Stratford with Art and Innovation
A new public square of spirited discussion, debate, and exploration of what is and what could be
In 2026, the Provocation Ideas Festival once again brings together a remarkable constellation of voices—community members, artists, performers, musicians, journalists, storytellers, scholars, urban planners, and culinary innovators—to explore urgent questions of our time under the unifying theme: City of Dreamers.
Check out all PIF Events in Stratford here!
Flavours of Home: Stories and Meal that Connect Us
An intimate series celebrating Stratford’s newest voices
Events will take place this winter
Locations – TBC
Food tells a story—and at Flavours of Home, every bite invites you into one. This unique series of culinary storytelling events honours the experiences of Stratford’s newcomers through the universal language of food. Each gathering features a local individual or family who prepares a meal inspired by their region of origin, sharing not only recipes, but the deeply personal journey that brought them here.
As guests savour the dishes, they hear moving stories of migration, resilience, and belonging—from the first steps into a new country to the dreams that take root in a new community. Held in welcoming venues across Stratford—from restaurants, bars, schools and pop-up kitchens—Flavours of Home offers a space to gather, listen, and connect across cultures through the power of shared meals and shared humanity.
Northern Wit: Comedy as the Canadian Shield — One Night Only
What happens when Canada laughs at itself—live?
Northern Wit has been rescheduled for May 1, 2026
Existing tickets remain valid; refunds available for those unable to attend.
On Friday, May 1 (7:00–9:30 p.m.) at the Stratford City Hall Auditorium (1 Wellington St.), the gloves come off and the punchlines land.
Part 1 — Stand-Up:
Award-winning comedian Martha Chaves headlines with a no-holds-barred set of satire, storytelling, and gut-busting honesty—riffing on clichés, cultural identity, and the glorious contradictions of Canadian life. Hosted by Stratford’s own Brittlestar.
Part 2 — CBC IDEAS Live:
Then join CBC IDEAS host Nahlah Ayed in conversation with Martha Chaves, Deb McGrath, and Brittlestar for a sharp, hilarious, and thought-provoking discussion on how comedy shapes who we are. What can satire reveal about Canada? How do comedians complicate our national myths? And why is laughing at ourselves so quintessentially Canadian?
Why come?
Razor-sharp wit, fearless storytelling, and a live CBC conversation—insight, irreverence, and maybe even identity redefinition—served with a punchline.
Seats are limited — Click here to reserve your tickets.
Presented in partnership with CBC IDEAS and Destination Stratford as part of the Provocation Ideas Festival.
May 2026
