Make the Most of your trip to the Walters Music Venue
Are you one of the lucky individuals who have purchased tickets for a show at the Walters Music Venue? Every year over 20,000 people visit this venue for top-notch performances. If you haven’t bought tickets yet – grab them now. Then check-out these tips for making the most of your visit.
About Walters Theatre
After years of touring and performing, the Walters Family created a theatre at their rural property which has been hosting renowned performanced for over 20 years. The Walters Family, who have performed their entire lives together as a successful family band, bring their passion and touring experience to this state-of-the-art venue in Bright, Ontario. The 200 year old barn’s wooden beams have heard the music of 'Oh What A Night!' from Las Vegas, The #1 hits of Nashville's Grand Ole Opry Star 'Larry Gatlin' to the harmonies of 'Hotel California.'
Why Visit
International talent performs regularly on this stage, including the Walters Family themselves. Arrive to a picture perfect property with a renovated 1800’s barn theatre at the top of the hill. Arrive early to explore the grounds ahead of the show. Step inside the theatre itself and take in the rustic charm of old beams and the modern glitz of chandeliers. Enjoy the pre-show lounge entertainment before moving over to the comfort of traditional theatre seating for the main event.
See the 2024 Line-Up and Buy Tickets Now
See it All: Things to do at the Walters Music Venue
The Walters Family pride themselves in their well manicured grounds. You will feel like you stepped into a fairy-tale with lush gardens, decor and seating with a water view. You may be lucky to also see Skyward Balloons, who regularly launch their hot air balloons on the grounds (they know a good view!).
Come for the pre-show in their lounge area, the Gathering Place, starting 1 hour before the show. Yes you heard that right – you get to enjoy two performances. Visit the concessions for light refreshments and snacks for your savoury and sweet cravings (cash only)
Learn about the Walters Family history in entertainment with exhibits about their tours including a performance at The Ryman Auditorium, show costumes of decades past, and albums from over the years.
Visit Nearby Attractions
If arriving in the area before your show, enjoy things to do near the Walters Music Venue.
Udderly Ridiculous (View Map): Get a Taste of Farm Life with their food and farm experience, go for a peaceful alpaca walk, book an alpaca picnic, or simply meet the goats. Explore the shop, filled with a range of unique, high-quality and local goodies to take home. Learn more about their experiences.
Thames River Melons (View Map): Visit this Pick-Your-Own, family-owned farm and experience agriculture firsthand through berry, vegetable, and pumpkin-picking. Stretch your legs and take in the fresh, farm air on their walking trail. Grab a snack or pre-picked produce at the On-Farm Shop, enjoy lunch at the Farm Food Truck featuring Thames River produce, or sign up for a Harvest Brunch Experience.
Bright Cheese and Butter (View Map): Taste dairy from Ontario’s oldest producer of cheddar, made 100% Ontario dairy. They produce a wide variety of cheeses including cheddars, Havarti (try their sizzling hot), asiago, feta, curds and more.
Mountainoak Cheese (View Map): Visit Mountainoak’s Store to shop their wide variety of Goudas made with milk from their herd (in the barn next door). Tours are one Saturday a month (call to reserve a spot). See where their award-winning Farmstead GOLD, with hints of butterscotch and caramel, and Black Truffle cheeses are produced and aged.
Morrows of Drumbo (View Map): This liquidation store serves as the new small town department store. Morrows of Drumbo purchases skids of end of season, last items, and returns from places like The Bay, Costco and Amazon. They provide a valuable rural service providing a diverse mix of items that normally wouldn’t be available to purchase in a small town, open 6 days a week. If you love treasuring hunting you will love Morrows of Drumbo.
1909 Culinary Academy (View Map): Join Chef Murray Zehr for a fun cooking experience in fully renovated schoolhouse, built originally in 1909. Learn new cooking techniques and recipes. The bonus is you get to feast on your efforts whether you are making thai food, cooking with garlic or perfecting sizzling steak. If travelling with a group of friends, call to inquire about a private cooking class for your group.
Nearby Diners:
You will find several small town pubs and diners nearby. Check out one of the following for a hearty meal.
Trail’s Edge Tavern (View Map): This hometown pub shares hometown recipes including pub classics and internationally infused favourites. Try their Shawarma Chicken Tacos!
The Drumbo Pub (View Map): Grab a seat and choose from classic pub food favourites including fish and chips, burgers, fries and more. Check their Facebook page for information on live music nights.
Jim’s Lunch (View Map): This classic diner serves up soup, salad, sandwiches and more with daily specials available. Try their Bacon Cheeseburger, a simple and satisfying meal, then finish off with a soft serve sundae.
Innerkip Highlands (View Map): Dine with a view of the gorgeous greens in Innerkip Highland’s dining room or enjoy a seat on the patio. Enjoy a Southern Fried Chicken sandwich or opt for their lighter fare.
Quehls Restaurant (View Map): Quehls Restaurant is a favourite with Walters Family fans. Book a table for a hearty meal -you are just 25 minutes from this classic restaurant in Tavistock.
Head into Woodstock if you are craving Indian dishes, English Pub Food, sushi, fine dining, cafes, craft brews, or familiar franchise favourites. See more Woodstock dining options here.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Woodstock (View Map): Make it an overnight and stay nearby at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Woodstock. Relish in the comforts of their recently renovated guest rooms, suites and public spaces. Dip in the indoor pool or take advantage of the 24-hour fitness centre. Hot breakfast bar, with healthy options, and Wi-Fi included.
The Next Day
Cooking class at 1909 Culinary Academy: Learn about Oxford’s Culinary scene in a converted schoolhouse while picking up new skills in one of 1909’s themed culinary classes.
Things to do in Woodstock: Get inspired with a visit to the Woodstock Art Gallery and Woodstock Museum to gain an appreciation of local culture. The gallery has three floors of exhibit space and the Woodstock Museum is a National Historic Site. While in the downtown core, check out the variety of shops including a bean to bar chocolate maker, trendy women’s fashions, and a record store filled with your favourites on vinyl. If you love antiques and vintage stop by One of A Kind Antique Mall. If you are visiting from a rural area you will also find a bustling box mall district on Norwich Ave close to Highway 401. See more ways to explore Woodstock here.
Things to do in Ingersoll: Visit Ingersoll for the historic Elmhurst Inn & Spa, explore local history at the Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum, if a weekday pop by the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre and head downtown for a variety of small town shops. Yes, they still have an old fashioned downtown hardware store plus several cute boutiques.
Things to do in Tillsonburg: Embrace culture in Tillsonburg with a visit to Annandale House (aesthetic arts heritage home), The Station Arts Centre and enjoying fish and chips at the historic The Mill Inn + Eatery. Downtown is bustling with an indoor mall, restaurants and plenty of small town shops. Grab a Shaw’s Ice Cream at their local stand - Dad’s Ice Cream. On your way home from Tillsonburg visiting Coyle’s Country Store (known for fudge made on site and fresh roasted nuts), Bre’s Fresh Market (local farm goods), and Makkink’s Flower Farm (pick your own) are a must. You will also find Red Dragon Dairy in Salford (sheep’s’ milk cheeses) on your way back to Highway 401.
Explore the Oxford County Cheese Trail: Discover our dairy history and taste your way through Oxford with this self-guided tour of 31 dairy and cheese loving spots. Enjoy cheese factories, artisan makers, restaurants, fun things to do.
Other ways to Enjoy Oxford:
- Walk, hike or bike on one of Oxford County’s many trails. Unwind as you enjoy a short 1km loop at Trilliums Woods then stop in at Jakeman’s Maple Farm across the road for a sweet treat.
- Get your hands dirty as you meet the people who make this county so special, taking part in a hands-on experience. From craft roasting coffee and alpaca walks to picnics in a berry patch, you will be given the opportunity to relax and connect with the land and taste the flavours of Oxford.
- Hit the greens and tee off at one of Oxford County’s golf courses. From advanced to beginner, 9 or 18 holes, Oxford’s scenic courses are just the spot to spend a day or half day.
Get ready for a relaxing, cultural getaway in Oxford County.