Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture
Visit art galleries. Experience live theatre. Discover one-of-a-kind artisans. Immerse yourself in culture. All in Aylmer Ontario.
Old Town Hall Theatre & Library – 38 John Street South, Aylmer
The Old Town Hall in Aylmer, Ontario, is a cornerstone of the town’s heritage, with a rich history dating back to its construction in 1873 after Aylmer was incorporated as a village. Built to serve as a town hall and market, the building also housed a post office, police station, Mechanics’ Institute library, and council chambers. Despite early construction delays and quality concerns, it quickly became the civic and cultural heart of Aylmer. A bell was installed in 1874, and the second floor Opera House hosted concerts, lectures, political events (including a visit from Sir John A. Macdonald), and popular minstrel shows. Over time, however, the hall fell into disrepair, prompting contentious debates and repeated referendums about renovations.
By the 1970s, the building was largely unused and faced possible demolition. A passionate community group, Heritage Aylmer, rallied to save it, leading to its designation as a heritage structure in 1980. Despite opposition and legal challenges, Council approved restoration plans. Renovations transformed the first floor into the Aylmer Library by 1982, and by 1988, the Opera House was also restored. The building now serves as both a library and a performing arts venue, preserving its Victorian architecture and civic legacy. Today, it remains a cherished symbol of community pride and perseverance.
Upcoming Public Events at Old Town Hall Theatre
2025/2026 Season Tickets available for the Performance Series presented by the Aylmer Performing Arts Council
To purchase tickets, please visit:
- Campbells II – 15 Talbot Street East, Aylmer
- At the door on the day of the performance (cash or cheque only) – Old Town Hall Theatre 38 John Street South, Aylmer
- www.artsinaylmer.com
Performance Lineup:
- Saturday September 27, 2025 – Sam Polley and The Old Tomorrows presented by the Aylmer Performing Arts Council
- Saturday October 25, 2025 – Dala – Girls from the North Country presented by the Aylmer Performing Arts Council
- Saturday November 22, 2025 – Carlos del Junco presented by the Aylmer Performing Arts Council
- Saturday December 6, 2025 – A Creature is Stirring Story by Justin Shaw presented by the Aylmer Performing Arts Council
- Saturday January 10, 2026 – Grievous Angels ft. Charlie Angus presented by the Aylmer Performing Arts Council
- Saturday February 28, 2026 – Matt Weidinger Band presented by the Aylmer Performing Arts Council
- Saturday March 21, 2026 – Whitehorse presented by the Aylmer Performing Arts Council
Old Town Hall Theatre Booking Requests
Old Town Hall Theatre is available for rent as a venue for a variety of functions including weddings, musical and theatrical performances, corporate events, ceremonies, and celebrations.
For more information or to request a booking, please visit the Old Town Hall Events & Booking Requests page.
The Aylmer Area Community Band and Choir are sister groups with a true community feel. Members range in age as well as in experience and ability, but come together to perform for a variety of events such as Remembrance Day ceremonies, Christmas carol sings, and visits to long-term care homes.
A community museum offering exciting exhibits on the culture and history of Aylmer and Malahide. Open yearly March to November. Evening tours available for groups. Access to the archives by appointment.
Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives
14 East Street
Aylmer, ON N5H 1W2
519-773-9723
Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives Facebook Page
Visit the Old Town Hall and admire the original Italianate architectural design, arcaded brickwork, boldly-modelled cornice, and the beautiful Florentine windows. Sit in the Opera house where famous poetess Pauline Johnson once graced the stage in the 1880’s or where Canada’s first Prime Minster, Sir John A. MacDonald addressed the residents of Aylmer.
Old Town Hall is available to host events such as wedding ceremonies, anniversaries, birthdays, and company celebrations.
Seating Capacity:
- Total: maximum 185 “theatre style” set-up
- Main Floor: 93 “theatre style” set-up
- Balcony: 92 (84 fixed seating & 8 loose chairs)
Amenities:
- Elevator access
- Large projection screen
- Kiawa piano
- Microphone
- Refreshment counter
- Dressing rooms for theatrical performances
- Small kitchen with fridge
Old Town Hall Theatre – Rental Request Form
38 John Street South
Aylmer, ON N5H 2C2
Contact Aylmer Town Hall to book your event 519-773-3164
The Aylmer Library is a branch of the Elgin County Library system and is located in one of Aylmer’s Oldest Buildings – the Old Town Hall, located at 38 John Street South.
Aylmer Old Town Hall Library offers patrons access to books, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, online research databases, local history on microfilm, game kits and more. In addition to borrowing materials, Aylmer Library offers community programs to help nurture the love of reading from infancy to adulthood.
Aylmer Library
38 John Street South
Aylmer ON N5H 2C2
The Old Town Hall hosts entertainment on behalf of the Aylmer Performing Arts Committee (APAC) providing Aylmer and area residents with a playlist each year with entertainers such as Canadian country starts High Valley, and Royal Wood.
The dedicated individuals on the Aylmer Performing Arts Committee arrange professional programs annually from September through May. Performances range from drama, comedy, singing/dancing, and instrumental music appealing to diverse interests.
38 John Street South
Aylmer ON N5H 2C2
519-765-3039
Aylmer Performing Arts Council Facebook Page
The Settlement Stories Quilt Trail is a tourism adventure that showcases unique cultural businesses with a visual of a large quilt block sign 5 x 5 with title banners. The quilt block is symbolic of the ‘place’. This trail is a story of the business, the importance of its history to our settlement area and the reason for that quilt block is assigned to each site.
Quilt Sites in Aylmer include:
- Aylmer Town Hall
- Old Town Hall & Theatre
- Mennonite Community Services
- Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives
- Aylmer Express