Not everyone can afford tickets to the World Cup 2026, but there are other ways to get in on the celebrations, including watch parties, romance excursions and, well, theatre.
This summer, Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon, about 1.5 hours northeast of the GTA, is turning World Cup mania into an interactive dinner theatre experience with Murder at the Match: 2026 World Cup Edition, a comedic murder mystery inspired by the world’s biggest sporting event.
The show runs from June 25 to July 4 and blends audience participation with cabaret-style dining and soccer-themed satire for a full evening out in the Kawarthas. The story follows an international World Cup tournament gone very wrong: think scheming managers, overhyped superstars, social media influencers and clashing egos spiralling into chaos after a key player mysteriously disappears before kickoff. You, as an audience participant, will get a chance to solve the murder (all before dessert is served).
Tickets are $100 plus fees and include dinner and the show (if nothing else, it’s the perfect opportunity to dress in support of your fave World Cup team).
The production is also a perfect excuse for a summer road trip to Bobcaygeon itself! It’s one of the Kawarthas’ best-known cottage towns, with stunning waterfront views and a laid-back small-town atmosphere (bonus: there are tons of cute places to stay, everything from rustic cabins to bed & breakfasts and lux cottages with amazing views).
Make it a weekend trip and spend some time browsing the chic boutiques, cafés and food stops along Bolton St and the downtown core: you’ll find everything from Godfathers Pizza (the dough is prepared in-house and fresh every day) to Wheatsheaf Café, which serves freshly baked pastries and sandwiches, and has one of the best breakfasts in town, according to locals. Grab a Muskoka Mocha cone from the original Kawartha Dairy location on Prince St before watching boats pass through Lock 32, one of the busiest locks on the Trent-Severn Waterway.
The town is also home to the Kawartha Settlers’ Village, a once bustling family farm that’s been transformed into a captivating historical site, featuring over 20 historic homes and buildings that offer a glimpse into the lives of pioneers in the Kawarthas from the late 19thcentury.
For a nature hit, head to Big Bob Channel, a hot spot for ospreys, eagles, swans and loons with incredibly scenic waterfront views, especially around twilight. Adventurous visitors with boat access can also plan a hike on Big (Chiminis) Island in Pigeon Lake, where there are more than 8 km of hiking trails. Before you leave, grab a peony bouquet at the Bobcaygeon Flower Company as a sweet souvenir for a loved one.
After exploring Bobcaygeon, check out these 35 essential summer day trips from Toronto.
