104 Wellington Street, Stratford Ontario
Frequently Asked Questions
At The Bunker Performance Lounge & Cafe, we get a lot of great questions from both guests and performers. Here are some quick answers to help you plan your visit, enjoy a show, or get involved on stage.
For Our Guests
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What kind of events do you host?
We’re open as a cocktail lounge Tuesday through Saturday from 6 PM. Most nights are free to attend unless otherwise noted as a ticketed show or a Pay What You Can event. Here’s what a typical week looks like:-
Tuesdays – Karaoke 🎤
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Wednesdays – Open Mic Night
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Thursdays – Variety Nights (second Open Mic, Bring Your Own Vinyl, Poetry Stratford Live, and more)
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Fridays – Friday Night Sessions featuring local and regional talent. The last Friday of every month is our Seasonal Songwriter Round Series, spotlighting artists mainly from southwestern Ontario.
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Saturdays – Saturday Night Live Shows featuring Rock, Country, Easy Listening, and more. The last Saturday of every month is reserved for Bunker Comedy Nights.
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Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Only for ticketed shows. We’re an intimate listening room with limited seating, so advance tickets are strongly recommended—especially for Saturday shows, our Songwriter Series, and special events. Pay What You Can events don’t require tickets, but seating is still first come, first served. -
What time do doors open?
Our lounge opens at 6 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. For special shows, hours may shift slightly—check the event listing for details. -
What kind of drinks do you serve?
Cocktails are at the heart of what we do. Our bar team crafts both classic and original creations, with the same care going into our mocktails and alcohol-free choices. Beer, cider, wine, and cafe beverages are also available—there’s something for everyone. -
Do you serve food?
Yes! While we don’t have a full kitchen, we offer our cold food “Bunker Bites” menu, along with delicious cheesecake from Black Angus Bakery—perfect for pairing with a cocktail or coffee during a show. -
Where are you located?
You’ll find us at 104 Wellington Street, Stratford—right across from the historic Parlour Inn at the corner of Wellington and St. Patrick. We’re just a two-minute walk from the Avon Theatre. -
Where can I park?
There’s plenty of street parking nearby, as well as municipal lots within easy walking distance. -
Is The Bunker wheelchair accessible?
Not fully. While our doorway and seating area ramp are manageable for some mobility devices, our washroom does not currently meet full accessibility standards. Guests are welcome to attend if they’re comfortable with these limitations, and we’ll gladly offer assistance wherever possible. -
Is The Bunker all-ages?
Yes! We welcome all ages. On ticketed nights, every guest (including children) is required to purchase a ticket. For non-ticketed nights, all are welcome to come enjoy the lounge atmosphere. -
What makes The Bunker different from other venues?
We’re more than just a bar or stage—we’re Stratford’s dedicated listening room. That means when artists perform, the focus is on the music. Guests can still enjoy a handcrafted cocktail, a mocktail, or a bite to eat, but the atmosphere is built around respecting and celebrating live performance.
For Performers
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How can I apply to perform at The Bunker?
Fill out our Performer Inquiry Form on the website. This helps us match your act with the right night and audience. -
What types of acts are you looking for?
We love variety. Whether you’re a solo musician, band, comedian, poet, author, or actor, The Bunker is a space for artists to share their work. -
Do you provide sound equipment?
Yes! We’re fully equipped with a professional sound system, microphones, monitors, and a sound technician. Our stage was designed by musicians, featuring a drum booth with a fully mic’d kit—set up for an optimal experience for both artists and audience. -
What is the audience like at The Bunker?
Our audience comes for the experience of a true listening room. They’re attentive, engaged, and here to connect with your performance—whether it’s a quiet acoustic set, a comedy routine, or a full band show. -
Can I sell my merch at The Bunker?
Of course! We encourage artists to bring merchandise. Just let us know ahead of time so we can help with setup.
Didn’t see your question here? Reach out to us anytime—we’d be happy to help. Whether you’re planning your first visit, enjoying cocktails with friends, or looking to step on stage, we’d love to hear from you.
