About this venue
Irving Oil Auditorium is the main auditorium of Saint John’s historic Imperial Theatre, a performing arts venue restored to reflect the character of the original 1913 theatre. The theatre now accommodates approximately 850 guests across orchestra and balcony seating, with its stage regularly hosting theatre productions, concerts, comedy and other cultural events.
The interior combines the character of a traditional theatre with the infrastructure required for contemporary live performances. Orchestra and balcony sections provide different perspectives of the stage, while the comparatively intimate scale creates a more direct experience for music, spoken performances and theatrical productions. The venue is designed to accommodate a varied audience as well as professional touring and local productions.
12 King Square South, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada places the auditorium beside King’s Square in the central part of the city. The theatre does not have its own parking lot, but on-street and public parking options are available nearby, while the Charlotte Street / City Market transit stop is located across King’s Square from the theatre. For a broader overview of transportation around Saint John, the information further down the page provides additional context.
About the city
Saint John, a city on the Bay of Fundy in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, combines historic charm, coastal energy and a growing events scene. Its compact urban core makes it a practical choice for visitors attending concerts, sports matches and cultural events, as the main points of interest, restaurants, hotels and walking areas are located close to one another. Uptown Saint John stands out in particular as the city’s historic centre, where the atmosphere of an old port city naturally connects with modern spaces for entertainment and gathering.
Saint John’s infrastructure is well suited to event arrivals without unnecessary complications. Local public transport is operated by Saint John Transit, while the key airport for air arrivals is Saint John Airport (YSJ), located east of the city centre. Travellers combining their arrival with rail travel most often plan a connection through Moncton VIA Rail Station, with onward travel to Saint John arranged by road transport. The city’s main arena, TD Station, is located in the uptown core on Station Street, making access easy from accommodation, restaurants and waterfront areas, whether by public transport, taxi, car or on foot from the city centre.
Saint John’s tourist bonus is especially noticeable before or after an event. Visitors can walk through the narrow streets of Uptown, stop by Saint John City Market, explore King’s Square or enjoy Market Square and the Harbour Passage waterfront trail. The proximity of the Bay of Fundy gives the city a distinctive maritime character, so a stay is not limited only to the ticket, but can easily become a complete city experience with history, gastronomy, water views and the relaxed atmosphere of Atlantic Canada.
