Must-see entertainment in Vancouver

Mostly performing at Granville Island's Waterfront Theatre, with some shows at the alternate Performance Works space nearby, this child-focused drama…

The city's most popular improv group stages energetic romps – sometimes connected to themes like Tinder dating – at this purpose-built theater. Whatever…

This unusual fringe-style venue stages a broad mixture of shows during its September-to-June season, mostly with a light undercurrent of Christian themes…

This yellow-painted, wood-built community hall – which has the look of a worker's club without the edge – is popular with local cool kids as well as old…

Founded in 1954, the Lions are Vancouver's team in the Canadian Football League (CFL), which is arguably more exciting than its US counterpart, the NFL…

One of the leading players in Vancouver's independent-theater scene, this intimate, studio-sized venue is located inside a historic former fire station…

Recent years haven't been hugely successful for Vancouver's National Hockey League (NHL) team, which means it's sometimes easy to snag tickets to a game…

Kitsilano's biggest movie house, popular Fifth Avenue screens indie films, foreign flicks and blockbuster Hollywood schlock (those locals might look like…

A 1940s heritage venue – check out the retro art-deco figure perched on top of the streamlined exterior – the Vogue was bought and refurbished a few years…

Formerly just a summertime venue for musicals, this smashing Stanley Park stage has become an increasingly popular spot for alfresco live music. Elvis…

If you thought poetry was a tweedy, soporific experience, check out the weekly events organized by the Vancouver Poetry House at Cafe Deux Soleils for a…

This comfortably grungy former church hall is a friendly neighborhood spot, close to the heart of in-the-know locals who flock here to catch live ska,…

These fun folkie meet-up nights include an open-stage session, support act, jam time and the 9pm main act. Local and visiting performers may be scheduled…

Revamped from its grungy 1970s incarnation, the funky Rickshaw shows that Eastside gentrification can be positive. The stage of choice for many punk and…

Cross-reference with the Vancouver Art Gallery's website before you arrive and you might find there's an upcoming FUSE event to add to your vacation…

Visiting movie nuts with a penchant for making their own flicks – or just chewing the fat with those who do – should unspool their film at one of…

An 80-year-old tradition that generations of locals know and love, this alfresco waterfront stage near Kits Pool offers free shows and concerts in summer…

Vancouver's dance headquarters, this cleverly reinvented old bank building offers a kaleidoscopic array of activities that makes it one of Canada's…

A public jam session for local and visiting bluegrass and old-time music fans staged upstairs at the ANZA Club; everyone is welcome to watch or join in. A…

Incongruously located on the 3rd floor of a usually half-empty Chinatown shopping mall, this popular Vancouver theater combines blockbuster and art-house…