4 Best Performing Arts in Vancouver, British Columbia

Arts Club Theatre Company

Fodor's choice
The Arts Club Theatre Company stages productions (a few by local playwrights) on three principal stages: the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage on South Granville, the Granville Island Stage, and a third in False Creek's Olympic Village.

Rio Theatre

Fodor's choice
Built in 1938, this independent cinema is an East Vancouver legend. Take in a classic film, award-winning movie, concert, or production while sipping on a cocktail and eating their famous grilled cheese. See website for showtimes.

Rio Theatre

Fodor's choice

You'll get a bit of everything at the Rio Theatre: Hollywood flicks, cult classics, as well as live entertainment like burlesque, comedy, and more. This is a real East Vancouver institution. When the building went up for sale in 2018, the community rallied together to raise more than $3 million to save the historic theater. There's also a bar and concession stand. (If you're hungry, order the grilled cheese.)

Recommended Fodor's Video

Vancouver TheatreSports League

Fodor's choice
Vancouver TheatreSports League is an internationally renowned comedy improv company; they run regular and themed shows (based on popular movies, television shows, and more) at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. They also host an annual winter comedy festival called The Massacre. Shows here are always laugh-out-loud funny.