Performing Arts Festivals in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

The Vancouver area is home to a wide range of performing arts festivals that showcase theatre, dance, music, and multimedia works from local, national, and international artists. From large-scale contemporary productions to community-driven cultural celebrations, these festivals highlight the region’s creative spirit and diverse voices.

Below are some of the most notable performing arts festivals in Metro Vancouver (organized in alphabetical order).

Bard on the Beach Festival

Bard on the Beach is Vancouver’s signature Shakespeare festival, held every summer at Vanier Park. Set against a stunning backdrop of the city skyline and mountains, the festival presents high-quality productions of Shakespeare’s plays along with contemporary works inspired by his writing.

In addition to performances, Bard on the Beach offers educational workshops, talks, and special events. It’s a perfect blend of theatre, community, and natural beauty.

For more details about the festival, visit the Bard on the Beach website.

Chutzpah! Festival

The Chutzpah! Festival is a long-running celebration of theatre, music, and dance, featuring both local and international talent. Pronounced with a silent “C,” the festival usually takes place in the fall at venues across Vancouver.

In addition to its main program, a special Chutzpah Plus Festival is held in the spring, offering audiences even more opportunities to enjoy cutting-edge performances. The event is known for bringing diverse artistic perspectives together, highlighting contemporary works as well as cultural traditions.

For more information, read our article about the Chutzpah! Festival.

Coastal First Nations Dance Festival

The Coastal First Nations Dance Festival honours Indigenous culture, storytelling, and performance through traditional and contemporary dance. Hosted by the Dancers of Damelahamid, the festival brings together Indigenous artists from across the Pacific Northwest and around the world.

The dance festival happens at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. The event celebrates resilience, cultural pride, and artistic expression. Visitors can experience breathtaking performances, songs, and regalia that showcase the rich heritage and living traditions of First Nations communities.

For more details, visit our article about the Coastal Dance Festival.

Festival du Bois

Festival du Bois is the biggest Francophone festival in the Greater Vancouver region. It’s a celebration of French-Canadian culture held around March each year. The festival takes place at Coquitlam’s Mackin Park.

The multi-day event features music and dance performances. On the first evening there’s usually a Contra Night Dance that gets the audience up and moving to live music. There are also cultural workshops, food vendors and other things to see and do.

To learn more about this festival, visit the Festival du Bois website.

Fort Langley International Ukulele Festival

The Fort Langley International Ukulele Festival brings together ukulele players and enthusiasts from near and far for a weekend of music, learning and fun. The festival features concerts, workshops and jam sessions led by talented musicians and instructors.

Celebrating the joy of music-making, the event welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. With performances across the historic village and plenty of opportunities to strum along, the Ukulele Festival captures the friendly, creative spirit of Fort Langley.

For more details about the festival, visit the Fort Langley International Ukulele Festival website.

Fort Langley Jazz Festival

The Fort Langley Jazz Festival is a lively multi-day celebration of jazz music set in the heart of Fort Langley. It features performances from talented local, national and international artists across multiple stages. The event offers everything from classic swing to modern jazz fusion, appealing to music lovers of all kinds.

In addition to concerts, the festival includes street performances, food vendors and family-friendly entertainment. With its welcoming small-town charm and world-class music, the Fort Langley Jazz Festival has quickly become one of the Fraser Valley’s most anticipated summer events.

For more information about the festival, visit the Fort Langley Jazz Festival website.

Heart of the City Festival (DTES Festival)

The Downtown Eastside’s Heart of the City Festival is a community-based event that reflects the neighbourhood’s traditions, resilience, and creativity. For over two decades, it has brought together local organizations, artists, and residents to celebrate with readings, musical performances, theatre productions, art galleries, cultural talks and storytelling.

The event is presented by Vancouver Moving Theatre in partnership with groups such as the Association of United Ukrainian Canadians and the Carnegie Community Centre. Each year explores a unique theme, with recent editions focusing on connection and shared histories.

For more information, check out our article about the DTES Festival.

Mission Folk Music Festival

The Mission Folk Music Festival is a beloved summer tradition celebrating folk, roots and world music. Held at Fraser River Heritage Park, the event features an eclectic lineup of artists from across Canada and beyond.

The festival is known for its warm, community-focused atmosphere, where families, friends, and music lovers gather to enjoy live performances under the open sky. Workshops, craft vendors and local food add to the relaxed, welcoming vibe of this long-running cultural event.

For more details, read our article about Mission Folk Music Festival.

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is one of Vancouver’s signature cultural events. Celebrating its 21st season in 2026, it features around two dozen innovative works that combine theatre, dance, multimedia, and music. Performances take place at multiple venues across the city from mid-January through early February, with some programming also offered online.

The festival attracts more than 20,000 attendees each year and is known for pushing artistic boundaries. In addition to ticketed shows, audiences can enjoy free events that make the festival accessible to a wider community. PuSh brings together leading-edge artists from Vancouver, Canada, and around the world.

To learn more, see our article about the PuSh Festival or visit the pushfestival.ca website.

STAND Festival

Founded in 2021, the STAND Festival (Strength Through Art Network Diversity) highlights the creativity and experiences of immigrant and refugee artists in Vancouver. This inspiring event gives newcomers a platform to share their stories through dance, theatre, music and visual arts.

The festival includes live performances, art exhibitions, and knowledge-sharing workshops that foster dialogue and cultural exchange. It’s both a celebration of artistic expression and a showcase of the diverse voices that contribute to the region’s cultural landscape.

For more details, visit our article about the Stand Festival.

Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Festival

The Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Festival is Vancouver’s annual showcase of Taiwanese and Canadian artistic talent, offering family-friendly things to do in July.

The outdoor festivities happen at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s North Plaza. There’s usually live entertainment, an art exhibition, crafts and other activities. Taiwanese Heritage Month debuted in 2025, expanding the celebrations with a series of other events too.

For more information about the festival, visit the Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Festival website.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is one of the city’s longest-running and most iconic summer events. Held at Jericho Beach Park, it features a diverse lineup of musicians performing across multiple outdoor stages. The festival celebrates folk, roots and world music, drawing audiences from across the region.

Beyond the music, the festival includes artisan markets, global cuisine and family-friendly activities. Its scenic beachside setting, inclusive spirit, and rich musical variety make it a highlight of Vancouver’s summer festival season.

For more details about the festival, visit the Vancouver Folk Music Festival website.

Vancouver Flamenco Festival

The Vancouver Flamenco Festival celebrates the passion and artistry of flamenco through dance, music and culture. The event features talented local and international performers who bring this vibrant Spanish tradition to life. Audiences can experience flamenco’s intensity and rhythm through a series of live performances, workshops and special presentations.

The festival showcases both traditional and contemporary styles, highlighting the versatility and emotion of the art form. It’s a chance to see world-class dancers and musicians in intimate theatre settings around Vancouver, offering a taste of Spain’s cultural soul in the heart of the city.

For more information about the festival, visit the Vancouver Flamenco Festival website.

Vancouver International Children’s Festival

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival is a family-focused event held on Granville Island from late May until early June. It’s a professional performing arts festival for children with an array of theatre, music, dance, puppetry, acrobatics, storytelling, and hands-on art activities presented by performers from Canada and around the globe.

Each year, thousands of young visitors enjoy an engaging mix of shows and creative experiences. While the main stage shows require separate tickets, most activities are included with general admission.

To learn more about the festival, visit the Vancouver International Children’s Festival website.

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is one of Canada’s premier music events, transforming the city into a hub of live jazz every summer. The festival showcases hundreds of performances by world-renowned artists and emerging local talent across multiple indoor and outdoor venues.

From waterfront stages to intimate clubs, the festival offers something for every listener. With free concerts, ticketed shows, and community programming, it celebrates the creativity, diversity, and improvisation that define jazz music.

For more details about the festival, visit the Vancouver International Jazz Festival website.

Vancouver International Dance Festival

The Vancouver International Dance Festival (VIDF) is a major celebration of contemporary and cultural dance forms. Each year, it brings together acclaimed artists and emerging performers from around the world for a month of exciting shows. The festival includes a mix of traditional, experimental, and cross-disciplinary performances that reflect the diversity of the global dance community.

Beyond the stage, VIDF offers free events, workshops and talks, encouraging connection between artists and audiences. The festival’s commitment to accessibility and creativity has made it one of Vancouver’s leading arts events, inspiring both seasoned dance lovers and new audiences alike.

For more information, check out our article about the Vancouver International Dance Festival.

Other Information

Whether you’re drawn to world-class theatre, groundbreaking dance, powerful community storytelling, or multicultural celebrations, Vancouver’s performing arts festivals offer something for everyone. With events taking place throughout the year, they provide a window into the creativity, diversity, and cultural vibrancy of the region.

For more information about these events, check out the following articles on the Vancouver’s Best Places website: