ANNUAL EVENT

Get goosebumps from voices soaring onstage. Vibrant costumes and spectacular sets pull you into a new world. As the music swells from the orchestra, the wind brushes your arm, and you’re reminded that you’re not in a traditional theatre.

Douglas firs, hemlocks, and cedar trees stretch high overhead, creating a dark green backdrop around the brightly lit stage. As the sun dips, the sky shifts from blue to a wash of pink and purple. As darkness settles in, the stars make their quiet entrance.

You’re at Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS), hosted in the Malkin Bowl, a historic amphitheatre in the heart of Stanley Park. Since 1940, this beloved Vancouver event has been entertaining audiences with large-scale musicals set in a West Coast forest.

A mix of classics and hits

Enjoy family-friendly musicals with broad appeal, including Disney favourites and Broadway gems. You’ll leave humming your favourite tune.

Nature joining the production

Watch the changing sky become part of the lighting design and the breeze moving through the trees creates its own choreography.

A shared community energy

Join generations of TUTS fans and first-time visitors. The shared anticipation, reactions, and applause becomes part of the magic.

Special theme nights

Add some whimsy to your TUTS experience on Pride Night and other dress-up events. Break the ice as you swap compliments with fellow costumed guests.

Arrive at TUTS by wandering through the pathways of Stanley Park, an urban oasis located on the edge of the West End and Coal Harbour. The Malkin Bowl is next to the Rose Garden and the Stanley Park Pavilion. All three use the address 610 Pipeline Road.

Malkin Bowl

The Malkin Bowl is a performance venue born from the desire to offer beauty during the Great Depression. W.H. Malkin, a former Vancouver mayor, prominent grocer, and Park Board Commissioner, wanted to create jobs and a beautiful space for free music performances. When his wife passed away in 1933, he donated the funds to construct a stage in Stanley Park to honour her memory.

If you notice similarities between the Malkin Bowl and the Hollywood Bowl, that’s no coincidence. The famous California landmark inspired the curved architecture, crescent arch, and open-air design. On July 8, 1934, the Malkin Bowl opened with a free performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, drawing a crowd of 15,000 to the park lawns.

For its first few years, the Malkin Bowl hosted orchestra concerts and community bands. In 1940, Theatre Under the Stars was formed and joined the Malkin Bowl lineup. Since then, TUTS has become a well-loved Vancouver summer tradition. It even received a royal honour when Queen Elizabeth II attended a special performance of The Chocolate Soldier.

Today, you can experience Theatre Under the Stars in the same historic venue that has welcomed audiences for generations.

Save money with special offers: For the best value, consider a Subscription Pack. There are discounts for Groups of 10 and more and you can save with Youth, Preview Nights, Early Bird, and Student Rush pricing. Visit the TUTS site for details and eligibility.

Buy Exchange Insurance with your ticket: TUTS performs rain or shine and your ticket is not transferable. Exchange Insurance lets you change your ticket once to a different evening if bad weather or a change of plans gets in the way. If you buy the Subscription Pack, the Exchange Insurance is included.

For better sightlines, skip the front row: While the front row feels close to the action, many theatregoers prefer sitting a few rows back for a better view of the performance.

Indulge in the VIP Experience: Treat your family, friends, colleagues, or special clients to a night to remember. The VIP Experience gives your group the best seats in the house along with a private area and catering options. To learn more or book, contact: info@tuts.ca.

By car, taxi or rideshare: Enter 610 Pipeline Road in your navigation app.

By transit: Take the #19 bus from downtown to the Stanley Park Loop. You’ll be about a 5-minute walk to Malkin Bowl. Use the TransLink Planner to map your route.

By bike: You can get to TUTS via the network of bike paths that connect to the famous Seawall. Use Vancouver's interactive cycling map to plan your route. Once you arrive, there are bike racks inside the fenced theatre area.

Accessible arrival: There is a drop-off area at the Stanley Park Pavilion, next to Malkin Bowl.

Parking: The closest parking lot is at the Stanley Park Pavilion. If this is full, you can head to the more spacious Junction lot on Pipeline Road near the Miniature Train. From there, it’s around a 7-minute walk to the Malkin Bowl. Both have Accessible Parking.

Paying for parking: Pay stations at Stanley Park generally accept credit cards and debit cards, but not cash. For the most convenient experience, you can also pay through mobile apps. The ones accepted at the park are Zipby, HonkMobile, Passport or ParkMobile.

Helpful maps: Print or save the Stanley Park and TUTS maps on your phone to help navigate your way. Malkin Bowl is next to the Rose Garden in the Stanley Park map.

Arrive early: The TUTS gates open one hour before showtime. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance to find your seats, grab refreshments, and get settled. Latecomers will not be seated until there’s a suitable break in the action.

What to wear: The Malkin Bowl is an outdoor theatre, so come prepared for an evening in Stanley Park. Layer up with clothing and footwear suitable to the weather forecast. If you wear glasses, bring a baseball cap to keep your glasses dry in case it rains.

What to bring: Pack a small towel to dry your seat in case of rain, hand warmers for cooler evenings, and bug spray for mosquitoes. Don’t forget a portable charger for your phone or a flashlight.

What not to bring: To ensure everyone has a clear view, umbrellas are not permitted. Outside alcohol and pets are also not allowed.

Food and drinks: You are welcome to pack a picnic dinner to enjoy at your seat or on the grass. TUTS offers a Garden Café, a hot drinks bar, and a licensed bar. If you prefer a more leisurely dining experience, Stanley’s Bar & Grill in the Pavilion offers a West Coast-inspired menu just a short stroll away.

Seating comfort: The Malkin Bowl features lawn-style theatre seating with chairs on the grass. Many guests bring a cushion for extra comfort or rent one on-site.

Washrooms: There are portable washrooms and handwashing stations at the theatre. For more comfortable facilities, use the ones at the Stanley Park Pavilion next to the Malkin Bowl. Both locations are fully accessible.

Leaving after the show: Stanley Park gets very dark after the final curtain. Bring a flashlight or make sure your phone is charged if you plan to use its flashlight feature. Cyclists should remember to bring a bike light.

Taxi and rideshare pickup: Park traffic can be heavy after a show, making it difficult for taxis or rideshares to reach the Malkin Bowl. Consider walking 15 to 20 minutes to The Westin Bayshore at 1601 Bayshore Drive. It’s a convenient pickup location where taxis are often available and rideshare drivers can more easily meet you.