The Best Theatre, Plays and Live Performances in Vancouver This Fall and Winter

Vancouver’s not just all mountains, ocean and scenery. Sure, we’re rich in natural beauty. But you know what else we have in plenty? Arts and culture. And Vancouver’s fall theatre season is a great example of that. From plays to comedy and shows for the whole family, we’ve got it all.

So, if you’re looking for the best theatre in Vancouver this fall, take a look at what’s on and find the show that piques your interest. And with so many of Vancouver’s theatre venues close to restaurants, bars and hotels, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to planning your full evening itinerary.

Planning Your Theatre Night

Part of what makes attending a show so great is the full experience. The dinner before, the drinks after, the stroll through the city on your way to the performance. And in Vancouver, it’s easy to make an evening of it.

Many of the city’s theatres are clustered within easy reach of hotels, restaurants, bars and transit. Downtown, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vogue Theatre and Orpheum are all close to one another, while Granville Island, South Granville and East Vancouver each offer their own performing arts scenes and are a short drive from downtown.

Plan to arrive early and grab dinner nearby before the curtain goes up, or stick around after the show to explore the neighbourhood. Wherever you’re seeing a performance, there’s plenty to discover nearby.

Local Theatre & Independent Productions

For plays in Vancouver that are more off the beaten path, the city’s local and independent scene is full of surprises this fall.

Vancouver Fringe Festival | Sept 10 - 20

The Vancouver Fringe Festival takes over Granville Island from September 10 to 20 and fills it with theatre, comedy, dance, drag and more performances and productions. There’s no jury deciding what makes the cut, so you never quite know what you’re going to get. And that’s half the fun.

Make a night of it: Pair your performance with waterfront views at The Sandbar or Dockside, then wander the island before or after the show.

Heist | Sept 17 - Oct 18

Over at the Stanley BFL CANADA Stage, the Arts Club Theatre Company is putting on Heist. This BC premiere follows a crew of thieves plotting to steal a multimillion-dollar ruby, so be sure to check it out if you’re a fan of suspense, dark humour and a little audience deception.

Make a night of it: Settle in for dinner at Gary’s, an elevated South Granville neighbourhood favourite.

JOB & The Horse of Jenin | Sept 29 - Oct 11

At The Cultch, JOB runs from September 29 to October 11, bringing a tense psychological thriller to edgy East Vancouver. Then from October 8 to 11, The Horse of Jenin mixes storytelling with stand-up comedy in a moving story.

Make a night of it: When heading to a Cultch show, stop in for pasta and wine at Caffè La Tana, which is literally right next door to the York Theatre.

Comedy & Cabaret

If your ideal theatre night involves more laughs than drama, Vancouver has lots of laughs on this season’s set list.

Vancouver Is Funny Comedy Festival | Sept 2 - 27

For a packed lineup of comedians, check out the Vancouver Is Funny Comedy Festival this September. Stand-up, improv and more will be taking place at venues across Vancouver, including the Biltmore Cabaret, Little Mountain Gallery, Vogue Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Rio Theatre.

Make a night of it: Before a show at Little Mountain Gallery, have a memorable dinner at L'Abattoir in Gastown.

Or if you’re catching a set at the Biltmore Cabaret, pop into Burdock & Co or Giustii for an elevated evening in Mount Pleasant.

Paul Anthony’s Talent Time! | Sept 8

For something a little more local and unpredictable, check out Paul Anthony’s Talent Time! at the Rio Theatre on September 8

Make a night of it: When on Commercial Drive, Bar Corso is an Italian spot with ambiance for a drink and a nibble before the show.

Marc Maron | Sept 26

Or if you prefer your comedy straight-up, see comedian Marc Maron at the Vogue Theatre. It’s a good bet for stand-up fans looking for a big night of laughs in the heart of downtown.

Make a night of it: When seeing a show at the Vogue, pair it with a lively downtown dinner at GLOWBAL.

Dance, Opera & Classical Music

For performances that are with a little more je ne sais quoi, Vancouver’s fall lineup has plenty to offer beyond theatre.

Chopin & Tchaikovsky 4 | Sept 11 - 13

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra kicks things off with Chopin & Tchaikovsky 4 at the Orpheum Theatre. An event worthy of any classical music fan's evening, or just anyone looking for a grand night out.

Make a night of it: Settle in for Italian at Cibo Trattoria, practically kitty-corner from the Orpheum.

ODE by Compagnie Catherine Gaudet | Oct 23 - 24

For contemporary dance, DanceHouse presents ODE by Compagnie Catherine Gaudet at the Vancouver Playhouse.

Make a night of it: Make your way to Chambar for a leisurely dinner before or after a night of DanceHouse.

Tosca | Oct 24 - Nov 1

Craving a glamorous night at the opera? Vancouver Opera is putting on Puccini’s Tosca at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre this fall.

Bodies & Voices | Nov 5 - 7

Also at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, check out Ballet BC’s Bodies & Voices for an elegant evening of ballet.

Make a night of it: Head for a decadent dinner at aquafarina before either Tosca or Bodies & Voices, both within easy reach of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Family Shows

Vancouver’s fall and winter lineup has plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

Jordan | Nov 12 - 15

Jordan, a co-production from Carousel Theatre for Young People, Geordie Theatre and The Cultch, runs at the Cultch Historic Theatre this November.

East Van Panto: Hercules | Nov 18 - Jan 3

Following Jordan comes Theatre Replacement’s beloved East Van Panto: Hercules, closing out the year at The Cultch’s York Theatre.

Make a night of it: Pepino’s Spaghetti House is right next door to the Cultch’s York Theatre, and about a Historic Theatre, making it the perfect spot for an elevated yet family-friendly dinner that’s convenient ahead of either show.

Stuart Little | Dec 4 - 20

This December, Carousel Theatre for Young People presents Stuart Little, an always-a-hit pick for young theatre fans and their grown-ups.

Make a night of it: Located on Granville Island, same as the Carousel Theatre for Young People, head to Tap & Barrel Bridges for a spacious family-friendly dinner with waterfront views and a broad menu that’ll please the whole table.

From curtain call to last call, the city’s performing arts scene makes it easy to turn seeing Vancouver theatre plays, shows and exploring more live performances into a full experience. Looking specifically for Broadway shows? Check out our guide to musicals and Broadway shows in Vancouver.