Where to see live music in Vancouver

Vancouver hits all the right notes when it comes to live music. Thanks to its location on the West Coast, the city has become a favourite spot for touring acts, often serving as the opening or closing destination for major tours, including Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour. From stadium-filled performances at Rogers Arena or BC Place to the low-key buzz of indie sets at neighbourhood venues, the local music scene plays to every genre. Add cultural fixtures like the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and historical venues like the Commodore Ballroom or Vogue Theatre, and it’s easy to see why Vancouver is always in tune.

Rogers Arena

When top-charting acts roll into town, they’re almost guaranteed to take the stage at Rogers Arena, Vancouver’s most popular stop for major touring concerts. The 18,000-seat venue is conveniently located along the water just steps away from the SkyTrain. When it’s not welcoming chart-topping artists, the arena doubles as home ice for the Vancouver Canucks.

BC Place

As the city’s largest venue, BC Place has a capacity of more than 50,000 and sets the stage for some of the city’s biggest events. From massive concerts to international sporting events, the open-roof stadium delivers an unforgettable atmosphere. It’s will also be home to FIFA matches when the tournament arrives, adding to its legacy as a world-class venue for both live music and sport.

Pacific Coliseum

The Pacific Coliseum at PNE has been a key player in Vancouver’s live music history, with more than 15,000 seats and space for 2,000 more on the floor. It’s built to handle everything from classic rock icons to contemporary pop stars. Located within the Hastings Park complex, the venue continues to draw major acts and large crowds. With plans for a new outdoor amphitheatre nearby, the area is set to get louder (in the best way).

The Fox Cabaret

Once one of Vancouver’s last adult cinema theatres, the Fox Cabaret has reinvented itself into a cornerstone of Mount Pleasant’s live music and nightlife scene. The venue keeps a hint of its cheeky past with its red velvet interior, retro aesthetic, and a projection room that feels both playful and intimate. Today, it’s a go-to spot for indie bands, DJ sets, and performances that draw in a loyal crowd of locals.

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

For a live music experience that blends artistry and tradition, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra delivers timeless performances year-round. Based at the historic Orpheum Theatre, the VSO showcases everything from classical masterworks to contemporary collaborations and film score concerts. Its roster of talented musicians and guest conductors keeps the repertoire fresh, while the grandeur of the venue adds to the magic.

Commodore

If walls could talk, the Commodore Ballroom would have some stories to tell. Since opening in 1930, the Granville Street staple has welcomed a lineup of legends across every musical genre. Its sprung dance floor and standing-room layout give fans an up-close connection to the music. Decades later, the Commodore remains a cornerstone of the local music scene and a must-visit for anyone who loves seeing big acts in a small-room setting.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre brings a touch of elegance to Vancouver’s live music and performing arts scene. Known for its mid-century design and impeccable acoustics, this downtown gem hosts everything from orchestral performances to Broadway tours. It’s where live music meets a touch of theatre magic.

Vogue

Like stepping back into time, the Vogue Theatre offers a dose of art deco glamour with every show. Opened in the 1940s, the downtown landmark has transformed from a classic cinema theatre into one of Vancouver’s top live music venues. The vintage charm and sharp acoustics make it a favourite among both performers and ticketholders, hosting everything from indie bands to touring acts in a venue that makes even a Tuesday-night concert feel cinematic.

The Hollywood Theatre

A Kitsilano icon since the 1930s, the Hollywood Theatre blends its cinematic roots with a modern lineup of concerts and events. The space still features its original slanted floor, a charming reminder of its movie theatre roots. Before her rise to fame, Chappell Roan performed at the Hollywood Theatre in 2023, a reminder that the city often spotlights emerging talents before they make it big.

UBC Thunderbird Arena

Over at the University of British Columbia campus, the Thunderbird Arena often doubles as a stop for touring concerts when it’s not being used for sporting matches and large campus gatherings. Just a short drive from downtown, the arena offers a refreshing change of pace from the city’s core music venues, while the surrounding campus adds a relaxed, scenic backdrop.

Whether you’re drawn to intimate shows in neighbourhood venues or full-scale spectacles that fill the city’s biggest stadiums, there’s always a concert worth catching. With its mix of heritage and West Coast energy, Vancouver offers a year-round soundtrack that keeps both locals and visitors coming back for an encore.