10 amazing Vancouver theatre and arts events happening in August
Vancouver music, theatre and arts lovers have lots to look forward to in August!
From Theatre Under the Stars to Harmony Arts Festival and more, here are 10 great arts events to check out around the city this month!
And for more fun things happening around town, be sure to visit our Listed section.
Theatre Under the Stars
@TUTSVancouver/Instagram
What: A longtime Vancouver theatre tradition returns to Stanley Park with a pair of iconic Broadway musicals.
Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS)’s 2026 season, its 86th year at the Malkin Bowl, will feature Sister Act and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Get swept up in the magic this summer.
When: Now to Aug. 22, 2026 (Performances alternate evenings)
Time: 8 p.m., except on special event nights, which start at 7 p.m.
Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park – 610 Pipeline Rd., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Summer Music and Fireworks Festival
What: Head down to New Westminster’s waterfront on Saturday, Aug. 22, for the Summer Music and Fireworks Festival.
The family-friendly event, presented by the Hyack Festival Association, features a day full of activities, entertainment, and, of course, a huge fireworks display at the end of the evening.
When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
Time: 4 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Westminster Quay, New Westminster
Cost: Free
Bradley Sakawsky’s Pro Comedy
What: Vancouver comedian Bradley Sakawsky presents a radical night of laughs inside a skateboard shop. Get ready for a lineup of the city’s funniest comedians curated by Sakawsky, with huge laughs, unique points of view, and more.
Comics this month will include Josh Fleming, Emily Qureshi, Kevin Appleby, Edem Kaminski, Abdul Ali and Matt Atkins.
When: Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Time: Doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m.
Where: Flatspot Longboard Shop — 112 East Pender St., Vancouver
Tickets: $15-$20, purchase online
Music on Main’s Summer Pop-Up Concerts
Music on Main
What: Summertime was made for relaxing in the park with pals and listening to great music. Now you can enjoy a live soundtrack thanks to a series of outdoor concerts happening this month.
Music on Main presents Summer Pop-Up Concerts at Mount Pleasant Park from Aug. 11 to 13. The evening concerts will feature a range of music styles, and all performances are free.
When: Aug. 11 to 13, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Mount Pleasant Park — West 16th Avenue at Ontario Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Vines Art Festival
What: The 12th annual multidisciplinary Vines Art Festival features visual and performing artists showcasing their talents at parks throughout Vancouver. The festival states that it is rooted in Indigenous knowledge, queer-hearted, and neurodiverse-minded, with attendees able to enjoy free live music, dance, storytelling and more.
When: Aug. 5 to 15, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
Jokers Canada’s Kitsilano Comedy Classic
What: Jokers Canada is a travelling comedy club that showcases professional and hilarious stand-ups all over the region.
Laugh your way through the end of summer with a lineup that includes Charlie Demers (CBC Debaters), Ola Dada (Canada’s Got Talent), Syd Bosel (CBC LOL), Kelsey Hamilton (CHO Comedy Album), Zawer Sulaiman (JFL Vancouver), and Damonde Tschritter (Winner of the International Seattle Comedy Competition) in the Vancouver theatre.
When: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Hollywood Theatre — 3123 West Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online
Harmony Arts Festival
Harmony Arts Festival/Facebook
What: West Vancouver’s annual Harmony Arts Festival runs from July 31 to Aug. 9 with an array of cultural events and food programming.
With dozens of live music performances, art markets and demonstrations, food events and more, this summery event is one you won’t want to miss.
When: July 31 to Aug. 9, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations in West Vancouver
Cost: Various, including free concerts and programming. Learn more online
TheatreSports at The Improv Centre
What: Two teams of hilarious improvisers create sketches and scenes inspired by audiences’ suggestions at the Improv Centre. Cheer on your favourite comedians to victory, and you may even be selected to be one of the judges for the night.
When: Every Friday and Saturday
Time: 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., depending on the date
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase Online
Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival
What: One of Metro Vancouver’s most popular outdoor music festivals will be returning this month, and it’s giving fans a huge reason to cheer.
Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, happening at the Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park on Saturday, Aug. 8, is once again offering free admission in 2026. Fans will also be treated to a stellar lineup of performers, including headliner Talk and Canadian icon Jully Black.
When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
Time: 3:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: Deer Lake Park Festival Lawn – 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Cost: Free
Bard on the Beach
What: Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare festivals. Presented in a magnificent setting on the waterfront in Vancouver’s Vanier Park, the festival offers Shakespeare’s plays, related dramas, and several special events from June through September each year.
This year’s offerings include The Merry Wives of Windsor, Macbeth, Goblin:Oedipus, and Antigone.
When: Now until Sept. 19, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Vanier Park – 1695 Whyte Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online