10 amazing Vancouver theatre and arts events happening in January

Kick off 2026 with some great theatre happening in and around Vancouver!

Here are 10 fantastic events to add to your calendar to start the new year, including Moulin Rouge!, The Heat at The Improv Centre, and more.

And for more fun things happening around town, be sure to visit our Listed section.

Broadway Across Canada – Moulin Rouge! The Musical

What: The highly anticipated Moulin Rouge! The Musical from Jan. 20 to 25 is filled with all the iconic songs from Baz Luhrmann’s epic film. Get ready to explore the world of splendour, glitz and glory with poet Christian and cabaret star Satine. The show, directed by Tony winner Alex Timbers, promises to be a celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and — above all — love.

Snowed In Comedy Tour 2026

What: The long-running winter comedy tour returns to Surrey on Tuesday, Jan. 20, and Vancouver on Friday, Jan. 23. This year’s lineup includes Great Canadian Laugh Off winner Paul Myrehaug, Sirius-XM Radio Top Comic winner Pete Zedlacher, CBC’s The Debaters regular Erica Sigurdson, and winner of The Canadian comedy competition at Just for Laughs Dan Quinn.

When: Jan. 20, 2026 (Surrey), Jan. 23, 2026 (Vancouver)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Surrey Art Gallery & Surrey Arts Centre – 13750 88th Ave., Surrey; York Theatre — 639 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

What: PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is back for another groundbreaking year this winter, and it promises a lineup of works for every type of live arts enthusiast.

Highlights include The Motha’ Kiki Ball, Khalil Khalil, and the highly anticipated Opening Party.

When: Thursday, Jan. 22 to Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Cost: Various prices, including several free events. Purchase online

Paradisum by Recirquel (Hungary)

What: DanceHouse presents Recirquel’s Paradisum, which fuses circus, dance, and physical theatre by using the common language of movement to explore themes of renewal and connection in the face of an uncertain future.

Accompanied by a striking soundscape, six performers take the Vancouver Playhouse stage, embodying the overwhelming effort of existence in a post-apocalyptic world. Elements of stagecraft – a rippling black drape, a ladder, rings, a hoop – transform the stage into a living being, creating otherworldly vistas as the artists engage in breathtaking aerial work and choreography.

When: Jan. 21 to 24, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. (Wednesday to Saturday), 2 p.m. (Saturday)
Where: Vancouver Playhouse – 600 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Cost: Starting at $40.75, purchase online

Whose Live Anyway?

What: “Whose Live Anyway?” features Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff Davis, and Joel Murray. Together, they perform many of the hilarious games made famous on their Emmy-nominated TV series, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which aired from 1998 to 2004 and returned to the airwaves from 2013 to 2024.

When: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

MENA Film Festival

What: Films from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA) regions get the spotlight at the seventh edition of the festival, which is happening at the Vancouver Playhouse (opening ceremony) and the VIFF Centre. Check out over 40 shorts and feature films, industry events, panel discussions, and more.

When: Jan. 15 to 23, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Vancouver Playhouse and VIFF Centre
Cost: Various prices, purchase online.

The Heat International Comedy Showcase at The Improv Centre

What: The Improv Centre’s The Heat is an international showcase happening on Granville Island from Tuesday, Jan. 27 to Saturday, Jan. 31.

The Heat begins with an opening night featuring all of the teams, followed by a talkback session with the international comedians.

Each show will feature international performers and TIC artists teaming up in shows that feature short-form games, an international showcase of a visiting troupe’s improv style, and an “all-play” mixer.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 27 to Saturday, Jan. 31, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices. Tickets available online.

Burning Mom

What: Arts Club Theatre is on tour with its inspiring comedy, Burning Mom. Meet Dorothy, who, upon realizing that life is too short to put off achieving one’s goals, heads off in an RV to Burning Man.

Join the journey of self-discovery and learn how art and human connection can keep us going on life’s winding roads.

When: Various dates from Jan. 8 to Feb. 8, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Kay Meek Arts Centre in West Vancouver (Jan. 8 and 9), Anvil Centre in New Westminster (Jan. 10 and 11), Surrey Arts Centre in Surrey (Jan. 14 to 24) Shadbolt Centre for the Arts in Burnaby (Jan. 25), Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam (Jan. 27 to 31), Clarke Theatre in Mission (Feb. 3) Chilliwack Cultural Centre in Chilliwack (Feb. 4), The ACT Arts Centre in Maple Ridge (Feb. 7 and 8)
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Dine Out Festival Murder Mystery: Murder is a Drag

What: Vancouver Mysteries and Dine Out Festival are teaming up for Murder is a Drag: Killer Birthday, an immersive 19+ event where guests collect clues, solve puzzles, and can even become part of the twisting plot.

Dress up to attend the fourth chapter of the acclaimed theatrical series. Your ticket includes a general admission seat for the performance, a puzzle to solve, clues and one charcuterie casket from Black Casket Cafe.

Vegan, gluten-free and plant-based variations are available, and guests will also have the option to add on a $5 dessert at the time of booking.

When: Jan. 22, 25, and 29, Feb. 1, 5 and 8, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. (Thursdays), noon (Sundays)
Where: KW Studios / Kokoro Dance Theatre Society – 111 W Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: $90, purchase online

The Rio Theatre Burlesque & Variety Show

What: Vancouver burlesque luminary April O’Peel has curated an all-star lineup for the next edition of The Rio Theatre Burlesque & Variety Show. Sit back and enjoy performances by Dame Derriere, Forrest Rump, Little Brit Naughty, and more. Hosted by Dandy.

When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026
Time: 9 p.m.
Where: The Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $35-$40, purchase online