10 amazing Vancouver theatre and arts events happening in July

Jul 2 2026, 10:53 pm

Time to get theatre, dance, and music into your life! We’re here to help with our list of 10 great theatre and arts events to check out in Vancouver in July, including VanCAF, Indian Summer Festival, and more.

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

Vancouver Comic Arts Festival (VanCAF)

Vancouver Comic Arts Festival

Vancouver Comic Arts Festival

What: Dozens of comic creators are coming to Vancouver from July 4 to 5 to take part in a massive festival.

The Roundhouse Community Centre will be filled with dozens of booths selling unique comics, artwork, collectibles, and more. Guests can also check out the panel room for a variety of presentations and live performances.

When: July 4 to 5, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Eastside Arts Festival

What: The Eastside Arts Festival will be held from July 17 to 26 and features a variety of arts workshops, live performances, art activations, and more in several Eastside Arts District studios, breweries, and venues.

Hosts Eastside Arts Society also welcomes art lovers to a full day of fun at MacLean Park on July 25 from 3 to 8 p.m. There will be outdoor art-making workshops, food trucks, beverage garden beer, cider and wine from Strange Fellows Brewing, and a free outdoor concert stage presented in collaboration with Rickshaw Theatre.

When: July 17 to 26, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Various costs, purchase online

Blockbuster at The Improv Centre

What: The Improv Centre goes Hollywood with Blockbuster every Thursday. Head to Granville Island and see the talented improvisers bring your favourite genres, plotlines, and cinematic tropes to life onstage based on your suggestions. Keep an eye out for select weekend matinees, too.

When: Every Thursday
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

True Voices: Pride Storytelling Event

What: Gateway Theatre hosts True Voices: Pride Storytelling Event, a free community event of live storytelling showcasing members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Everyone is welcome to hear the storytellers share personal experiences as well as participate in a Q&A over tea. Recommended for ages 13 years and up.

When: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Gateway Theatre — 6500 Gilbert Rd., Richmond
Tickets: Free, reserve online

Theatre Under the Stars

Theatre Under The Stars stanley park

@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: July 3 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

Broadway Across Canada – Clue!

What: The 27th anniversary season of Broadway Across Canada wraps up with murder and blackmail in Clue from July 28 to Aug. 2.

Witness the six mysterious guests at Boddy Manor come together for a whodunit musical that you won’t forget. Can you figure out who committed the crime in the production based on the 1985 cult-classic film and timeless board game?

When: July 28 to Aug. 2, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday), 2 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Indian Summer Festival

What: Indian Summer Festival showcases dozens of artists in exciting shows ranging from live concerts to insightful discussions, stunning visual arts displays and more.

The 10-day artistic exploration invites guests to “rekindle dormant solidarities when we live in a time of fire and flood, flesh and blood.” There will be an opening night kickoff party, comedy shows, and concerts to enjoy.

When: July 9 to 19, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

Public Disco Block Party

Public Disco

Public Disco

What: Public Disco is hosting a Block Party on Saturday, July 18, in the city’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. The 19+ event features international DJs and local performers, food trucks, pop-up bars, and more.

When: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: City Centre Artist Lodge – 2111 Main St., Vancouver
Admission: $23.10 to $44.10, which includes GST. Purchase online

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 Vanier Park, the Vancouver theatre 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

LMG Summer Comedy Competition

What: Cheer on your favourite local comedian this summer during the LMG Summer Comedy Competition until Friday, July 31. Comedians will face off for the chance of winning the top prize of $1,500 and the all-important bragging rights.

When: Various dates until Friday, July 31, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Little Mountain Gallery – 110 Water St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various costs, purchase online

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