10 amazing Vancouver theatre and arts events happening in May | Daily Hive

The Libravian by Anita Murphy

Time to get cultured, Vancouver!

From stages to galleries to all the unique spaces in between, here are 10 great arts events to check out in Metro Vancouver this May, including IGNITE! Youth Festival, Six, and more.

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

Broadway Across Canada – Six

SIX (Joan Marcus/Broadway Across Canada)

What: Musical fans will want to pick up tickets for Broadway Across Canada’s presentation of Six, which will be taking over the Queen E from May 13 to 18. The original production won 23 awards during its debut Broadway season, including the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

When: May 13 to 18, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday), 2:30 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

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Surrey SPARK Stages – Performing Arts for Kids

What: Surrey Civic Theatres presents a weekend of exciting theatre performances and activities for children and families. Surrey SPARK Stages features dance shows, acrobatics, musical storytelling, and more that all ages will enjoy.

When: May 23 to 25, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Surrey Arts Centre — 13750 88 Ave., Surrey
Tickets: Various, purchase online

The Show at Emily Carr University of Art + Design

What: This show is a hybrid exhibition of over 420 of Emily Carr’s art, media, and design graduates. Works on display during the free event include fine arts, photography and film, animation, industrial design, and illustration. Visitors can explore the showcased pieces in person at the East Vancouver campus and online.

When: May 7 to 21, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Emily Carr University of Art + Design – 520 East 1st Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Free

IGNITE! Youth Festival

What: Every year, the Cultch Theatre in East Vancouver is taken over by a team of young artists who put on the IGNITE! Festival, Western Canada’s largest youth-driven arts festival. The 24th year of the festival features short plays, poetry, stand-up comedy, monologues, dance, live music, and a short film program.

There will also be an arts exhibition in The Cultch’s lobby from May 14 to June 1.

When: May 14 to 18, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: The Cultch – 1895 Venables St., Vancouver
Tickets: Sliding scale from $15 to $21, festival pass for $40. Purchase online

Arts Alive: Awesomeology: Gratitude in the Little Things

Burnaby Art Gallery

What: The Burnaby Art Gallery and School District 41 are partnering for the latest Arts Alive, a celebration of students’ diverse interpretations of a theme. Elementary school students were encouraged to work together in their classrooms to investigate what they think is awesome.

When: May 1 (opening reception), May 2 to June 1, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday to Friday), 12 to 5 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery (Lower Gallery) — 6344 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Admission: Suggest donation of $5

DOXA Documentary Film Festival

What: Western Canada’s largest documentary film festival, featuring public screenings, panel discussions, public forums, and educational programs. This year’s lineup includes 39 feature films, 30 short and mid-length films, and several industry events.

When: May 1 to 11, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Venues across Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

9 to 5 the Musical

What: Royal City Musical Theatre invites you to clock in for 9 to 5 the Musical, based on the hit 1980s movie and featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. Cheer on Violet, Judy, and Doralee as they come up with a plan to get even with the “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” they call their boss.

When: Now until May 11, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Massey Theatre – 735 8th Ave., New Westminster
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

Vancouver International Children’s Festival

What: Head down to Granville Island for the Vancouver International Children’s Festival from May 26 to June 1. Enjoy performances from around the globe for children and families of all ages, including acrobatics, puppetry, theatre, music, and lots of arts activities.

When: May 26 to June 1, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations around Granville Island
Tickets: Various, purchase online

The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits”

Shane Gallagher/ASTA STUDIO

What: Banksy has officially landed in Vancouver — and it’s the perfect excuse to visit one of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods.

Now open in Gastown, The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” is a captivating exhibit that invites you to discover over 200 works from the world’s most elusive street artist. This museum-quality collection features original art, prints, photographs, sculptures, installations, and murals.

Immerse yourself in interactive installations like the Infinity Room, letting you discover Banksy’s artworks through an infinite room full of mirrors. You can also step into a simulated recreation of Banksy’s biggest ever art piece, Dismaland Bemusement Park, a gritty pop-up theme park set up in Somerset, England.

When: Now until May 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 1 Alexander, Gastown, Vancouver
Cost: Tickets start at $28

Movie Buff 2: A Cult Movie Burlesque Show

What: Vancouver burlesque star Claire Voyeur presents Movie Buff 2: A Cult Movie Burlesque Show at the Rio Theatre on Friday, May 9. See all your favourite cult cinema icons brought to life onstage, including the Bride of Chucky, Wanda Woodward from Cry Baby, and even the Goblin King from Labyrinth.

When: May 9, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $30-$40, purchase online

Our Last Tree

What: Some Assembly Theatre Company presents Our Last Tree, an apocalyptic show that explores themes of artistry and humanity in a time of great upheaval. The production was created by a diverse cast of Metro Vancouver youth along with playwright and director Valerie Methot.

When: May 2 and 3, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre — 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Tickets: Free, register online