10 amazing Vancouver theatre and arts events happening in May

Time to get cultured! From stages to galleries to all the unique spaces in between, here are 10 great Vancouver theatre and events to check out this May.

Check out Mama Mia!, IGNITE! Youth Festival, DOXA, and more.

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

Vancouver International Children’s Festival

What: Head down to Granville Island for the Vancouver International Children’s Festival from May 25 to 31.

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 25 to 31, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations around Granville Island
Tickets: Various, purchase online

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Surrey SPARK Stages – The Merry Marching Band

What: Surrey SPARK Stages presents a hilarious, high-energy musical journey with The Merry Marching Band. The show is perfect for ages 5 to 12, and will also feature activites for the whole family after the performance.

When: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 12:30 p.m.
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 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.

When: May 13 to 27, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Emily Carr University of Art + Design – 520 East 1st Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Arts Alive: (de)Construction

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. Senior secondary students in grades 8 to 12 explored the process of dismantling as well as responded to this year’s theme of (de)Construction.

When: April 30 (opening reception), May 1 to 31, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday to Friday), 12 to 5 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery (Lower Gallery) — 6344 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Admission: Suggested donation of $10

DOXA Documentary Film Festival

What: Western Canada’s largest documentary film festival features public screenings, panel discussions, public forums, and educational programs for everyone to enjoy.

Highlights include the National Film Board of Canada’s presentation of the B.C. premiere of Saigon Story: Two Shootings in the Forest Kingdom. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kim Nguyen will be in Vancouver to introduce his film that uncovers the elusive connection between two families and one iconic photo.

When: April 30 to May 10, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Venues across Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

Shrek The Musical

What: Bursting with family-friendly fun, Royal City Musical Theatre’s presentation of Shrek The Musical follows a cast of fairy tale misfits on a heartwarming journey of self-acceptance and inclusivity.

The visually spectacular musical is packed with hilarious adventure, dazzling costumes, and larger-than-life characters. Based on the beloved 2001 animated film, Shrek The Musical features all of the story’s most beloved characters, including the grumpy ogre Shrek, best friend Donkey, Princess Fiona, and the conniving Lord Farquaad.

The wildly entertaining Broadway production is a Drama Desk, Tony, and Grammy-nominated smash hit that promises to delight audiences of all ages.

When: Now until May 3, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Massey Theatre – 735 8th Ave., Vancouver
Tickets: Starting from $29, purchase online

Broadway Across Canada – Mamma Mia!

What: Mamma Mia! comes to Vancouver later in the spring from May 26 to 31. Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, box office record-breaking Mamma Mia! brims with non-stop laughs, explosive dance, and the magic of ABBA’s hit songs: “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “SOS,” and many more.

When: May 26 to 31, 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

Beneath Crimson Sails

What: The first-ever pirate-themed vertical micro-drama hits the big screen at the Rio Theatre for the first full theatrical screening of a vertical series in Vancouver’s history.

The Vancouver-filmed Beneath Crimson Sails tells the story of fiercely independent Catherine, who is on a mission to find the missing half of a cursed treasure map and avenge her father’s death. But her crossing with mysterious pirate captain Rob, who has secrets of his own, soon brings buried truths to light.

Full of action, romance, and intrigue, Beneath Crimson Sails is a unique viewing experience not to be missed. Don’t miss the pirate party, complete with a costume contest.

When: Monday, May 25, 2026
Time: Doors 5 p.m., pre-show 5:30 p.m., screening 6:30 p.m.
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $16.98, purchase online

Glitch

What: Some Assembly Theatre Company presents Glitch, a show that explores themes of artistry and humanity in a time of information overload and unrealistic expectations. Can the humans break free of the cycle of trendy aps and psychosocial competition? Find out in the production created by a diverse cast of Metro Vancouver youth, along with playwright and director Valerie Methot.

When: May 8 and 9, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre — 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Tickets: Free, register online

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 25th year of the festival features short plays, dance, comedy, monologues, drag, live music, and more.

There will also be an arts exhibition in The Cultch’s lobby from May 12 to 31.

When: May 13 to 17, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: The Cultch – 1895 Venables St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, festival pass for $40. Purchase online