Since 1973 the Cultch has been providing Vancouver with quality contemporary productions in the arts. The theater was actually originally a Methodist church, long since converted into the venue that it is known and loved. The Cultch also provides art programs for youth and hosts an annual youth arts festival. See website for more details.
Orpheum Theatre was built in 1927 and restored in 1976 to its former glory. Originally opened as a vaudeville house, it is now a beautiful, much-loved city landmark. Located in the entertainment district Downtown, it is the perfect venue for a glamorous night out on the town, offering a variety of concerts, musicals and ceremonies as well as being the home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
After closing its doors in the mid-1990s amid protests from patrons and famous musicians, the recently refurbished and re-opened ballroom is making a bouncy comeback. Its dance floor lies atop tires that make everyone move. The 990-capacity venue, located in downtown, has a history of amazing performances ranging from Dizzy Gillespie and Tina Turner to Nirvana and the Clash, along with modern artists like Stereolab and the Flaming Lips. Its location in the entertainment hub makes it a perfect place to see a show before going clubbing. Call ahead for current event details.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre is a grand venue built by the city in 1959. Today, the Vancouver Opera and provincial ballet have made the theater their home. Performances include opera, ballet, musicals, plays, concerts, telethons and ceremonies. Patrons complement the grand atmosphere with more formal dress, so remember to don your dapper best. An art gallery and restaurant are also on site. Check website for more details on current and upcoming events.
Located on the PNE Grounds, this long-standing racecourse overlooks the North Shore Mountains and the city's busy port harbor. It has year-round live and simulcast thoroughbred racing and a variety of restaurants, lounges and grandstands for avid and newbie racing fans. The racecourse has been a Vancouver institution for decades. For a meal, choose between Jerome's Sports Bar or the Terrace; which has a view of the home stretch.
Located on the scenic Granville Island and in the Vancouver TheatreSports League, the Improv Centre is the place to go to for some comic relief. You can enjoy the comical theatrics or musicals of new and well known actors from Wednesday to Saturday. Their witty liners and talent will want you to come back for more. The shows are always creative and full of punch and changes throughout the year giving you a variety to choose from.
The Good Shepherd aims to make the society a better place to live in. This it does by fostering harmony and peace in the community. This stunning, modern church is home to a multitude of local and cultural events from time to time. It has a capacity to hold 800 people during major events and festivities. Call for more details.
The award-winning Green Thumb Theatre dates back to 1975 and was established to showcase plays and dramas directed towards children. The theater focuses on social topics like illiteracy, autism awareness, mental illnesses, racism, and other such causes. In about 40 seasons, the theater has won several prestigious awards including the Jessie Richardson Theatre Award, Dora Mavor Moore Award, Betty Mitchell Theatre Awards, and Chalmers Children’s Play Awards among many others. The theater is also available on rent for a variety of occasions.