City: Central
Top Things to do in Central
What to do and see in Central, Canada: The Best Concerts & Shows
Vancouver was founded as “Gastown” by an Englishman with a penchant for beer and storytelling. Today Gastown is a historic section of the Canadian metropolis, and the lively pubs still reflect the area’s former status as a sort of community drinking center. The city’s forests, grand parks, and impressive suspension bridge beckon travelers to explore them, as do the city’s shops and museums. Relive the glory of the 2010 Winter Games with visits to Olympic venues and the marvelous Olympic Cauldron.
Restaurants in Vancouver
1. Firehall Arts Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Built in 1906, the Firehall building functioned as Vancouver's No. 1 Firehall and the first motorized Firehall until 1975 when the Firemen moved out and the arts moved in. After a variety of tenants the Firehall Theatre Society was formed in 1982 and currently operates as one of the busiest venues in Vancouver.
2. JNT Comedy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
EVERY SUNDAY @ 8PM Jokes N Tokes is Canada’s most successful comedy show series with national tours and regular showcases running in both Toronto & Vancouver. Comedian Andrew Packer hand picks a line up of professional comedians & rising stars to deliver an awesome night of comedy. Each week features some of the country’s best of comedians as seen on Comedy Central & Just For Laughs and PRIZE giveaways!
3. Orpheum Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Best known as the home of internationally renowned Vancouver Symphony Orchestra – the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada – the Orpheum also features regular performances by some of the city’s finest choirs, as well as performing artists visiting from around the world.
Reviewed By GayanLovesToTravel - Vancouver, Canada
As far as I know, this is one of the oldest and most ornate theatres in Vancouver. Being a young city, we are eclipsed by the historic buildings of much older cities, but the Orpheum takes you back to a time of grandeur that you won’t see in its contemporary counterparts.. As the home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), there are events taking place at the Orpheum year-round. If you’re a lover of the orchestra, stop by the box office to try your luck at scoring rush tickets to an event happening on the same day. If you prefer to make plans, book your tickets online or join the VSO mailing list to find out what they have coming up.
4. Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
The Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company is British Columbia’s premier theatre company, formed in 1962 in response to the Canada Council's funding initiative for regional theatre companies. Now in its 49th season, it became the principal tenant of the 655-seat Vancouver Playhouse Theatre, a civic building in the downtown core. A reputation for high standards and for doing interesting work has enabled the Playhouse to present some of the best theatre artists from across Canada, creating consistently high-calibre theatre experiences. It has produced premieres of many original Canadian plays, disseminated partnered work across Canada, and played a historic role in providing training and graduate opportunities for Western Canadian theatre artists to develop their craft, as well as in developing the regional community’s interest in classics and contemporary work by authors such as Tennessee Williams, George Ryga and Joan MacLeod.
Reviewed By sima606 - Vancouver, Canada
There are bigger theatres and concert halls in Vancouver, like the Queen Elizabeth theatre next door to the Playhouse and Chan Centre on the UBC campus (with its wonderful acoustics) but the Playhouse has the kind of intimacy that makes you feel much closer to the actors or musicians. Thus the Vancouver Recital Society has chosen to bring most of its internationally renowned musicians here and created a warm and very personal experience.
5. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
6. Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 203 reviews
The city's largest theater complex is home to the Vancouver Opera and sponsors a variety of different performances.
Reviewed By WilsonLin - Coquitlam, Canada
Great venue for music, the facilities are great and tons of parking nearby. Highly recommend shows here.
7. Vancouver Opera
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
8. The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Ydnar - Kamloops, Canada
For years I've been going to concerts in Vancouver, many within a couple blocks of this place yet I didn't know about it at all until a recent TOTO concert. I don't know about parking but the location downtown makes it a 10 minute walk maximum to either of the Skytrain lines, and since we were staying in Richmond it was definitely the way to go. The building is clean, spacious, and - thankfully - air-conditioned. Comfortable seats with unobstructed sight lines. Take note: if you manage to get a front row seat, NOBODY will obstruct your view. There is a railing directly in front of the first row so even if the band motions for people to come down to the stage, they can not actually stand in front of anyone in that first row, they can only block the surrounding aisles. Having seen numerous concerts where patrons buy the cheapest seats in the back (to gain entry) but then watch the entire show standing in front of the stage (and those front row seats), I really appreciate having that railing in front. It also diminishes the need for security to sit there with their backs to the stage. Good acoustics, very friendly and helpful ushers. Some snacks and alcoholic drinks are available but I'm not sure if they are really allowed inside the seating area; either way, you're there for the show, no?!? If hope a lot more bands book this facility, it's a lot better than most nearby.
9. Guilt and Company
10. Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By kalamckay - West Vancouver, Canada
This theatre is a real treat for our family! It's big, has lots of theatres, and a large selection of snacks. There is an area where you buy popcorn and candy, another for food, and another for coffee and biscuits and all that. Movie theatres themselves are clean, and there is an interactive game that they let you play to earn points to go towards free movies! I would definitely recommend this place for anyone who likes a really good movie experience.
