5 Best Performing Arts in Vancouver, British Columbia

Rio Theatre

Fodor's choice
Built in 1938, this independent cinema is an East Vancouver legend. Take in a classic film, award-winning movie, concert, or production while sipping on a cocktail and eating their famous grilled cheese. See website for showtimes.

Rio Theatre

Fodor's choice

You'll get a bit of everything at the Rio Theatre: Hollywood flicks, cult classics, as well as live entertainment like burlesque, comedy, and more. This is a real East Vancouver institution. When the building went up for sale in 2018, the community rallied together to raise more than $3 million to save the historic theater. There's also a bar and concession stand. (If you're hungry, order the grilled cheese.)

Fans of Vancouver

Movie buffs will love these behind-the-scenes, 45- to 75-minute tours of how Vancouver morphs into incarnations featured in films including 50 Shades of Grey, Supernatural, Dead Pool, Flash, Ghost Protocol, and many others. Tours start at different Downtown points; all bookings are online.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Pacific Cinémathèque

This not-for-profit society is dedicated to all things celluloid, from exhibitions and lectures to independent and international features. Cinema Sundays can be good for families (depending on the screening), with discussions, games, or activities following the film.