EVENTS
All Over The Map
Experience dance that celebrates diverse cultures and styles through a free outdoor dance performance series at two iconic locations: Picnic Pavilion on Granville Island and the rooftop of the Vancouver Public Library, Central Library. From high-energy contemporary movement and street dance to the beautiful storytelling of Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and even juggling, everyone is invited to enjoy these captivating, family-friendly performances from all over the map. Free for audiences of all ages.
Event Dates:
Friday, July 24 at Vancouver Public Library, Central Library | 12 pm
Sunday, July 26 at Picnic Pavilion, Granville Island | 1 pm & 3 pm
Performing Artists: Arno Kamolika & Akshaya Surve, Jes Hanzelkova, Joanne Park, and Satya Mari & Max Hanic
Friday, August 14 at Vancouver Public Library | 12 pm
Sunday, August 16 at Picnic Pavilion, Granville Island | 1 pm & 3 pm
Performing Artists: Bryn Bridgen, Linnea Goldstrom & Piper French, Jayden Gigliotti, Mario Matias, and Sruthi Purushothaman & Remya Rajiv
Learn More: https://www.newworks.ca/.
(Picnic Pavilion, Granville Island (267 Old Bridge Walk) & South Terrace on Level 8, Vancouver Public Library, Central Library (350 W Georgia St), Jul. 24 & 26 + Aug. 14 & 16)
Ballet Vancouver: Balanchine’s Apollo & Other Works
Ballet Vancouver opens its 2026/27 inaugural season with a breathtaking triple bill spanning extraordinary artistic range and striking virtuosity in Balanchine’s Apollo & Other Works, on stage September 11 + 12, 2026, at the Vancouver Playhouse. The program will be anchored by internationally acclaimed Principal dancers: Heather Ogden of The National Ballet of Canada and Sasha de Sola and Francesco Gabriele Frola of San Francisco Ballet. The program features Balanchine's iconic Apollo, the beloved Black Swan Pas de Deux from Swan Lake, and the Canadian premiere of Jorma Elo's Slice to Sharp, originally created for New York City Ballet. Together, they form a compelling testament to the athleticism and artistry that define Ballet Vancouver. Tickets and information: balletvancouver.com.
(Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St, Sep. 11-12, 2026)
Pop Up Dances Festival
Join New Works Dance on a unique, vertical tour of performance works in unexpected urban sites. Featuring the iconic, colosseum-inspired architecture of VPL’s Central Branch, guided tours start at the North Plaza at the Georgia Street Promenade entrance, then move through the library's floors to the beautiful rooftop gardens. Drop in for a quick glimpse or stay for the full guided experience, as this Festival promises to delight everyone of all ages, rain or shine. Featured artists and collectives: Elizabeth Louie & Denae Harpham (former Ballet BC Annex dancers) at the North Plaza, Juolin Lee at Level 5 Landing, Sarah Hutton & Aiden Cass (Generous Mess) at Level 8 Grand Staircase, Rita Spirit (Rita Barieieva) at Level 8 South Terrace, Action at a Distance & All Bodies Dance Project at Level 9 Rooftop Garden. Free for audiences of all ages. Registration is not required, but New Works Dance asks that you register so they can anticipate audience size and communicate with you about any updates or changes.
(North Plaza, Vancouver Public Library, Central Library (350 W Georgia St), Sep. 18-19, 2026)
Vancouver Flamenco Festival
The 36th edition features powerful and diverse live performances, masterclasses, and workshops with a vibrant lineup of local, national, and international artists. Tickets on sale now!
(Performance Works, Alliance Française, The Dance Centre, The Fringe Patio (Ocean Artworks Pavilion) on Granville Island, Sep. 19 - 27, 2026)
Ballet Vancouver Unveils 2026/27 Inaugural Season
Ballet Vancouver announces its 2026/27 debut season featuring three programs that span classical and neoclassical ballet at the Vancouver Playhouse from September 2026 through May 2027. The season opens with a triple bill including Balanchine’s Apollo, the Canadian premiere of Jorma Elo’s Slice to Sharp, and the Black Swan Pas de Deux from Swan Lake, featuring guest principal dancers from major international companies. The season continues with Classical Mastersin February, presenting premieres and new commissions set to Prokofiev, Schubert, Bach, and Shostakovich. It concludes with @giselle, a technology-driven reimagining of ballet’s ghost story, described as “smart and piercing.”
(Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St, Sept. 2026–May 2027)
Ballet BC Annex
Presented by Anvil Theatre, Ballet BC Annex is the junior ensemble of Canada’s leading contemporary dance company. Each season, Ballet BC Annex presents works by renowned and emerging choreographers on stages across British Columbia, bringing world-class dance repertoire to local and regional schools and community venues.
(Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6, Nov. 15, 2026, 7:30 PM)
Imago/Obsidian
A double bill of contemporary aerial performance, Imago/Obsidian promises an extraordinary evening of contemporary aerial performance featuring two internationally acclaimed works that blur the boundaries between circus, dance, and visual theatre.
(Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6, Jan. 29 & 30, 2027)
Ballet Jörgen’s Swan Lake
Imagine the haunting elegance of Swan Lake, but instead of a far-off European kingdom, the tragedy unfolds against the rugged, misty shores of the Fortress of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. It’s the story you know and love, reimagined in a seascape that feels like home.
(Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 2R2, Canada, Feb. 6, 2027)
