EVENTS
Press Start: A Vancouver Game History Pop-Up
Did you know that Vancouver played a role in Nintendo establishing their North American headquarters? Or that one of the top manufacturers of video game controllers during the late '80s and early '90s was located right in Burnaby? The Canadian Video Game Museum (CVGM) is partnering with the Museum of Vancouver (MOV) to open a temporary exhibition called Press Start: A Vancouver Game History Pop-Up, opening July 9, 2026 and running until Fall 2026. Press Start explores Vancouver’s many contributions to gaming, from mobile games like Marvel Contest of Champions to big-budget blockbusters from publishers like Electronic Arts and Microsoft to award-winning indie games like Celeste and Darkest Dungeon and includes the chance to get hands-on with retro gaming hardware with made-in-Vancouver connections. To showcase these made-in-Vancouver stories, the pop-up will include vintage video game systems, playable arcade cabinets, game demos, and interactive glimpses into the game development process.
“Starting research for this project began all the way back in 2016, beginning with a database of game companies that have existed in Vancouver, later expanding to include all of BC. Over time, this concept evolved, recognizing a need for a physical entity to spread awareness and education around game development and Canada's role in the game industry.” —Ryan Dunnison, Executive Director and founder of the CVGM
For decades, Vancouver has been a global hub for video game development. The MOV is excited to partner with CVGM to share stories of how our community has helped to shape this half-trillion-dollar global industry. The gaming industry in particular is born out of Vancouver’s unique crossover of people in film, VFX, and games. Press Start will spotlight, celebrate, and document the people, stories, and games that make up the city’s ever-changing video game landscape.
“The Museum of Vancouver exists to share Vancouver’s stories, and the people who’ve built Vancouver’s video game industry have made an indelible mark on global storytelling. We are excited to provide a platform to an emerging museum focused on video games and the people who make them.” —Ryan Hunt, CEO of MOV
(Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Jul. 9, 2026 - Fall 2026 (Every Thursday-Sunday))
Cedar Sage and Sweetgrass Exhibition
Contemporary Indigenous art is vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in culture and community. This exhibition features artists from the Cedar Sage and Sweetgrass Art Collective, whose works draw upon traditional teachings while embracing contemporary perspectives and creative practices. Through painting, carving, textiles, and jewelry, these artists share stories of identity, resilience, connection, and lived experience, inviting visitors to engage with Indigenous voices, histories, and visions for the future. Artists (confirmed): Michael Serroul (featured artwork), Pat Calihou, Maryanne Landrie, Cat Aldred, Annette Resler, Ronald Straight, John Spence, Dakota Ray-Andreola, Sheila Rae Lowe, and Allisen Piffer. The Pitt Meadows Art Gallery is located at the South Bonson Community Centre on the traditional territory of the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation. The gallery features artwork from local and regional artists and handmade wares by local artisans. All work will be available for purchase. Opening Reception: Saturday, September 5 at 11 a.m. PMAG Gallery Hours | Tuesday to Sunday | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Free Admission | 604.465.9845 | pmag@pittmeadows.ca.
(South Bonson Community Centre (Main Floor), 10932 Barnston View Road, Pitt Meadows, B.C., Sep. 5 - Oct. 18)
Austerity Tours: How Decades of Funding Stagnation Affects the MOV
The MOV’s Austerity Tours will highlight the problems, risks, and missed opportunities museums typically hide from view: buckets that catch leaks, the oldest continuously operating freezer in Vancouver, a vintage iPod used to power exhibitions, and, depending on the weather, a hallway filled with ants. The aim is to make voters understand the risks austerity poses to irreplaceable cultural heritage—which is why they’ll be offered during the 2026 municipal election period. In addition to hidden buckets and 20-year-old iPods, the Austerity Tour will include: Access to areas not normally available to the public; How MOV’s fabrication team produces new exhibitions at a fraction of the cost of the industry standard; Discussions with the team responsible for safeguarding the largest civic collection of objects in Canada; and imagining what a revitalized civic museum could achieve. Tickets are by donation on a sliding scale (plus fees and taxes). RSVPs required.
(Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Sep. 24, Oct. 1, 8, and 15, 2026, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM)
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) 2026: October 1–11, 2026
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) presents its 45th edition from October 1–11, 2026. One of North America's largest and most dynamic film festivals, VIFF's 2026 program features roughly 160 features, 90 short films, and two episodic series representing 76 nations — including 12 world premieres, 6 international premieres, 15 North American premieres, and 49 Canadian premieres — with an expected audience of 110,000 attendees. The festival opens with Jesse Eisenberg's The Debut, starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, and closes with Martin McDonagh's Wild Horse Nine, starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell. The program also includes Canadian and world premieres, an expansive documentary program, an expanded VIFF Live program, and new industry initiatives through the recently launched Institute for the Moving Image. Single tickets are $22. To explore the complete program and purchase tickets, visit viff.org.
(VIFF Centre, 1181 Seymour St., Vancouver, BC, Oct. 1—11)
Palestine Comedy Club is a road-movie following six Palestinian stand-up comedians exploring the dark humour of Palestinian identity. With no tradition of comedy clubs and communities divided by walls and checkpoints, connecting proves enormously challenging. Despite differing travel permissions, the tour gains momentum and audiences flock in. As war erupts at home, performing in English to a conflicted British public becomes an existential mission to find joy and connection through laughter.
(York Theatre, 639 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, BC V5L 3W3, Oct. 9—10)
Indigeneity
Reel Causes presents Indigeneity: a three part short film series curated by Chris Reed with this year’s focus being on climate health. Drawing inspiration from activists preceding us, we will discuss the boiling point between modern tech realities and Indigenous land traditions. Where does filmmaking lend itself to these actions? Post-film discussion with Indigenous Curator Chris Reed and Amanda Strong, Director of Inkwo For When the Starving Return.
(The Birdhouse, 44 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, Oct. 15)
Nightmare Before Christmas Singalong Screening
What's this? A singalong screening of Tim Burton's creepy hit The Nightmare Before Christmas! Jack Skellington, the celebrated pumpkin king of Halloween Town, has it all. And yet, he's bored. When he discovers Christmas Town, he's dazzled by the colourful joy of this new holiday, and tries to convince his ghoulish hometown what they've been missing out on all this time.
(Presentation House Theatre, 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver, Oct. 24)
VCT Presents Silent Movie Mondays – Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Celebrate spooky season at Silent Movie Mondays, a popular film series by Vancouver Civic Theatres! Join at the Orpheum to enjoy the classic horror movie Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920) while haunting music is played live on the theatre’s historic Wurlitzer organ. Starring John Barrymore as a respected doctor who develops a potion intended to separate the good and evil sides of human nature, the screening also features a Halloween costume-optional dress code and a pre-show performance by the Gatsby Strutters Jazz Band.
(Orpheum, 601 Smithe St., Vancouver, Oct. 26)
Spooky Storytime for Kids!
Get spooky with acclaimed children’s author Stephanie Ellen Sy for a family-friendly ghost story inspired by Philippine and Chinese folklore! After the storytelling, create your own Chinese Opera Mask to take home. All materials are provided. Come dressed in your favourite costume for a chance to win prizes from our partners! Book purchases and signing will be available. Recommended for children ages 3+.
(Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut St., Vancouver, Oct. 30)
Around the Fire: Ghost Stories Across Cultures
Do you believe in ghosts? Gather around for an evening of spooky tales and stories from the other side! Storytellers Nathalie De Los Santos and Cynthia Liu will share a collection of ghost stories inspired by Philippine and Chinese folklore, featuring tales of spirits, hauntings, and the supernatural. Then, guests are invited to share ghost stories from their own cultures, family traditions, or personal experiences with the paranormal. Come in your favourite Halloween costume for a chance to win spooky prizes from event partners.
(Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut St., Vancouver, Oct. 30)
26th Annual Chutzpah! Festival
The Chutzpah! Festival returns with an incredible lineup this November 3–15, showcasing music, theatre, comedy, dance, and storytelling presentations by exciting local, national, and international artists. With an emphasis on Canadian artists, the Festival will also present artists from Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, Morocco, and Spain.
(Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre and other Vancouver venues, 950 W. 41st Ave., Vancouver, BC, Nov. 3–15)
National Geographic Live: Wild Cats Revealed with Sandesh Kadur
Discover India’s wonderful world of wild cats with BAFTA-winning filmmaker Sandesh Kadur!
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Nov. 18, 2026, 7:30 PM)
An Evening with Gabor Maté
Join the Chan Centre for an essential conversation with one of UBC’s most distinguished alumni who has rewritten the narrative on how we understand mental health.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Nov. 19, 2026, 7:30 PM)
National Geographic Live: Earth After Dark with Babak Tafreshi
From the Milky Way to meteor showers to fireflies that emerge at dusk on neighbourhood streets, our eyes open a little wider at the stunning photos and videos of National Geographic Explorer Babak Tafreshi. He has spent his career documenting wildlife, humanity, and the cosmos—from dark national parks to bright urban areas—with the belief that people everywhere can connect through the shared experience of simply looking up.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Jan. 20, 2027, 7:30 PM)
An Evening with Chani Nicholas
Join us for an evening with B.C. native Chani Nicholas, who has redefined astrology for a generation seeking clarity, connection, and collective care.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Feb. 11, 2027, 7:30 PM)
