Amelia HallDid you know that Vancouver was the breeding ground for a whole list of world class acts in music from Michale Buble and Bryan Adams to Grimes and Mac Demarco? The city’s live music scene has only gotten louder and more vibrant since.
The city is home to a symphony of genres. You can find everything from intimate indie gigs to the grandeur of iconic stages. Even modern artists like Jay-Z and Queen B have graced Vancouver’s stages.
Join us as we grant you access to the city’s live music venues for an unforgettable experience!
BC Place
Address: 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 669 2300
Hours: Open from 9 am on event days
BC Place is not only a premier sports stadium but also a dynamic venue that hosts an array of live music events. The iconic dome, a landmark of the city’s skyline, provides a unique acoustic experience, creating an immersive atmosphere for music enthusiasts.
From chart-topping pop sensations to legendary rock acts, BC Place has witnessed it all, making it a versatile destination for memorable live performances.
With a stadium that can seat 55,000 people, BC Place was built for huge concerts and has seen the likes of stars from differerent genres like hip hop and RnB. Beyonce, Jay-Z, Luke Bryan, Coldplay, Metallica, and Coldplay are a few of the past performers.
| Pro Tip: Although most people know that the BC Place stadium is a big concert venue, the lesser known outdoor and arena stages are just as enjoyable. The arena seats 27,000 people while the outdoor space regularly holds country music fests. |
Biltmore Cabaret
Address: 2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver, BC V5T 0B5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 566 5757
Hours:
- Open from Sunday to Thursday from 8 pm to 1 am
- Open from Friday to Saturday from pm to 2 am
Situated just beyond the bustling downtown core of Vancouver, the Biltmore Cabaret is a thriving hub for groundbreaking musical acts. Embracing diversity by putting on shows from various genres, this community-driven venue serves as a melting pot of music.
It’s also considered a launching pad for emerging local talents and touring artists from the country and beyond. With half a decade of history and lots of names under it like We Are The City, Gruff Rhys, Haly Henderickx, it’s a good place to go to find amazing talent.
With an intimate setting and a commitment to fostering artists, the Biltmore Cabaret offers audiences a chance to discover the next big thing in Vancouver’s music scene.
| Pro Tip: Since the venue is a bit smaller than some of the other entries on this list, you should expect to rub shoulders with people more than usual. Don’t bring big bags and wear cool and comfy clothes as the inside can get warm on especially packed nights. |
The Commodore Ballroom
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Address: 868 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 739 4550
Hours: Open everyday from 9:30 am to 4 pm
An institution in Vancouver’s entertainment scene, The Commodore Ballroom stands as a living testament to over 80 years of musical history. The Commodore’s charm lies in its history as a hub where generations have gathered to revel in the magic of live music.
This legendary venue has hosted an extremely varied lineup of performances across all genres like country, jazz, metal, punk, rap, EDM, rock and roll, and pop.
The stage at the Commodore Ballroom has seen acts from rock and roll icons to hip-hop sensations. The storied stage has been graced by the likes of David Bowie, Nirvana, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dog, Mac Miller, Bob Marley, U2, Kiss and many more.
| Pro Tip: The acoustics of the Commodore Ballroom stand out as some of the best in the city with architecture specifically designed for it. When you watch shows here, take the time to appreciate being able to hear each instrument and the voice of the artist. |
Fox Cabaret
Address: 2321 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 875 8001
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Thursday from 7pm to 1 am
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 7pm to 2 am
In the vibrant Mount Pleasant area, the Fox Cabaret has been known as the place to be for those who are looking for a more edgy and eclectic live music venue. It’s just a mere five-minute stroll from the Biltmore, so getting there won’t be a nightmare either.
Boasting a diverse lineup that spans indie pop to rock and house music, this lively space invites patrons to experience music on the cutting edge.
The venue has an atmosphere that fuses palpitating energy from lively performances and undeniable fun from the audience members who are usually not afraid to let loose. Lightning Dust and Efterklang are some of the acts that have performed here.
| Pro Tip: Since the Fox Cabaret is an adults only venue, you need to be at least 19 years or over to enter and watch a show here. Be sure to bring a valid government ID because the security team is pretty strict about checking before letting you into the venue. |
Frankie’s Jazz Club
Address: 755 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2M4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 688 6368
Hours:
- Open on Thursday and Sunday from 6:30 pm to 11 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 6:30 pm to 1 am
For aficionados of jazz and blues music, Frankie’s Jazz Club is like an upscale version of a live music venue. The ambiance is sophisticated, mirroring the classic jazz and blues performances that grace the stage three nights a week.
Bands as well as solo artists perform here every night. Jalen Baker, Steve Maddock, Cory Weeds, Dan gaucher, Steve Kozak, and Saul Berson Quarter are just some of the acts that have performed for the audience at Frankie’s Jazz Club.
With an After Dark theme on Fridays and Saturdays, Frankie’s extends the musical enjoyment into the late hours. It’s worth staying longer on these nights.
| Pro Tip: Frankie’s Jazz Club has a great menu of fancy Italian food that matches the luxury and refinement of the venue and the music here. The pastas here are all home made and created fresh everyday. The rigatoni salsiccia is one of the best things here. |
Guilt and Co.
Address: 1 Alexander Street, Underground, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B2, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 288 1704
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Wednesday from 6 pm to 12 am
- Open on Thursday from 6 pm to 1 am
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 6 pm to 2 am
- Open from Sunday to Monday from 6 pm to 12 am
For those seeking a blend of masterfully crafted cocktails and live music with a touch of vintage allure, Guilt and Co. in the heart of historic Gastown combines all of those for a perfect night out of drinking and head bobbing to quality music.
Tucked away in a cellar used in the Prohibition era, this classy joint exudes a speakeasy ambiance complete with rustic walls made of stone and dim lighting.
The venue resonates with the soulful notes of jazz, lively beats of swing music, and sexy cabaret. On occasion, they spice it up with the beats of blues, rock, and hip-hop music. They nurture smaller acts, but big names like Dutch Robinson perform here too.
| Pro Tip: Guilt and Co. do not allow you to reserve or book in advance even if you’re a big group. If you’re coming alone, it’s relatively easy to come and find a spot to watch the show, but if you’re coming with people, it’s best to come an hour early just to be sure. |
Hastings Park
Address: 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 8 pm
Operated by the Pacific National Exhibition since 1910, Hastings Park stands as a multifaceted live music show venue with three distinctive concert venues. The PNE Forum that seats almost 4,000 is popular among emerging artists.
The Pacific Coliseum was an NHL arena in the past and accommodates bigger crowds with a capacity of 15,000. It comes complete with a dancefloor that can fit 6,500 fans.
The PNE Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue that’s being renovated and improved.
TLC, Boyz III Men, Jason Derulo, Yung Gravy, and the Canadian Rockers Blue Rodeo are some of the artists that people have seen on the many venues at Hastings Park.
| Pro Tip: Since most of Hastings Park happens at night, you can get there early to avoid the traffic jams that happen when it’s closer to opening hours. The park has several gardens and open areas you can sit and relax in in preparation for the show ahead. |
La Fabrique St. George Winery
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Address: 7 E 7th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1M4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 778 945 1677
Hours:
- Open on Monday from 3 pm to 10 pm
- Open from Tuesday to Wednesday from 11 am to 10 pm
- Open from Thursday to Saturday from 11 am to 12 am
- Open on Sunday from 3 pm to 10 pm
La Fabrique St. George Winery is another live music venue that’s perfect if you don’t particularly like constantly bumping into other people or being deafened by pounding sound systems. Plus, you get to enjoy glasses of wine while listening to music.
They specialize in the ancient qvevri fermentation style, but this venue transforms into a live music hub on the weekends. You can catch jazz performances from solo artists and bands. They also put on concerts touching on different genres and get DJs.
They don’t have a set schedule and regularly update their events line up. You can stay updated by checking their website where they place the list of upcoming events.
| Pro Tip: Some of the wines they have on offer here are chardonnays, pinot gris, merlots, sauvignon blancs, gamay noirs, ciders, and apple merlots. They also have some food to go with the wines from bread sticks, truffle chips, and chocolates, |
The Orpheum
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Address: 601 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3L4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 665 3035
Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 5 pm
If your idea of live music performances are red velvet seats, heavy curtains, and ornate ceilings, then The Orpeum in Vancouver will not disappoint. The moment you enter, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time into the 20’s.
Adorned with opulent decor, a domed auditorium, and a fancy chandelier, this is an iconic 2,700 seat theater in the downtown area and has been open since 1927. This historic venue has hosted legends like Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong.
Audience members who have been here have been treated to the rich sounds of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the smooth crooning of the Weeknd.
| Pro Tip: While you’re there, don’t forget to take lots of photos of the venue itself. You can come early and ask staff to enter while the theater is still empty. During the show, when the lights are all on, photographs are well lit and great for mementos. |
The Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Address: 630 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5N6, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 665 3050
Hours: Open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm
More locally known as The Queen E to its regulars, the Queen Elizabeth Theater is a popular venue for live performances and musicals. It has been a stage for big Broadway shows like Cats and Les Miserables.
The Queen Elizabeth Theater first opened in 1959 and has morphed into a more diverse venue that also hosts modern live music performances from the likes of Michale Buble, Celine Dione, and the Barenaked Ladies.
If you prefer non mainstream music, you’ll be glad to know that edgier artists like Lou Reed, the Broken Social Scene, the Wu Tang Clan, and Neil Young have been here.
| Pro Tip: If you’re driving to the Queen Elizabeth Theater, there are paid parking slots in the basement of the building. You can find the entrance off Cambie Street, in the middle of Dunsmuir Street and West Georgia Street. Just arrive a bit early for sure slots. |
The Rickshaw Theater
Address: 254 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1P1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 681 8915
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 6 pm
- Open from Friday to Saturday from 5 pm to 11:30 pm
The Rickshaw Theater was built in 1971 as a Kung-Fu movie theater. Today, this venue has transformed but still carries a raw charm that leans more towards alternative tastes.
The Rickshaw Theater is now known as a live music venue for more unique genres like death metal, grunge, and rock and roll. Some of the artists who regularly perform here are The War on Drugs, Sharon Van Etten, and Future Islands.
Local legends were made here, so they come back every so often and grace the stages of the theater. Some of them include No Means No, DOa, The Pack ADm Three Inches of Blood, The Dreadnoughts, Five Alarm Funk, and many more under its belt.
| Pro Tip: The Rickshaw Theater is located in an area of Vancouver where you tend to walk a little bit faster at night. So to stay on the safe side, we suggest you get to the location from Chinatown for a more well lit walk or drive to the theater. |
Rogers Arena
Address: 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver, BC V6B 6G1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 899 7400
Hours:
- Open on Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday from 4 pm to 9 pm
- Open on Tuesday from 5 pm to 9 pm
- Open from Thursday to Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm
- Open on Saturday from 3 pm to 10 pm
As a cornerstone of Vancouver’s live music landscape, Rogers Arena has been hosting a myriad of events, including chart-topping concerts for years since it opened in 1995.
This multi-purpose venue is home to the city’s beloved Canucks. But, on concert days, it transforms into a pulsating hub of music from the electrifying performances of stars known worldwide like Shawn Mendez, Shania Twain, Britney Spears, Cher, and Dr. Dre.
Getting to the venue is easy whether you take public transportation or drive there. Just arrive 15 minutes before doors open. Once you get inside, you soon realize that the sound quality is crisp and clear and the seats aren’t too close together.
| Pro Tip: If you get hungry during the show, there are plenty of food concessions in the arena. But, Moxie’s Grill and Bar has always been our favorite. Their pizzas and burgers are great and they even have gluten free options. |
The Vogue Theater
– Media Credit: lizzy1680
Address: 918 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L2, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 688 1975
Website
Hours:
- Open on Thursday and Saturday from 12 pm to 6 pm
- Open on Friday from 10 am to 6 pm
Since 1941, The Vogue has held its place as a premier venue in Vancouver’s Granville Entertainment District. It’s the last standing theater from the city’s Theater Row, originally made as a movie theater, now it’s a hugely known music venue.
Following the bright pink neon sign, you are led to this Art Deco gem which is designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
The Vogue boasts a rich history of hosting concerts, symphonies, and even electronic music. Some of the renowned artists who have been known to perform here range from Black Mountain to Sinead O’Connor and unexpected delights like Hanson.
| Pro Tip: The seating at the Vogue Theater is divided into the Orchestra seating, the Dress Circle, and the Upper Circle. The Orchestra seats are best for soloists or acoustic music performances while the Dress Circle is best for full production shows. |
