Vancouver Entertainment
The Canadians are a cultured, laid back lot and they certainly like to enjoy a party as well as the arts. Residents of Vancouver are no exception and the city is close on the heels of Toronto when it comes to entertainment, with a huge amount of bars, pubs, lounges, nightclubs and several renowned theatres. Listening to music at one of the numerous venues is a pastime here and it doesn't take much to discover the most happening spots, with the city's host of jazz, folk and rock clubs. In addition, music festivals are plentiful throughout the Vancouver calendar and if you're into more seedy goings-on, Gastown can deliver.
Nightlife
The busiest areas for nightlife in the city are along Robson street and Granville street in downtown Vancouver as well as the Gastown and Chinatown districts just to the east of downtown. Vancouverites can party seven nights a week, with most pubs and clubs staying open until 01:00, and as late as 03:00 on weekends in the case of nightclubs. The drinking age in British Columbia is 19 years old, while many clubs have a higher age limit of 23 years old.
Theatre and Music
Vancouver sports more than one major music scene, with a tradition for supporting all areas of the performing arts and some fantastic live music concert venues throughout the city. With its stunning waterside setting, Vancouver has a particular love for the arts and boasts a prominent supply of impressive theatres such as the beautifully adorned and historic Orpheum Theatre, home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra since 1930. BC Place and GM Place are two quality stadiums located in downtown Vancouver, which often host concerts with popular international musical stars and it is worth checking ahead of time for concert schedules if this is your thing.
Festivals
Much revered for its arts and cultural prowess, Vancouver's calendar features an impressive programme of colourful, year-round festivals and events including many music festivals.
- Vancouver International Boat Show: is an annual aquatic event which happens to be the biggest in this part of Canada. This popular event showcases an array of boats, including modern and classic vessels, as well as displaying a huge range of equipment (February).
- International Jazz Festival: a massive jazz event with many big names spread over 10 days, this is one of Canada's biggest music festivals. Live performances are staged at dozens of locations around the city including a two-day street festival in Gastown (late June).
- Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival: featuring dance, music and alternative comedy, and is one of Canada's best fringe festivals. Stages are set up throughout the city and run from noon until midnight (late August to September).
- Festival of Lights: lighting up Vancouver to create an even more beautiful look for Christmas, the Festival of Lights, held at Vancouver's Van Dusen Botanical Gardens, is attended by thousands of spectators (December).
