PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is Vancouver’s premier contemporary performing arts festival, held each January-February at venues across downtown. The festival presents 25+ contemporary works in theatre, dance, music, and multidisciplinary performance from local, Canadian, and international artists. Tickets typically run C$25-65 single ticket, with festival passes from C$140. PuSh is known for boundary-pushing work — provocative theatre, experimental dance, intimate solo performances, and immersive site-specific pieces — appealing to adventurous audiences willing to leave the comfort zone.
This guide covers everything for visitors planning a PuSh visit — programming categories, ticketing strategy, festival venues, food and accommodation tips, and how to choose the right works for your taste in contemporary performance.
Table of Contents
PuSh Festival Quick Overview
- Festival dates: Late January through mid-February
- Duration: ~3 weeks
- Number of works: 25+
- Disciplines: Theatre, dance, music, multidisciplinary
- Single ticket: C$25-65
- Festival pass: C$140-280
- Best for: Adventurous audiences open to experimental work
- Tickets on sale: Late November/early December each year
When PuSh Happens
The PuSh Festival runs late January through mid-February each year — adding cultural energy to Vancouver’s quieter winter season.
2026 expected dates:
- Festival: late January – mid-February
- Tickets on sale: late November/early December 2025
- Festival passes: same time as tickets
- Press & industry weekend: opening weekend
Confirm 2026 dates: pushfestival.ca for current programming.
Festival History
PuSh was founded in 2003 by performance artists Norman Armour and others. The festival’s mission was to bring international experimental and contemporary work to Vancouver — work that wouldn’t otherwise tour to the city.
Festival philosophy:
- Boundary-pushing contemporary work
- Local + Canadian + international perspective
- Experimental dance, theatre, multidisciplinary performance
- Site-specific and immersive pieces
- Intentionally provocative
Cultural significance:
- Vancouver’s leading contemporary performance festival
- Helped establish Vancouver as a contemporary arts city
- Presents works rarely seen elsewhere in Canada
Programming Categories
PuSh organizes programming across multiple categories.
Major categories:
- Theatre: Contemporary theatrical works (often experimental)
- Dance: Contemporary, hip-hop, experimental movement
- Music: New music, experimental concerts, sound art
- Multidisciplinary: Works combining theatre, dance, music, video, technology
- Site-specific: Performances in non-traditional venues
- Immersive: Audience walks through, interacts with the work
Recent past works:
- International touring productions
- Indigenous artist commissions
- Solo performances
- Large-cast theatrical adaptations
- Concert experiences (often with visuals/projections)
Festival Venues
PuSh works are presented across multiple Vancouver venues.
Primary venues:
- The Vancouver Playhouse: Heritage venue; main proscenium stage
- Roundhouse Community Centre (Yaletown): Multiple flexible spaces
- Performance Works (Granville Island): Mid-size theatre
- The Cultch (Commercial Drive): Major contemporary venue
- SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (Woodward’s): Modern facility
- Site-specific venues: Different each year (galleries, clubs, public spaces)
Most central: Roundhouse Community Centre and SFU Goldcorp are most accessible.
Ticket Strategy
PuSh tickets vary widely depending on venue size and production.
Ticket types:
- Single ticket: C$25-65
- Senior/student: Discounted at most shows
- Pay-what-you-can: Some performances offer this option
- Special events: C$50-100 (galas, immersive)
How to buy:
- Online at pushfestival.ca
- Box office at the venue night-of
- Festival passes go on sale early; single tickets in December
Sold-out strategy:
- Wait list at the box office (45 min before)
- Cancellations release 24 hours before
- Pay-what-you-can door tickets at some shows
Festival Passes
Festival passes are best for serious arts patrons.
Pass options:
- Festival Pass: ~C$280; access to all regular performances
- 10-Show Pass: ~C$200; flexibility
- 5-Show Pass: ~C$140; sample multiple genres
Pass advantages:
- Reserve seats in advance
- Skip box office lines
- Access lounge/networking events
- Member discounts on additional tickets
Math: 5-Show Pass at C$140 averages C$28/show — break-even at single-ticket prices for most shows.
How to Pick Performances
With 25+ works, picking is the hardest part — especially since PuSh leans experimental.
Strategies:
- Read the program: pushfestival.ca publishes detailed descriptions
- Watch trailers: Most works have video clips on the festival site
- Critic recommendations: Vancouver Sun, Georgia Straight publish picks
- Talk to staff: PuSh box office knows the works deeply
- Mix disciplines: One theatre, one dance, one music for variety
- Try one challenging work: PuSh is for discovery
Risk tolerance:
- Conservative: Established touring works with international acclaim
- Moderate: Mix of established + one emerging artist
- Adventurous: Site-specific + experimental + multidisciplinary
Talkbacks & Artist Discussions
Many PuSh performances include post-show “talkbacks” — Q&A with artists.
What happens at talkbacks:
- Artists discuss the creation process
- Audience Q&A
- Conversation about themes and intent
- 15-30 min after the show
- Free with ticket
Worth attending:
- Demystifies experimental work
- Helps you process challenging pieces
- Direct access to artists
- Often more revealing than pre-show notes
PuSh Industry Series: Special panels, workshops, and discussions for arts professionals — separate ticket required.
Where to Stay
Stay close to your chosen venues.
Best PuSh-week hotels:
- Sandman Suites Davie: Central; close to multiple venues
- Times Square Suites (Robson): Central; suite with kitchen
- Pacific Palisades (Robson): Boutique; central
- Sutton Place: Upscale; near Yaletown venues
- Howard Johnson Vancouver Downtown: Budget; central
Booking: Hotels much less crowded for PuSh than Pride/Cherry Blossom; book 2-4 weeks ahead.
For Granville Island Performance Works performances: Granville Island Hotel is a 5-min walk.
Food & Drink Near Venues
Eating before/after performances is part of the festival.
Near Vancouver Playhouse:
- Hawksworth Restaurant: pre-show fine dining
- Joey downtown: casual
- Provence Marinaside: Yaletown patio
Near Roundhouse Community Centre:
- Yaletown restaurants (Provence, Earls)
- Brimmer Cocktail Bar
- Hello Goodbye Coffee
Near The Cultch (Commercial Drive):
- Federico’s: Italian neighborhood favorite
- Lombardo’s Pizza
- Sal y Limón: tacos
- Belgian beer at Belgian Beer Café
Near SFU Goldcorp Woodward’s:
- The American Cheesesteak
- Notch8 Restaurant
- Wildebeest
Tips for First-Timers
Strategies for first-time PuSh audiences.
- Start with a 5-show pass: Sample without commitment
- Mix risk levels: 1 conservative + 3 moderate + 1 challenging
- Read program notes before: Context helps with experimental work
- Stay for talkbacks: Often the festival’s best moments
- Comfortable shoes: Site-specific works can involve walking
- Layered clothing: Some venues are warm; others cold
- Phone off: Light disturbs other audience members
- Don’t fear walking out: Some experimental work won’t connect with everyone
- Discuss after: PuSh shows are great post-show conversation
- Try unfamiliar disciplines: Experimental dance + theatre is a Vancouver specialty
- Allow buffer time: Some venues are at the edge of downtown
- Book hotels close to venues: Vancouver winter weather means short walks preferred
Related Vancouver guides
Keep planning with these guides:
- Vancouver Events & Festivals: The Ultimate 2026 Annual Calendar
- Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF): Visitor’s Guide (2026)
PuSh Festival FAQs
What is the PuSh Festival?
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is Vancouver’s premier contemporary performing arts festival. Held each January-February, it presents 25+ contemporary works in theatre, dance, music, and multidisciplinary performance from local, Canadian, and international artists.
When is PuSh Festival 2026?
Late January through mid-February. Specific 2026 dates published at pushfestival.ca. Tickets typically go on sale late November/early December 2025.
How much do PuSh Festival tickets cost?
Single tickets C$25-65 depending on venue and production. Festival Pass ~C$280. 10-show pass ~C$200. 5-show pass ~C$140. Special events C$50-100.
Where is PuSh Festival held?
PuSh works are presented at multiple Vancouver venues including The Vancouver Playhouse, Roundhouse Community Centre (Yaletown), Performance Works (Granville Island), The Cultch (Commercial Drive), and SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts.
What kind of performances does PuSh Festival show?
PuSh focuses on contemporary and experimental performance — theatre, dance, music, and multidisciplinary work. The programming is intentionally provocative and boundary-pushing, with a mix of local, Canadian, and international artists.
Is PuSh Festival worth attending?
Yes for adventurous audiences. PuSh presents works rarely seen elsewhere in Canada and offers exceptional value (most tickets C$25-45). The festival’s intentionally experimental programming may not suit conservative theatre-goers.
How do I buy PuSh Festival passes?
Online at pushfestival.ca starting late November/early December. Box office at participating venues night-of. Festival passes sell out fastest; book early.
What are talkbacks at PuSh Festival?
Talkbacks are post-show Q&A sessions with the artists — 15-30 min after the performance, free with ticket. Often the festival’s best moments — direct access to artists about creation process and intent.
Can I see multiple shows in one day at PuSh?
Yes — many days have multiple performances at different times. Plan 2-3 hours per show including travel + dinner. Avoid scheduling immersive site-specific works back-to-back.
Is PuSh Festival family-friendly?
Most PuSh works are adult-oriented. Some performances include intense themes, nudity, strong language, or experimental content. Check individual show descriptions for content advisories.
Related reading: Pair this with our winter in Vancouver, things to do in Vancouver, and where to stay.
