Vancouver is the most populous city in the province of British Columbia, and it’s known for being one of the world’s most livable and beautiful cities. The city draws many tourists and entertainment-seekers to Western Canada and was the host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Additionally, Vancouver has a diverse music scene and has been a launching point for the careers of artists like Michael Bublé, Heart, and Carly Rae Jepsen.

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre is the home to the Vancouver Opera and hosts other concerts and events throughout the year. Its programming includes Broadway shows, famous stand-up comedians, and concerts by artists such as Alice in Chains and Tenacious D.

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra plays at The Orpheum, a former palace that is owned and operated by the same management as Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The orchestra moved to the Orpheum in 1977, after a successful campaign saved the venue and raised money for its restoration. VSO is the largest orchestra in Western Canada and performs about 140 concerts each season. The group puts on a diverse array of shows including classical concerts, pop tributes, kids’ shows, and accompaniments to famous films like Star Wars and Harry Potter.

If you’re looking for more of a club atmosphere, Commodore Ballroom is a famous spot for music and dancing. Its general admission ballroom can fit nearly 1000 people. Despite its relatively small size, the Commodore has attracted some top-notch talent such as Nirvana, Katy Perry, Oasis, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and James Brown over the years.

Like you might expect from a former Olympic host city, Vancouver is a big sports town. Its large sports areas have also hosted some of the area’s biggest concerts and touring artists. The NHL’s Vancouver Canucks play at Rogers Arena, which opened in 1995. Rogers Arena is the place to see big-time artists like Paul McCartney, Harry Styles, Pink, and Drake. Vancouver’s other large stadium is BC Place, which is the home of the CFL’s BC Lions and MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps. BC Place has two different concert configurations: a full-size 55,000 capacity setup and an “arena-style” 27,000 seat setup. Artists like Taylor Swift, One Direction, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, and Luke Bryan have taken the stage at BC Place.

Vancouver Concert Venues

Queen Elizabeth Theatre, home to the Vancouver Opera among other performers, is in Downtown Vancouver. It’s operated by Vancouver Civic Theatres. The Orpheum, another Vancouver Civic Theatres venue, is also downtown — just a few blocks closer to the West End.

Commodore Ballroom, a popular nightlife destination for live music, is right across the street from The Orpheum. It has a bowling alley and pool hall — “Commodore Lanes” — just downstairs.

Rogers Arena and BC Place are the two major venues in town where fans are likely to catch top acts coming through Vancouver. The two sit adjacent to one another in Downtown Vancouver. BC Place is famous for its retractable roof.

How much do Vancouver concert tickets cost?

The average resale price for a concert ticket in Vancouver is $131. Keep in mind that this price is an average, so it’s likely that you’ll be able to find tickets both below and above this price. Ticket prices may change depending on the performer or whether the show is on a weekend. Depending on the demand for an event, ticket prices may increase or decrease closer to the event.

Vancouver Music Festivals

Vancouver is home to multiple long-running annual music festivals.

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival takes place over three days on the third weekend of July. The event has been a summer staple in Vancouver since 1978. Despite its name, the festival is not restricted to just one genre; instead, Folk Fest attracts diverse artists from bluegrass, pop, soul, blues, and more. It takes place at Jericho Beach Park in Western Vancouver.

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival has convened each year since 1986. It has developed into the largest Jazz Festival in British Columbia and draws nearly half a million people every year. The festival takes place over a full week in late June to early July. Artists perform on multiple stages throughout the city.

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