February 2026: A Major Festival Month for Metro Vancouver Theatre
February has transformed into a significant festival period for the local theatre scene in Metro Vancouver. The month features multiple festivals and productions that showcase both international talent and homegrown artistic excellence. From long-running international festivals to emerging local celebrations, theatre enthusiasts have numerous compelling options to explore.
Hold On Let Go Festival
When: February 3-7, 2026
Where: Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets & Information: Starting at $20, with all-access passes available for $55 at holdonletgo.ca
This five-day festival presented by Theatre Replacement and Company 605 offers a diverse program featuring theatre, dance, music, and several works-in-progress. Among the most intriguing presentations are Anjela Magpantay's it is for when you meet me, which explores the Filipino cultural tradition of gift-giving, and previews of the highly anticipated multidisciplinary End of Greatness project from Veda Hille and Maiko Yamamoto.
Split Tooth: Saputjiji at PuSh Festival
When: February 5, 2026
Where: Chan Centre, University of British Columbia, 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver
Tickets & Information: $39 for general admission, $30 for concessions at pushfestival.ca
The 21st annual PuSh International Performing Arts Festival presents 24 shows from 17 different countries this year. One particularly notable production is Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq's Split Tooth: Saputjiji, a theatrical adaptation of her semi-autobiographical novel. The performance brings together Inuit throat singers, musicians, and performers in what organizers describe as "a staged environment that blurs music and memory, landscape and breath." This special one-night-only event promises to be a highlight of the festival season.
The Baking Show Show: The Play
When: February 5-7 and February 12-15, 2026
Where: Shadbolt Centre in Burnaby and Presentation House, 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver
Tickets & Information: Starting at $21 at shadboltcentre.com and phtheatre.org
Ruby Slippers Theatre presents Faly Mevamanana's satirical new play that takes audiences into the competitive world of reality TV baking shows. The story follows Grace as she "spirals into obsession and sabotage while striving to win Canada's most elite baking competition." This production emerges from Ruby Slippers' innovative developmental work with female and gender non-conforming playwrights of colour, directed by Jasmine Chen.
Dial M for Murder Revival
When: February 5 through March 8, 2026
Where: Stanley BFL Canada Stage, 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets & Information: Starting at $29 at artsclub.com
The Arts Club Theatre Company collaborates with Theatre Calgary to present a new adaptation of Frederick Knott's classic 1954 British crime drama. Originally a teleplay that became a stage production and later a famous Alfred Hitchcock film starring Grace Kelly, Ray Milland, and John Williams, this version features Jeffrey Hatcher's contemporary adaptation. The production includes Vancouver actors Olivia Hutt and Shekhar Paleja in the cast, with acclaimed director Jillian Keiley at the helm.
Additional Festival Highlights
Beyond these specific productions, February's theatre landscape includes The Cultch's Warrior Festival, which organizers hope will become an annual tradition. The month represents a convergence of established festivals and emerging events that collectively demonstrate Metro Vancouver's growing importance as a theatre destination during the winter season.
Theatre enthusiasts can look forward to diverse artistic expressions ranging from intimate local works to international productions, with themes exploring cultural traditions, competitive dynamics, classic thrillers, and innovative multidisciplinary collaborations. This February offers particularly rich opportunities for those interested in experiencing the breadth and depth of Metro Vancouver's performing arts scene.
