The viral internet sensation THE AMAZING DIGITAL CIRCUS comes to its long-awaited conclusion in a feature-length theatrical release!Discover the fates of Pomni and the gang as they unravel the true secret & history of the Digital Circus as this show finally arrives at its last act.

 This “Last Act” combines episode 8 with the all new, hour long episode 9 for fans to see before anyone else in the world. With Caine gone and the circus dark, the cast are left with only the mistakes and traumas of their pasts to keep them company. As the prospect of eternity closes in around them, they discover the truth about the Digital Circus and its history. Will they come to terms with what they uncover, or will they make… the other choice? Also, presumably at some point someone says something funny, because this ending can’t be THAT depressing, can it? This film experience includes an exclusive intro animation packed with exciting details about the movie and other fun surprises. There will also be a special entertaining recap of the series narrated by one of the characters!

THE LAST ACT features the voices of Lizzie Freeman (Pokémon Horizons) as Pomni, Alex Rochon (Poppy’s Playtime) as Caine, Michael Kovach (Murder Drones, Lackadaisy) as Jax, Amanda Hufford (Genshin Impact) as Ragatha, Marissa Lenti (Borderlands 3) as Gangle, Sean Chiplock (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) as Kinger, Ashley Nichols (Lackadaisy) as Zooble, and more. The finale also features music composed by series’ veteran Evan Alderete (Hazbin Hotel) and art direction from Gobo3D.

Thursday, June 4
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE AMAZING DIGITAL CIRCUS: THE LAST ACT (Gooseworx, 2026 / 93 mins / Rating TBD)

Following its world premiere at this years SXSW Festival, the highly anticipated new NOFX documentary 40 YEARS' OF FUCKIN' UP, which chronicles the chaotic four-decade history of the iconic punk band, is headed to the Rio Theatre.

Produced by NOFX frontman Fat Mike, the film features archival footage, candid interviews, and explores how the band became a successful independent act despite a history of self-destruction and controversy. The documentary covers the band’s 40-year journey from "drug-addled teenage punks" to influential rock icons. Like a real-life SPINAL TAP, the film features intimate, often shocking footage, including backstage chaos, drug use, and personal stories.

Limited edition and exclusive merch will be available for purchase!

Thursday, June 4
Doors 8:30 pm | Movie 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets $30 + s/c

NOFX: 40 YEARS OF FUCKIN' UP (James Buddy Day, 2026 / 90 mins / NR) A documentary portrait of iconic punk rock legends NOFX.

Join us at the Rio Theatre on Friday, June 5 for Indian Summer Festival’s Box Office Launch Party! This special evening will include a one-time only screening of Ramesh Sippy's iconic, genre-defining cult-classic action blockbuster SHOLAY (1975), starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra.

The evening will kick off with a programming overview of the Indian Summer Festival Program (July 9-19), offering access to on-the-spot ticket purchasing for the entire festival line-up. Grab specially curated refreshments and mango cocktails and settle into the one, the only SHOLAY.

This 50th Anniversary restoration edition of SHOLAY had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025, where its star Bachchan mused, “Some things in life remain permanently etched in your mind. 'Sholay' is one such film. It’s wonderful that the Film Heritage Foundation has restored 'Sholay' and that they have managed to locate and include the original ending as well as some deleted scenes in the restoration.I hope that even 50 years later, the film will capture the imagination of new audiences across the world.” Dharmendra states, “Sholay is the 8th wonder of the world." Captivating audiences worldwide with its compelling narrative, memorable characters and groundbreaking action sequences, SHOLAY serves as a cornerstone of Indian cinema, and continues to be celebrated for its enduring impact.

This meticulously restored version, a collaborative effort by Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd., brings back the film as it was originally intended. Audiences will have the unique opportunity to see the original ending and previously deleted scenes that were not part of the widely distributed theatrical cut, offering a fresh perspective on a cinematic masterpiece.

Co-presented by Rio Theatre and Indian Summer Festival, we are buzzing to be bringing the masala in masala films to East Vancouver. Join us for a spicy night of drama, art, and fun!

"'Sholay' delivers the goods, all right. It has, quite literally, everything -- action, adventure, romance, drama, comedy (very broad), musical numbers -- all superbly directed by young Ramesh Sippy." (Los Angeles times)

"'Sholay' is a grand, maximalist revel. It's the kind of movie that, while it may pass into the status of so many older movies more talked about than seen, it became that thing by being great." (RogerEbert.com)

"You can divide Hindi cinema into two eras, pre-and-post 'Sholay.' It is a landmark. They don't make 'em like this anymore." (The Indian Express)

Friday, June 5
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Please note: This film screens with an intermission.

SHOLAY (Ramesh Sippy, 1975 / 204 mins / Hindi w. English subtitles / NR) In the village of Ramgarh, retired police chief Thakur Baldev Singh plots to bring down the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh and enlists the help of two lesser criminals, Jai and Veeru. When Gabbar attacks the village, however, Jai and Veeru wonder why Thakur does nothing to help them. They soon learn that he has no arms, and that Gabbar was the one who cut them off. Enraged by this, they redouble their efforts to help. Content expanded.

In the late 1990s, eight-year-old Sasha and her family relocate to a new home on Vancouver Island, but their fresh start is interrupted by increasingly dangerous behavior from the eldest son, Jeremy. At wit’s end, their parents are presented with a shattering choice. Award-winning director Sophy Romvari’s feature debut is a lyrical and profound testament to the things we carry with us, masterfully chronicling the haze of a languid summer and the hyaline clarity of the moments that defined it.

Long before she was making award-winning films, Ms. Romvari was popping corn, designing posters, and selling tickets in the box office of ye olde Rio Theatre. 

"It’s a film that seldom comes out and tells you exactly what’s happening, but its drama is so lucid that before any real tragedy unfolds (or is even hinted at), you feel it in your bones." (Observer)

"“Blue Heron” may be the most emotionally devastating film of the year -- and also perhaps the most comforting. " (IndieWire)

Saturday, June 6
Doors 12:15 pm | Movie 12:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

BLUE HERON (Sophy Romvari, 2026 / PG / 90 mins) A family of six settles into their new home on Vancouver Island as internal dynamics get revealed through the eyes of the youngest child.

The viral internet sensation THE AMAZING DIGITAL CIRCUS comes to its long-awaited conclusion in a feature-length theatrical release!Discover the fates of Pomni and the gang as they unravel the true secret & history of the Digital Circus as this show finally arrives at its last act.

 This “Last Act” combines episode 8 with the all new, hour long episode 9 for fans to see before anyone else in the world. With Caine gone and the circus dark, the cast are left with only the mistakes and traumas of their pasts to keep them company. As the prospect of eternity closes in around them, they discover the truth about the Digital Circus and its history. Will they come to terms with what they uncover, or will they make… the other choice? Also, presumably at some point someone says something funny, because this ending can’t be THAT depressing, can it? This film experience includes an exclusive intro animation packed with exciting details about the movie and other fun surprises. There will also be a special entertaining recap of the series narrated by one of the characters!

THE LAST ACT features the voices of Lizzie Freeman (Pokémon Horizons) as Pomni, Alex Rochon (Poppy’s Playtime) as Caine, Michael Kovach (Murder Drones, Lackadaisy) as Jax, Amanda Hufford (Genshin Impact) as Ragatha, Marissa Lenti (Borderlands 3) as Gangle, Sean Chiplock (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) as Kinger, Ashley Nichols (Lackadaisy) as Zooble, and more. The finale also features music composed by series’ veteran Evan Alderete (Hazbin Hotel) and art direction from Gobo3D.

Saturday, June 6
Doors 2:30 pm | Movie 3:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE AMAZING DIGITAL CIRCUS: THE LAST ACT (Gooseworx, 2026 / 93 mins / Rating TBD)

Join us at the Rio Theatre for an East Van Laugh RioT night of live comedy featuring a trio of standup comedy courtesy of Luke Severeid, Scott Losse and Andrew Rivers

Saturday, June 6
Doors: 6:00 pm | Show: 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Tickets $30+ s/c (Until April 20)
Main Floor, Assigned and Balcony, General Admission - $35 + s/c
VIP (Rows A & B, Centre Section) $40+ s/c

About:

SCOTT LOSSE is a stand-up comedian and content creator from Burien, Washington. He has been featured on Dry Bar Comedy, Outside Magazine, and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Scott has become well known for his short-form content and observational humor about the outdoors and living in the Pacific Northwest. His stand-up is absurd and relatable. People like it. His album "Popular Donuts" is now available on Spotify and his Dry Bar Special "Okay" in on YouTube and has a billion billion views. He's also known as "I live in the Pacific Northwest" guy on instagram ranting about the Weather or Costco or Sheds.

LUKE SEVEREID is a Hill-Hiking, Metal-Music-Loving, Chrome-Dome-Having Stand-UP Comedian from Seattle, WA. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest with the plaids and IPA-fueled husk to prove it.

Luke’s comedic style has been described as insightfully idiotic, aggressively absurd, and most accurately, unmedicated ADHD in action. Besides looking identical to your favorite bouncer and or bass player, Luke was also recently in the Big Sky Comedy Festival, a semifinalist in both the Seattle and San Francisco International Comedy Competition, and a winner of Best Comedy Film at HUMP! Film Festival.

He also just got back from a sold out Australian tour as a part of the Heavy Metal Music Festival KNOTFEST. Millions have enjoyed his stand-up videos online and we’re sure he’ll be able to get a giggle or two out of you.

ANDREW RIVERS' very personal and fun storytelling comedy, combined with his exemplary work ethic, has earned him high praise from some of the best comedians in the business.

Andrew’s comedy specials with Dry Bar Comedy and others – including Gun Enthusiasts Aren’t Funny (Dry Bar Comedy, 2018), The Second Wave of Covid Jokes (2020) For The Wrong Reasons (800 Pound Gorilla, 2021) and Hello, Beautiful (800 Pound Gorilla, 2024) – have earned millions of views online. His joke about a dentist got so many views, the dentist gave Andrew fake teeth for free but he’s still not getting matches on Tinder.

Andrew also recently appeared on the Joy Podcast with Craig Ferguson and would like to take the opportunity to name drop his Dad, Seattle Radio Hall of Famer Bob Rivers as well as comedians Christopher Titus, and Steve Hofstetter for giving him regular road work in theaters in North America and Europe.

"Choose life... But why would I want to do a thing like that?"

Not only did Danny Boyle manage to put Irvine Welsh's "unadaptable" novel 'Trainspotting' on celluloid, but he did it with such kinetic, frenetic and phenomenally stylish aplomb that he also managed to craft one of the 90s most singularly defining films - and stars of its fantastic ensemble. Ewan McGregor commands the lead role of heroin addict Mark Renton, who stumbles through bad ideas and sobriety attempts with his unreliable friends - including Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller), Begbie (Robert Carlyle), Spud (Ewen Bremner) and Tommy (Kevin McKidd). He even also has an underage girlfriend, Diane (Kelly Macdonald, in her film debut), along for the ride. Under the supervision of director Boyle, TRAINSPOTTING has been digitally restored in 4K, bringing updated clarity and immersion to the film's iconic visuals while maintaining its kinetic, frantic 90s aesthetic.

Smart, funny, sickly and sometimes just plain unconscious, Mark Renton became a hero of the times. Set in an underbelly of Edinburgh the city fathers never dreamed of, TRAINSPOTTING is the story of Mark and his so-called friends - a bunch of losers, liars, psychos, thieves and junkies. Hilarious but harrowing, the film charts the disintegration of their friendship as they proceed, seemingly inevitably, towards self-destruction. Mark alone has the insight and opportunity to escape his fate - but then again, does he really want to 'choose life'?

"A brutal, often times funny, other times terrifying portrayal of drug addiction in Edinburgh. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth viewing as a realistic and entertaining reminder of the horrors of drug use." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"TRAINSPOTTING, buoyed by a great Brit Pop soundtrack and Brian Tufano's agile cinematography, captures the stoned-out, gut-churning experience of hardcore addiction with hallucinogenic acuity." (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Saturday, June 6
Doors 8:45 pm | Movie 10:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

TRAINSPOTTING (Danny Boyle, 1996 / 93 mins / 18A) Renton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out, despite the allure of the drugs and influence of friends.

VLACC is proud to once again present Canto Vivo in Concert with TROVADORAS: A Celebration of Women Songwriters of Latin America, an afternoon honouring the powerful and poetic women whose songs have helped shape the musical soul of Latin America.

Before renowned divas and crooners delighted international audiences with their renditions of Gracias a la Vida and Bésame Mucho, the creators of these iconic songs had been invisible to the world. Not anymore. Violeta Parra's and Consuelo Velásquez's compositions have finally found their rightful place among the most beautiful to ever come out of Latin America. In the last few years, contemporary singer-songwriters like Natalia Lafourcade and Marta Gómez have also captivated and continue to inspire music lovers worldwide. But there are still many more trovadoras, young and old, who remain in the shadows.

In this, its third annual concert, Canto Vivo, led by Musical Director Sérgio Pires, will showcase the work of both acclaimed and little-known Latin American women. The choir will take you on a journey across the continent and along more than one hundred years, starting at the beginning of the 20th century in Brazil and ending in contemporary Guatemala, with stops in Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Cuba and Mexico.

Join us in this celebration of the melodies, rhythms and words interwoven by the hearts and minds of gifted trovadoras latinoamericanas.

Sunday, June 7
Doors 2:00 pm | Event 3:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

General Admission $28.75 + s/c
Canto Vivo Supporter $34.50 + s/c
Canto Vivo Sustainer $46 + s/c

About Canto Vivo Choir

Founded by VLACC in 2017 under the direction of Sérgio Pires, Canto Vivo brings together singers from across Latin America, Canada, and beyond. Today, the choir has 37 members from 15 different countries. Over the years, Canto Vivo has performed at a variety of events and venues, including the Waterfront Theatre, the York Theatre and the Vancouver Playhouse. This June marks the choir's third solo concert, featuring a lively repertoire of beloved Latin American songs in Spanish and Portuguese, many of which were specially arranged for the group by Sérgio himself.

About the Music Director

Sérgio Pires holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from Boston University and degrees in Musicology and Music Education from Brazilian institutions. Before moving to Canada, he was a professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Mr. Pires' previous conducting engagements include the early music ensemble Brasil Barroco, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Chamber Choir and the Concordia Choir, Vancouver.

Guest Artists and Musicians

Caro Selva (Vocals)

Sheila Minatti (Vocals)

Baltazar Aguilera (Keyboard)

Carlos Cortes (Guitar)

Marcos Uribe (Guitar, Charango and Percussion)

Paula Faustino (Zabumba)

Creative Team

Carla Alcántara (Projection Designer)

Caro Selva (Graphic Designer)

Juliana Silva (Costume Designer)

The viral internet sensation THE AMAZING DIGITAL CIRCUS comes to its long-awaited conclusion in a feature-length theatrical release!Discover the fates of Pomni and the gang as they unravel the true secret & history of the Digital Circus as this show finally arrives at its last act.

 This “Last Act” combines episode 8 with the all new, hour long episode 9 for fans to see before anyone else in the world. With Caine gone and the circus dark, the cast are left with only the mistakes and traumas of their pasts to keep them company. As the prospect of eternity closes in around them, they discover the truth about the Digital Circus and its history. Will they come to terms with what they uncover, or will they make… the other choice? Also, presumably at some point someone says something funny, because this ending can’t be THAT depressing, can it? This film experience includes an exclusive intro animation packed with exciting details about the movie and other fun surprises. There will also be a special entertaining recap of the series narrated by one of the characters!

THE LAST ACT features the voices of Lizzie Freeman (Pokémon Horizons) as Pomni, Alex Rochon (Poppy’s Playtime) as Caine, Michael Kovach (Murder Drones, Lackadaisy) as Jax, Amanda Hufford (Genshin Impact) as Ragatha, Marissa Lenti (Borderlands 3) as Gangle, Sean Chiplock (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) as Kinger, Ashley Nichols (Lackadaisy) as Zooble, and more. The finale also features music composed by series’ veteran Evan Alderete (Hazbin Hotel) and art direction from Gobo3D.

Sunday, June 7
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE AMAZING DIGITAL CIRCUS: THE LAST ACT (Gooseworx, 2026 / 93 mins / Rating TBD) With Caine gone and the circus dark, the cast are left with only the mistakes and traumas of their pasts to keep them company. As the prospect of eternity closes in around them, they discover the truth about the Digital Circus and its history.  Will they come to terms with what they uncover, or will they make… the other choice? Also, presumably at some point someone says something funny, because this ending can’t be THAT depressing, can it? A theatrical screening of episode 8 and the all new, hour-long episode 9.

Black, a boy who seeks to bend the city to his will through strength, and White, his innocent counterpart, are two orphaned street kids living in the slums of Treasure Town. When real estate developers threaten to transform Treasure Town into a massive theme park, its very existence is put at risk. Determined to protect both White and their city, Black takes on the yakuza and assassins, gradually losing his innocence as he confronts a dark manifestation within himself.

Featuring dynamic visuals from STUDIO4°C (Mind Game) and based on the legendary manga by Taiyo Matsumoto, Tekkonkinkreet remains a beloved cult classic to this day. Set in a world that cannot escape change, it tells a story of unwavering love, complementary bonds, and a prayer that must never be lost. Now beautifully remastered in stunning 4K.

"In the anime TEKKONKINKREET, two orphans of life's storms sail through the air like birds, like superheroes, like Jackie Chan." (New York Times)

"By the end of this phantasmagorical journey, I was as wrapped up in the precarious fate of these two wounded kids and the honorable yakuza warlords of Treasure Town as I've been in any film all year." (Salon.com)

Sunday, June 7
Doors 8:15 pm | Movie 8:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

TEKKONKINKREET "Tekkon kinkurîto" (Michael Arias, 2006 / 103 / 14A / Japanese with English subs) In Treasure Town, life can be both peaceful and violent. This is never truer than for our heroes, Black and White - two street kids who claim to traverse the urban city as if it were their own. But in this town, an undercurrent of evil exists and has its sights set on the pair of brothers, forcing them to engage in battle with an array of old-world Yakuza as well as dangerous assassins vying to rule the decaying metropolis.

Eager to impress his activist crush, a wealthy New York teenager follows an online connection to Texas, where he's convinced he can stop an act of extreme violence. With Jaeden Martell, Asa Butterfield, Chris Bauer, Jennifer Ehle, Avan Joggia.

Director Oscar Boyson (UNCUT GEMS, GOOD TIME) will be joining us at the Rio Theatre for a post-show Q&A following the screening on June 8.

"Oscillating between brutal humor and unsettling insight, 'Our Hero, Balthazar is an audacious and often astonishing directorial debut tinged with riveting performances and sprawling thematic ambition." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"Taken all together, “Our Hero, Balthazar” is a button pusher that holds up a mirror to America and asks what is performative and what is real. It also dwells on how we can get out of this quicksand trap that young men are trapped in right now. " (San Jose Mercury News)

Monday, June 8
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

OUR HERO BALTHAZAR (Oscar Boyson, 2026 / 96 mins / NR) Follows a wealthy New York City teenager who, eager to impress his activist crush, follows an online connection to Texas where he believes he can stop an act of extreme violence.

"Choose life... But why would I want to do a thing like that?"

Not only did Danny Boyle manage to put Irvine Welsh's "unadaptable" novel 'Trainspotting' on celluloid, but he did it with such kinetic, frenetic and phenomenally stylish aplomb that he also managed to craft one of the 90s most singularly defining films - and stars of its fantastic ensemble. Ewan McGregor commands the lead role of heroin addict Mark Renton, who stumbles through bad ideas and sobriety attempts with his unreliable friends - including Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller), Begbie (Robert Carlyle), Spud (Ewen Bremner) and Tommy (Kevin McKidd). He even also has an underage girlfriend, Diane (Kelly Macdonald, in her film debut), along for the ride. Under the supervision of director Boyle, TRAINSPOTTING has been digitally restored in 4K, bringing updated clarity and immersion to the film's iconic visuals while maintaining its kinetic, frantic 90s aesthetic.

Smart, funny, sickly and sometimes just plain unconscious, Mark Renton became a hero of the times. Set in an underbelly of Edinburgh the city fathers never dreamed of, TRAINSPOTTING is the story of Mark and his so-called friends - a bunch of losers, liars, psychos, thieves and junkies. Hilarious but harrowing, the film charts the disintegration of their friendship as they proceed, seemingly inevitably, towards self-destruction. Mark alone has the insight and opportunity to escape his fate - but then again, does he really want to 'choose life'?

"A brutal, often times funny, other times terrifying portrayal of drug addiction in Edinburgh. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth viewing as a realistic and entertaining reminder of the horrors of drug use." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"TRAINSPOTTING, buoyed by a great Brit Pop soundtrack and Brian Tufano's agile cinematography, captures the stoned-out, gut-churning experience of hardcore addiction with hallucinogenic acuity." (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Monday, June 8
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

TRAINSPOTTING (Danny Boyle, 1996 / 93 mins / 18A) Renton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out, despite the allure of the drugs and influence of friends.

From director Taratoa Stappard, and starring Ariāna Osborne and Toby Stephens comes the year’s most visually stunning Gothic Horror. Far from home and haunted by visions, a Māori woman uncovers gruesome secrets inside an English manor. A bold, unsettling gothic tale of identity, memory, and colonial reckoning.  With Umi Myers, Erroll Shand, Jordan Moone.

1859, North Yorkshire. When young Maori woman Mary arrives from New Zealand, she’s trapped as governess to a wealthy whaler’s granddaughter. Living among her ancestors’ stolen artifacts, she uncovers Sir Cole’s horrific crimes. Embracing her Matakite powers, Mary becomes Mārama and must save Anne and avenge her family by destroying him.

Grand Jury Prize: Scariest Feature Film, Overlook Film Festival
Official Selection: TIFF Palm Springs International Film Festival, AFI FEST, Chicago International Film Festival, SITGES – International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia

““Mārama,” a striking feature debut by Taratoa Stappard, bills itself as a Māori gothic and the combination works… a good ride with first-rate cinematography and production design.” (Los Angeles Times)

"“Handsomely staged and delivers an energetic bloodlust that more haughty prestige films may have shied away from." (Film Inquiry)

Tuesday, June 9
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tuesday 2-for-1 Tickets!

Mārama (Taratoa Stappard, 2026 / 89 mins / NR) 1859. When a young Māori woman is summoned from New Zealand to North Yorkshire, she uncovers her horrific colonial heritage and is compelled to confront and destroy the titled Englishman who devastated her family.

"Choose life... But why would I want to do a thing like that?"

Not only did Danny Boyle manage to put Irvine Welsh's "unadaptable" novel 'Trainspotting' on celluloid, but he did it with such kinetic, frenetic and phenomenally stylish aplomb that he also managed to craft one of the 90s most singularly defining films - and stars of its fantastic ensemble. Ewan McGregor commands the lead role of heroin addict Mark Renton, who stumbles through bad ideas and sobriety attempts with his unreliable friends - including Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller), Begbie (Robert Carlyle), Spud (Ewen Bremner) and Tommy (Kevin McKidd). He even also has an underage girlfriend, Diane (Kelly Macdonald, in her film debut), along for the ride. Under the supervision of director Boyle, TRAINSPOTTING has been digitally restored in 4K, bringing updated clarity and immersion to the film's iconic visuals while maintaining its kinetic, frantic 90s aesthetic.

Smart, funny, sickly and sometimes just plain unconscious, Mark Renton became a hero of the times. Set in an underbelly of Edinburgh the city fathers never dreamed of, TRAINSPOTTING is the story of Mark and his so-called friends - a bunch of losers, liars, psychos, thieves and junkies. Hilarious but harrowing, the film charts the disintegration of their friendship as they proceed, seemingly inevitably, towards self-destruction. Mark alone has the insight and opportunity to escape his fate - but then again, does he really want to 'choose life'?

"A brutal, often times funny, other times terrifying portrayal of drug addiction in Edinburgh. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth viewing as a realistic and entertaining reminder of the horrors of drug use." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"TRAINSPOTTING, buoyed by a great Brit Pop soundtrack and Brian Tufano's agile cinematography, captures the stoned-out, gut-churning experience of hardcore addiction with hallucinogenic acuity." (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Tuesday, June 9
Doors 8:15 pm | Movie 8:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tuesday 2-for-1 Tickets!

TRAINSPOTTING (Danny Boyle, 1996 / 93 mins / 18A) Renton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out, despite the allure of the drugs and influence of friends.

"Choose life... But why would I want to do a thing like that?"

Not only did Danny Boyle manage to put Irvine Welsh's "unadaptable" novel 'Trainspotting' on celluloid, but he did it with such kinetic, frenetic and phenomenally stylish aplomb that he also managed to craft one of the 90s most singularly defining films - and stars of its fantastic ensemble. Ewan McGregor commands the lead role of heroin addict Mark Renton, who stumbles through bad ideas and sobriety attempts with his unreliable friends - including Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller), Begbie (Robert Carlyle), Spud (Ewen Bremner) and Tommy (Kevin McKidd). He even also has an underage girlfriend, Diane (Kelly Macdonald, in her film debut), along for the ride. Under the supervision of director Boyle, TRAINSPOTTING has been digitally restored in 4K, bringing updated clarity and immersion to the film's iconic visuals while maintaining its kinetic, frantic 90s aesthetic.

Smart, funny, sickly and sometimes just plain unconscious, Mark Renton became a hero of the times. Set in an underbelly of Edinburgh the city fathers never dreamed of, TRAINSPOTTING is the story of Mark and his so-called friends - a bunch of losers, liars, psychos, thieves and junkies. Hilarious but harrowing, the film charts the disintegration of their friendship as they proceed, seemingly inevitably, towards self-destruction. Mark alone has the insight and opportunity to escape his fate - but then again, does he really want to 'choose life'?

"A brutal, often times funny, other times terrifying portrayal of drug addiction in Edinburgh. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth viewing as a realistic and entertaining reminder of the horrors of drug use." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"TRAINSPOTTING, buoyed by a great Brit Pop soundtrack and Brian Tufano's agile cinematography, captures the stoned-out, gut-churning experience of hardcore addiction with hallucinogenic acuity." (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Wednesday, June 10
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

TRAINSPOTTING (Danny Boyle, 1996 / 93 mins / 18A) Renton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out, despite the allure of the drugs and influence of friends.

THE LAST ANNIVERSARY will make its theatrical debut in Toronto May 22, and then open across Canada May 29, from indie distributor Tiny Cabin Pictures. Following its world-premiere at the 2025 Macabro Film Festival in Mexico, and  U.S. premiere at the 2026 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival

Written, directed and edited by Brett Butler and Jason Butler, a.k.a. The Butler Brothers, THE LAST ANNIVERSARY stars Jesse McQueen, Kenneth Northfield, Ry Barrett (IN A VIOLENT NATURE), Kevin Courtney, Manon Ens-Lapointe, Honor Spencer, Jenna Vittoria, Michael Masurkevitch and Jessica Vano.

The story follows Tom (Northfield) and Aubrey (McQueen) as they return to the abandoned hotel where they were married 10 years earlier, inviting their original wedding party for one final night of celebration. But beneath the surface of nostalgia lies a darker purpose: confronting the group about the mysterious disappearance of their Maid of Honor on that long-ago wedding night. As tensions rise and the world edges toward collapse, buried truths begin to surface with devastating consequences.

Wednesday, June 10
Doors 8:15 pm | Movie 8:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE LAST ANNIVERSARY (Jason Butler & Brett Butler, 2026 / NR / 90 mins) On the eve of the apocalypse, a couple lure their former wedding party back to the abandoned hotel where they were married, intent on finally uncovering the truth behind their Maid of Honor’s disappearance, no matter the cost.

In a unique, immersive, multimedia special event, classic film scholar MICHAEL VAN DEN BOS and the De-Lovely Vancouver jazz
vocalist LAURA CREMA celebrate the works of legendary songwriter COLE PORTER. “Just One of Those Things”, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, “I Get A Kick Out of You”, “Anything Goes”, and “You’re The Top” are just a few of Cole Porter’s timeless tunes enshrined in The Great American Songbook.

This swellegant, elegant evening features a sensational collection of Cole Porter Broadway and Hollywood songs performed on
stage live by THE LAURA CREMA SEXTET interwoven with classic film performances projected on the big screen. Get ready for a
night that’s a musical flight . . . one of those crazy flings . . . a trip to the moon on gossamer wings!

Friday, June 12
Doors 6:45 pm | Show 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

We're diving deep into horror classics with a #FridayLateNight screening of Dario Argento's giallo-infused, "candy-coloured," phantasmagoric nightmare of a horror icon SUSPIRIA ("the most terrifying movie ever made!"). 

This genre-defining cult-classic has been lovingly restored and remastered in glorious 4K - the film's bizarre colour schemes come alive in a whole new way. Buoyed by a phenomenal soundtrack from the Italian band Goblin, SUSPIRIA is "nightmare fuel" for the senses - and can only be truly enjoyed on the big screen... If you dare!

Suzy (Jessica Harper) travels to Germany to attend ballet school. When she arrives, late on a stormy night, no one lets her in, and she sees Pat (Eva Axén), another student, fleeing from the school. When Pat reaches her apartment, she is murdered. The next day, Suzy is admitted to her new school, but has a difficult time settling in. She hears noises, and often feels ill. As more people die, Suzy uncovers the terrifying secret history of the place...

"It's always fascinating to watch; the thrills and spills are so classy and fast that the movie becomes in effect what horror movies seemed like when you were too young to get in to see them." (Time Out)

"From stormy start to fiery finish, it's a stylish, compelling, phantasmagoric movie." (The Observer)

Friday, June 12
Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

SUSPIRIA (Dario Argento, 1977 / 92 mins/ 18A) | A newcomer to a fancy ballet academy gradually comes to realize that the school is a front for something far more sinister and supernatural amidst a series of grisly murders.

Legendary cinematographer Robert McLachlan CSC, ASC will present and discuss the cinematic process behind his acclaimed work, including Landman, Game of Thrones, Special Ops: Lioness, Lovecraft Country, Ray Donovan,  and much more.

Saturday, June 13
Doors 1:00 pm | Event 2:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

General Admission - $16 (includes taxes and fees)

General public sales begin June 5, 10:00 am PST

AMORES PERROS ("Love's a Bitch") is Mexican filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu's blisteringly bold, intensely emotional, and ambitious story of lives that collide in a Mexico City car crash. Inventively structured as a triptych of overlapping and intersecting narratives, AMORES PERROS explores the lives of disparate characters who are catapulted into unforeseen dramatic situations instigated by the seemingly inconsequential destiny of a dog named Cofi.

After 25 years, González Iñárritu's legendary feature debut returns to the big screen in a stunning restoration. With Adriana Barraza, Vanessa Bauche, and Gael García Bernal

"If you haven’t fled the theater 20 minutes into the new Mexican film Amores Perros, you’ll be hooked until the end. It pulses with energy and wild style." (LA Weekly)

"Many of the narrative details feel like loving gestures from a storyteller proud of the weight of folklore and of his story. The violence is fast and shocking: a shooting in a restaurant ends with blood dribbling onto a hot griddle, an image that could be a metaphor for the overheated emotions of the film." (New York Times)

"González Iñárritu has modernized Mexican cinema by shooting and editing in a relentlessly urban, fast-paced and hip fashion, packed with sex and violence and raring to go. It's a breath of fresh air in an industry more accustomed to older narrative and pictorial styles." (The Nation)

"One of the most honored and most expertly articulated Mexican films of recent years." (Observer)

Saturday, June 13
Doors 5:00 pm | Movie 5:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

AMORES PERROS (Alejandro G. Iñárritu, 2001 / 154 mins / 14A / Spanish w. EST) A teenager risks it all to run away with his brother’s wife. A model loses everything after moving in with her lover. A homeless man unearths the ghosts of his past. As their stories unfold, human chaos, cruelty, and tenderness come to light – revealing they are more connected than they seem.

Eager to impress his activist crush, a wealthy New York teenager follows an online connection to Texas, where he's convinced he can stop an act of extreme violence. With Jaeden Martell, Asa Butterfield, Chris Bauer, Jennifer Ehle, Avan Joggia.

"Oscillating between brutal humor and unsettling insight, 'Our Hero, Balthazar is an audacious and often astonishing directorial debut tinged with riveting performances and sprawling thematic ambition." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"Taken all together, “Our Hero, Balthazar” is a button pusher that holds up a mirror to America and asks what is performative and what is real. It also dwells on how we can get out of this quicksand trap that young men are trapped in right now. " (San Jose Mercury News)

Saturday, June 13
Doors 8:15 pm | Movie 8:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

OUR HERO BALTHAZAR (Oscar Boyson, 2026 / 96 mins / NR) Follows a wealthy New York City teenager who, eager to impress his activist crush, follows an online connection to Texas where he believes he can stop an act of extreme violence.

Join us for the world premiere of this year's batch of Templeton Secondary’s Afterschool Film Program films. We’ve got a genre-bending mix of funny, scary, poignant, and as always, weird as heck! This night is the absolute highlight of our year and proclaimed by the students to be the unofficial “film kid prom!”

This event is East Van at it’s best – beautiful, weird, celebratory, and full of amazing support for both the kids we love and the incredible films they make.

This screening event is a fundraiser, and all proceeds go directly towards the Afterschool Film Program / Dream Big Productions at Templeton Secondary School.

Monday, June 15
Doors 6:00 pm | Screening 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets $18+ s/c  | $20+ s/c at the door

Now in its 15th year,  the smash hit epic comedy THE CRITICAL HIT SHOW returns to the Rio Theatre's stage on Wednesday, June 17 for another night of dork-filled humour.

Prepare yourself for a generous dose of laughter and snorting out loud, as some of Vancouver’s best comedic performers grace the stage in a night featuring some of this City's most intrepid players on a gallant quest for comedy glory (and more snacks!) in a hilarious adventure saga that has been running continuously since 2012.

Spanning over 100 live performances in both Canada and the United States, two years of “at-home” streaming, and frequent festival appearances, THE CRITICAL HIT SHOW is one of the longest running comedy shows around. #DNDLive is an improvised adventure that takes its inspiration from tabletop role-playing games, fantasy film and TV, and (most importantly) you!

Whether you’re a longtime fan, you’ve been enjoying our live streamed shows, or you’re brand new to the experience - you’re going to have a great time.

June, 17
Doors 6:15 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change.

Tickets $17 +s/c in advance | $20+ s/c at the door

THE ADVENTURERS

Eric Fell as The Dungeon Master
Ian Boothby as Benoit the Anointed, the Half-Elf Cleric
Joanna Gaskell as Freya, the Elf Warlock
Barbara Beall as Ingrid, the Halfling Fighter
Ellen MacNevin as Belle Strummer, the Half-Elf Ranger
Allen Morrison as Spitz Lube’n, the Human Wizard
Shaun Stewart as Brask Hellbeard, the Dwarf Bard

More monsters! More Magic! More Mayhem! More Off-Brand soda!

Twitter: @critshow
www.criticalhitshow.com

www.facebook.com/dndlive

Dead Lover is the story of a lonely Gravedigger who reeks so strongly of corpses that she can't attract a lover. She concocts fragrant perfumes in her workshop, but nothing can save her romantic prospects from her ghastly odor... Until one day, when Gravedigger meets Lover, an aristocratic dandy in town for his sister's funeral. Lover is different: numb to the pampered palette of the aristocracy, his loins are downright aroused by Gravedigger’s morbid stank. Before long, Gravedigger and Lover begin a rapturous love affair, become engaged, and dream of starting a family.

Dead Lover is a hilarious, delirious, beautiful, horny, and wholly original Frankensteinian tale about the limits one Gravedigger will go to hold onto love. It is the sophomore feature from Grace Glowicki, who directed and stars as the love-obsessed, shovel-wielding Gravedigger turned mad scientist. Ben Petrie, Leah Doz and Lowen Morrow comprise the colourful cast of supporting characters, each playing multiple roles in the style of great romps such as Monty Python and Dr. Strangelove.

Glowicki broke out as a fearless directorial voice with her debut feature Tito, which she wrote, directed and starred in. The film premiered at the 2019 SXSW Film Festival, where it won the Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Award, presented “in honor of a filmmaker whose work strives to be wholly its own, without regard for norms or desire to conform.” Richard Brody atThe New Yorker said “This movie is a tour de force—of performance, in Glowicki’s astounding display of choreographic expressionism... An instant classic of acting.”

"God bless [director] Grace Glowicki for pushing ahead as a genre leading lady who isn’t scared to tackle oddball characters in nutty films." (New York Times)

"'Dead Lover' is pure DIY, playing like low-budget experimental theater with striking gel lighting and sharp contrasts, and minimal set design that lets its wacky characters shine." (Bloody Disgusting)

Wednesday, June 17 
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

The Dead Lover Stink-O-Vision screenings turn cinema into a full-body experience. Each audience member receives a scratch-and-sniff card created by scent artists, unleashing a carefully choreographed bouquet of aromas—funky, foul, seductive, and downright unholy—that sync with key moments in the film. From grave-dirt rot to dandy cologne, ghost puke to BBQ stank, the smells guide viewers through a journey of fetid, funky love where romance and revulsion collide.

DEAD LOVER (Grace Glowicki, 2025 / 86 mins / NR) A lonely gravedigger who stinks of corpses finally meets her dream man, but their whirlwind affair is cut short when he tragically drowns at sea. Grief-stricken, she goes to morbid lengths to resurrect him through madcap scientific experiments, resulting in grave consequences and unlikely love.

The scintillating feature debut of Mary Harron (AMERICAN PSYCHO) and one of the most controversial independent films of the 1990s, I SHOT ANDY WARHOL stars an electric Lili Taylor as Valerie Solanas, a militant feminist whose attempted murder of Andy Warhol brought instant fame to her radically anti-male SCUM Manifesto. Dropping out of grad school in the mid sixties, the brilliant yet volatile Solanas survived in New York City as a destitute artist, sex worker, and panhandler, soon striking up a friendship with Warhol superstar Candy Darling that brought her briefly into the orbit of the world’s premier pop artist.

With vivid, hallucinatory attention to historical detail, Harron captures the explosive cross-pollination of New York’s political and artistic countercultures as well as the creativity, snobbery, and decadence at the heart of the legendary Factory. Anchored by pitch-perfect performances—and featuring a blistering score by John Cale as well as covers of sixties hits by some of the nineties’ most iconic bands (R.E.M., Wilco)— I SHOT ANDY WARHOL is an incisive portrait of a rebel without an outlet and the soon-to-be-lost generation she came to define.

"Ferociously entertaining! Makes you realize just how simple (and simple-minded) the majority of biopics are by comparison." (IndieWire)

Thursday, June 18
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

I SHOT ANDY WARHOL (Mary Harron, 1996 / 18A / 103 mins) The story of Valerie Solanas, a '60s radical who preached misandry in her "Scum" manifesto. She wrote a screenplay for a film that she wanted Andy Warhol to produce, but after he repeatedly ignored her, she shot him.

AMORES PERROS ("Love's a Bitch") is Mexican filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu's blisteringly bold, intensely emotional, and ambitious story of lives that collide in a Mexico City car crash. Inventively structured as a triptych of overlapping and intersecting narratives, AMORES PERROS explores the lives of disparate characters who are catapulted into unforeseen dramatic situations instigated by the seemingly inconsequential destiny of a dog named Cofi.

After 25 years, González Iñárritu's legendary feature debut returns to the big screen in a stunning restoration. With Adriana Barraza, Vanessa Bauche, and Gael García Bernal

"If you haven’t fled the theater 20 minutes into the new Mexican film Amores Perros, you’ll be hooked until the end. It pulses with energy and wild style." (LA Weekly)

"Many of the narrative details feel like loving gestures from a storyteller proud of the weight of folklore and of his story. The violence is fast and shocking: a shooting in a restaurant ends with blood dribbling onto a hot griddle, an image that could be a metaphor for the overheated emotions of the film." (New York Times)

"González Iñárritu has modernized Mexican cinema by shooting and editing in a relentlessly urban, fast-paced and hip fashion, packed with sex and violence and raring to go. It's a breath of fresh air in an industry more accustomed to older narrative and pictorial styles." (The Nation)

"One of the most honored and most expertly articulated Mexican films of recent years." (Observer)

Thursday, June 18
Doors 8:30 pm | Movie 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

AMORES PERROS (Alejandro G. Iñárritu, 2001 / 154 mins / 14A / Spanish w. EST) A teenager risks it all to run away with his brother’s wife. A model loses everything after moving in with her lover. A homeless man unearths the ghosts of his past. As their stories unfold, human chaos, cruelty, and tenderness come to light – revealing they are more connected than they seem.

From the visionary mind of Ari Aster (EDDINGTON, HEREDITARY, BEAU IS AFRAID) comes a dread-soaked cinematic fairytale, where a world of darkness unfolds in broad daylight...

MIDSOMMAR remains one of our favourite arthouse horror films of the past few years, and what better way to pay homage to the start of summer than with a screening of this modern horror classic than with this particular work of nightmare fuel?

Dani and Christian are a young American couple with a relationship on the brink of falling apart. But after a family tragedy keeps them together, a grieving Dani invites herself to join Christian and his friends on a trip to a once-in-a-lifetime midsummer festival in a remote Swedish village. What begins as a carefree summer holiday in a land of eternal sunlight takes a sinister turn when the insular villagers invite their guests to partake in festivities that render the pastoral paradise increasingly unnerving and viscerally disturbing. With Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor.

"'Midsommar' is a dark horror (though shot in bright sunlight), full of disturbing images that will follow you home and possibly inhabit your nightmares." (The National Post)

"'Midsommar' isn't just a great horror movie... It is also one of the best movies ever made about living with mental illness." (Salon.com)

Friday, June 19
Doors 7:45 pm | Movie 8:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

MIDSOMMAR (Ari Aster, 2019 / 147 mins / 18A / In English & Swedish with subtitles) A young couple travels to Sweden to visit their friend’s rural hometown and attend its mid-summer festival. What begins as an idyllic retreat quickly descends into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult.

"Can you dig it?"

Come out and play with us with one seriously bad-ass (not to mention frequently requested) 1970s action thriller - Hill's pop-art fantasy sensation THE WARRIORS. Beyond its well-deserved status as a total cult-classic, the film is a visual sensation for both its incredibly creative production value and for how it captured a very specific, distinctly gritty era of New York City.There's nothing quite like THE WARRIORS in a theatre with other people that love this movie; if you have seen it, then you already dig we're talking about!

Costumes very welcome - and encouraged. But please: Leave your glass bottles and baseball bats at home, OK?

"Much of the movie looks as if Fritz Lang had directed 'The Wiz,' with occasional contributions from Sergei Eisenstein and Bruce Lee." (The Village Voice)

Friday, June 19
Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE WARRIORS (Walter Hill, 1979 / 93 mins / PG) It's the Summer of 1979 in New York City and a prominent, charismatic gang leader named Cyrus summons street gangs to set aside rival turf wars in a bid to overtake the city instead. When he is killed, a rag-tag gang called The Warriors are falsely blamed, at which point they must figure out a way fight their way all the way from the Bronx to the safety of home in Coney Island while every other gang and the cops are hunting them down... And trying to kill them.

The Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party is returning to the Rio Theatre with a "school's out" event featuring an all-new lineup of retro TV goodness, covered in sugary cereal. It's Volume XIII!

Kids today may not realize the significance of the Saturday morning ritual, but once upon a time, we had to wait a whole week to get our cartoon fix, and when we got it, we tended to binge. Well – welcome to The Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party - that special time when kids and kids-at-heart get to relive the exciting Saturday Morning ritual of non-stop retro cartoons, and binge on the multi-colored sugary cereals that used to be a part of every “balanced” breakfast!

The cartoon lineup is always a mystery, but expect to see monsters, sci-fi, sleuths, superheroes and all kinds of 2D silliness, both faves and obscurities spanning the '30s through the '90s, all punctuated with vintage commercials, PSAs and station IDs for a 3-hour trip down memory lane! So get ready for a sugar rush and an explosion of nostalgia all wrapped up in one candy-coated package.

Curated by David Bertrand

Dairy-free and gluten-free options available! Compostable bowls and spoons will be provided, however we welcome and encourage guests to bring their own NON-BREAKABLE (ie, not ceramic) bowls and spoons.

Saturday, June 20
Doors 9:30 am | Event 10:00 am *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Adults $23
Kids Pricing (13 and under) $16

An astounding collection of top notch Vancouver burlesque performers will take to the Rio Theatre‘s stage on Saturday June 20th for Burlesque Long Form. In an artistic challenge set by producer and noted performer April O’Peel, local luminaries will have one chance to perform a full ten minute act.

Will the performers be able to please, tease and captivate their audience for a full ten minutes? Expect outlandish props, projections, and over- the-top narratives as a stunning variety of unique and spectacular burlesque performers push the boundaries at Burlesque Long Form!

Saturday, June 20
Doors 8:00 pm | Show 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

General Admission $30 + s/c | $35 + s/c at the door
VIP tickets (Rows 1-3, centre section) $40 + s/c
Squad Pass $100 + s/c

Featuring

Scarlet Delirium
Buk
Dae Leegrind
Ariel Helvetica
Arabella Boop
April O'Peel

Hosted by:
Diva The Violet Femme

DAY 1 — Sugar N Venom + Glitter N Spice

Sunday, June 21
Doors: 5:30 PM
Screenings: 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM

Kick off the Rio screenings with a night of fierce stories, female rage, empowerment, and unforgettable characters. Then stick around for Glitter N Spice, a celebration of queer voices, bold filmmaking, and one of the festival's most energetic parties.

A DAY 1 pass gets you access to both Screenings on June 21st. So come for one or come for both!

DAY 2 — Put on Shuffle + Touch Grass

Monday, June 21
Doors: 5:30 PM
Screenings: 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM

Little bit of everything and a whole lot of fun. Put on Shuffle and Touch Grass bring together an eclectic mix of comedy, drama, action, horror, and everything in between. If you want the ultimate Run N Gun sampler platter, this is the night for you.

A day 2 pass gets you access to both Screenings on June 22nd. So come for one or come for both!

DAY 3 — Smoke N Mirrors + Spark ’Em If You Got ’Em
Presented by Sparky's Rentals

Tuesday, June 23
Doors: 5:30 PM | Screenings: 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM

Get ready for a night of huge laughs, strange journeys, and unforgettable characters. Sponsored by Sparky's Rentals, this crowd-pleasing double feature packs some of the funniest and most delightfully bizarre films of the festival into one massive celebration.

A day 3 pass gets you access to both Screenings on June 23rd. So come for one or come for both! 

DAY 4 — Dark Matter + Nightmare Fuel

Wednesday, June 24
Doors: 5:30 PM
Screenings: 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM

We close out the Rio screenings the only way we know how: with horror, thrills, and pure chaos. Dark Matter and Nightmare Fuel showcase the festival's darkest, weirdest, and most shocking films. Expect screams, surprises, and one of the wildest nights of Run N Gun.

A day 4 pass gets you access to both Screenings on June 24th. So come for one or come for both!

Join The Vancouver Burlesque Co. as we kick off summer with our outstanding students and alumni! Get ready for large group acts and fantastic solos to make your heart fill with sunshine and your eyes sparkle with joy. We're ready to give you a show that will make you squeal so grab someone cute and let's have a night to remember.

These shows are pure magic, sparkle and fun, and we can't wait to share the evening with friends, family and fans.

Thursday, June 25
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

General Admission $30+ s/c | $35+ s/c at the door

Please note: These shows tend to sell out well in advance - buy tickets sooner than later to avoid disappointment!

Hosted by Miss Kiss

CJ The X
Philosophy Lecture: Optimized Grass Touching

How to lock in, optimize your grindset and work harder than anyone else at living a wholesome balanced meaningful life.

CJ The X a Toronto based independent artist and philosopher that began making YouTube videos in 2021. Since then they’ve amassed over 350 thousand subscribers, 15 million views, a robust crowdfunding base on Patreon, a loyal personal mailing list, and sold out lectures across the world. Their breathless interdisciplinary approach makes them one of the most unique cultural voices in the internet age, blending irreverent humour, sharp intellectualism, and earnest spirituality.

They speak passionately on an eclectic array of subjects, blending together art, religion, technology, community, and beauty in their singular style. They have developed 7 different lectures so far, each completely distinct from the rest while fitting into a cohesive whole.

When not philosophizing, CJ is a rapper and a writer, always most comfortable working on multiple things at once.

Saturday, June 27
Doors 6:30 pm | Lecture 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets $45+ s/c

For first access to tickets subscribe to their mailing list @ cjthex.com/subscribe

cjthex.com
youtube.com/cjthex
patreon.com/cjthex

Clarence has spent his whole life face-down in the dirt — the only Chinese kid in a redneck town where being different is a crime punishable daily. With a timid mother who cannot protect him and nothing but a faded polaroid of a father he never knew,
Clarence builds himself a mythology: that man with the gun is who he was meant to become.

When Mo, a powerful Triad boss, rolls through town, Clarence sees his blueprint. Using raw ingenuity and his best friend's connections to a local Native reserve, he parlays small-town hustle into a one-way ticket to the big city — and into the inner circle of a criminal empire. He rises fast, engineering an audacious cross-border gun-running operation that makes him indispensable. For the first time in his life, people fear him. Want him. Respect him.

But the hunger that drove him here has no bottom. Every act of power costs him a piece of himself — and the consequences he';s outrun are closing in. His mother is in danger he can't see coming. His best friend becomes a debt he can't escape. And the truth about his father threatens to detonate everything he's built his identity on.

Slant is a visceral, culturally charged crime drama about the seductive poison of power — and what's left of a man when the myth he's chased finally turns and faces him. With Wern Lee, Terry Chen, Stephen Dorff.

Monday, June 29
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change Please arrive on time.

SLANT (Chester Sit, 2026 / NRA relentlessly bullied Asian kid from a small redneck town turns to crime to get the respect he craves. But when he joins a big-city Triad, he is soon forced to choose between gaining untold power and saving what’s left of his soul.

Let’s do the Time Warp… Again!

There is no better way to experience the pop-culture juggernaut that is THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW than the the way it is meant to be seen – on the big screen, in the dark, and with a raucous Rio Theatre audience who are just as into it as you are.

Whether you’re a Virgin or a veteran, you’ll have a blast!

Even better? The one and only Dandy-furter will be on-hand as your evening's host to guide the Virgins (and veterans!) through all the do's-and-don'ts of this monumentally experiential cinematic phenomenon.

As always, costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged - because costume contest! (In other words: Prizes! Here's your chance to go all out and let your freak flag fly, people.) The ticket price includes a fun prop bag, too!

Your own props are also very welcome, but please – whatever you do – DO NOT BRING RICE OR CONFETTI!

Tuesday, June 30
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

General Admission - $20 (Includes taxes and fees)
Why not make it a Cheap Date Tuesday with two-for-one tickets?

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Jim Sharman, 1975 / 100 mins / 14A) A newly engaged couple (Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick) have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry).

The East Van Laugh RioT welcomes comedian Jeff Dye to the Rio Theatre's stage on Saturday, July 4.

Saturday, July 4
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

VIP (First 5 rows / Centre Section) $55+ s/c
Adult Entry $45 + s/c

Meet n' Greet add on $35 (Limited availability).

About Jeff Dye

Jeff Dye isn't here to play nice, he's here to wreck polite conversation and leave audiences howling. A regular on Gutfeld! and The Joe Rogan Experience, he delivers comedy that's loud, sharp, and hilariously inappropriate. He conned America on MTV's Money From Strangers, globe-hopped with legends on NBC's Better Late Than Never, and somehow kept a straight face while cracking jokes on The Tonight Show. Jeff's not chasing clout - he's chasing truth, mic in hand, and not looking back.

Connect with Jeff:
FACEBOOK: @JeffDye
TWITTER: @JeffDye
INSTAGRAM: @JeffDye
YOUTUBE: Jeff Dye

"We're gonna need a bigger screen."

Steven Spielberg's original summer blockbuster, JAWS, is still cause for maritime terror over 50 years after its release in 1975. Based on Peter Benchley's novel of the same name, Spielberg's JAWS forever changed the cinematic landscape, setting a whole new bar for mainstream horror. Masterfully directed with artful yet thrilling cinematography - coupled with John Williams' truly iconic score - JAWS retains its rightful place in movie history as a genuine classic, four decades after its release. Best enjoyed on the big screen (if you dare!).

The charming story of a police chief (Roy Scheider), a marine scientist (Richard Dreyfuss), and a grizzled fisherman (Robert Shaw) who spring into action after a white shark terrorizes the inhabitants of Amity, a quiet island.

"It may be the most cheerfully perverse scare movie ever made. Even while you're convulsed with laughter you're still apprehensive, because the editing rhythms are very tricky, and the shock images loom up huge, right on top of you." (The New Yorker)

"Delivers an astonishingly effective thriller built on a very primal level: fear... On a sheer cause and effect basis, it could be Spielberg's finest." (Empire Magazine)

Saturday, July 4
Doors 9:30 pm | Movie 10:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

JAWS (Steven Spielberg, 1975 / DCP / 124 mins / PG) When an unusually large great white shark decides to terrorizes the inhabitants of Amity Island, three unlikely heroes - a police chief, a marine scientist, and a grizzled fisherman - set out to catch it.

*Minors welcome. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.)

Best friends Tracy and Martina have never been farther than Nova Scotia, but when they hear promises of big opportunities “out west,” the pair pack their clothes into garbage bags and hop a flight to Alberta. What starts as a dream trip quickly unravels: internal tensions, surprise expenses, and cousins who are nowhere to be found. With their return tickets unbooked and Martina’s credit card maxed, the girls are stranded, broke, and desperate.

They thought they’d make enough money opening for the band Slowcoaster at their three stops in Fort McMurray, Edmonton, and Calgary, but budgeting has never been their strength. Things go from bad to worse when old small-town tensions between the girls bubble to the surface. Through it all, Tracy and Martina discover that making ‘Berta Money isn’t as easy as they thought, but
sticking together and relying on East Coast hospitality just might be their ticket back to Cape Breton.

"'Tracy and Martina Goin' Out West' lovingly mocks a refined flavour of Canadian delusion.... The girls get their moment in the limelight, and make the most of it in their own chaotic fashion." (Screen Anarchy)

"If 'Barb and Star' were headed to the West Edmonton Mall instead of Vista Del Mar, this offbeat and wildly entertaining mockumentary would be the result." (Inside Out 2026)

"... serves as a prime example of Canadian comedy at its best." (Exclaim!)

Filmmakers Justine Williamson, Greg Vardy and Brendan Lyle will be on site for an introduction and post-show Q&A.

Monday, July 6
Doors 5:30 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

TRACY AND MARTINA: GOIN' OUT WEST (Brendan Lyle, 2025 / 77 mins / 14A) Two Cape Breton best friends head west to Alberta for the first time with the hopes of making a few bucks as they open for a local band, but things go south when their accommodations fall through and they run out of money before booking a flight back home.

Save the date! Canadian blues ingenue turned Texas axe-slinger Sue Foley brings over 35 years of professional talent back to the Rio Theatre's stage on Thursday, July 16.

Foley delivers her own brand of high energy, guitar driven Texas blues along with her band that features a seasoned rhythm section that responds to her every move as she sways, rocks, and digs in deep with equal parts ease and intensity. Known for her fiery playing and soulful voice, Foley blends Texas blues grit with a refined fingerstyle technique, whether on her signature pink paisley Fender Telecaster or a hand-built flamenco guitar.

Thursday, July 16
Doors 7:30 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Pricing (Until May 31) $35+ s/c

--Regular Tickets $40+ s/c
--Students & Veterans (ID Required Upon Entry) $25+ s/c
--4-Pack Ticket Bundle $140+ s/c
--VIP Ticket Bundle $80 + s/c
(Includes exclusive pre-show meet 'n greet at 6:45 pm with Sue Foley, artist's circle seating Rows A-C, exclusive merch bundle!)

Sue Foley is a multi-award-winning blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose latest album, One Guitar Woman: A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar, was nominated for the 2025 GRAMMY® Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.

Born in Ottawa, Canada, Foley began performing professionally at 16 and made her mark in Austin, Texas, with the legendary Antone’s label. Since her 1992 debut Young Girl Blues, she’s toured internationally, sharing stages with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Billy F Gibbons. Foley is a five-time consecutive Blues Music Award winner for Traditional Blues Female Artist (2020–2025) and a recipient of multiple other honors, including a JUNO Award and the 2024 Maple Blues Lifetime Achievement Award.

A passionate scholar as well as a performer, Foley holds a PhD in Musicology and will release her first book, Guitar Women, in 2026. As the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote, “Foley has a killer voice, an impossibly alluring blend of sex and innocence to go with those blazing guitar chops.” With One Guitar Woman, she reclaims history and redefines what a guitar hero can be.

"Foley continues to cement her place as one of the leading torchbearers of the blues tradition. Male or female." (Nick Cristiano, Rock and Blues Muse)

“Canada’s greatest blues guitarist." (Brad Wheeler, Toronto Globe and Mail)

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the critically acclaimed, award-winning rock movie musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" with an unforgettable evening featuring writer, director, and Golden Globe–nominated star, John Cameron Mitchell.

The event includes a stunning 4K screening of the film, followed by a live Q&A, and a special mini acoustic performance by Mitchell.

Arrive early for the pre-show costume contest—held in every city—for a chance to win prizes from our sponsors, The Criterion Collection and The Punk Rock Museum. Come dressed as your best Hedwig or in a look inspired by the work of John Cameron Mitchell.

Post show meet and greet add-ons available!

Produced by ThisMyShow Presents

Monday, July 20
Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Balcony Tickets (GA) $58.25 + s/c
Main Floor (Assigned) $68.75 + s/c
VIP (First four rows, centre section & Meet n' Greet - includes signed poster!) $158 + s/c

Tickets on sale now!

JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL

John Cameron Mitchell wrote/directed/starred in the rock musical and film "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," for which he won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, a Special Tony for his performance, an Obie Award, the Best Director award at the 2001 Sundance Festival and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor, along with 25 other awards.

He wrote/directed the improv-based film SHORTBUS (2006); directed the film adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winning play RABBIT HOLE (2010) which garnered a Best Actress Oscar nomination for Nicole Kidman; and  co-wrote and directed the YA punk romance HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS AT PARTIES  (2017) starring Kidman and Elle Fanning. He executive-produced (with Gus Van Sant) Jonathan Caouette’s TARNATION (2004) which was the most decorated documentary of 2004.

John was in the original casts of Tony-winning "Big River," "The Secret Garden," and "Six Degrees of Separation" as well as "Hello Again" (Drama Desk nomination) and Larry Kramer’s The Destiny of Me (Obie Award). TV roles include, "Girls", "Shrill", "The Good Fight", "Mozart in the Jungle", "Yellowjackets", "The Sandman", "City on Fire" and "Joe Exotic in Joe Vs Carole." He wrote and directed two scripted podcast series: the musical Anthem: Homunculus (2019) starring Glenn Close, Cynthia Erivo, Patti Lupone and Laurie Anderson; and the satirical sitcom "Cancellation Island "(2025) starring Holly Hunter.

"'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' is a powerful story about identity and creation and pain and love." (Birth.Movies.Death.)

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (John Cameron Mitchell, 2001 / 95 mins / 14A) | Hedwig, born male as Hansel in East Berlin, fell in love with an American G.I. and underwent a Gender Reassignment Surgery in order to marry him and flee to the West. Unfortunately, nothing worked out quite as it was supposed to - years later, Hedwig is leading her rock band on a tour of the U.S., telling her life story through a series of concerts at Bilgewater Inn seafood restaurants. Her tour dates coincide with those of arena-rock star Tommy Gnosis, a wide-eyed boy who once loved Hedwig - but then left with all her songs.

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the critically acclaimed, award-winning rock movie musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" with an unforgettable evening featuring writer, director, and Golden Globe–nominated star, John Cameron Mitchell.

The event includes a stunning 4K screening of the film, followed by a live Q&A, and a special mini acoustic performance by Mitchell.

Arrive early for the pre-show costume contest—held in every city—for a chance to win prizes from our sponsors, The Criterion Collection and The Punk Rock Museum. Come dressed as your best Hedwig or in a look inspired by the work of John Cameron Mitchell.

Post show meet and greet add-ons available!

Produced by ThisMyShow Presents

Tuesday. July 21
Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL

John Cameron Mitchell wrote/directed/starred in the rock musical and film "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," for which he won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, a Special Tony for his performance, an Obie Award, the Best Director award at the 2001 Sundance Festival and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor, along with 25 other awards.

He wrote/directed the improv-based film SHORTBUS (2006); directed the film adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winning play RABBIT HOLE (2010) which garnered a Best Actress Oscar nomination for Nicole Kidman; and  co-wrote and directed the YA punk romance HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS AT PARTIES  (2017) starring Kidman and Elle Fanning. He executive-produced (with Gus Van Sant) Jonathan Caouette’s TARNATION (2004) which was the most decorated documentary of 2004.

John was in the original casts of Tony-winning "Big River," "The Secret Garden," and "Six Degrees of Separation" as well as "Hello Again" (Drama Desk nomination) and Larry Kramer’s The Destiny of Me (Obie Award). TV roles include, "Girls", "Shrill", "The Good Fight", "Mozart in the Jungle", "Yellowjackets", "The Sandman", "City on Fire" and "Joe Exotic in Joe Vs Carole." He wrote and directed two scripted podcast series: the musical Anthem: Homunculus (2019) starring Glenn Close, Cynthia Erivo, Patti Lupone and Laurie Anderson; and the satirical sitcom "Cancellation Island "(2025) starring Holly Hunter.

"'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' is a powerful story about identity and creation and pain and love." (Birth.Movies.Death.)

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (John Cameron Mitchell, 2001 / 95 mins / 14A) | Hedwig, born male as Hansel in East Berlin, fell in love with an American G.I. and underwent a Gender Reassignment Surgery in order to marry him and flee to the West. Unfortunately, nothing worked out quite as it was supposed to - years later, Hedwig is leading her rock band on a tour of the U.S., telling her life story through a series of concerts at Bilgewater Inn seafood restaurants. Her tour dates coincide with those of arena-rock star Tommy Gnosis, a wide-eyed boy who once loved Hedwig - but then left with all her songs.

Slay. Serve. Circus!
2025’s Sold-Out Circus Show Returns to the Rio Theatre This July!

Think you know circus? Think again.

On Thursday, July 30th, Du Jour Marketing and April O’Peel Productions brings Cirque Du Slay back to the Rio Theatre for a one-night-only spectacle of drag, circus, comedy, and unapologetic star power. Expect jaw-dropping aerial acts, seductive sets, and unforgettable stage moments designed to keep your pulse racing from start to finish.

Get ready to ooh, ah and ooh la la! Cirque Du Slay is back!

Thursday, July 30
Doors 7:00 pm | Event 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

EARLY BIRD - $20 + s/c (Offer expires July 1, midnight!)
Advanced (Main Floor, Assigned; Balcony GA) - $30 + s/c | $35 + s/c at the door
VIP (Front 3 rows centre, Assigned) - $40 + s/c (includes premiere seating + photos with the cast)

Our prize-packed Intermission will feature a special performance and giveaways from local circus schools, queer-owned businesses, and the artists themselves. Support the scene and snag something sweet! Between the thrills onstage, the Rio Theatre lobby and bar will be buzzing with cocktails, mocktails, and all your favourite queer anthems. Be sure to snag a limited-edition Rio Theatre Pride T-shirt, hit up the Cirque Du Slay merch booth, and tag us in your pics: @riotheatre & @aprilopeelproductions.

This boundary-breaking show is proudly sponsored by Rifflandia who produces international projects across music, art, film, sports and live entertainment.

Featuring an ALL-QUEER core cast plus guests including Batty Banks, Cali Cobalt, Justin Heat, Kit
Fox, Maverick, Miss Kiss, Circus Dancer Sarah, Space Cake, Rain City Circus, and more.

Behind the Curtain: Production Partners in Crime

Du Jour Marketing is the personal project of Tita Cupcakedujour. The former professional figure skater and pint-sized pin up, has shifted from pairs skating to pairing passions. Her unique ability to blend athletics, artistry, and community-building took her around the world, and across Canada. Having stuck her landing in the heart of Vancouver’s live performance scene, Tita is back for another season of dynamic performances and audience thrilling productions.

Joining her is the beloved burlesque star and award winning producer April O’Peel. As the creative force behind monthly Burlesque revues at the Rio Theatre, and performances across Vancouver, April is known for turning every event into a guaranteed good time. April O’Peel

Productions combine top level talent and low-ball humour in equal measure, forever over-serving audiences with classic show biz magic and unexpected delights.

After producing a show that left no crumbs, April O’Peel and Du Jour Marketing are back with another dazzling and dizzying lineup. Their decades of stage experience, shared love for fearless, inclusive art, and sold out success is coming to the Rio stage for Pride 2026!

For Pride this year the Rio Theatre is rolling out the rainbow carpet to welcome back Vancouver Pride & the return of Dandy's BIG GAY CABARET! Celebrate with us in a interactive comedy cabaret hosted by the award-winning host and social media sensation DANDY!

HAPPY PRIDE from the RIO THEATRE!!!  It’s Pride week in Vancouver and that means it’s time for BIG GAY CABARET, hosted by DANDY!

Dahlings this is our best year yet because we’re doing a ROAD TRIP! I rented us a big gay bus and we’re going across the country together to experience the gayest things the world has to offer. We’ll see drag queens, burlesque, fire dances, cosplay, feminist book clubs, and sexy original vocalists. PARTY BUS VIBES ALL THE WAY SO DRESS TO IMPRESS DAHLINGS. And as for our final destination? A HEATED RIVALRY look alike competition IN MONTREAL! Are you kidding? Am I? Well you’ll have to show up to find out. Don’t miss it, and VIP gets interactive prop bags darlings. Let’s go gurrrrlz.

Friday, July 31
Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Gas prices are up but ticket prices are down when you book EARLY BIRD tickets!

Main Floor Assigned $30 + s/c | $35 at the door
VIP - First 4 rows $40 + s/c **VIP ticket holders also get an interactive prop bag to be used during the show!**
The 'We Are Family' 4 Pack $25 a ticket + s/c (Available online only)

But wait, there's more!

The Rio Theatre lobby and bar will be open between shows and serving up Pride inspired cocktails, mocktails and your favorite gay anthems. Don't forget to pick up a Rio Theatre Pride Edition T-shirt, check out the merch booth and pose, vogue, pose at our pride photo backdrop. Don't forget to tag us in your pics @riotheatre & @dandyandfriends

Featuring:

Layna Emerald

Shoop Dumplin

Celeste

Leviticus

And MORE!

Behind the award winning costumes and make-up:

Ryan Leslie Fisher plays Dandy (he/him) is the revelrous cabaret host made popular on TikTok for his viral videos promoting queer joy! Winner of Host of the Year 2024 for Vancouver International Burlesque Festival and awarded runner up in the Georgia Straight’s BEST OF VANCOUVER for his show Drag Attack! - you can catch him regularly on stage in his shows at the iconic Rio Theatre in Vancouver, BC. His Emmy-winning series Dandyland, which highlights businesses, organizations, and artists in the LGBT Community, is now streaming on Optik TV.
@dandyandfriends

Rafaella Rabinovich is an internationally trained, award-winning costume designer working across film, television, and live performance. A proud queer artist, she is known for her bold, character-driven approach to storytelling and her ability to elevate the visual language of every project. Trained in costume and set design, Rafaella further specialized and furthered her educetion in theatrical prosthetics, advanced pattern-making and shoe making. Her credits span major studios and networks including Netflix, The CW, ABC, TBS, Disney, Lifetime, Discovery Channel, and Sony, with notable projects including To All the Boys I've Loved Before, Project Mc2, Kung Fu, Stranger in Town, and the upcoming thriller Harmonia staring Carrie Coon, Lily James, Bella Ramsey, and Odessa Young. Her work has earned multiple CAFTCAD Awards, Leo honors, a Costume Society of America Design Award, a Day Time Creative Emmy nomination as well as a Children’s & Family Emmy Award win and recognition at the 27th and 28th Costume Designers Guild Awards for Dandyland. @costume_designer101

Anirban Dasgupta’s Player is an immersive stand-up show that explores two childhoods, with a twist. Anirban's childhood dream was to become a sportsperson. But instead of Eden Gardens, he’s ended up at your neighbourhood theatre. Clearly it didn’t work out.

Now, as a dad navigating the chaotic second half of life, he’s rethinking the rules and wondering if everything from comedy to raising a kid is actually just a game? Who’s winning, who’s losing, what’s the endgame?

Come find out in this new stand-up comedy thriller that will go down to the… Last joke!

Presented by StageAdda

Sunday, August 2
Doors 6:15 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

VIP Tickets (Rows A-E, Centre Section) $50 + s/c
Tickets $40+ s/c

The East Van Laugh RioT is happy to welcome comedian TJ back to the Rio Theatre's stage on Thursday, August 27.

Fresh off a TV pilot filmed for FX, comedian TJ is back on the road (and returning to the Rio Theatre's stage!) with new jokes about love, death, grief, and immigration. Come for the same fresh, incisive, and caustic wit, stay for the poetry of laughter to be found within the darkest of subjects.

THE ALIEN EVERYWHERE is TJ’s third standup tour. Following successful stints in North America and Europe, he’s ready to go again and bring jokes from the singular Haitian perspective to the rest of the English speaking world. He’s also planning to add a few more countries, and even continents to this one. He hopes to see you in a room, wherever in the world you live, laughing together at the human condition.

Thursday, August 27
Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Tickets (Until July 6) $25+ s/c
Tickets $30+ s/c | $40+ s/c at the door
Date Night! Pair of tickets $60+ s/c (Online Only)
Squad Pass! Group of Four $25+ s/c (Online Only)

On sale May 28

A Haitian born stand-up comedian who is currently based in New York City, TJ has a very laid back, smooth, and conversational style. He jokes about race, society’s idiosyncrasies, and the inherent contrast between life in Haiti and America, and has made appearances on Gotham Comedy Live (AXS TV) and Good Day New York (FOX).  Some people say his humor is smart and eye-opening; he would probably agree with these people.

TJ is a paid regular at the Comedy Cellar and Gotham Comedy Club in NYC, but has performed all over the world, and recently returned from a small European tour where he performed in English and French. In addition to opening for Colin Quinn, Janelle James, Maria Bamford and Sean Patton, TJ has also been a featured performer at numerous festivals like Netflix Is A Joke Festival, SF Sketchfest and the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival.

Not just limited to the stage, TJ is also an Op-Ed contributor for The New York Times, offering a unique and thoughtful perspective on various societal issues. His special, “JANUARY 3RD,” available on Amazon, and album, “SON OF HAITI,” accessible on all major audio platforms, have been celebrated by comedy enthusiasts worldwide.  Check out his Don’t Tell Comedy set on YouTube.

Vancouver’s longest-running, best-kept secret!

Inspired by early David Letterman and the classic variety show format, Paul Anthony’s TALENT TIME combs youth talent shows and unique corners of underground entertainment to create an innovative, strange and hilarious show that also accidentally builds connection and reaffirms the human spirit.

Come experience what the Vancouver Sun called a "Phenomenon"! Paul Anthony’s TALENT TIME is a live comedy/variety/talk show performed in the heart of East Vancouver. Featuring a live house band and co-host Ryan Beil from The Sunday Service Improv.

Now in its 18th season, this entertaining and unique two-hour live show is also a fast-paced, half-hour television series broadcast on the Novus Network locally and globally on YouTube.

Theme and lineup TBA.

Thursday, September 3
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Artist Presale: May 19, 2026 @ 10:00 AM PT
Vancouver is Funny: May 21, 2026 @ 10:00 AM PT
On Sale: May 22, 2026 @ 10:00 AM PT

Do Go On is a comedy/history podcast hosted by Australian Comedians Dave Warneke, Jess Perkins and Matt Stewart. Every week since 2015 they've taken it in turns to pick a topic from history and report back. Over ten years and 500+ episodes later, they've covered everything from Dolly Parton to Bigfoot, Chernobyl to the real Great Escape.

In that time they've been downloaded more than 25 million times and toured live shows across Australia, The UK, Ireland, Germany, New Zealand and Thailand. This is their first ever time in Canada! Yes it will be weird seeing their voices come out of their faces but don't worry, you'll get used to it!

Saturday, September 12
Doors 12:00 pm | Podcast Taping 1:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Get ready, Vancouver! Dhaka Club Vancouver brings you Artcell Live in Vancouver at the iconic Rio Theatre on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM.

Known as one of Bangladesh’s most influential progressive rock/metal bands, Artcell has captivated fans for decades with powerful vocals, unforgettable guitar work, deep lyrics, and an electrifying stage presence. From fan-favourite classics to their signature progressive sound, this will be a night filled with energy, nostalgia, and pure live music excitement.

Join the Vancouver Bangladeshi community and rock fans from across the Lower Mainland for an unforgettable evening celebrating music, culture, and the return of Artcell to Vancouver.

Sunday, September 13
Show begins at 6:00 pm *Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Tickets (Expires June 10, 2026 at midnight):
Main Floor: $45 + s/c | Balcony: $35 + s/c

Regular Tickets:
Main Floor: $50 + s/c | Balcony: $40 + s/c

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, MAY 29 @ 10:00 AM PST!

Secure your tickets early and be part of one of Vancouver’s biggest Bangla Rock Nights of the year.

The East Van Laugh RioT welcomes comedian Katie Boyle to the Rio Theatre's stage for a night of laughter on Thursday, September 17.

Thursday, September 17
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets on sale April 24 @ 9:00 am

Katie Boyle is an Irish comedian living in New York City. Her favorite stand-up topics are her journey through American culture, dating, therapy and shame! She performed as a "New Face" in the 2023 Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, and was featured in NY Funniest showcase and New York Comedy Festival in 2022. Katie's debut album and special, I'll Do It Myself, was released through Pinch Records in summer of 2023. The special has since hit half a million views on YouTube and the album hit #1 on iTunes Comedy Charts and is currently available to stream on all major audio platforms. Her Don't Tell Comedy set premiered in November, 2023.

Her second full-length special, Terapy, was released in July, 2025, and is currently available to stream on YouTube and Disruptor Comedy. She performed a full run of her critically acclaimed one-woman dark comedy, Roe v. Wade versus Katie, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, 2025.

Katie has headlined clubs across the United States and Ireland, and brought her hour to Dublin and Cork in the summer of 2024 for four sold-out shows. She’s been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, Irish Independent, and The Irish Times and her work has been featured at Laughing Skull, Women in Comedy, Kansas City Irish Fest, and on SiriusXM. Her new, widely acclaimed dark comedy, Roe v Wade versus Katie, was named among the “Best of the Fest” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by The Scotsman in August 2025. She is currently touring the show globally.

Outside of stand-up, Katie has acted in various sketches and shorts, including LadBible and Unilad's Man of the Street videos, and she appeared in a commercial for Oracle. She also collaborates with brands like Piece of Cake Moving, Language Drops, Sundance, and MTV to create and develop funny content. Katie has been producing and emceeing a consistently sold out Irish comedy show at the Dead Rabbit since February, 2023, which flies in Irish comedians to perform. She currently hosts The Shift podcast, on which she and guests discuss sex and dating from an Irish perspective.

Connect with Katie Boyle @KatieBoylecomic

Wes Barker is the funniest magician touring today! Wild tricks, hilarious stories, and incredible feats. A magic show like you’ve never experienced. You may recognize Wes from his TV show (Big Trick Energy) or other appearances on Kill Tony, America’s Got Talent, Ellen, Syfy, MTV, and Penn & Teller: Fool Us (which he won). Wes also has numerous viral videos which have gained over a billion views across the internet!

Saturday, September 19
Doors 5:30 pm | Show 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Tickets $36.75+ s/c (Until June 5)
Tickets $42+ s/c

www.youtube.com/WesBarker

One of YouTube's most popular comics with over 225 million views and half a billion more on Facebook, Steve Hofstetter is also the host of Finding Babe Ruth on FS1. Hofstetter was the host and executive producer of Laughs (FOX) and he has been on CBS’ The Late Late Show, E! True Hollywood Story, Comics Unleashed, and more. He’s sold out shows in hundreds of cities and dozens of countries. Now is your chance to find out what the fuss is about during this no-holds-barred stand-up performance, featuring some of his unfiltered observations about life.

Wednesday, September 23
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Meet and Greet:  Row A, seats 5-17: $210 + GST + s/c
Gold (Centre Section / Main): $77 + GST + s/c
Silver (Side Sections / Main)  $49 + GST + s/c
Balcony (General Admission)  $42 + GST + s/c

Guess who's back to keep Vancouver laughing in 2026... The East Van Laugh RioT is pleased to welcome back comedian Sammy Obeid - with all-new material! We just can't keep him off our stage!

Sunday, September 27
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Adult Balcony (General Admission) $44 + s/c
Adult Main Floor (Assigned Seating) $55+ s/c
VIP Meet n' Greet (Rows 2-6, centre section) $69+ s/c
VVIP Meet n' Greet (Front Row, centre section) $85+ s/c
Group Ticket Pricing (Minimum 4) $49 (ea)+ s/c (online only)

Lebanese-Palestinian American and born in Oakland California, Sammy Obeid double-majored in Business and Mathematics at UC Berkeley and then turned down a job at Google to be a comedian.

Now the host of 100 Humans on Netflix, he’s also appeared on NBC's Last Comic Standing and America's Got Talent, as well as TBS’s Conan, and is best known for his world record of performing comedy 1,001 nights in a row, a story featured in both Time Magazine and The New York Times.

Connect on Instagram @sammyobeid
Connect on Facebook
Connect on TikTok @sammyobeidthem
Connect on X @sammyobeid

Lloyd Cole will take to the road in 2026 with a run of solo shows in North America, including a stop in Vancouver at the Rio Theatre on Thursday, October 15. His elegant solo live performances in recent years have been predominantly acoustic, but for these concerts he has decided to go electric. The performance will run the gamut from his masterful debut with the Commotions ‘Rattlesnakes’ right up to 2023’s acclaimed ‘On Pain’ touching on all points in between.

Says Lloyd: “In 1999, in retreat from mainstream ambivalence, the idea of becoming a troubadour was perversely alluring. Two acoustic guitars, a suitcase, and a round the world ticket. It took a while for me to become comfortable with it, but The Folksinger Show became my staple. And then, somehow or other, twenty-five years were gone, and now I find myself approaching the end of my career, and wanting to be seen more as just a singer, who wrote a body of work, very little of which one would reasonably label ‘folk’. So I’m back with my Telecaster, my Princeton amp, and my solo show is now electric.”

Thursday, October 15
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

VIP / Artists Circle (Rows A-D, Centre) $65+ s/c
Main Floor (Assigned Seating) $50+ s/c
Balcony (General Admission) $50+ s/c

ABOUT THE ARTIST

In 2023 Lloyd Cole released ‘On Pain’, his twelfth album as a solo artist. He has released 17 studio albums including three with The Commotions [‘Rattlesnakes’ (84), ‘Easy Pieces’ (’85), Mainstream (’87)] twelve solo albums [‘Lloyd Cole’ (’90), ‘Don’t Get Weird On Me Babe’ (’91), ‘Bad Vibes’ (’93), ‘Love Story’ (95), ‘Plastic Wood’ (’01), ‘Music In A Foreign Language’ (’03), ‘Anti Depressant’ (’06), ‘Broken Record’ (’10), ‘Standards’ (’13), ‘1D’ (’15), ‘Guesswork’ (’19), ‘On Pain’ (’23)],  one with The Negatives [‘The Negatives (2000)] and one with Hans Joachim Roedelius  [‘Selected Studies Vol. 1’ (’13)].

WHAT THE PAPERS SAID ABOUT LLOYD COLE’S 2023 ALBUM ‘ON PAIN’

“Ghostly electronica accompanies meditations on loss, mortality and the passage of time on Cole’s absorbing new album.” 4 **** Sunday Times

“Grappling with the ineffable…a richly detailed synth-pop LP of admirable sophistication…it’s Cole’s growing sound design expertise – and ever unique lyrical voice – that ensure his 40-year career still has legs.” (4**** MOJO)

“’A storied songwriter comes of age (again)… He too has become more of what he always was. And somehow he’s achieved that by paring his music down to its rawest essence.” (8/10 Uncut)

“…beautiful and special, the kind of miminalist adventure we hoped Mark Hollis would return with one day, only with added tales of bloodthirsty wolves and drug-addled rockers...Cole is on a roll. He’s still making erudite melodies, but now there’s something new and other to them. At 62, ‘On Pain’ is the sound of a man just getting started.” (8/10 Classic Pop)

“Cole’s ruminations on the human condition have rarely been as finely tuned as this.” (4***  The Sun)

The iconic “Half Italian, Half Jersey Boy” brings his viral dating stories and emotional reflections to live audiences this fall.

Outback Presents is proud to announce that viral storyteller, author, and live performer Davide de Pierro will bring his unique live storytelling experience to Canada this fall with three special performances, including at the Rio Theatre on Sunday, November 1.

Known for his candid reflections on relationships and the everyday moments that define the human experience, De Pierro has built a devoted online following of more than 6 million across TikTok and Instagram, where his commentary on dating, personal growth, and modern life regularly reaches millions of viewers.

Inspired by his newly released novel The Letters I Never Sent, the live show blends personal storytelling, humor, and audience conversation. Throughout the night, De Pierro will deliver a monologue and read selections from the book, followed by an open Q&A with the audience. Limited meet-and-greet opportunities will also be available for those who purchase in advance.

“The show is a night out together,” said De Pierro. “It’s storytelling, conversation, some laughs, and hopefully a reminder that we’re all navigating a lot of the same things — relationships, personal growth, and the moments in life that connect us. If people leave feeling a little lighter and a little less alone, then it was a good night.”

Sunday, November 1
Doors 2:00 pm | Show 3:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Platinum (Rows A & B, Centre Section) $85.75 + s/c
Main Floor  $55.75 + s/c
Main Floor (Aisle Seats) $65.75 + s/c
Balcony (General Admission) $45.75 + s/c

Tickets on sale Friday, March 27 at 10:00 am PST!

The iconic “Half Italian, Half Jersey Boy” brings his viral dating stories and emotional reflections to live audiences this fall.

Outback Presents is proud to announce that viral storyteller, author, and live performer Davide de Pierro will bring his unique live storytelling experience to Canada this fall with three special performances, including at the Rio Theatre on Sunday, November 1.

Known for his candid reflections on relationships and the everyday moments that define the human experience, De Pierro has built a devoted online following of more than 6 million across TikTok and Instagram, where his commentary on dating, personal growth, and modern life regularly reaches millions of viewers.

Inspired by his newly released novel The Letters I Never Sent, the live show blends personal storytelling, humor, and audience conversation. Throughout the night, De Pierro will deliver a monologue and read selections from the book, followed by an open Q&A with the audience. Limited meet-and-greet opportunities will also be available for those who purchase in advance.

“The show is a night out together,” said De Pierro. “It’s storytelling, conversation, some laughs, and hopefully a reminder that we’re all navigating a lot of the same things — relationships, personal growth, and the moments in life that connect us. If people leave feeling a little lighter and a little less alone, then it was a good night.”

Sunday, November 1
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Platinum (Rows A & B, Centre Section) $85.75 + s/c
Main Floor  $55.75 + s/c
Main Floor (Aisle Seats) $65.75 + s/c
Balcony (General Admission) $45.75 + s/c

Brixxhouse Arts in partnership with The Rio Theatre present:

Come celebrate the music, lyrics and visual artistry of one of Canada’s national treasures, Joni Mitchell. It's also her 83rd birthday!

The evening features many of Ms. Mitchell’s most iconic songs performed live by a full band and vocalists, set against a visual backdrop of her extraordinary artwork. Interspersed with video clips of interviews with the artist across her vast and storied career, the show is a heartfelt homage to the remarkable legacy of this truly multifaceted artist.

The band includes musical veterans Doug Thoms (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Big Brown Beaver, Final Cut), Mark Richardson (Ophelia Falling), Paul LeBlanc (SHAG The Band, The Tabloids) and Colin Furness (Anthem, Them Bones, The Def Leppard Thing) and vocals by Kyrst Hogan (Singer: Norwegian Cruise Lines, Radio City Rockettes Show, CTORA Prod’s) who will also be curating the multimedia elements of the show. All members have performed together in various live band tributes with Brixxhouse Arts (Formerly Kitty Nights), selling out The Rio Theatre on many occasions.

With special guest, Neil Young tribute artist Roger Potter.

Saturday, November 7
Doors: 7:00 pm | Event: 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird tickets just $25. Available till July 1, midnight.

Main Floor, Assigned ; Balcony, General Admission - $30 + s/c in advance | $35 + s/c at the door

Join us at the Rio Theatre on Sunday, November 22 for a performances from the very funny and talented Australian comic, Jenny Tian.

Sunday, November 22
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

VIP Tickets (First 5 rows, Centre section)
$47.25 + s/c

Main Floor (Assigned Seating)
$36.75 + s/c

Balcony (GA)
$36.75 + s/c

All Tickets on sale May 15 8:00 am PST!

A regular on the Sydney comedy circuit, Jenny Tian exploded onto our #fyp during the pandemic notching up millions of likes and amassing a collective online audience of 1M+. Her debut solo show Picture This sold out to audiences up and down the east coast of Australia and was released as a YouTube special where it has nearly a million views. Her second hour Chinese Australian: A Tale of Internet Fame sold out across Australia and took her to her first ever runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and West End's Boulevard Theatre, also selling out both. Off the back of her stand up success, Jenny has secured spots on the lineup for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Galas and as a cast member in season 2 of Taskmaster AU, the latter earning her a Logie nomination for Best New Talent.

After a stint in London, Jenny is now living in New York and just completed her first US tour of her most recent hour, the aptly titled Jenny’s Travels, and has been named by Deadline as a stand-up to keep an eye on in 2026. Recently announced as a recipient of Screen Aus and YouTube’s funding initiative, Skip Ahead, Jenny is in post-production on Dupermarket, a web series that she's starring in and co-writing with Patrick Golamco. Her third special, Supreme Mother, launched on Veeps in May 2026.