The Rio Theatre is an independent theatre in East Vancouver that in addition to showing movies also hosts a variety of different live shows and events.
HARD RUBBER ORCHESTRA CONCERT
The Hard Rubber Orchestra is a terrific 18-piece jazz orchestra based in Vancouver. Led by Canadian trumpeter and composer John Korsrud, the group has a concert at the Rio Theatre on Saturday, May 31st, where they’ll be reliving the music of the famous Mahavishnu Orchestra from the 1970’s.
The Mahavishnu Orchestra was a world-famous New York-based jazz fusion band led by British guitarist John McLaughlin. In addition to tunes played by the American band, the Hard Rubber Orchestra will also perform original arrangements by John Korsrud, Fred Stride, Bill Runge and others. It’s going to be a fabulous concert!
The event at the Rio Theatre on May 31st begins with a series of short music films starting at 7:30 pm. The music starts at 8:15 pm with The Fit, which is another band, and then the Hard Rubber Orchestra hits the stage at around 9:00 pm.
Tickets range between just $10 and $25, depending on where you sit, plus taxes and online service charges. There is a bar for folks ages 19+. The event, however, is for all ages.
For tickets, see the Rio Theatre‘s website.
Vancouver’s Rio Theatre
The Rio Theatre is one of the few remaining fully independent movie theatres in Vancouver. It’s located at 1660 East Broadway Street, just off the corner of Commercial Drive in the heart of East Vancouver.
The Rio is a fairly old building, at least by Vancouver standards. The movie theatre was originally built in 1938. It’s a popular institution amongst the local community due to the variety of not just its movies, but also the live shows that are put on there.
In fact, so strong is the love for the Rio that when the building itself was put up for sale in 2018, the theatre raised $500,000 on Indiegogo to help its owner buy the building outright and ensure that the Rio could remain how it is. Actor and Vancouver native Ryan Reynolds was one of the celebrities who pitched in to help save the Rio!
Shows and Events at the Rio Theatre
The movies shown at the Rio Theatre include those for all manner of cinema-enjoyers. There aren’t always the newest blockbusters, however, as the lineups of new movies often include critically-acclaimed indie and foreign films.
There are also a large number of screenings of older films, whether famous Hollywood flicks or cult classics. The movie screenings are sometimes accompanied by extra fun, like a Director’s Cut showing or a Q&A with a filmmaker or actor that’s there in person to chat with the audience. The Rio is also typically one of the host venues for the Vancouver International Film Festival and Just for Laughs Comedy Festival.
There are plenty of non-movie events at the theatre as well. That includes stand-up comedy, concerts, drag shows and other entertainment. There are also sometimes livestreams of big TV events like the World Cup, the Super Bowl and the Oscars.
A great event happening on May 31st, 2025, is the Hard Rubber Orchestra which is an 18-piece jazz orchestra based in Vancouver that has been playing since the 1990s. The night begins with a series of short music films at 7:30 pm before the music starts at 8:15 pm.
Tickets to the Hard Rubber Orchestra event cost between $10 and $25. Movie tickets usually cost $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Admission for other types of shows varies.
The Rio Calendar
To give you an example of the variety of the Rio Theatre, below is the schedule for a two-week period at the end of May and beginning of June in 2025. There’s a lot on offer!
To see what’s showing currently check out the Rio Theatre Calendar.
- Tuesday, May 27th – Shadow Rule the Light movie screening (6:30 pm)
- Wednesday, May 28th – Lucky Star movie screening featuring Q&A with actor Terry Chen and director Gillian McKercher (6:30 pm)
- Thursday, May 29th – There is Another Way movie screening featuring Q&A with director Stephen Apkon (6:30 pm)
- Friday, May 30th – Paul Reiser performs stand-up comedy (7:00 pm), Alien Director’s Cut and Aliens Director’s Cut movie screening double feature (10:00 pm)
- Saturday, May 31st – Hard Rubber Orchestra concert and short music films (7:30 pm)
- Sunday, June 1st – Rain Coast Choir: Summer of Love Showcase concert (7:45 pm)
- Wednesday, June 4th – La Haine 30th anniversary movie screening (6:30 pm)
- Thursday, June 5th – Dogma 25th anniversary movie screening (6:30 pm)
- Friday, June 6th – Dario Argento’s Phenomena 40th anniversary movie screening (11:00 pm)
The Rio Theatre Viewing Experience
The Rio is a single-screen movie theatre. It’s not as big of a building compared to a typical Cineplex and other franchise Movie Theatres in the Lower Mainland.
When you attend a show or movie screening at the Rio your ticket is checked when you come in the front door. You’re then immediately in the lobby where there’s the concession and the washrooms.
The Rio serves a variety of alcoholic beverages along with typical cinema fare like popcorn, candy and sodas. There are also grilled cheese sandwiches for those who are a bit peckish!
Once you have all your snacks and drinks then it’s time to head into the theatre proper. There’s a balcony for those who want a higher vantage point along with three banks of seats on the lower level. The Rio can seat up to 420 people.
Other Information
For more information visit the Rio Theatre website.
To learn more about other theatres in the region check out our article on Movies and Cinemas in Metro Vancouver.
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