The PuSh Festival is a performing arts festival that showcases local, Canadian and international artists at various Vancouver theatres in January.

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

Celebrating its 21st season in 2021, the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival usually features more than 100 performances at 20 or so venues between mid-January and early February. It attracts up to over 20,000 attendees each year and includes free events in addition to its regular ticketed shows.

PuSh Festival in 2020 and 2021

In 2020 the PuSh Festival ran from January 21st until February 9th. In 2021 it’s scheduled to go from January 28th until February 7th, but on a smaller scale than usual because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Below you’ll find information about the following topics:

Admission Rates | Festival Shows | Tips & Advice | About the Festival | Other Information

Performance Admission Rates

Both individual single-performance tickets and multi-show passes are available at PuSh Festival productions most years.

Single Tickets

Single tickets are usually sold through various box offices and prices ranged from free to about $80 plus online fees in 2020. Especially with free shows and major ones, advanced reservations are always recommended when possible.

Prices for most shows ranged from about $20 to $40 in 2020.

In 2021, most activities are happening in an online format and are part of the Push Rally, which is free to register for! As of early January, there are three live events scheduled to take place, and admission for each ranges from about $10 to $23.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre

PuSh Passes

PuSh Passes in 2020 came in 4 and 6-ticket packages and provided pass holders a 30% discount when purchasing tickets for additional shows.

The 4-Show Pass cost around $119 (including taxes) and the 6-Show Pass cost around $176 (so about $30 per performance). There was also a Youth 4-Show Pass which cost just $20 or so, which was a fantastic deal and good for folk ages 16 to 24.

In some years PuSh Passes sell out quite early. So if you want one make sure to buy yours early when they are available, which does not appear to be the case in 2021.

PuSh Festival Shows

The PuSh Performing Arts Festival features over 100 different performances most years. Some events are free, most have a cost, many are Canadian productions, many are international, and some are from local Vancouver theatre companies.

For a full list of shows click PuSh Festival Calendar. As of early January, events that require paid tickets in 2021 are listed below:

Graveyards and Gardens

Vanessa Goodman and Caroline Shaw compose an album (with music and dance) in an online performance on January 28th and 29th. Shows start at 4:30 and 7:30 pm. Tickets are available for $15 each.

Violette

A unique virtual reality theatre experience is available at Studio 16 from January 28th to the 31st, and again from February 4th to the 7th. The first timeslot each day is at 5:00 pm, and tickets cost about $23.

Sanctuary: The Dakota Bear Ancient Forest Experience

A 360-degree projection experience that features sounds and scenes from an ancient forest takes place at Performance Works. Show days are from February 3rd to the 7th, and tickets cost $10 each. Timeslots begin at 3:00 pm on weekdays and 1:00 pm on the weekend.

Tips & Advice

Below are some suggestions to help you make the most out of your experience at the PuSh Festival in normal years.

Book your PuSh pass early, before they sell out.
Arrive at your show well before start time. In all but a few cases, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Dine Out Vancouver Festival conveniently runs during similar dates as the PuSh Festival. Combine your night out for a show with a fabulous and affordably-priced 3-course dinner. Click Downtown Dine Out Venues for a list of some of the best festival restaurants in Vancouver’s downtown core, or Dine Out Vancouver for a list of some of the top participating restaurants in the Lower Mainland.

About the PuSh Festival

The PuSh Festival has grown to become a signature performing arts festival in Vancouver since its humble beginnings in 2003.

Today the mission of the organization is to “engage and enrich audiences with adventurous contemporary works in a spirit of innovation and dialogue.” The festival showcases local, Canadian and international contemporary artists and performances, and works in partnership with other organizations to develop new and ground-breaking artistic work.

According to the festival’s website, the organization values “transformative experiences, risk-taking, respectful collaboration and dialogue, … inspiration, innovation, and diversity in arts and peoples.” Consequently, you can expect shows that are amazing, unique, cross-cultural and both traditional and different.