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The spring concert calendar is already filling up with performances and visual arts \u2014 plus classical music, family events and critical books to digest<\/p>\n
Published Mar 10, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 1\u00a0hour ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 17 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.<\/p>\n Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.<\/p>\n Concertgoers are set to be spoiled this spring.<\/p>\n From early March until the onslaught of arena action in mid-June, everyone from recent Grammy Award winners out on headline tours to the rare return of legends who don\u2019t often grace us with their presence on local stages are coming to Vancouver. Add in the vibrant local scene, and music fans are bound to keep busy until we welcome the world for FIFA and summer festival season in June.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account<\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Until then, why not enjoy a variety of venue shapes and sizes? Mixing it up is the spice \u2014 and sound \u2014 of life. Which is why these are the five must-see shows this spring.<\/p>\n Sun Spots<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Music When: March 13, 8 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: Zameen Art House, 1515 Anderson St., Granville Island<\/p>\n Tickets and info: $22.63 at eventbrite.com<\/a><\/p>\n A rare performance from this exceptional group, which was founded by vocalist Julia Ulehla and guitarist Aram Bajakian and uses century-old Moravian folk songs as a launch pad for a unique avant-folk\/jazz fusion hybrid that is positively soul-stirring. Part of the monthly Expressions Sessions at the intimate Zameen Art House, presented by prolific local promoter Infidels Jazz<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n When: April 2, 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, UBC, 6066 Thunderbird Blvd.<\/p>\n Tickets and info:ticketmaster.ca<\/a><\/p>\n Dynamic U.K. singer Raye drops her sophomore album, This Music May Contain Hope, on March 27. With the leadoff single Where Is My Husband<\/a>, the South London native with 20 U.K. Top 40 singles is ready to blow minds in North America. With Absolutely and AMMA as support acts, this is a chance to catch her headlining before she is back on the Bruno Mars dates at B.C. Place<\/a> in October.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n When: April 3, 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, UBC, 6066 Thunderbird Blvd.<\/p>\n Tickets and info:ticketmaster.ca<\/a><\/p>\n Having picked up a Grammy for her excellent new album EUSEXUA Afterglow, multi-talented artist FKA Twigs is bringing her unique take on contemporary EDM and other styles to fans on a headlining tour. Previous appearances here have been as much about the theatre and dance elements as the music ones and one can only guess how much more production goes into a larger venue setting. Better still, Tokischa, Eartheater, Yves Tumor and Brutalismus 3000 are all support acts.<\/p>\n When: April 27, 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: The Centre for the Performing Arts, 777 Homer St., Vancouver<\/p>\n Tickets and info: Ticketmaster.ca<\/a><\/p>\n Jazz guitar star Metheny released his first new studio album since 2020 last month. Side-Eye III+ finds the 20-time Grammy Award-winning bandleader joined by a quartet of bassist Jermaine Paul, pianist Chris Fishman, drummer Joe Dyson and vocalist Leonard Patton. They\u2019ll perform a set of smooth-flowing pieces that delve into more straight-ahead territory with that distinctive rhythmic complexity that characterize many of his compositions.<\/p>\n When: June 16, 8 p.m.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre<\/a>, 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver<\/p>\n Tickets and info:Ticketmaster<\/a><\/p>\n Classic rock star Raitt returned to the charts and regular touring with the release of 2022\u2019s Just Like That \u2026 and shows no signs of slowing down. A spectacular slide player with a smoky voice to match her tasty blues solos, her live shows are know to span selections from across her 55-year career. With New Orleans soul ace Jon Cleary also on the bill this is going to be groovy.<\/p>\n Dance<\/p>\n The timing probably could not have been better for Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. With Shakespeare back in the cultural spotlight thanks to the movie Hamnet, the dance-drama adaptation is sure to spark conversation. Add the reputations of choreographer Guillaume C\u00f4t\u00e9 and director Robert Lepage into the mix and you have as surefire a hit as is possible in the world of dance. The other DanceHouse show we\u2019re looking at is Manifesto, in which nine hoofers share the stage with nine drummers. And we\u2019re excited about the inaugural program from a new company in town, Ballet Vancouver.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n When: May 7-9, various times<\/p>\n Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre<\/a>, 630 Hamilton St, Vancouver<\/p>\n Tickets and info: From $19 at balletbc.com<\/a><\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Ballet B.C.\u2019s season-ender is a world premiere work from choreographic duo Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber that features a string quartet performing Philip Glass music live on stage. Smith and Schraiber, who were also responsible for Obsidian in the company\u2019s 2024-25 season, have been busy. They choreographed Maggie Gyllenhaal\u2019s latest film Bride, among other recent films, and are currently choreographing Glass\u2019 Satyagraha for the Paris Opera.<\/p>\n When: Mar. 18-21, various times<\/p>\n Where: Vancouver Playhouse<\/a>, 600 Hamilton St., Vancouver<\/p>\n Tickets and info: From $40.75 at dancehouse.ca<\/a> and 604-801-6225<\/p>\n Ex Machina and C\u00f4t\u00e9 Danse\u2019s wordless adaptation of the Shakespeare classic interprets Hamlet through movement, lighting, and minimal set design. Created by choreographer Guillaume C\u00f4t\u00e9, who also dances the title role, and director Robert Lepage, the show has earned praise for its choreography and visual storytelling. Reviewers have singled out scenes depicting Ophelia\u2019s drowning and Hamlet\u2019s internal struggle as well as LePage\u2019s sets. Hamlet, Prince of Darkness is a co-presentation from DanceHouse and community partners Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival and Th\u00e9\u00e2tre la Seizi\u00e8me.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n When: Apr. 16-18, 2026, various times<\/p>\n Where: Vancouver Playhouse<\/a><\/p>\n Tickets and info: From $40.75 dancehouse.ca<\/a> and 604-801-6225<\/p>\n Nine drummers and nine dancers rock the stage in Manifesto, a joyful burst of percussive dance from Australia\u2019s Stephanie Lake Company. Born in Saskatoon and raised in Tasmania, Lake is an award-winning choreographer whose previous works include 2023\u2019s Colossus, which featured 60 performers. Manifesto is a DanceHouse presentation.<\/p>\n When: Apr. 23-25, various times<\/p>\n Where: Vancouver Playhouse<\/p>\n Tickets and info: From From $46.91 at dancewest.net<\/a> and balletvancouver.com<\/a><\/p>\n This spring sees the inaugural program from choreographer\/dancer Joshus Beamish\u2019s new ballet company, Ballet Vancouver. After the Rain and Other Works includes the Vancouver debut of the titular piece, a two-part work originally performed by New York City Ballet; the world premiere of a new Beamish creation in collaboration with Indigenous artist and fashion designer Yolonda Skelton; the live Vancouver premiere of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa\u2019s Redemption, a solo dance that premiered in digital form at the 2021 PuSh Festival for Performing Arts; and the Vancouver reprise of Wen Wei Wang\u2019s Swan, a modern reimagining of Swan Lake performed en pointe.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Family<\/p>\n It\u2019s no coincidence that the summer months are when the majority of special family events occur. After all, school\u2019s out and parents are looking for those all-important all-ages activities at that time of year.<\/p>\n But spring tends to leave folks to their own devices.<\/p>\n This doesn\u2019t mean there aren\u2019t plenty of great things to do with the family over the next few months. In fact, it\u2019s a good time of the year to take in some of the activities that can get a bit crowded when the weather warms up. Plus, cooler temperatures can make a strong case for a cup of hot chocolate at some point in the proceedings.<\/p>\n Here are five must-see family events coming up.<\/p>\n When: The first Sunday of every month, 10 a.m. \u2013 5 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Ave.<\/p>\n Tickets and info: vanmaritime.com<\/a><\/p>\n Maritime travel has been an essential component of life along the Wet Coast since First Nations\u2019 canoes travelled the region fishing, trading and getting from point A to B. Learn all about that history and more through such permanent exhibits as the Wooden Boats: From Tree to See exhibit, the RCMP St. Roch icebreaker and more. The Museum of Vancouver and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre also run a Pay What You Can Sunday, so you can enjoy all three Vanier Park attractions this way. A Vanier Park Attraction Pass<\/a> for all three venues is also available for use on other days of your choosing.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n When: Any day you choose, but go early<\/p>\n Where: Squamish, B.C.<\/p>\n Tickets and info: exploresquamish.com<\/a><\/p>\n Squamish used to be where you grabbed a coffee and filled the gas tank before heading up the Sea to Sky to hit Whistler\u2019s slopes. Today, the district at the end of Howe Sound is a year-round destination for casual hikes, foodies, extreme sports types and families. From the massive gathering of eagles along the river in Brackendale to the absolutely breathtaking Sea To Sky Gondola<\/a> ride and suspension bridge network, this is packed with family fun.<\/p>\n Where: 5191 Robertson Rd., Delta<\/p>\n When: Tues. \u2013 Sun., 9 a.m. \u2013 4 p.m. Reservations required<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tickets and info: Adults, $10; Seniors, $8; children ages 2-14, $7 at refelbirdsanctuary.com<\/a><\/p>\n With its location right on the Pacific Flyway bird migration, this wetland sanctuary is absolutely packed with all manner of wildlife. From wee little brown jobs that will nibble right from your hand, and loud quacking waterfowl paddling by, to some of the most rotund squirrels in the Lower Mainland, visiting this spot just leaves you feeling fine. Very easy walking for all ages.<\/p>\n When: Opens March 19<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Where: Museum of Anthropology, 6393 NW Marine Dr.<\/p>\n Tickets and info: moa.ubc.ca<\/a><\/p>\n This new exhibit looks at the worldview of ancient pre-Columbian Andean civilizations highlighting cosmovision \u2014 a term that relates to the idea of nature as a living entity that is directly in balance with the universe and the sacred forces that are exerted upon human beings. Through almost 100 ceramic, wood and bone works dating back over 2,500 years, this is a tour through humankind\u2019s past and, perhaps, its future.<\/p>\n When: May 25 \u2013 31, various times<\/p>\n Where: Granville Island, various venues<\/p>\n Tickets and info: Tickets on sale at childrensfestival.ca<\/a><\/p>\n The 49th instalment of this annual festival continues its track record of presenting the best in local, national and international theatre, music, dance, circus, puppetry and more. While it is geared toward a younger audience, all ages can enjoy the wonders of performers such as Japan\u2019s Yuki the Juggler and his unique take on defying gravity with all manner of items. Every year packs in plenty of surprises.<\/p>\n Theatre<\/p>\n As winter turns to spring, the Lower Mainland\u2019s live stages turn increasingly to musicals. Les Miz, Something Rotten, Kimberly Akimbo, Shrek: The Musical, Legally Blonde, Gunmetal Blues, Mamma Mia, Come from Away, The Producers, and the premiere of Corey Payette\u2019s On Native Land play here over the next few months. All are worthy choices. But theatregoers cannot live on musicals alone \u2014 with one notable exception. Here are some of the most exciting stage shows to see this spring.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Shakespeare in Love<\/p>\n When: April 3-25<\/p>\n Where: Metro Theatre, 1370 SW Marine Dr., Vancouver<\/p>\n Tickets & info: From $35 at metrotheatre.com<\/a><\/p>\n What better memorial to the late Tom Stoppard than his glorious comic love story about Shakespeare and the miracle of theatre. The 1998 movie of Shakespeare in Love won seven Oscars including Best Picture. Daryl Cloran\u2019s 2019 Bard on the Beach production was near-perfect. Now, newly revitalized Metro Theatre gives it a shot. Sarah Rodgers directs, with Bard\u2019s Jacob Leonard as Shakespeare, the excellent Cassie Unger as Viola, and a special appearance by Simon Webb.<\/p>\n The Undeniable Accusations of Red Cadmium Light<\/p>\n When: April 18-May 3<\/p>\n Where: Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E. Cordoba St., Vancouver<\/p>\n Tickets & info: From $30 at firehallartscentre.ca<\/a><\/p>\n Ojibway playwright and humorist Drew Hayden Taylor has written a lot about \u201cpretendians,\u201d non-Indigenous folks who claim Indigenous heritage. But his pointed satire skewers all pretensions, no matter the race. His new play, set on the Otter Lake reserve, concerns pretendian First Nations art, specifically counterfeit Norval Morrisseau paintings. Anita Wittenberg stars, Columpa Bob directs.<\/p>\n Come from Away<\/p>\n When: May 28-July 26<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Where: Stanley BFL CANADA Stage, 2750 Granville St., Vancouver<\/p>\n Tickets & info: From $42 at artsclub.com<\/a><\/p>\n The great Canadian musical plays Vancouver for only the second time, co-produced by the Arts Club and Edmonton\u2019s Citadel Theatre. The story of Newfoundlanders\u2019 extraordinary hospitality to the 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Gander during 9\/11 is done with brilliant modesty, combining true stories with superb music, stirring drama and quirky comedy. Ashlie Corcoran directs a cast of 12 including Vancouver standouts Charlie Gallant, Janet Gigliotti, Catriona Murphy, Kamyar Pazandeh, and Andrew Wheeler.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n When: June 10-28<\/p>\n Where: York Theatre, 639 Commercial Dr., Vancouver<\/p>\n Tickets & info: From $44 at thecultch.com<\/a><\/p>\n The Cultch brings to Vancouver a smash hit from the Edinburgh Fringe. The Guardian describes Sophie\u2019s Surprise 29th as \u201ca circus and cabaret show masquerading as a birthday do,\u201d a \u201890s house party \u201cspun around a series of death-defying acts.\u201d Thrilling, outstanding, breathtaking are some other reviewers\u2019 epithets. And funny, too. This U.K. production features Cirque du Soleil performers among its cast of world-class acrobats.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n When: June 11-Sept. 18<\/p>\n Where: Sen\u0313\u00e1\u1e35w\/Vanier Park, 1000 Chestnut St., Vancouver<\/p>\n Tickets & info: From $30 at bardonthebeach.org<\/a><\/p>\n Shakespeare\u2019s shortest, nastiest, most powerful play opens on the mainstage this year at Bard on the Beach. After a 2025 season without a single tragedy it\u2019s a relief to see that Bard hasn\u2019t given up on the really tough ones. The Scottish Play stars two of the company\u2019s most interesting actors: Munish Sharma in the title role and funny Tess Degenstein as Lady Macbeth \u2014 not exactly a bundle of laughs. Director Stephen Drover\u2019s 2024 Hamlet was a Bard highlight.<\/p>\n Visual Arts<\/p>\n Spring sees the opening of exhibits suitably colourful and verdant, including a retrospective of Emily Carr\u2019s work focusing on the B.C. artist\u2019s relationship to nature and a show featuring Bobbie Burgers\u2019 floral abstracts. On the less-cheerful side, another major show looks at climate change through a contemporary arts lens.<\/p>\n When: Until Nov. 8<\/p>\n Where: Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St., Vancouver<\/p>\n Info:Vanartgallery.bc.ca<\/a>, 604-662-4700<\/p>\n One of the most ambitious Emily Carr presentations in years, this major retrospective explores the B.C. artist\u2019s engagement with landscapes and fascination with nature. Through paintings from the gallery\u2019s collection to extracts from the artist\u2019s journals, this show promises to present her work through various perspectives \u2014 ahead of its time, out of the mainstream, and as a path to healing, renewal and transcendence.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n When: Until May 24<\/p>\n Where: The Polygon Gallery, 101 Carrie Cates Ct., North Vancouver<\/p>\n Info: thepolygon.ca<\/a><\/p>\n Photolithics is a 10-year survey of work by Tania Willard that questions photography\u2019s histories and possibilities. The new and previous pieces showcase a broad array of photographic printing, materiality and presentation techniques in work that blends light, land and material. For the gallery\u2019s windows, Willard has devised a distinctive treatment that recasts the building as a \u201clens\u201d and turns the sun\u2019s rays into safe light for future encounters with sensitive historical records.<\/p>\n When: Until Apr. 19 Vancouver-based artist Bobbie Burgers\u2019 large-scale floral works use repetition, texture and scale to explore themes of ephemeral beauty and refined strength. Heading into spring, Burgers\u2019 work offers viewers a chance to contemplate the cyclical nature of life. This exhibit focuses on her work on paper.<\/p>\n When: May 14, 2026-Jan. 10, 2027<\/p>\n Where: Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St., Vancouver<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Tickets and info:Vanartgallery.bc.ca<\/a><\/p>\n Featuring works from the past 25 years, Future Geographies is the first major exhibition in Canada to examine the intersection of the climate crisis and contemporary art on a global scale. Presented across multiple floors, the exhibit includes newly commissioned work, the Vancouver debut of work by several prominent artists, and major works by B.C.\u2013based talents such as Brian Jungen, Gabrielle L\u2019Hirondelle Hill, and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun Lets\u2019lo:tseltun. Following its VAG run, Future Geographies will travel to the Art Gallery of Ontario.<\/p>\n When: May 28-31<\/p>\n Where: Vancouver Convention Centre East, 999 Canada Pl., Vancouver<\/p>\n Info:artvancouver.net<\/a><\/p>\n The 10th edition of this annual contemporary art fair features hundreds of galleries and artists from across Canada and the world. Talks, demos, Q&As, a competition, classes, and more, all TBA, are also part of the weekend.<\/p>\n Classical music<\/p>\n The major thrust of our classical music spring is blockbuster events intended to end the 2025\/26 performance year with a bang. Each of our major performing organizations and presenters has something special on offer as the grand finales of the season. Here are my best bets for extraordinary experiences \u2014 with an added caution that some events may well be sold out.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre<\/p>\n When: April 25-May 3<\/p>\n Tickets: vancouveropera.ca<\/a><\/p>\n Like embattled opera companies all over North America, Vancouver Opera is sensibly opting for old favourites in trying times. Favourites don\u2019t come with more fans than Puccini\u2019s 1896 La Boh\u00e8me, which will run five performances with a double cast of principals. Everyone loves the tale, but the real bonus here is that VO\u2019s past music director Jonathan Darlington will conduct. We can expect magic.<\/p>\n Where: Pacific Spirit United Church<\/p>\n When: April 25, 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Tickets:\u00a0vancouvercantatasingers.com<\/a><\/p>\n Vancouver Cantata Singers plans a remarkable work to wind up its year: Brahms\u2019s A German Requiem in the reduced version for soloists, choir and two pianos. Baritone Tyler Duncan, soprano Mireille Asselin, and the Bergmann Piano Duo join in this 19th century masterwork. Given a smaller choir and keyboards, this will be an intimate version of the piece; and that\u2019s just fine for a work that\u2019s ultimately all about consolation and hope, not grandiloquence and theatrics.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts<\/p>\n When: May 1, 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Tickets:vanrecital.com<\/a><\/p>\n The Vancouver Recital Society has no end of spring treats in store, including the incomparable lieder duo of Benjamin Appl and James Baillieu at the Chan Centre\u2019s intimate Telus Studio Theatre March 19-22. But if I had to choose a single VRS spring event, it\u2019s got to be the long-anticipated Vancouver debut of pianist V\u00edkingur \u00d3lafsson. He offers a big, musically demanding program of Bach, Schubert and Beethoven, all centred around the keys of E minor and E major.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Where: Vancouver Playhouse<\/p>\n When: May 1, 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Tickets:earlymusic.bc.ca<\/a><\/p>\n Back in the days of Festival Vancouver, a young counter-tenor sang an unforgettable Vancouver debut at Holy Rosary Cathedral. Philippe Jaroussky has since established himself as the most admired counter-tenor of his generation, and he\u2019s here this spring thanks to Early Music Vancouver. Would it be wrong to call Jaroussky a coloratura counter-tenor? He\u2019s certainly got all the vocal moves. With baroque specialists Ensemble Artaserse, Jaroussky performs a selection of vocal compositions by Scarlatti, Vivaldi, and the 18th-century opera master Nicola Porpora \u2014 a glittering EMV season finale.<\/p>\n Where: Orpheum Theatre<\/p>\n When: May 29-30, 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Tickets:vancouversymphony.ca<\/a><\/p>\n As their spring blockbuster, music director Otto Tausk and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra present Mahler\u2019s Third, one of the biggest and grandest of all symphonies. It runs to six sublime movements, with enormous orchestral forces, solo mezzo soprano, women\u2019s choir and children\u2019s choir blended into the extravagant mix. Quite sensibly, the plan is to do it as the single work on the program, with an intermission. Mahler can be heavy, and the Third certainly has its dark moments. But the whole is life- affirming and ecstatic.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Books Spring<\/a> is coming and so are a lot of new book titles<\/a>. To help you curate a\u00a0top-notch spring reading list<\/a>,\u00a0here are five books<\/a> with B.C. connections:<\/p>\n Strangers in the Villa<\/p>\n By Robyn Harding (Grand Central)<\/p>\n Vancouver\u2019s Robyn Harding<\/a> is at it again. This time the thriller master takes the reader to Spain and a lovely (not for long) hillside villa. In the new book from the author of the internationally bestselling The Drowning Woman, a couple begins a new life abroad in hopes of repairing the damage an affair has had on their marriage. While they settle into life in Spain, a couple shows up at their door claiming their van has broken down. The husband and wife invite them in and offer help. But that gesture spins into a whole lot of trouble as the stranded pair has no intention of leaving peacefully.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Valley of the\u00a0Vengeful Ghosts<\/p>\n By Kim Fu (Harper Collins Canada)<\/p>\n Giller Prize-nominated Vancouver author Fu delivers a novel about grief, ghosts and reality slipping away. Eleanor\u2019s mother did everything for her \u2014 laundry, banking; she even planned her dinners. Then Eleanor\u2019s mother dies. Left adrift, Eleanor, an online therapist, focuses on her mother\u2019s last instruction: use her inheritance money to buy a house. Once in her new home, everything begins to unravel as endless torrential rains begin to pour through cracks in the house leading to cracks in Eleanor\u2019s sanity as she is forced to look deep into some deeply buried secrets.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n By Aaron Cully Drake\u00a0(Nightwood\u00a0Editions, April 7)<\/p>\n The Coquitlam writer, whose first book Do You Think This is Strange was shortlisted for the Amazon First Novel Award, brings his characters Freddy and Saskia back into the spotlight for his new novel. The story begins with Freddy beating up three other teen boys who are hassling Saskia. The incident at school sends Freddy into a spiral thinking about family secrets, and sorting out what is fact and what is fiction as his memories of a horrific incident return to further upend his life.<\/p>\n Dreamer\u2019s Daughter<\/p>\n By Lori Thicke (Simon\u00a0and Schuster Canada, April 7)<\/p>\n University of B.C. graduate Lori Thicke\u2019s coming-of-age memoir begins with her and her younger brother, aged 10 and five, respectively, being left by their mother in the care of their free-spirited and very often misguided father. While living in a small mining town, the family home burns down. Dad, the dreamer, sees the fire as a blazing sign that he and the kids should hit the road for a cross-country adventure. Beginning in 1968, the chaotic story is filled with tension and unease. In the end, it also proves to be about resilience and, most importantly, love.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n The Caretaker: A Novel<\/p>\n By Marcus Kliewer (Atria Books, April 21)<\/p>\n Macy Mullins is a 22-year-old recent college graduate with a mountain of debt. She needs a job, like now. But sadly, her inbox is full of AI-generated rejection letters. Things change when she sees a posting for an \u2018exciting opportunity\u2019 as a caretaker for an elderly husband. Set on the Oregon Coast, the gig soon goes from kind of strange to flat-out frightening as an unbelievable evil rolls in like the morning mist. Vancouver writer Kliewer is once again delivering the creepiness \u2014 he wrote the chilling novel We Used to Live Here, which is in development for a film starring Blake Lively<\/a> \u2014 in this new page-turner.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Share this article in your social network<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Breadcrumb Trail Links EntertainmentLocal ArtsMusicTheatre We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Play Video The spring…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":526943,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[194298],"tags":[49,48,55],"class_list":["post-526942","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-vancouver","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-vancouver"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/526942","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=526942"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/526942\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/526943"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=526942"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=526942"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=526942"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Vancouver](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.7.1\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-vs.svg\"){kind=logo}
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<\/p>\n![\"Vocalist](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0312-spring-arts-dalava.jpg\")
Vocalist Julia Ulehla and guitarist Aram Bajakian with Dalava perform at the 41st annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival at Jericho Beach Vancouver in 2018. Photo by Gerry Kahrmann \/PNGD\u00e1lava<\/p>\n![\"raye\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0805-osheaga-0843_287902924-e1770933017808.jpg\")
Raye on stage at Osheaga at Jean-Drapeau Park in Montreal in 2024. Photo by Dave Sidaway \/Montreal GazetteRaye \u2014 This Tour May Contain New Music<\/p>\n![\"FKA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0312-spring-arts-music-fka-twigs.jpg\")
FFKA Twigs accepts the award for best dance\/electronic album for EUSEXUA during the Grammy Awards on Feb. 1, 2026, in Los Angeles. Photo by Chris Pizzello \/Invision\/APFKA TWIGS: The Body High Tour<\/p>\n![\"Guitarist](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0312-spring-arts-music-pat-metheny.jpg\")
Guitarist Pat Metheny in concert at Ottawa\u2019s Centrepointe Theatre. Photo by Wayne Cuddington \/Ottawa CitizenPat Metheny Side-Eye III World Tour<\/p>\n![\"Bonnie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0312-spring-arts-music-bonnie-raitt-1.jpg\")
Bonnie Raitt performs at the 22nd Annual Americana Honors & Awards at Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 20, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Erika Goldring \/Getty Images for Americana MusicBonnie Raitt with special guest Jon Cleary<\/p>\n![\"Ballet](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/unity_301692083.jpg\")
Ballet B.C. closes its 2025-26 season with Unity May 7-9 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Pictured: Ballet B.C. artist Imani Frazier. Photo by Marcus Eriksson \/Ballet B.C.Ballet B.C. \u2014 Unity<\/p>\n![\"Ex](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hamlet_301692057.jpg\")
Ex Machina and C\u00f4t\u00e9 Danse\u2019s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark comes to Vancouver Playhouse March 18-21. Photo by Bruce Zinger \/DanceHouseEx Machina and C\u00f4t\u00e9 Danse: Hamlet, Prince of Denmark<\/p>\n![\"Nine](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/lake_301692059.jpg\")
Nine drummers join nine dancers onstage for Stephanie Lake Company\u2019s Manifesto Apr. 16-18 at Vancouver Playhouse. Photo by Roy VanDerVegt \/DanceHouseStephanie Lake Company: Manifesto<\/p>\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/rain_301692065.jpg\")
New company Ballet Vancouver presents its inaugural program April 23-25 at Vancouver Playhouse. Pictured: Jonatan Lujan and Stephanie Petersen. Photo by David Cooper \/Ballet VancouverBallet Vancouver: After the Rain & Other Works<\/p>\n![\"0312](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/vancouver-maritime-museum-photo_-christian-zane-3_295033888.jpg\")
A family aboard the RCMPV St. Roch within the Vancouver Maritime Museum in Vancouver. Christian ZaneVancouver Maritime Museum: Pay What You Can Sundays<\/p>\n![\"0312](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0312-spring-arts-preview-family-squamishbridge-to_279872898.jpg\")
The suspension bridge at the Sea to Sky Gondola near Squamish, B.C. Courtesy, Tourism Squamish taraogradyphoto.comSquamish Day Trip<\/p>\n![\"eagles\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/eagles_96210502.jpg\")
Eagles gather at Brackendale near Squamish. Photo by Arlen Redekop \/PNGGeorge C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary<\/p>\n![\"0312](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0312-spring-arts-preview-moa-exhibit-5_shrimp-bowl_close-up_photo-by-joshua-doherty_301362081.jpg\")
UBC Museum of Anthropology MOA exhibit upananchiskama: Ancient Andean Cosmology. Shrimp bowl. Submitted by: MPMG. Photo credit: Joshua Doherty Photo by Photo credit: Joshua Doherty \/Submitted by: MPMGTupananchiskama: Ancient Andean Cosmovision\/Cosmovisi\u00f3n Andina<\/p>\n![\"0312](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0312-spring-arts-preview-childrens-fest-yukithejuggler025_301361915.jpg\")
Yuki the Juggler appears at the 2026 Vancouver Children\u2019s Festival. Alexandre Robichaud photo Photo by Photo credit: Alexandre Robichau \/Submitted: MPMGVancouver International Children\u2019s Festival<\/p>\n![\"shakepeare](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/a7305848_301730437-2-e1772327826929.jpg\")
Sarah Rodgers directs, with Bard\u2019s Jacob Leonard as Shakespeare, the excellent Cassie Unger as Viola, and a special appearance by Simon Webb. Mark Halliday, Moonrider Productions photo Photo by Mark Halliday<\/p>\n![\"sophie's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/sophie-s-surprise-29th-c-roger-robinson-3_301616689.jpg\")
Sophie\u2019s Surprise 29th is described as \u201ca circus and cabaret show masquerading as a birthday do,\u201d a \u201990s house party \u201cspun around a series of death-defying acts. Roger Robinson photo Photo by Roger RobinsonSophie\u2019s Surprise 29th<\/p>\n![\"macbeth\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/macbeth_301760735.jpeg\")
Munish Sharma as Macbeth from Bard on the Beach. Emily Cooper photoMacbeth<\/p>\n![\"Emily](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/vag-1_301692349.jpg\")
A major exhibition of Emily Carr\u2019s work is on at VAG until Nov. 8. Pictured: Emily Carr, Loggers\u2019 Culls, 1935, oil on canvas, Collection of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Gift of Miss I. Parkyn. Photo by Trevor Mills \/Vancouver Art GalleryThat Green Ideal: Emily Carr and the Idea of Nature<\/p>\n![\"In](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/willard-only-available-light-install-view_301692361.jpg\")
In Tania Willard: Photolithics, on at the Polygon until May 24, photography\u2019s histories and possibilities are reimagined. Pictured: Tania Willard, Only Available Light (installation view), 2016, archival film (Harlan I. Smith, The Shuswap Indians of British Columbia, 1928, 8:44 min.), projector, quartz crystals, and photons, dimensions variable; original composition by Leela Gilday. Photo by Toni Hakfenscheid \/The Blackwood, University of TorTania Willard: Photolithics<\/p>\n![\"Bobbie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/5760d78d-42ab-49b0-944d-81a2cf01b026_301692347.jpg\")
Bobbie Burgers\u2019 Adaptation exhibit is at Burnaby Art Gallery until April 19. Photo by Rachel Topham \/Bobbie BurgersBobbie Burgers: Assembly<\/p>\n
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery, 6344 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Info:burnaby.ca<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Future](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/vag_2_301692353.jpg\")
Future Geographies: Art in the Century of Climate Change at VAG is looks at the climate crisis in more than 35 pieces ranging from large-scale video installations to living sculptures. Pictured: Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun Lets\u2019lo:tseltun, The Impending Firestorms, 2024, acrylic on canvas, Collection of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Acquisition Fund. Photo by Byron Dauncey \/Macaulay + Co.Future Geographies: Art in the Century of Climate Change<\/p>\n![\"Meet](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/art-vancouver_301692427.jpg\")
Meet artists, dealers, gallery owners and more at this year\u2019s Art Vancouver, an annual contemporary art fair, May 28-31 at the Convention Centre East. Photo by CAM_GM \/Art VancouverArt Vancouver 2026<\/p>\n![\"Jonathan](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/jd_100-darlington-c-andreas-koehring_960x576px_301691879-2.jpg\")
Jonathan Darlington returns to Vancouver. Photo by Andreas KoehringLa Boh\u00e8me<\/p>\n![\"VCS](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/vcs-rehearsal.jpeg\")
VCS Artistic Director Paula Kremer leads Brahms. VCSA German Requiem<\/p>\n![\"\u00edkingur](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/vikingur-olafsson_301691873-1.jpg\")
Pianist V\u00edkingur \u00d3lafsson. Photo credit: Ari Magg. For David Gordon Duke spring arts preview story slugged 0312 spring arts classical mus Photo by Ari MaggV\u00edkingur \u00d3lafsson<\/p>\n![\"Countertenor](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/67bdcfe6d10bb-new-event-slider-michael-novak_301691899.jpeg\")
Countertenor Philippe Jaroussky. Photo by Michal NowakPhilippe Jaroussky<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mahler-_301691889.jpeg\")
The VSO tackles Mahler. VSOMahler\u2019s Third Symphony<\/p>\n![\"spring](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0312-feat-spring-arts-books-strangers-in-the-villa_300974491-e1772235032932.jpeg\")
![\"spring](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0312-spring-arts-books-the-valley-of-vengeful-ghosts_300986359-e1772235167931.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n![\"spring](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0312-feat-spring-arts-books-when-the-world-was-twice-as-big.jpe_300976031-e1772235391668.jpeg\")
![\"spring](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0312-feat-spring-arts-books-dreamers-daughter_300974881-e1772235496262.jpeg\")
When the World\u00a0Was Twice\u00a0as Big<\/p>\n