One of Vancouver’s most iconic summer traditions is back. The Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival returns to Vanier Park from June 9 to September 19, bringing a full season of theatre just minutes from Kitsilano.
Now in its 37th season, the festival will feature a mix of Shakespearean classics and bold adaptations of Greek works, with single tickets going on sale this week.
“We are thrilled to bring together the work of Shakespeare and Sophocles for an unforgettable season at Bard on the Beach,” said Founding Artistic Director Christopher Gaze. “Each of our productions bring something uniquely different this season, whether you’re a committed Shakespeare fan or a first-time visitor.”
This year’s BMO Mainstage lineup includes a lively, music-filled production of The Merry Wives of Windsor, set in a soccer-obsessed Vancouver suburb, alongside a darker, stylized take on Macbeth.
Inside the Douglas Campbell Theatre, audiences can expect two reimagined Greek classics: a contemporary adaptation of Antigone and the return of the popular Goblin series with Goblin: Oedipus, known for its chaotic humour and audience interaction.
Beyond the performances, Bard on the Beach continues to offer a full festival experience. New this year is “Bard After Dark,” a late-night cabaret series featuring improv and comedy every Friday in August. Other returning favourites include Bard Pride Night, Wine Wednesdays, Family Days, and free pre-show talks and post-show discussions designed to make theatre more accessible and engaging.
Set against the backdrop of English Bay, the festival remains a staple of Vancouver’s summer cultural calendar, drawing thousands each year to Vanier Park for an evening of theatre by the water.
Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased online or through the Bard box office beginning April 8.
Last modified: April 12, 2026
