Live music is a fantastic, communal experience and the Lower Mainland is home to all sorts of different acts, all of which offer an excellent way to spend an evening. As Henry Rollins once said: “Live music is the cure for what ails ya.” Whether you’re a hardened concert-goer or new to the scene, here are the best places in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley to see a show.
Vancouver
As well as being the home of the Canucks, the 19,000-seater Rogers Arena is where music’s biggest names play when they come to the Lower Mainland. Located at 800 Griffiths Way.
Upcoming Highlights:
- Drake – September 17 & 18
- Dolly Parton – September 19
Although significantly smaller than Rogers Arena, the Commodore Ballroom still attracts some big names which, in the past, have included the likes of Nirvana and the Beastie Boys. Located at 868 Granville Street.
Upcoming Highlights:
- Jake Bugg – September 7
- St. Paul & the Broken Bones – September 25
The Astoria is an integral part of Vancouver’s thriving rock-and-roll scene. It exists at the intersection of the DTES’ rawness and Mt. Pleasant’s hipsterdom. Located at 769 East Hastings Street. (photo: Flickr / Heritage Vancouver Society)
Upcoming Highlights:
- Monolord – September 10
- Ringworm – October 14
Venue is primarily a nightclub so shows tend to be early to allow for a club night afterwards. The upside is that you can generally still catch the Skytrain home, or even head on to a second, later show. Located at 881 Granville Street.
Upcoming Highlights:
- Juliette Lewis – September 14
- Millencolin – September 25
An old movie theatre, the Rickshaw lay empty from the late eighties until it reopened as a live venue in 2009. Located at 254 East Hastings Street.
Upcoming Highlights:
- The Tragic Tribute – September 2
- Drive-By Truckers – October 2
The Cobalt is a well-known and well-loved landmark in the Vancouver punk scene. It has had a seedy reputation in the past but is now an intimate venue boasting an enticing craft beer selection. Located at 917 Main Street.
Upcoming Highlights:
- Death Valley Girls – September 10
- Japandroids – October 5
SBC (or Smiling Buddha Cabaret) is well worth a visit. Shows here take place in the venue’s half pipe and people often skate as the band plays. Located at 109 East Hastings Street.
North Vancouver
Capilano University BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts
This is a place to see music from a wide variety of genres and countries. It is also home to the Cap Jazz Series, the Cap Global Roots Series, the North Shore Jazz Series and more. Located at 2055 Purcell Way.
Upcoming Highlights:
- The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust – September 30 to October 1
- El Twanguero & Paul Pigat – October 15
Richmond
River Rock Casino puts on live music in two venues, Curve and Lulu’s. The acts here range from rock to soul and funk. Located at 8811 River Road.
Burnaby
The Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park is a stunning location for summer concerts. During the 2016 season, The Lumineers, the Alabama Shakes, the Cure and more took to the outdoor stage. Located at 6450 Deer Lake Avenue.
What started as a social club for Burnaby and Vancouver firefighters is now a lively local pub, offering frequent live music from local artists. Visitors should note that all shows are delayed until after Canucks games. Located at 6515 Bonsor Avenue.
Upcoming Highlights:
- Shindiggers – September 17
- Ohara Lane – October 8
New Westminster
This bustling pub on New West’s main drag has live music every night of the week, so pop in whenever you feel like getting a live music fix. Located at 447 Columbia Street. (via Flickr / Hansol)
Surrey
The Taphouse is a Surrey pub that offers regular live music and is also a great place to watch Blue Jays games. Located at 15330 102a Avenue.
Donegal’s Irish House (known locally as Donegal’s Pub) hosts live bands every Friday and Saturday night, making it a go-to venue. Located at 12054 96th Avenue.
Upcoming Highlights:
- Blind Pigeon – September 2 & 3
- Smith and Jones – September 23 & 24
White Rock
This well-known blues studio is a 100-seater venue that offers and up close and personal experience for music lovers to enjoy. Located at 1328 Johnston Road.
Upcoming Highlights:
- Kal David & Miss Lauri Bono – September 9 & 10
- Vince Mai Quintet – September 11
Abbotsford
Like Rogers Arena, this hockey arena is also used to host concerts and can seat up to 8,500 people. Its size places it somewhere between the huge Rogers Arena and mid-size venues like the Commodore, meaning some significant names play here. Located at 33800 King Road.
Upcoming Highlights:
- Papa Roach – September 10
- Blink 182 – September 18
Live music is more the exception than the rule at Field House, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for events like Field Days. It’s an incredible space for live music. Located at 2281 West Railway Street.
Coquitlam
Although it’s called the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, this place is actually in Coquitlam. Live music is hosted in the 1,000-seater Molson Canadian Theatre. Located at 2080 United Boulevard.
Upcoming Highlights:
- The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band – September 30
- Great White & Slaughter – October 14
The pub’s Dew Country Saturdays feature live music from various artists but often with a country feel. This Irish pub is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the craic. Located at 405 North Road.
Maple Ridge
Shooters hosts live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Located at 20644 Dewdney Trunk Road.
Upcoming Highlights:
- John Scott Band – September 2 & 3
- Sally and the Melo Hearts – September 16 & 17
The Kingfishers’ waterfront location makes it a great place to see live music, especially for Blues fans. Check out their Maple Ridge Friday Night Blues events. Located at 23840 River Road.
Written by: Tom Ireland. Follow him on Twitter @tomvncvr.
