Music and Performing Arts

Your senses will be stirred by harmonious tunes and artistic performances at these venues and events.


Whether you prefer to sit front row at a big concert venue or bring your folding chair to a live performance at the park, Vancouver WA offers a wide variety of entertaining musical events. Cascades Amphitheater and ilani Casino's Cowlitz Ballroom brings in the nationally-acclaimed headliners. Top country, rock, indie, and rap performers find their way to these Ridgefield venues, just 10 and 15 miles north of downtown Vancouver. Esther Short Park and local wineries invite local bands to play almost every day of the week throughout the summer, while the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra entertains  outside as part of the Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival (and indoors during the cooler months).

Magenta Theater has a performance for every audience: thoughtful plays for an adult crowd, a theater program performing for a kid audience, a comedy improv group with laughs for the whole family, and more. Every fourth Saturday of the month, Kiggins Theatre hosts a live Rocky Horror Picture Show, complete with audience participation and outlandish costumes.

Other performing arts events include Shakespeare in the Park during the summer and renditions of The Nutcracker during the holidays by multiple dance companies in Vancouver. To stay up-to-date with upcoming events, visit our online calendar.

MUSIC & PERFORMING EVENTS

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors

Sept 25 – Oct 11, 2026 Summary Ever wondered what would happen if you took Bram Stoker’s

October Moves

Clark College Foundation Presents opens 2026–27 season with OCTOBER MOVES The month-long

Live Music Friday's at the AC Lounge

Enjoy fabulous food, drinks, the view and live music as we roll on the river every Friday at the

The VSO USA Presents: Paul and Loti Christensen Young Artist Competition

The future of classical music is here! Experience the incredible talent of the VSO-USA Young Artist

Downtown Laughs at Donnell's

Donnell's is hosting a feature comedian every Monday for weekly laughs and open mic in downtown

Shut Up & Write!

Join us every Tuesday evening for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels

Music Night at the Grant House

Starting March 26th, we will be featuring a solo musician during dinner service every Wednesday

Luminarias Dia de Muertos

Please join us at Esther Short Park for a Day of the Dead ancestral celebration to remember and

Southwest Washington Wind Symphony: New Frontiers

The Southwest Washington Wind Symphony will open its 22nd season with a “New Frontiers” concert

The VSO USA Presents: Piano Extravaganza featuring Dr. Michael C. Liu

Dr. Michael C. Liu and friends return for a program filled with celebrated piano masterworks!

Distinctly Bronze West Handbell Concert

This massed ringing event with over 100 musicians from all over the country, Canada, and Hong Kong

Baba Yaga (puppet show)

For ages 6-106! This Slavic folktale features a curmudgeonly witch, a hedgehog prince who travels

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Introducing The Denton Delinquents, Vancouver's own shadow cast performing The Rocky Horror Picture

Hot Rhythms: A Sinful Cabaret Burlesque Revue

Step into a sinful, spooky night of 1920s hot jazz and burlesque with the Ne Plus Ultra Jass

Open Mic at Bula Kava House

Join us for a family-friendly night of creativity, good vibes, and community at our monthly Open Mic

First Friday Unplugged

Join us for First Friday UNPLUGGED at LiveWell Camas, an exciting all-ages live music event held

Living History Performances

Step into the firelight at the Lelooska Cultural Center. Experience magnificent Northwest Coast

Comedy on Tap

Every second Thursday of the month, the historic Kiggins Theatre hosts local and regional stand-up

The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon

Nov 27 – Dec 13, 2026 Christmas: a time for magic. A time for the traditions we cherish. A

Sensory-Friendly Fort Vancouver Nutcracker presented by Columbia Dance

Columbia Dance presents a sensory-friendly performance of its original Fort Vancouver Nutcracker on

BIG NAMES COMING TO VANCOUVER

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