Upcoming at the RIO June & July
OUR HERO, BALTHAZAR (Director in Attendance for Q&A)
Eager to impress his activist crush, a wealthy New York teenager follows an online connection to Texas, where he’s convinced he can stop an act of extreme violence. With Jaeden Martell, Asa Butterfield, Chris Bauer, Jennifer Ehle, Avan Jogia.
Director Oscar Boyson (UNCUT GEMS, GOOD TIME) will be joining us at the Rio Theatre for a post-show Q&A following the screening on June 8.
“Oscillating between brutal humor and unsettling insight, ‘Our Hero, Balthazar is an audacious and often astonishing directorial debut tinged with riveting performances and sprawling thematic ambition.” (Rotten Tomatoes)
“A black-comic acid bath that, in only an hour and a half, nods to so many contemporary concerns that it rivals last year’s “Eddington” in its scope… The film may not propose a solution to any of our maladies, but it’s a bitterly convincing diagnosis.” (Wall Street Journal)
Monday, June 8 - w. Director Q&A
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
General Admission - $16 (includes taxes and fees)
Tickets HERE
Saturday, June 13
Door 8:15 pm | Movie 8:45 pm Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
General Admission - $16 (includes taxes and fees)
Tickets HERE
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BURLESQUE: LONG FORM
An astounding collection of top notch Vancouver burlesque performers will take to the Rio Theatre‘s stage on Saturday, June 20 for Burlesque Long Form. In an artistic challenge set by producer and noted performer April O’Peel, local luminaries will have one chance to perform a full ten minute act.
Will the performers be able to please, tease and captivate their audience for a full ten minutes?
Expect outlandish props, projections, and over- the-top narratives as a stunning variety of unique and spectacular burlesque performers push the boundaries at Burlesque Long Form!
Saturday, June 20
Doors 8:00 pm | Show 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
General Admission $30 + s/c | $35 + s/c at the door
VIP tickets $40+ s/c
Squad Pass (Group of Four Tickets – online only) $100+ s/c
Buy Tickets HERE!
Featuring:
Scarlet Delirium | Buk | Dae Leegrind | Ariel Helvetica | Arabella Boop | April O’Peel
Hosted by:
Diva The Violet Femme
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THE VANCOUVER BURLESQUE CO.: SUMMER 2026 STUDENT SHOWCASE
Join The Vancouver Burlesque Co. as we kick off summer with our outstanding students and alumni! Get ready for large group acts and fantastic solos to make your heart fill with sunshine and your eyes sparkle with joy. We’re ready to give you a show that will make you squeal so grab someone cute and let’s have a night to remember.
These shows are pure magic, sparkle and fun, and we can’t wait to share the evening with friends, family and fans.
Thursday, June 25
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
General Admission $30+ s/c | $35+ s/c at the door
Tickets HERE
Please note: These shows tend to sell out well in advance – buy tickets sooner than later to avoid disappointment!
Hosted by Miss Kiss
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CJ THE X: OPTIMIZED GRASS TOUCHING
How to lock in, optimize your grindset and work harder than anyone else at living a wholesome balanced meaningful life.
CJ The X a Toronto based independent artist and philosopher that began making YouTube videos in 2021. Since then they’ve amassed over 350 thousand subscribers, 15 million views, a robust crowdfunding base on Patreon, a loyal personal mailing list, and sold out lectures across the world. Their breathless interdisciplinary approach makes them one of the most unique cultural voices in the internet age, blending irreverent humour, sharp intellectualism, and earnest spirituality.
They speak passionately on an eclectic array of subjects, blending together art, religion, technology, community, and beauty in their singular style. They have developed 7 different lectures so far, each completely distinct from the rest while fitting into a cohesive whole.
When not philosophizing, CJ is a rapper and a writer, always most comfortable working on multiple things at once.
Saturday, June 27
Doors 6:30 pm | Lecture 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
General Admission - $50 (includes taxes and fees)
Tickets HERE
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THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW - Hosted by DANDY
Let’s do the Time Warp… Again!
There is no better way to experience the pop-culture juggernaut that is THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW than the the way it is meant to be seen – on the big screen, in the dark, and with a raucous Rio Theatre audience who are just as into it as you are.
Whether you’re a Virgin or a veteran, you’ll have a blast!
Even better? The one and only Dandy-furter will be on-hand as your evening’s host to guide the Virgins (and veterans!) through all the do’s-and-don’ts of this monumentally experiential cinematic phenomenon.
As always, costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged – because costume contest! (In other words: Prizes! Here’s your chance to go all out and let your freak flag fly, people.) The ticket price includes a fun prop bag, too!
Your own props are also very welcome, but please – whatever you do – DO NOT BRING RICE OR CONFETTI!
Tuesday, June 30
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
General Admission – $20 (Includes taxes and fees)
Tickets HERE
Why not make it a Cheap Date Tuesday with two-for-one tickets?!
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TRACY AND MARTINA: GOIN' OUT WEST (Premiere + Live Q&A)
Best friends Tracy and Martina have never been farther than Nova Scotia, but when they hear promises of big opportunities “out west,” the pair pack their clothes into garbage bags and hop a flight to Alberta. What starts as a dream trip quickly unravels: internal tensions, surprise expenses, and cousins who are nowhere to be found. With their return tickets unbooked and Martina’s credit card maxed, the girls are stranded, broke, and desperate.
They thought they’d make enough money opening for the band Slowcoaster at their three stops in Fort McMurray, Edmonton, and Calgary, but budgeting has never been their strength. Things go from bad to worse when old small-town tensions between the girls bubble to the surface. Through it all, Tracy and Martina discover that making ‘Berta Money isn’t as easy as they thought, but sticking together and relying on East Coast hospitality just might be their ticket back to Cape Breton.
“‘Tracy and Martina Goin’ Out West’ lovingly mocks a refined flavour of Canadian delusion…. The girls get their moment in the limelight, and make the most of it in their own chaotic fashion.” (Screen Anarchy)
“If ‘Barb and Star’ were headed to the West Edmonton Mall instead of Vista Del Mar, this offbeat and wildly entertaining mockumentary would be the result.” (Inside Out 2026)
Filmmakers Justine Williamson, Greg Vardy and Brendan Lyle will be on site for an introduction and post-show Q&A.
Monday, July 6
Doors 5:30 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
General Admission – $21 (includes taxes and fees)
Tickets HERE
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HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH: 25TH ANNIVERSARY MOVIE TOUR w. JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the critically acclaimed, award-winning rock movie musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” with an unforgettable evening featuring writer, director, and Golden Globe–nominated star, John Cameron Mitchell.
The event includes a stunning 4K screening of the film, followed by a live Q&A, and a special mini acoustic performance by Mitchell.
Arrive early for the pre-show costume contest—held in every city—for a chance to win prizes from our sponsors, The Criterion Collection and The Punk Rock Museum. Come dressed as your best Hedwig or in a look inspired by the work of John Cameron Mitchell.
Produced by ThisMyShow Presents
Monday, July 20 SECOND SHOW ADDED!
Doors: 6:30 pm | Event: 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Balcony Tickets (GA) $58.25+ s/c
Main Floor (Assigned) $68.75+ s/c
VIP (First four rows, centre section & Meet n’ Greet – includes signed poster!) $158+ s/c
Post show meet and greet w/ signed poster add-ons available!
Tickets HERE
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CIRQUE DU SLAY - A QUEER CIRCUS SPECTACLE
Part of PRIDE at the RIO THEATRE
Slay. Serve. Circus!
2025’s Sold-Out Circus Show Returns to the Rio Theatre This July!
Think you know circus? Think again.
On Thursday, July 30th, Du Jour Marketing and April O’Peel Productions brings Cirque Du Slay back to the Rio Theatre for a one-night-only spectacle of drag, circus, comedy, and unapologetic star power. Expect jaw-dropping aerial acts, seductive sets, and unforgettable stage moments designed to keep your pulse racing from start to finish.
Get ready to ooh, ah and ooh la la! Cirque Du Slay is back!
Thursday, July 30
Doors 7:00 pm | Event 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advanced (Main Floor, Assigned; Balcony GA) – $30 + s/c | $35 + s/c at the door
VIP (Front 3 rows centre, Assigned) – $40 + s/c (includes premiere seating + photos with the cast)
Tickets HERE
Our prize-packed Intermission will feature a special performance and giveaways from local circus schools, queer-owned businesses, and the artists themselves. Support the scene and snag something sweet! Between the thrills onstage, the Rio Theatre lobby and bar will be buzzing with cocktails, mocktails, and all your favourite queer anthems. Be sure to snag a limited-edition Rio Theatre Pride T-shirt, hit up the Cirque Du Slay merch booth, and tag us in your pics: @riotheatre & @aprilopeelproductions.
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DANDY'S BIG GAY CABARET!
Part of PRIDE at the RIO THEATRE
For Pride this year the Rio Theatre is rolling out the rainbow carpet to welcome back Vancouver Pride & the return of Dandy’s BIG GAY CABARET! Celebrate with us in a interactive comedy cabaret hosted by the award-winning host and social media sensation DANDY!
HAPPY PRIDE from the RIO THEATRE!!! It’s Pride week in Vancouver and that means it’s time for BIG GAY CABARET, hosted by DANDY!
Dahlings this is our best year yet because we’re doing a ROAD TRIP! I rented us a big gay bus and we’re going across the country together to experience the gayest things the world has to offer. We’ll see drag queens, burlesque, fire dances, cosplay, feminist book clubs, and sexy original vocalists. PARTY BUS VIBES ALL THE WAY SO DRESS TO IMPRESS DAHLINGS. And as for our final destination? A HEATED RIVALRY look alike competition IN MONTREAL! Are you kidding? Am I? Well you’ll have to show up to find out. Don’t miss it, and VIP gets interactive prop bags darlings. Let’s go gurrrrlz.
Friday, July 31
Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Gas prices are up but ticket prices are down when you book EARLY BIRD tickets and save $5!
Main Floor Assigned $30 + s/c | $35 at the door
VIP – First 4 rows $40 + s/c *VIP ticket holders also get an interactive prop bag to be used during the show!**
The ‘We Are Family‘ 4 Pack $25 a ticket + s/c (Available online only)
Buy tickets in advance HERE
But wait, there’s more!
The Rio Theatre lobby and bar will be open between shows and serving up Pride inspired cocktails, mocktails and your favorite gay anthems. Don’t forget to pick up a Rio Theatre Pride Edition T-shirt, check out the merch booth and pose, vogue, pose at our pride photo backdrop. Don’t forget to tag us in your pics @riotheatre & @dandyandfriends
Featuring:
Layna Emerald | Shoop Dumplin | Celeste | Leviticus | Heated Harmony
And MORE!
*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.