The culturally fearless, rejoice: PuSh International Performing Arts Festival returns January 22 – February 8, 2026 for its 20th year with 25 performances and events that promise to challenge, provoke, and inspire.
For two and a half weeks, Vancouver becomes a hub for cutting-edge contemporary performance, bringing together visionary artists from 17 countries for a festival that refuses to play it safe.
What to Expect
The 2026 lineup features 6 world premieres, including Tanya Tagaq’s Split Tooth: Saputjiji and Lara Kramer’s Remember that time we met in the future? Expect bold works spanning theatre, dance, music, installation, film, and multimedia performance—all asking big questions and defying easy answers.
“The 2026 PuSh Festival is an invitation to the culturally fearless—to those ready to step into fresh futurities and the uncharted possibilities of live performance,” says Artistic Director Gabrielle Martin.
Festival Highlights
Opening Weekend Celebration
Kick things off with the Opening Party at the Birdhouse on January 23, featuring live electronic performance and dance.
Diverse International Voices
Artists hail from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, Palestine, The Netherlands, UK, and Zimbabwe, alongside a strong Canadian presence with 11 presentations.
New Encuentro Series
Centering Latin American artistic expression with programming co-presented by Latincouver and Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre.
The Motha’ Kiki Ball
Close out the festival on February 7 with BlackOut Collective’s celebration of Ballroom culture and motherhood as creative force.
Standout Performances
- JEZEBEL – A hip hop-infused dance piece reclaiming the “video vixen” narrative
- Khalil Khalil – An intimate exploration of Palestinian identity and memory (World Premiere)
- Everything Has Disappeared – A theatrical magic trick revealing the invisible labour sustaining our economy
- TESTO – Wet Mess dives into drag, testosterone, and gloriously messy transition
- Trouble Score – A witty séance revisiting family scandal against Brazil’s dictatorship backdrop
Accessibility & Special Programs
Youth Pass: Ages 16-24 can access 4 shows for just $20 (limited quantities, book through box office)
In Dialogue: Free intensive for emerging artists and critics ages 25-35 (February 2-8)
Industry Series: 240+ global performing arts professionals gather for dialogue and showcases (January 27 – February 1)
Tickets & Information
Most shows start at $39. Festival passes available from $120.
On Sale: NOW
Box Office: 604.449.6000 | tickets@pushfestival.ca
In Person: 110-750 Hamilton Street (Mon-Fri, 11AM-5PM)
Closed December 24, 2025 – January 1, 2026
For the full program and tickets, visit pushfestival.ca
PuSh Festival has been Vancouver’s midwinter cultural anchor for over two decades—a place where risk is rewarded, imagination becomes infrastructure, and audiences engage with performance that dares to reimagine how we live and relate.