Commercial Drive serves as the soulful heartbeat of East Vancouver's arts and culture scene. For decades, The Drive has been home to boundary-pushing independent theatre, cult cinema, live music venues, artist studios, and galleries that champion local creativity over mainstream corporate culture.

Theatre & Performance: Experience world-class independent theatre at The Cultch and the historic York Theatre, catch experimental performances at Havana Theatre, or discover emerging artists at The Flamingo Room. The legendary WISE Hall hosts everything from comedy shows to community events.

Film & Cinema: The iconic Rio Theatre has been Vancouver's cult cinema destination since 1938, screening everything from midnight movies to indie films to live-streamed events.

Art Galleries & Studios: Explore local artists during the annual Eastside Culture Crawl, visit SLICE of Life Gallery, or discover working artist studios throughout the neighbourhood. Commercial Drive is home to painters, sculptors, photographers, and multimedia artists creating outside the commercial gallery system.

Live Music & Nightlife: From intimate jazz lounges to punk rock dive bars, The Drive's music scene spans every genre. Catch local bands, touring acts, open mics, and DJ nights at venues that've launched Vancouver careers for decades.

What makes Commercial Drive different from Granville Street or Yaletown? It's independently owned, community-driven, and unapologetically alternative. You won't find corporate comedy franchises or chain music venues here—just grassroots spaces run by people who live in the neighbourhood and book artists they actually want to see.

• Independent venues: Every theatre, gallery, and music space is locally owned
• Affordable culture: Tickets cost less than downtown commercial venues
• Artist-friendly: Spaces that support emerging and experimental artists
• Community-focused: Venues double as neighbourhood hubs and gathering spaces
• Diverse programming:</strong> Theatre, music, comedy, dance, film, visual arts—all in one walkable area

Browse venues by category below, or use the search to find specific events and spaces.