Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts
byThe 8th Annual Monsoon Festival of the Performing Arts is back bigger and better than ever! Presented by the South Asian Arts Society the festival attracts generations of families and friends who gather each year to celebrate South Asian culture through diverse and exciting programming.
Monsoon Festival of the Arts
The welcoming of the captivating and spiritual force of the monsoon in India dates back thousands of years. The heavy monsoon rains take over the country on an annual basis, but amidst the damage and destruction, the monsoon season is also filled with celebration, including dance, music, theatre, film and festivals. Vancouver is also known for its heavy rainfall. With the intersection of these two natural phenomena, Monsoon Festival’s goal each year is to celebrate the monsoon in the Lower Mainland by welcoming the storm.
Enjoy a month filled with theatre, music and dance performances, thought-provoking discussions, a marketplace of visual art, dance classes, development workshops and more. Nurture the creative power within the community by attending our events, learning more about artists’ processes, and experiencing creative practices, as we invest in and support the next generation of aspiring local artists.
Event Lineup
Opening Night Reception
The Clutch Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables St, Vancouver
August 17, 2023 from 7:00pm – 11:30pm
Celebrate the opening of Monsoon Festival, including sneak peeks of the performances being presented, followed by an opportunity to mix n mingle with food & drinks. Tickets available for purchase online »
Chai with T: Live Podcast Recording
Surrey Arts Centre Studio Theater, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
August 19, 2023 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Be a guest in the audience for a live recording of the popular podcast, Chai with T, hosted by Tarannum Thind. With guest Amreen Gill (aka Bhangralicious) and Swarndeep Gill. Tickets available for purchase online »
Sunday Funday Bahangra Dance Lesson (16+)
KPU Conference Centre (Cedar 1205), 12666 72 Ave, Surrey
August 20, 2023 from 10:00am – 11:30am
Make your Sunday more fun and get your week started right by learning some Bhangra dance moves with Raja Singh, aka Bhangre Da Raja. Register online »
Sunday Funday Semi-Classical Dance Lesson
KPU Conference Centre (Cedar 1205), 12666 72 Ave, Surrey
August 20, 2023 from 11:30am – 1:00pm
Make your Sunday more fun and get your week started right by learning some Semi-Classical Kathak dance moves with Krystal Kiran. Register online »
Momentum
The Clutch Founders Lounge, 1895 Venables St, Vancouver
August 20, 2023 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Join and listen to excerpts of three published plays from three groups of South Asian artists. Chai/Snacks and conversation to follow the readings. Hosted by Adele Noronha. Tickets available for purchase online »
Workshop Wednesday
Progress Lab, 1422 William St, Vancouver
August 23, 2023 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm
This workshop uses improv and in-class exercises to explore the question: What makes dialogue interesting? Participants will have a chance to write new scenes or apply tools to existing works-in-progress. Register online »
Is Democracy Dead: An Interactive Theatrical Game
Progress Lab, 1422 William St, Vancouver
August 26, 2023 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Why be an audience member when you can be a participant? Part interactive game, part social discussion, part theatrical performance, Is Democracy Dead? is a workshop that invites you to care and connect. Tickets available for purchase online »
Punjabi Market LIVE
Punjabi Market (main stage at corner of Main St. & 49th Ave.)
August 27, 2023 from 12:00pm – 6:00pm
An outdoor street celebration in Vancouver’s historic Punjabi Market featuring dance, music, poetry, cuisine, family activities, and more! In partnership with the Punjabi Market Collective. Free admission.
Follow South Asian Arts on Facebook for more info.
Browse more Vancouver Festivals this season »
