PuSh International Performing Arts Festival 2026 Unveils Global Lineup, Boosting Vancouver’s Arts and Tourism with Multinational Performances: Check It Out Now

Published on November 20, 2025

The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival has long been one of Vancouver’s most significant cultural events, attracting global talent and offering a unique blend of performances from across the world. The festival’s 2026 edition promises to further elevate Vancouver’s status as an arts tourism hub, with a lineup that features a diverse range of works from countries as far-flung as Zimbabwe, France, and Argentina. Running from January 22 to February 8, 2026, the festival will showcase performances that cross traditional boundaries between art forms such as dance, theatre, comedy, music, and visual arts, offering an experience that will appeal to both local and international audiences.

With 17 countries represented, this year’s PuSh Festival will draw visitors to various stages across the city, including the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, Vancouver Playhouse, Performance Works, and the Roundhouse Community Arts Centre, among others. The festival’s global scope and diverse programming position it as not just a local arts event but a major tourism attraction, drawing cultural enthusiasts and travelers from all over the world to Vancouver for a truly unique experience.

Global Arts Convergence in Vancouver

The PuSh Festival has established itself as a platform for international collaboration and cultural exchange, and its 2026 lineup continues this tradition. The program will include performances from global artists, exploring themes such as identity, migration, and the human experience through multidisciplinary performances that blend dance, theatre, film, installation, and music.

One of the most anticipated performances is the world-premiere concert adaptation of Tanya Tagaq’s 2018 novel Split Tooth: Saputjiji, which will be performed at the Chan Centre on February 5. Co-commissioned by the festival, this performance will bring together throat singers, musicians, and performers, blending traditional Inuit music with contemporary soundscapes. This collaboration exemplifies the PuSh Festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse cultures and traditions while embracing the power of modern, innovative performance.

At the Vancouver Playhouse, Alan Lake Factori(e) will present Orpheus, a Western Canadian premiere that reimagines the ancient myth through contemporary dance. The performance, which takes place on January 30 and 31, explores the concept of descent into darkness and the journey toward renewal and connection—a powerful metaphor for the human condition, resonating deeply with global audiences. With works like this, the PuSh Festival has become a significant contributor to Vancouver’s cultural tourism offering, attracting visitors seeking meaningful and transformative artistic experiences.

Vancouver: A Destination for Global Arts and Cultural Tourism

Vancouver, known for its scenic beauty, has also become increasingly recognized for its vibrant arts scene, particularly through events like the PuSh Festival. The 2026 festival will draw international visitors, many of whom are passionate about performing arts and cultural tourism. By showcasing performances from a variety of countries and artistic traditions, the festival offers tourists a chance to experience the global arts landscape without leaving Vancouver.

In addition to the festival’s offerings, Vancouver’s arts tourism industry benefits from the international collaboration fostered through the event. With artists from Czech Republic, Australia, and Brazil, as well as local Vancouver talent, the festival reinforces Vancouver’s position as a global arts hub, linking local communities with international audiences. For travelers interested in both arts and culture, the festival offers a chance to explore Vancouver’s cultural diversity, making the city an attractive destination for global travelers.

Vancouver’s commitment to international arts programming and collaborations continues to elevate its standing in the global tourism market. Through the PuSh Festival and other cultural initiatives, Vancouver strengthens its reputation as a city that not only values the arts but actively encourages cultural tourism as a driver of local economic growth.

A Rich Tapestry of Performances Across Vancouver’s Stages

The 2026 PuSh Festival lineup reflects the diverse artistic expressions that resonate with audiences from different parts of the world. From Zimbabwe’s Jerahuni Movement Factory, which will present Kamwe Kamwe on January 27-28, a high-energy exploration of dance and song, to Czech theatre company Archa’s Eight Short Compositions from the Lives of Ukrainians on January 22-23, the festival offers something for everyone. This inclusion of international performances adds a cosmopolitan flair to Vancouver’s cultural offerings, further enriching the city’s growing arts tourism profile.

Immersive Performances Bridging Borders

One of the standout performances this year will be Chan’s Rainbow Chan Live at the Dream Factory on February 4, which explores migration, identity, and the evolution of Cantopop. Blending live music, electronic beats, and diasporic themes, this performance promises to be both a celebration of culture and a reflection on contemporary identity. For international travelers, this type of performance offers an immersive experience that connects global issues with the intimate expressions of art, making Vancouver an appealing destination for culturally engaged tourists.

Another unique offering is Tyson Houseman’s askîwan ᐊᐢᑮᐊᧉ on January 29-30. This live cinema and ecological opera merges performance with environmental themes, presenting a work by nêhiyaw (Cree) artist Houseman that deals with issues of ecology and indigenous sovereignty. This work aligns with Vancouver’s focus on Indigenous arts and culture, drawing audiences interested in ecological issues, native storytelling, and innovative performance.

Expanding the PuSh Festival’s Global Reach

In addition to its traditional performances, the PuSh Festival has also expanded its offerings through collaborations with other arts organizations. The Encuentro Series, copresented with Latincouver and the Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre, features international performances that focus on identity, sexuality, and cultural rituals. With pieces like Lukas Avendaño’s Bardaje, which reinterprets Mexican rituals to defy colonial definitions of gender, and Tiziano Cruz’s Wayqeycuna from Argentina, which explores the artist’s journey through Andean culture, this series brings a fresh perspective to Vancouver’s arts tourism landscape.

Vancouver’s international festivals not only enhance the cultural fabric of the city but also foster a sense of global community, drawing travelers who seek out destinations where culture is a living, evolving entity. Through the PuSh Festival, Vancouver is fostering stronger ties with countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, creating a cultural exchange that will continue to benefit the city’s tourism industry for years to come.

A City Reimagined Through Arts and Tourism

The upcoming PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is not just about bringing world-class performances to Vancouver; it’s about how these performances are reshaping the city’s identity and boosting its global tourism appeal. As one of Canada’s most vibrant and forward-thinking cities, Vancouver’s arts community is using the PuSh Festival as a platform to bring attention to social, cultural, and political issues from a global perspective. For tourists visiting Vancouver in early 2026, the festival will offer a unique blend of thought-provoking performances and international engagement, positioning the city as a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore both art and culture on a global scale.

A Cultural Tourism Destination for the Future

With the PuSh Festival at its core, Vancouver’s cultural tourism industry is thriving, attracting visitors interested not only in the city’s natural beauty but also in its cultural vibrancy. By continuing to support international arts programming and encourage dialogue between artists and audiences from around the world, Vancouver is positioning itself as a key player in the global arts tourism market.

The 2026 edition of the PuSh Festival will continue to push the boundaries of what art can be and how it connects with audiences. With a festival lineup that spans continents and cultures, Vancouver will cement its position as a global arts and tourism hub, drawing international visitors year after year to experience the city’s rich cultural offerings.