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Your Festival Experience

Bard on the Beach has much in common with a traditional theatre experience (reserved seating, ushers, prompt start times), but it is a little different. We are more casual than a “velvet curtain” theatre experience, while producing works of the highest quality. Here’s what you can expect.

Arriving at the Festival Site

Parking

  • There are several pay parking lots adjacent to the site. They are operated by EasyPark, not Bard. They accept cards and a variety of payment apps from your smart phone.
  • Please do not park in the neighboring residential area. Parking is permitted for residential vehicles only and is strictly enforced. You will be towed.
  • The main parking lot is at the Museum of Vancouver & H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, just off Whyte Avenue. The address for the parking lot is 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC. If you see the Bard on the Beach logo on the sign at the entrance, you’re at the right place!
  • There are also two smaller parking lots further down Whyte Avenue. If you continue down Whyte Avenue, there is a gravel parking lot on the right.
  • Across from the gravel parking lot, on the left side of Whyte Avenue, is the Vancouver Archives parking lot. This lot is for accessible parking only.
  • At the end of Whyte Avenue, there is a parking lot located by the boat launch.

 

Bike

  • The site is conveniently located along the seaside bike route on the Seawall close to the Cypress Bikeway and Burrard Bridge.
  • There is a Mobi bike station next to the site entrance.
  • Enclosed bike parking is available – bring your own lock.

 

Bus

  • The closest bus line is the 002 – Macdonald / Downtown.
  • If you’re taking the westbound line to Macdonald, the closest bus stop is Cornwall Ave @ Cypress St (stop #50101).
  • Cross the street toward the Starbucks.
  • If you’re taking the eastbound line to Downtown, the closest bus stop is Cornwall Ave @ Cypress St (stop #50072).
  • Cross the intersection at Cypress Street, so that you are on the same side as Starbucks and Triple O’s.
  • Once you are on Cornwall Avenue, travel eastbound past the Triple O’s and towards Chestnut Street.
  • When you reach Chestnut Street, cross the street and turn left.
  • Continue down Chestnut Street.
  • Turn right onto Whyte Avenue at the Vanier Park sign.
  • You’ll know you’re almost at the Festival Site when you see the Bard on the Beach sandwich board!
  • Continue down Whyte Avenue past the curve in the road.
  • Once you pass the Vancouver Archives parking lot, you’ll see our Bard on the Beach arch and our red and white tents.
  • For other trip planning options, visit translink.ca.

 

In the Village

Please note that there is a hill bump as you arrive to our site.

After entering through the gates, which open one hour before showtime, and scanning your tickets, you will be welcomed to what we call the Bard Village, where you can:

  • Sit at picnic tables and eat; either picnics purchased in advance here and/or brought from home. Note that you may not bring your own alcohol, but you are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Purchase snacks and drinks at our Concession.
  • Visit the Bard Boutique!
  • Explore the history of Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park, the Bard Company, our sponsors and more.

In the Tents

  • Our larger tent, the BMO Mainstage Theatre, is covered from the elements. It has an opening at the back of the stage which gives the audience a view of English Bay and an opening behind the audience for entering and exiting the theatre.
    • View the BMO Mainstage Virtual Tour and read more about it here.
  • Our smaller tent, the Douglas Campbell Theatre, is entirely enclosed, aside from the entrance tent flaps.
  • There is no central cooling or heating system in the theatre tents. Expect warm temperatures in July and August, and colder nights in June and September. Dress appropriately and bring layers or blankets. You can also rent blankets in the Village.
  • You may bring your drinks and snacks into the theatre, but please be respectful of other patrons.
  • We offer various seating options and pricing. Visit our Accessibility Page for more information.

Please note performances marked as Previews can mean the technical details of the performance are not finalized. There may be brief pauses in the performance to make adjustments and take notes. This will not negatively affect the flow of the performance for our audience. Please also note that we sometimes welcome student groups to our evening preview performances on a limited basis in June and in September. Be prepared for youthful enthusiasm and responses.