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Every fall, Vancouver turns into a city for movie lovers.
From October 1 to 11, 2026, the Vancouver International Film Festival returns for its 45th edition, bringing films from around the world, special presentations, live performances, conversations, and one-of-a-kind events to venues across the city.
And if you’re planning to attend, it’s best to figure out where to park first because, unlike a festival concentrated around one venue, VIFF takes place at theatres across Vancouver.
We’ve put together everything you need to plan your visit, including where to park near the major film venues with Indigo Neo, along with some films and special events worth keeping on your radar.
For the most up-to-date screening times, ticket availability, and venue information, check the official VIFF 2026 calendar before heading out.
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Where to Park for VIFF in Vancouver
Because VIFF screenings happen at venues across the city, the best place to park depends on where your screening or event is happening.
If you’re attending something in downtown Vancouver, there are several Indigo parking options that put you within walking distance of some of VIFF’s central venues.
Sheraton Wall Centre: 1088 Burrard Street
4-minute walk to The Cinematheque
Open 24/7, this underground garage has 377 spaces. Located near the VIFF Center and The Cinematheque.
Nelson Square: 808 Nelson Street
7-minute walk to VIFF Center
This underground lot is open from 6:30am to 9:00pm and has 238 parking spaces. Located near the VIFF Center and The Cinematheque.
Robson Square: 800 Hornby Street
8-minute walk to The Cinematheque
Open 24/7, this underground lot has 330 spaces.
401 West Georgia Street
3-minute walk to Vancouver Playhouse
Open 24/7, this underground lot has 235 spaces. EV charging available on-site.
1669 East Broadway
2-minute walk to The Rio Theatre
Open from 7am to 8pm. This underground lot has 38 spaces.
1885 West 4th Avenue
4-minute walk to Fifth Avenue Cinema
This surface lot is open 24/7 with 20 spaces.
Must-See Screenings at VIFF
The 2026 program stretches well beyond the big premieres, with everything from Galas and Special Presentations to Canadian films, documentaries, Indigenous cinema, international discoveries and short films.
If you need somewhere to start, these are a few of the VIFF 2026 screenings worth having on your radar.
VIFF opens its 45th edition with The Debut, a new comedy written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg. The film follows Mona, an inexperienced performer who unexpectedly lands a part in a local musical and finds herself increasingly transformed by the experience.
Tony Gilroy’s Behemoth! receives its Canadian premiere at VIFF. Pedro Pascal plays a professional cellist reassessing his career, family, and personal choices after returning to Los Angeles.
It screens October 6 at 9 p.m. at The Park Theatre and is part of VIFF’s Galas & Special Presentations lineup.
VIFF’s Closing Gala is Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine, screening at Vancouver Playhouse on October 10 at 6:15 p.m.
Set on Easter Island in 1973, the film follows two CIA agents sent on an assignment just before Chile’s political upheaval. It is one of VIFF’s major Gala and Special Presentation titles and a fitting way to bring the festival’s 45th edition toward its close.
Japanese filmmaker Kore-eda Hirokazu brings Look Back to VIFF, following two schoolgirls whose shared passion for creating manga changes the course of their friendship and creative lives.
There are screenings on October 6, 8 and 11 at Vancouver Playhouse, The Park Theatre and Lindsay Family Stage at Granville Island, giving festivalgoers several chances to fit it into their schedule.
For something with a distinctly Vancouver connection, add Whatcha Want to the list.
Written and directed by Vancouver filmmaker Mina Shum, the film follows Yin Tse as she reconnects with her love of dancing after moving from Hong Kong to Vancouver. The city’s streets form part of the film’s personality, with music, dance, and themes of self-expression running throughout.
It screens on October 2, 7, and 11 at The Park Theatre, Fifth Avenue Cinemas, and The Rio Theatre.
Canadian documentary fans may also want to make time for Run Terry Run, directed by Sean Menard.
Using previously unseen family archive footage and interviews with people who knew Terry Fox, the documentary offers a closer look at his character, determination, and lasting Canadian legacy. It screens October 4 at Vancouver Playhouse and October 5 at International Village 9.
Browse the full VIFF 2026 film program to find screenings by date, genre, country and venue.
Events Happening During VIFF
VIFF isn’t just about sitting down for a movie.
The festival also brings film and music together through VIFF Live, hosts special screenings with extended conversations, and offers talks and creative programming that let audiences experience film culture beyond a traditional screening.
Opening Gala: The Debut — October 1
The 45th festival officially opens with a special screening of Jesse Eisenberg’s The Debut. The Opening Gala itself is currently listed as a private, by-invitation event, so festivalgoers interested in the film should look for its other scheduled screening opportunities.
VIFF and MUTEK team up for an evening of electronic music and live audiovisual performance featuring Dopplereffekt, Montreal DJ Honeydrip, Vancouver’s MIIIA, and visual artist MELT.
Man in Motion: Celebrating Rick Hansen — October 3
This special hometown event marks the 40th anniversary of the Man in Motion World Tour with a screening of Man in Motion: The Rick Hansen Story, followed by an extended onstage Q&A with Rick Hansen.
The event takes place on October 3 at 2:45 p.m. at Vancouver Playhouse.
Film and live performance come together in TAKKUUK, with performances from Inuit throat-singing duo Silla and Greenlandic rapper Tarrak alongside a visually driven film experience exploring Indigenous culture and a changing Arctic.
An Evening with Cristóbal Tapia de Veer — October 5
Film and TV music fans can hear directly from award-winning composer Cristóbal Tapia de Veer during a 90-minute masterclass at the VIFF Centre.
The event explores his creative process and approach to composition, making this one to keep in mind if you’re as interested in how screen music gets made as you are in the finished film.
An Evening with Mark Mothersbaugh — October 8
One of the biggest nights in this year’s VIFF Live program takes place at Vancouver Playhouse.
Composer and DEVO founder Mark Mothersbaugh will perform with an 11-piece ensemble for a one-night-only event celebrating music from across his film-scoring career.
You can see the complete lineup, venues, and ticket information on the official VIFF Live 2026 page.
Plan Your VIFF 2026 Visit
With 11 days of screenings, live performances, special events, and conversations happening across Vancouver, the hardest part may be deciding what to fit into your schedule.
The easiest part can be sorting out where you’re parking before you leave.
Check your screening venue, plan your route, and use Indigo Neo to search, book, and pay for parking where available. Then you can spend less time looking for a spot and more time deciding what to see next.
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