Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts 2025 – Celebrating 10 Years of South Asian Creativity

📅 Dates: August 7–17, 2025
📍 Locations: Multiple venues across Metro Vancouver and Surrey
🎟 Admission: Varies by event | Some events are free or ticketed
🌐 Website: monsoonartsfest.ca

Festival Overview

The 10th Annual Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts returns this summer with a powerful lineup of theatre, music, dance, visual art, comedy, and workshops celebrating the diversity and talent of South Asian artists in the Lower Mainland.

This milestone year also marks the 20th anniversary of the South Asian Arts Society, the founding organization behind the festival. The 2025 edition will honour the vibrant history and bright future of South Asian performing arts in BC with dynamic programming, multidisciplinary showcases, and powerful community connections.

What to Expect

🌧️ A Celebration of the Monsoon Spirit
Inspired by India’s monsoon season and Vancouver’s own rainy identity, this festival embodies renewal, resilience, and artistic growth through culture.

🎭 Theatre, Dance & Music Performances
From new plays and dance performances to classical and contemporary South Asian music, the lineup reflects the diversity of South Asian voices and forms.

🎤 Artist Talks, Workshops & Exhibitions
Gain insight into the creative process and join skill-building opportunities with established artists, writers, choreographers, and cultural leaders.

🎨 Visual Art Exhibits
Explore South Asian identity and performance through photography, storytelling, and community history.

🕺 Dance Classes & Family Events
Take part in Bollywood or Bhangra dance lessons, and enjoy family-friendly cultural events throughout the festival dates.

Featured Events Lineup

📸 20 Years of South Asian Arts: A Photographic Journey

Aug 2 – Nov 2
A captivating photo exhibition tracing 20 years of South Asian Arts Society and 10 years of Monsoon Festival through dance, theatre, and music.

🎉 Opening Night Reception

Aug 7 | 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Celebrate the start of the 2025 festival with community, conversation, and a look back at a decade of impact.

🎭 Gemini (Theatre Performance)

Aug 8 | 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
A powerful story about fame, heartbreak, and identity featuring Aman Singh, battling the demons that fuel his voice and success.

🧋 Momentum: Nimet Kanji

Aug 9 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Enjoy tea, snacks, and script readings with award-winning actress Nimet Kanji in an intimate salon-style discussion and showcase.

🎭 Sikligar (Punjabi Play)

Aug 9 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
A poetic Punjabi-language performance about identity, duty, and displacement featuring live music and metaphoric storytelling.

💃 Bhangra Dance Lesson with Raja Singh

Aug 10 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Join ‘Bhangre Da Raja’ for a joyful and energetic Bhangra session — no experience needed!

✍️ Writing Workshop – Soundtrack as Story

Aug 13 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
With Preeti Kaur Dhaliwal, explore personal memory through the music that shaped you. Connect your roots to creative expression.

😂 The Comic Singh: Na Sirr Na Pair (Punjabi Comedy Show)

Aug 16 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
A Punjabi-language stand-up show featuring international comedian Manpreet Singh a.k.a. The Comic Singh.

💃 Bollywood Fusion Dance with Rohan

Aug 17 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Dance your heart out with SHIAMAK Vancouver’s Rohan D’Silva in a vibrant, Bollywood-meets-global groove session!

About the Festival

Founded in 2016 by Gurpreet Sian and Rohit Chokhani, the Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts provides a platform for South Asian artists in Canada to create, perform, and grow. Each year, the festival highlights the intersection of tradition and innovation, nurturing community through creativity.

Presented by the South Asian Arts Society, which has been active for over 20 years in promoting South Asian dance, theatre, music, and education across BC.

Venues & Access

Events take place across Metro Vancouver and Surrey, including theatres, community centres, and public venues. Please visit the official website for full event locations and access information:
🌐 monsoonartsfest.ca

Don’t Miss This Landmark Celebration!

Whether you’re a fan of South Asian performing arts or discovering it for the first time, Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts 2025 is a must-attend celebration of resilience, creativity, and culture.

Come dance in the rain — and help us #WelcomeTheStorm.

🔗 Discover all upcoming events in Vancouver at Vancouver Page – Discover Local Events.