January 13, 2026: How to save a movie theatre

Hey there. How late is too late into the new year to keep saying “Happy New Year” to people? When does the year stop being new? Every day of it is new; this is, for better or worse, our only run at 2026.

Considering Lunar New Year takes place in mid-February, it’s probably safe to do it for another few weeks at least. March is still only a quarter of the way through the year. There’s so much time for things to change. Until it happens, the whole year is new: we’re just experiencing it day by day, week by week, municipal election announcement by municipal election announcement.

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE — 

The return of the Park Theatre: A very Vancouver story

When Cineplex decided not to renew its lease on the single-screen Park Theatre last fall, the venue seemed like it had popped its last corn. But help came in the form of some of East Van’s brightest: the crew behind the Rio Theatre and a team of investors from the city’s flourishing entertainment industry. “Filmmakers are going to be the ones that are going to have to be saving cinemas,” Oscar-winning director Sean Baker told the Straight. Nathan Caddell has the full story on the indie cinema’s unlikely resurrection.

— PERKS OF THE WEEK —

For a short time, you can get the Straight Insiders membership for 50% OFF!

When you purchase a subscription, you help our editorial team challenge traditional media narratives by highlighting intimate stories in the arts, culture, music, and beyond. Your membership helps us tell richer stories about Vancouver. 

To unlock up to $100 worth of free stuff every month, become a Straight Insider for just $4.25/month on an annual plan.

SPONSORED BY WHISTLER PRIDE FESTIVAL

Pride, reimagined in the mountains

The reimagined Whistler Pride Festival returns January 25 to February 1, 2026, inviting guests to a week-long celebration of love, community and unforgettable mountain moments. From first chair to last call, this choose-your-own-adventure experience brings good energy on and off the slopes.

By day, guests can join free guided ski and snowboard groups, then gather for daily après at rotating Village venues. Evenings shine with drag shows, internationally renowned DJs, themed parties and queer women-focused events. Signature moments include the iconic Rainbow Ski-Out and Pride Parade into Whistler Village, plus nightly celebrations across the resort’s best nightlife spots.

Whether visitors come for the mountain, the parties or the connections made along the way, the festival offers a welcoming space to celebrate exactly as they are.

— CITY & CULTURE —

First United Church head Amanda Burrows wants to be mayor

Amanda Burrows wants to be mayor of Vancouver, and her pitch is based on affordability and community. “My administrative experience is rooted in community,” she tells us. “That’s where I am, on the frontlines building relationships that way.”

• Burnaby Greens hold course after Joe Keithley’s party switch

• Experience winter wellness at Lights at Lafarge! Enjoy sparkling displays, fresh-air strolls, and festive moments that bring joy, connection, and winter wellness to every visitor.*

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SPONSORED BY BC ACHIEVEMENT FOUNDATION

Recognize Remarkable: Nominate Today

Recognize Remarkable: BC Achievement calls for nominations across five award programs—Indigenous business, First Nations art, applied art + design, community achievement, and reconciliation.

Every nomination shines a light on talent, vision, and impact. Across BC, remarkable individuals await recognition. Nominate today and help celebrate excellence in our province.

— ARTS —

Harm explores the dark side of digital life

The North American premiere of Harm comes to Studio 16 in March, following the increasingly obsessive story of a woman whose life gets taken over by social media. Hmm, maybe that’s a little too relatable.

• The Golden Anniversaries takes a look at long-term love

• The Improv Centre’s international festival The Heat cranks the temperature up on the local comedy scene, bringing in improvisers from around the world. January 27–31.*

• Experience Recirquel’s gravity-defying cirque-dance phenomenon in Vancouver—presented by DanceHouse and The Cultch. January 21-24 at the Vancouver Playhouse.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY TOURISM NANAIMO

The off-season is never off.

Nanaimo sits far from the tourist trappings and carries its own quirky charm. Hullo, BC Ferries, and Harbour Air bring visitors in with ease. Mild winter sets the tone while local arts, history, and Dine About’s bold flavours fill the days and nights. It’s mild in a very wild way.

— MUSIC —

Jian Ross tells her own story on Runt

Jian Ross might have risen to fame covering other acts’ songs on TikTok, but her debut record, Runt, proves she’s got plenty of bite. “I’ve also found a lot of power in reacting with gentleness, and knowing that I can talk about things softly,” the indie artist tells us. “It’s pointed, but I feel more comfortable hiding things in metaphors sometimes.”

• Van Jams: New local music you might have missed

• Review: Madison Cunningham and Ken Pomeroy pack a one-two punch

• Ready to find your ideal workspace? For businesses of all sizes—from startups to enterprises—discover the coworking space that fits your needs. Connect with a WeWork professional today.*

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

• Your very Vancouver horoscopes for Capricorn season

• A new musical celebrates Canada’s folk heyday

• 30 can’t-miss Vancouver events happening this month

• And 30 local concerts to entertain your ears

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

MUSIC: Postrock musicians City of the Sun get ready to shine. (January 13 @ Fox Cabaret)

VISUAL ARTS: Three artists explore identity in Persona. (January 13 to February 22 @ Kay Meek Arts Centre, West Vancouver)

COMEDY: Savannah Erasmus and Sasha Mark host camp! comedy!. (January 14 @ Projection Room at Fox Cabaret)

LIVING: Set sail for the Vancouver International Boat Show. (January 14-18 @ Vancouver Convention Centre)

MUSIC: Celebrate cub’s Come Out Come Out getting a 30th anniversary vinyl re-issue at this art and music party. (January 15 @ Red Gate Arts Society)

THEATRE: All rise, bend, and snap for Legally Blonde: The Musical. (January 15-24 @ Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam)

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.

That’s it!

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