Where in Vancouver to watch the Tragically Hip’s last concert

This summer, a beloved Canadian institution will come to an abrupt, premature end.

The announcement earlier this year that Gord Downie has incurable brain cancer spelled the end for the singer’s band, Tragically Hip. Since forming in Kingston, Ontario in had become synonymous with Canadian culture and identity since forming in Kingston, Ontario in 1984.

A tour announcement followed the bad news. Fans across the country were grateful to know that they could have a chance to at least catch Downie in action with the Tragically Hip one more time. But for those who couldn’t be in the right place at the right time, or who couldn’t afford tickets, or who caught or will catch one of the band’s final concerts but want more, the CBC is broadcasting the last show concert live from Kingston on Aug. 20.

Venues across the country will be showing the concert and hosting fans. Here are a few places in Vancouver where you can see the Tragically Hip’s farewell show, which begins at 5:30 PST.

Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest – The annual food truck festival in downtown New Westminster (accessible by SkyTrain; get off at New Westminster or Columbia stops) features grub from some of Metro Vancouver’s favourite food trucks, including Tacofino, Vij’s Railway Express, Johnny’s Pops, and The Reef Runner. This year, the fest is also streaming the concert on a 27-foot screen at the east end of Columbia Street. Donations will be accepted in honour of Gord Downie throughout the day.

Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway) – Reserved tickets are sold out, but a “hope” line for entry will form at 4 p.m. The concert begins streaming at 5:30 Pacific. Seat availability is first come, first served. Must be 19+ w/ID for entry and bar service. All proceeds from this event will be donated in kind to the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research.

Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville St.) – The venerable downtown Vancouver venue, which hosted the Tragically Hip for a five-night stand in 1991, is showing the last concert. It’s free to attend, but registration is required, and space doesn’t seem to be available as of this writing. Keep checking back at ticketmaster.ca.

And, on Sept. 2, the Rickshaw Theatre is hosting The Tragic Tribute, a Tragically Hip tribute night with local bands performing Hip songs. $5-10 sliding scale, with all proceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Society. Watch the event’s Facebook page for more details.

According to a list of screenings in the province that has been published by CBC, the Woodward’s Building (128 W. Cordova) will also show the concert.

Aug 4 update: River Rock Casino Resort has just announced that it will host a free screening of the concert. According to a press release, “The festivities will kick off with local Tragically Hip tribute band, The Radically Hip, who will be appearing outside Curve from 12 – 4:30 p.m. The screening will then take place at 5:30 pm with doors opening at 4 p.m. Tickets are free and can be ordered online at ticketmaster.ca or picked up in person at River Rock Concierge on Friday, Aug. 5, 2016 at 10 a.m.” For more info, visit RiverRock.com.