Presented by the South Asian Arts Society, the Monsoon Festival of the Performing Arts returns August 7 – 17, 2025, once again celebrating South Asian arts and culture, offering a diversity of engaging programming options. This is a monumental year for our organization, as it marks the 10th season of the Monsoon Festival, and we also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the South Asian Arts Society.
Join us for a multidisciplinary arts festival filled with exciting theater performances, a photography exhibit, workshops, and a stand-up comedy show featuring internationally acclaimed comedian Manpreet Singh, a.k.a. The Comic Singh. Help nurture the creative power within the South Asian community by attending events, learning about the artists and their processes, and experiencing a stunning range of creative practices.
20 Years of South Asian Arts: A Photographic Journey
Dates: August 2 to November 2, 2025
Location: Surrey Art Gallery, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts and the 20th anniversary of the South Asian Arts Society, this exhibition showcases photographs from the festival and society’s archives. It offers a vivid glimpse into the rich traditions of dance, music, and theatre in Surrey, tracing the styles and influences that have shaped the Society’s journey and preserving moments of movement, memory, and artistic expression.
Opening Night Reception
Date: August 7, 2025
Location: The Cultch Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables St, Vancouver
Join us for the Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts opening night, featuring an evening of mingling, a preview of upcoming events, and a look back at 10 years of the festival and 20 years of the South Asian Arts Society.
Gemini: An Immersive Journey into Fame, Heartbreak, and Self-Discovery
Date: August 8, 2025
Location: The Mezz Warehouse, #106 – 6680 152A St, Surrey
Step into Gemini, an immersive, interactive performance following Aman Singh — a rising star with fame, love, and respect, yet driven by pain that threatens to consume him. As heartbreak and ambition collide, he’s forced to face the darkness that shaped him.
Momentum: Nimet Kanji
Date: August 9, 2025
Location: The Cultch Founders Lounge, 1895 Venables St, Vancouver
Experience the second edition of Momentum, a salon series created by theater artist Adele Noronha. This year spotlights award-winning actress Nimet Kanji through readings from three plays that highlight her celebrated career. With chai, snacks, and conversation, the event celebrates South Asian voices in theater and challenges the notion that our stories are rare.
Sikligar (Punjabi Play)
Date: August 9, 2025
Location: Surrey Arts Centre Studio Theatre, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
Step into Sikligar, a powerful journey following Akash, an immigrant grappling with memories of Punjab while alone in a dim basement. Through evocative poetry, live music, and striking metaphor, this poignant play captures the deep emotions of identity, belonging, and the invisible ties that follow us across borders.
Bhangra Dance Lesson with Raja Singh
Date: August 10, 2025
Location: South Asian Arts Studio, Unit 114 – 12827 76 Ave, Surrey
Start your Sunday with energy and fun by learning Bhangra, the vibrant folk dance of Punjab, led by renowned artist Raja Singh, aka Bhangre Da Raja. No experience needed — all ages welcome. Donations are welcome to support community arts.
Soundtrack as Story: Remembering and Remixing the Songs That Shaped U with Preeti Kaur Dhaliwal
Date: August 13, 2025
Location: The Cultch – Jim Green House Studio, 1885 Venables St, Vancouver
Join Preeti Kaur Dhaliwal, 2025 Poet in Residence, for a creative writing workshop celebrating the songs that have shaped your life. Through storytelling and community, explore the music that moves you—from Bollywood to reggae—and find new meaning in your personal soundtrack. All ages and experience levels welcome.
Comic Singh: Na Sirr Na Pair (Punjabi Stand-up Comedy Show)
Date: August 16, 2025
Location: Surrey Arts Centre Main Stage, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
Enjoy an evening of Punjabi stand-up comedy with internationally renowned comedian Manpreet Singh, aka The Comic Singh. His popular show, Na Sirr Na Pair (Neither Head nor Tail), offers clever humor and engaging storytelling perfect for the whole family.
Bollywood Fusion Dance Lesson with Rohan
Date: August 17, 2025
Location: South Asian Arts Studio, Unit 114 – 12827 76 Ave, Surrey
Kickstart your Sunday with an energetic Bollywood Fusion dance class led by SHIAMAK Vancouver’s principal performer and master instructor, Rohan D’Silva. This lively session blends Bollywood’s vibrant moves with global rhythms, perfect for all ages and skill levels. Donations help support community arts programs.
