The Rio is part of East Van's heritage. There are a variety of events here all the time; the events range from cult movie nights to Cabaret shows. You can also drink in some showings (which is not permitted in many theatres in Canada).
It is simply tons of fun, and it's not somewhere most tourists would think of going. It will give you a real feel for the culture of East Van, and our traditions in supporting both independent artists and businesses.
Check ahead of time (to see what is going on) before you go. The hours, shows, and programs vary a great deal from week to week.