hild s p ul j
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“I feel joy when I play my favourite sport!”
Our Festival is a vibrant celebration of the arts, dedicated to captivating audiences of all ages with multi-disciplinary performances that engage, entertain and open us to the joy of artistic expression. We believe in the power of the arts to enhance and change lives, which is why we search and present the best work possible created specifically for children and youth plus all the adults who come with them.
In 2024, our stages will come alive with an array of stunning performances including two international shows, six national productions and five local shows, which proudly feature our commissioned works, One of a Kind and The Papa Penguin Play. Highlights include two works from Australia: the extraordinary circus show 360 ALLSTARS by Onyx Productions, fresh from Broadway, and Robot Song by Arena Theatre. In addition to our Australian focus, we have the pleasure of presenting artists from across Canada including the return of local sensation Missy D!
I invite you join us for a feast of amazing shows and interactive visual arts activities that encourage you to ignite your playful joy. Please come out and experience a magical day at the Festival!
Katharine Carol Artistic & Executive Director
On behalf of the residents of Vancouver and my colleagues on City Council, I want to extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to everyone attending the 2024 Vancouver International Children’s Festival.
The Vancouver International Children’s Festival began as a theatre festival for young audiences presenting international performances. Today, the Festival is a multi-disciplinary platform, presenting theatre, music, dance, circus, puppetry and storytelling, and over the years has been an inspiration to major cities throughout Canada and abroad. VICF’s mission is to inspire and motivate young minds with professional artistic experiences that transform a child’s understanding of the world around them and what is creatively possible. VICF aims to be a highly anticipated festival recognized internationally for showcasing a unique and diverse celebration of the arts, while also fostering a world where future generations build upon the passion for arts and performance that we share with them today.
I want to welcome all guests to enjoy the many performances planned throughout the week, and I hope the Vancouver International Children’s Festival continues to thrive for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Mayor Ken Sim
All performances are ticketed and require one of the following tickets. Tickets include 1 Show and Activity Village wristband.
1 Show Ticket* excludes the shows listed below
• Child/Senior $13.50 • Adult $23
Festival 4 Pack* excludes Variety Show and the shows listed below 4 tickets to 1 performance
• 4 Pack $62
Tree*
• Child (ages 0–2) $6
• Adult/Senior $23
Tree, a world in itself*
• Child (Ages 4+) $13.50
• Adult/Senior $23
Pyjama Nights*
• All tickets $13.50
Variety Show*
• All tickets $25
* All ticket prices subject to service charges and GST. No refunds or exchanges.
All show tickets include an Activity Village wristband. Our Activity Village is enclosed in a beautiful park with over a dozen hands-on arts activities - see details on page 27. You can pick up your wristband at the on-site Box Office or at the venue before your show.
Everyone is required to purchase a ticket to attend any of the shows at the festival, with the exception of babes in arms.
Babes in arms refers to babies under the age of 12 months, who will not require a seat, and will remain in the arms of their caregiver. They are welcome to attend select performances at no charge. Please refer to the show pages to see if babes in arms are welcome.
Age ratings have been developed to ensure a positive experience for everyone. We suggest that children younger than the ages listed not attend as they may become frightened or disruptive. Please refer to the show pages for specific ratings.
Unable to come to a show but still want to take in the Festival? Activity Village wristbands are available for purchase on-site.
• $7 per day per person (includes GST & Service Charges)
Show tickets can be purchased in advance online through our websiteChildrensFestival.ca. Show tickets are available to purchase on our website up until 2 hours before the show.
Pick Your Show(s) & Buy Now:
During the Festival: Visit our Box Office in the Activities area between The Nest and Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island. Cash, Debit & Credit Cards accepted. Tickets are sold at the Box Office until 2 hours before the show and then subject to availability at the venue door 30 minutes before the show. Shows often sell out so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.
Granville Island is readily accessible by public transit, car, ferry, bike or on foot. Parking is limited on Granville Island so consider an alternative method of transportation. Please visit ChildrensFestival.ca for off-site parking ideas and tips when planning your day.
@KidsFest
@Vicf
@VanKidsFest
The Vancouver International Children’s Festival Society acknowledges that we create and work on the ancestral, traditional, stolen and unceded territories of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) and sə̓lílwəta (Tsleil-Watuth) people and the Sníchim speaking Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) people. We acknowledge the ongoing cultural genocides of Indigenous peoples by Canada, particularly the atrocities committed against children. We commit to work with the Indigenous Peoples of this land to raise the voices of Indigenous children through creativity and play.
Tuesday, May 28 at 11:30am
• Activity Village
In addition to paddling together, members of the Squamish Ocean Canoe Family are committed to sharing Skwxwú7mesh culture through traditional songs and dances.
Drop-in anytime on Friday or Saturday
• Activity Village (page 27)
Learn how to make your home, school or community more welcoming for all at The Kind Line. Artists Adrienne Wong and JD Derbyshire created an interactive
phone line that helps kids and adults find the right words to fight racism and oppression. Choosing from a menu, callers can listen to suggestions, advice, apology techniques or leave a message about their anti-racism experiences. Drop-in to this workshop that digs into compassion and empathy, anti-racism and anti-oppression with humour and heart. Bring your curiosity and share your experiences for building a more inclusive and equitable world. Ages 5 and up.
This program provides training, mentorship and performance opportunities for emerging artists. The artists work with Deborah Williams to develop their personal story and create One of a Kind (page 18), a new theatre piece which will be performed at the 2024 Festival.
Dress the kids (and yourself!) in their favourite jammies, and head down to Granville Island for the ultimate bedtime story with these special early evening shows. All tickets $13.50*
Tuesday, May 28
6:30pm at the Revue Stage
Sing along with one of Canada’s best-loved children’s singers and four-time Juno winner Fred Penner at this year’s Festival!
Tuesday, May 28
6:30pm at the Nest
One of a Kind is a series of stories performed by a talented, diverse group of extraordinary storytellers. Each performer shares a one-of-a-kind tale from their
childhood, filled with truths, cultural perspectives, challenges, laughs and adventures all accompanied by physical theatre, music and movement.
Thursday, May 30
6:30pm at Performance Works
Flying bunnies, speeding French fries and identical twins?! This show has it all and then some! The Kif-Kif Sisters’ surprising blend of comedy and audience interaction is enough to make vegetables explode! Get ready to howl with laugher at The Kif-Kif Sisters’ out-of-this-word antics.
* All ticket prices subject to service charges and GST.
Note: Our on-site activities are NOT open for the Evening Shows. Show your ticket anytime during the Festival and you’ll get an Activity Village wristband for that day.
Robot Song
Monday, May 27
6:30pm
Join us for our Opening Night event!
The evening begins with an Indigenous Welcome Ceremony with Elder Statesman Xwechtaal Dennis Joseph of the Squamish Nation, an evening performance of Robot Song and complimentary refreshments afterwards.
Robot Song follows the journey of a young girl on the Autism Spectrum learning to understand her unique way of relating to the world. Using cutting edge digital technology, animatronics and a beautiful original musical score this unique, funny and touching show celebrates differences in all its forms.
Child/Senior: $13.50*
•
Adult: $23*
Saturday, June 1
6:30pm Granville Island Stage
Nimihitowin!,
360 ALLSTARS
Missy D
Watch Festival performers cut loose at our annual Variety Show! This year’s tour de force features daring stunts and high-energy feats from 360 ALLSTARS, a dance extravaganza from the dancers of Nimihitowin!, the zany antics of The Kif-Kif Sisters and captivating storytelling from One of a Kind. Plus, sing along with our host, local hip hop, rap and soul artist, Missy D! This fun-filled evening is always a highlight for kids and adults alike.
All ages
• All tickets $25*
* All ticket prices subject to service charges and GST.
Note: Our on-site activities are NOT open for the Evening Shows. Show your ticket anytime during the Festival and you’ll get an Activity Village wristband for that day.
Xwechtaal Dennis Joseph Robot SongWe strive towards creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, represented, supported and valued to meaningfully participate.
Using the icons provided in this brochure, you will be able to find out more about venue and show accessibility. By providing this information, we aim to help you make informed choices, so that you can tailor your festival experience to match your unique preferences and needs.
Relaxed Performance Extra Live (Always Relaxed)
Relaxed Performance
Sensory friendly - no intense lights, sounds or content
Extra Live
Every performance is relaxed
Blind and low vision friendly
Deaf and hard of hearing friendly
Neurodiverse
Assessed and adjusted by and for people on the spectrum.
Hearing-assistance devices available
Wheelchair accessible venue
Our dedicated Access Activator works closely with artists to gather important accessibility details about each show such as the show’s lighting, sound, sensory information, participation and content. Some shows also have a visual guide which provides very detailed information, including a visual story which breaks down everything that happens in the show with pictures. This information and other resources can help you decide if the show is right for your child and prepare them for the experience.
Please visit ChildrensFestival.ca for more information.
Motus (Québec)
Theatre/Puppetry • Carousel Studio • 40 min • Ages 0–2
Share a special moment with your little one. Experience the magical world of Tree in this gentle and intimate show for the youngest of audiences. Tree is rare opportunity for your baby to experience live theatre created just for them! Settle into mama bird’s cozy nest while she warms her luminous clutch of eggs. Plants, insects, and animals visit, accompanied by soothing melodies and rhythmic music. As evening falls, you’ll rest under the rising moon, stars, and the shimmering Milky Way, gathering strength to spread your wings like a fledgling bird of light.
Co-presented by Boca del Lupo, the Micro Performance Series.
Tuesday, May 28 10:00am, 12:00pm
Wednesday, May 29 10:00am, 12:00pm
Friday, May 31 10:00am, 12:00pm
Saturday, June 1 10:00am
Sunday, June 2 10:00am
La Case départ de Missy d: 1, 2, 3 on y va, on y va !
Missy D (British Columbia)
Music • Granville Island Stage • 45 min • All ages (Babes in arms welcome)
Retour à la demande! Si vous ne la connaissez pas encore, eh bien apprenez à la connaître et retenez ce nom — Missy D. Elle rappe depuis l’âge de 11 ans en français et en anglais venant des 3 coins de l’Afrique (le Rwanda, la Côte d ‘Ivoire et le Zimbabwe). Missy D est une artiste hip-hop, rap et soul qui fait de sa musique une forme de thérapie pour exprimer tous ses sentiments, partager un message et se connecter avec son public. C’est une fusion des sons de son enfance allant des mélodies françaises, aux légendes du r&b, du rap, de la soul, du jazz, du rock et du hip hop. Missy D vous invite dans son univers plein d’émotions et en chantant YES MAMA pendant que Missy D célèbre cette diversité dans les instrumentaux, dans la musique et surtout dans notre monde. 123, on y va, on y va!
Wednesday, May 29 12:30pm (FR)
Thursday, May 30 10:30am (FR), 12:30pm (FR)
Friday, May 31 10:30am (FR)
Sunday, June 2 3:30 (BI)
FR en français | BI Bilingual - in French and English
Onyx Productions (Australia)
Circus • Granville Island Stage • 50 min • All ages
In this high-energy urban circus extravaganza, a phenomenal team of artists pushes the boundaries of physicality to the absolute limit. Get ready for a heart-pounding fusion of BMX stunts, basketball wizardry, breakdancing brilliance, mesmerizing MC-ing, mind-bending acrobatics, and heart-pounding drumming that takes center stage. Featuring an all-star cast of world champions and record-holding athletes, 360 ALLSTARS delivers a spectacular blend of extraordinary artistry and vibrant street culture. As the live-looped soundtrack pulses through the air, you’ll witness the thrill of extreme sports like never before. Brace yourself for breathtaking feats that will send your adrenaline skyrocketing and leave you cheering for more, making this an experience you won’t want to miss!
Tuesday, May 28 10:30am, 12:30pm
Wednesday, May 29 10:30am
Friday, May 31 12:30pm
Saturday, June 1 11:00am, 1:00pm
Sunday, June 2 11:00am, 1:30pm
Wild Mint Arts (Alberta)
Dance/Music • Revue Stage • 55 min • All ages (Babes in arms welcome)
Powwow dance, hoop dance and Métis jigging are beautiful expressions of Indigenous Peoples’ rich history and culture. Translated from Cree to mean “to dance” and “to be in movement”, Nimihitowin! (Knee-me-toe-win) will mesmerize audiences with dramatic dancing, spectacular regalia and the subtle beauty of Cree-composed flute songs. Insightful commentary about each dance will also enhance the performance as kids get the chance to celebrate this rich, cultural treasure with the Cree, Blackfoot, Anishinaabe and Métis dancers of Nimihitowin! Created exclusively for young audiences by acclaimed Calgary-based Cree musician, contemporary dancer and choreographer Jessica McMann, this energetic performance offers an opportunity to experience the stunning vibrancy of Indigenous culture through dance.
The dancers in Wild Mint Arts are Cree, Anishinaabe, Blackfoot, and Métis. The all-Indigenous crew works closely with elders from Stoney and Blackfoot first nations.
Co-presented with Talking Stick Festival.
Tuesday, May 28 10:30am
Wednesday, May 29 10:30am
Thursday, May 30 12:30pm
Friday, May 31 10:30am, 12:30pm
Arena Theatre (Australia)
Theatre/Musical • Performance Works • 60 min • Ages 7 and up
Based on a true story, Robot Song showcases the incredible power of creativity when combined with unconditional love. When eleven-year-old Juniper receives a letter from her entire class stating that she is ‘the most hated person in the school’ she’s completely devastated. After exhausting all other avenues her parents resort to the only thing they have left, a giant singing robot. Robot Song follows the journey of a young girl on the Autism Spectrum learning to understand her unique way of relating to the world. With the robot’s help, Juniper discovers that life doesn’t always turn out the way you plan, sometimes it’s much, much better. Using cutting edge digital technology, animatronics and a beautiful original musical score this unique, funny and touching show celebrates differences in all its forms. The Robot Song 2024 Canadian tour supported by Creative Australia and Creative Victoria.
Monday, May 27 6:30pm
Tuesday, May 28 10:30am, 12:30pm
Wednesday, May 29 12:30pm
Friday, May 31 12:30pm
Saturday, June 1 11:00am, 2:00pm
Sunday, June 2 1:00pm
Saturday
June 2
Sunday June 1
Site Hours
10:30–5:00
Thursday
Wednesday
Site Hours
10:30–6:00
In-Person Shows
10:00 Tree (RP) Tree (RP)
10:30 Otosan ( RP) Jam Side Up! ( RP) Fred Penner (RP) Fred Penner (RP)
11:00 360 ALLSTARS 360 ALLSTARS Robot Song Papa Penguin Papa Penguin 12:00 Tree, a world (RP) One of A Kind Tree, a world (RP)
12:30 Otosan Yassama 1:00 360 ALLSTARS Robot Song Fred Penner (RP) 1:30 Papa Penguin Papa Penguin 360 ALLSTARS 2:00 Robot Song 2:30 Otosan 3:00 One of A Kind Yassama Yassama 3:30 Missy D (BI) 4:00 Jam Side Up! 6:30 Variety Show
Program subject to change.
Tuesday
Friday May 27 May 28 May 29 May 30 May 31
JournéeFrancoFun
Site Hours Site Hours Site Hours
Site Hours
9:30–2:30 9:30–2:30 9:30–2:30 9:30–2:30
Monday
In-Person Shows
10:00 Tree (RP) Tree (RP) Tree (RP)
Missy D (FR) Missy D (FR)
10:30 360 ALLSTARS 360 ALLSTARS
Coastal Wolf Pack Coastal Wolf Pack Papa Penguin Papa Penguin Robot Song Jam Side Up! (FR) Jam Side Up! (FR) Jam Side Up! (BI) Otosan
One of A Kind Otosan One of A Kind Nimihitowin! Nimihitowin! Fred Penner (RP) Nimihitowin!
12:00 Tree (RP) Tree (RP) Tree (RP)
Missy D (FR) Missy D (FR) 360 ALLSTARS
12:30 360 ALLSTARS
Coastal Wolf Pack Coastal Wolf Pack Papa Penguin Papa Penguin Robot Song Robot Song Jam Side Up! (FR) Robot Song Otosan Otosan One of A Kind Otosan Fred Penner (RP) Fred Penner (RP) Nimihitowin! Nimihitowin! 2:30 Yassama 6:30 Robot Song One of A Kind (PJ)
Jam Side Up! (FR) Fred Penner (PJ) (RP)
Legend FR en français PJ Pyjama Night BI Bilingual RP Relaxed Performance
Venues Waterfront Theatre The Nest Revue Stage Granville Island Stage Carousel Studio Performance Works
Vancouver International Children’s Festival Society and The Flame. Created and directed by Deborah Williams (British Columbia)
Storytelling/Theatre • The Nest • 50 min • Ages 5 and up
One of a Kind returns to the Festival every year with new cast members and fresh stories! Come see why everyone is talking about this exciting, evolving series.
One of a Kind is created around the true stories performed by the people who lived them; a talented, diverse group of extraordinary theatre artists. The storytellers share their one-ofa-kind childhood tales filled with truth, cultural perspective, family languages, challenge, laughter and adventure. Using physical theatre, puppetry, music, movement and more, they offer an extraordinary exploration of the universal expression of storytelling. Children will recognize themselves and be inspired to share their own stories.
Commissioned by the Vancouver International Children’s Festival.
Tuesday, May 28 6:30pm
Wednesday, May 29 10:30am
Thursday, May 30 12:30pm
Friday, May 31 10:30am
Saturday, June 1 3:00pm
Sunday, June 2 12:00pm
Lua Shayenne (Ontario)
Storytelling/Music/Dance • Revue Stage • 40 min • Ages 3 and up (Babes in arms welcome)
Rooted in African oral tradition, Yassama and the Beaded Calabash is the story of a young girl who, with the help of the old Baobab tree, saves her village from drought and delivers a powerful lesson about the importance of respecting and honouring Mother Earth. Kids will love this playful and interactive show where the audience is encouraged to take part in the form of call-and-response, singing and clapping. Acclaimed artist Lua Shayenne weaves rhythmic language, vibrant dance, lively Malinke and Soussou songs, and live drumming into an engaging story everyone is sure to enjoy.
Friday, May 31 2:30pm
Saturday, June 1 3:00pm
Sunday, June 2 12:30pm, 3:00pm
Little Onion Puppet Co. (British Columbia)
Theatre/Puppetry • The Nest • 45 min • Ages 4 and up
When little Shizu hides in her Otosan’s suitcase and secretly travels to his most dangerous destination The North, her presence is a big surprise and an even bigger nuisance to her gruff, no-nonsense father. Facing snowy owls, white wolves and grizzly bears in the most remote of locations, Otosan and Shizu must learn to tackle challenges together, eventually learning how to communicate their love. Inspired by Co-creator Shizuka Kai’s real-life experience with her father, a wildlife videographer, Otosan is a beautifully told story that uses puppetry, real wildlife projections and an original score to take the audience on an immersive journey. World Premiere.
Created with the support of Deaf Consultants, Caroline Hébert and Ladan Sahraei, to include people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Tuesday, May 28 10:30am, 12:30pm
Wednesday, May 29 12:30pm
Thursday, May 30 10:30am
Friday, May 31 12:30pm
Saturday, June 1 10:30am (RP), 12:30pm
Sunday, June 2 2:30pm Relaxed
The Kif-Kif Sisters (Québec)
Physical Comedy/Circus • Performance Works • 40 min • All ages (Babes in arms welcome)
Flying bunnies, speeding French fries and identical twins?! This show has it all and then some! The Kif-Kif Sisters’ surprising blend of comedy and audience interaction is enough to make vegetables explode! Get ready to howl with laugher at The Kif-Kif Sisters’ out-of-thisworld antics. Twice the action and twice the fun, some things in life are just better in twos. This charming, original show is theatre, puppetry, circus, magic and comedy all rolled into one! The Kif-Kif Sisters are masters at drawing their audience into their world of unusual and zany comedy. We guarantee, you’ll never know what’s coming next!
Wednesday, May 29 10:30am (FR)
Thursday, May 30 10:30am (FR), 12:30pm (FR), 6:30pm
Friday, May 31 10:30am (BI)
Saturday, June 1 4:00pm
Sunday, June 2 10:30am (RP)
FR en français
BI Bilingual - in French and English
Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coast Salish communities: Musqueam, Squamish, Tsartlip, Nanaimo and more)
Dance/Music • Waterfront Theatre • 40 min • All ages (Babes in arms welcome)
Tsatsu Stalqayu, started with our Ta’ah’s dream to show the world who we are as Coast Salish People. Just as wolves travel in packs and work together to flourish in life, our group runs with one heart and one mind. From the eldest to the youngest, we encourage each other to stand strong in the face of adversity by consistently practicing our cultural ways of living. Teaching our children the songs, dances, and stories will keep our traditions alive for generations to come. We take pride in who we are and what we do. Our hope now is to continue representing the Coast Salish culture to the best of our ability, within the respected boundaries, so that all nations can enjoy the beauty we have to share. Come see us perform traditional Salish song and dance at this year’s Festival.
Co-presented with Talking Stick Festival.
Tuesday, May 28 10:30am, 12:30pm
Wednesday, May 29 10:30am, 12:30pm
Carousel Theatre for Young People (British Columbia)
Theatre/Musical • Waterfront Theatre • 50 min • Ages 3-8 (Babes in arms welcome)
Everyone loves Peaches and Izzy and their daily performances at the Zoo! In fact, these two male penguins are the Zoo’s main attraction. Life’s peachy for the dynamic duo until other penguin couples start laying eggs and having chicks. Peaches and Izzy want to start a family too! With help from the Zoo Keeper, their dreams of parenting come to life. Join these two papas at their penguin chick’s first birthday at a party like no other. The Papa Penguin Play is a musical about celebrating family in all its colours and finding the performer in all of us.
Written by Dave Deveau and co-commissioned and co-produced by Carousel Theatre for Young People and the Vancouver International Children’s Festival in association with Zee Zee Theatre.
Thursday, May 30 10:30am, 12:30pm
Friday, May 31 10:30am, 12:30pm
Saturday, June 1 11:00am, 1:30pm
Sunday, June 2 11:00am, 1:30pm
Motus (Québec)
Theatre/Puppetry • Carousel Studio • 60 min • Ages
In this gentle and intimate show, settle into mama bird’s cozy nest while she warms her luminous clutch of eggs. Plants, insects, and animals visit, accompanied by soothing melodies and rhythmic music. As evening falls, you’ll rest under the rising moon, stars, and the shimmering Milky Way, gathering strength to spread your wings like a fledgling bird of light.
Tree, a world in itself, is a multi-sensory, interactive universe enveloped in soft light, music, and silence, where five characters continually adapt to meet the needs of their audience. It was created for Autistic children and further adapted to accommodate children with intellectual disabilities and/or reduced mobility.
In an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, the performance offers a ratio of one performing artist per child to facilitate numerous personalized interactions with audience members and thus can only accommodate a very small number of spectators at a time. Maximum one child and two adults per group.
Co-presented by Boca del Lupo, the Micro Performance Series.
Saturday, June 1 12:00pm
Sunday, June 2 12:00pm
Fred Penner (Manitoba)
Music • Revue Stage • 50 min • All ages (Babes in arms welcome)
Sing along with one of Canada’s best-loved children’s singers and four-time Juno winner Fred Penner at this year’s Festival! Fred has been charming audiences for over 40 years with catchy songs that speak to the wonder of childhood, such as “The Cat Came Back” and “What a Day.” Fred’s award-winning music and meaningful lyrics have created a lasting impact that crosses generations. His warmth and enthusiasm give him an instant emotional connection with fans both young and old. Don’t miss introducing your children to this Canadian music icon.
Tuesday, May 28 12:30pm, 6:30pm
Wednesday, May 29 12:30pm
Thursday, May 30 10:30am
Saturday, June 1 10:30am, 1:00pm
Sunday, June 2 10:30am
Extra Live (Always Relaxed)
Spend the day being creatively playful in our Activity Village.
Your show ticket includes access to the Activity Village!
If you are unable to come to a show, Activity Village wristbands are available for purchase on-site for $7 per person (includes GST and Service Charges).
Tuesday-Friday: 9:30am-2:30pm
Saturday: 10:30–6pm
Sunday: 10:30–5pm
Ages 0–4
Twist & Toddle! Play and create in this tent jam-packed with fun for the under 4 set.
Ages 3 and up
Circus Arts Learn the basics of juggling, Diablo, rhythm sticks and stilt walking from young circus pros.
Ages 4 and up
Indigenous Arts Come learn how to share your story using pictographs. Engage in storytelling through an Indigenous lens in this hands-on workshop and create your own story art pieces to take home.
Ages 5 and up
Hai Origami Make a boat, bird, butterfly, heart, fish or dino while learning the intricate art of Japanese paper folding.
LunarFest Explore the ways we are Born to be Free through crafts, culture, and music with LunarFest and Jade Music Fest!
Scavenger Hunt Follow the clues to swim, flutter, glide and jump from one Indigenous animal sculpture to another in this fun scavenger adventure. Presented by FortisBC. The Kind Line Learn how to make your home, school or community more welcoming for all. Artists created an interactive phone line that helps kids and adults find the right words to fight racism and oppression. Fri and Sat only.
Ages 7 and up
Canoe Kids! Come try canoeing, kayaking, or dragon boating with the False Creek Racing Canoe Club! Hours: Sat and Sun 12-4pm.
Face Painting Get your face painted as a lion, a tiger or a superhero, oh my! A Kids’ Fest tradition for over 46 years!
Inner Garden Need a space to rest? The Inner Garden is a relaxing, comfortable space for you and your kids to rejuvenate.
African Pavilion Step into African arts, cultures, stories, games and languages. Listen to each other’s beat, feel our collective rhythm and connect to our shared humanity.
Indigenous Arts - Installation
“Honouring Women” This piece is to honour Mother Earth and the women in our lives that still walk in this world and the ones that have passed on. By Christine Mackenzie. Magical Mystery Maze Burn some energy and play games in our enchanting outdoor maze.
Vancouver Traingang All aboard! The Vancouver’s NTRAK Modular Railroad Club is excited to share their working modular trains with you. Presented by CN
Port of Vancouver Activity Zone Visit Salty at the Port of Vancouver tent to learn about how the port brings toys, shoes, games and snacks to your home and school! King’s Hawaiian Tent We’re on a Roll, Canada! Stop by for a free sample of soft and fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls. Test your luck on our spin wheel for a chance to win irresistible prizes and merch!
Story Crafts Embark on a magical storytelling adventure! Dive into the realm of imagination as you craft your own story characters. Presented by Gabby’s Classroom. Sema:th Xo:tsa puppets Interact with larger-than-life illuminated puppets from Luminous Waters. Delight in the shenanigans of Mike the Mink, Harry the Heron, and Barb the Sturgeon.
Help us enrich the lives of children and ensure the Festival remains affordable for everyone through our community programs:
Each year we are proud to bring Festival highlights to children in treatment or care at B.C. Children’s Hospital, Canuck Place and Sunny Hill Health Centre through our Hospital Outreach Program. Children unable to leave their facilities can share in the Festival spirit with their families and caregivers and benefit from the healing power of music and laughter.
For too many families, a day at the Children’s Festival is just not possible. Become a “Good Neighbour” and share the magic of the Festival with children and parents who otherwise would not be able to attend!
• A suggested donation of $65 will allow a family of four to play all day! However, donations of any amount are welcome!
This program provides a day filled with learning, laughter and inspiration for elementary school children attending enhanced support schools across Metro Vancouver. Thanks to our generous business and foundation donors, more than 1,000 children will have a memorable day at the Children’s Festival through Adopt a Class in 2024.
We are grateful to our generous donors for their support of this valuable initiative.
POTS OF GOLd
Amacon Foundation
Chris Spencer Foundation
Diamond Foundation
John Hardie Mitchell Family Foundation
Lion’s Mane Fund
Mirhady Family Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation
The Estate of John Robert (JR) Seifred
The Estate of Lynne Harrison
The McLean Foundation
Vancouver Foundation
uNICOrNS
Andrew Mahon Foundation
CanadaHelps (From CauseFund
Vancouver Fund by Unite for Change)
Connor, Clark & Lunn Foundation
Coquitlam Foundation Lohn Foundation
McCarthy Tetrault Foundation
Shana Alexander
Teresa Sutherland
TF Event Company
The Christopher Foundation
The Lutsky Family Foundation
Vancouver Kidsbooks
Walmart
BuTTErFLIES
Katharine Carol
drAGONFLIES
Cameron Wilson
Eleonore Shafter
Elizabeth Bowen
Gerald Murenbeeld
Jamie Fong
Jason Dubois
Jonathan Ryder
Kathleen Piovesan
Kevin Campbell
Kevin Deschamps
Ling Mei Tang
Mee Young Aird
Minna Schendlinger
Natasha Jeshani
Natasha Wallace
Paul Dumontet
Paul Stewart
Pradeep Nair
Rebecca Aston
Robin de Pelham
Rui Zhu
Sally & Wilfrid Mennell
Tom Stulberg
Violet Tam
FIrEFLIES
Christine Brittain
Coreen Philley in honored Patrick and Patricia Philley
Danya Rogen
Edith Davidson
Elaine Yuen
Eric Wong
Jacqueline Wainwright
Jeffrey Nairn
Jessica Land
Kimberly Balfour
Lauren Kristjanson
Louise DeGagné
Mary Hein
Olivia Zeng
Rachel Richardson
Samad Raza
Scott Wood
Stewart McGillivray
Temple of Christ
International School Limited
LAdyBuGS
IN KINd
2 Guys With Knives
Alive Health Centre Ltd
Bacaro
Barnside Brewing Company
Basil Box
BC Lions Football Club
Bin 4 Burger Lounge
Boorman Archery
Browns Socialhouse
Butchart Gardens
Central City Fun Park
Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
Craigdarroch Castle
Dageraad Brewing
Daniadown Home
Dilly Dally Kids Store
False Creek Ferries
Fiorino
Go Wireless
Homer Street Cafe and Bar
Il Terrazzo
Jaana Ashley organic skin care
Jan & Jul
Jamjar CanteenUniversity Blvd
Kindred Cultures
Lee’s Donuts
Lemonade Gluten Free
Bakery
Little Kitchen Academy MAKE Vancouver MarikArts
Massy Books
Maxine’s Cafe & Bar
Memoir Studio Co
Muffin Granny
One Thing Message
Lockets
Open Door Yoga
Pandora’s Locks
Presentation House
Theatre
Rain City Games
Rain or Shine Ice Cream
Ricoh
Sopra Sotto Pizzeria
Studio 73
Sunrise Ridge
Waterfront Resort
Superflux Beer Company
The Running Room
Tableau Bar and Bistro
Terra Breads
Tofino Distillery
Toptable Group
Vancouver Recital Society
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Vancouver Umbrella Inc
Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club
Victoria Bug Zoo
White Spot
Wowscapes
Windfall Cider
BOArd OF dIrECTOrS
Christina (Ling Mei)
Tang, Chair
Eric Wong, Vice Chair
Kevin Campbell, Treasurer
Stewart McGillivray, Secretary
Louise DeGagné
Cameron Wilson
Olivia Zeng
Natasha Jeshani
Kieran Davey
Jason Dubois
Samad Raza
Grace Starke
A huge shout out to our fantastic crew, and many thanks to our awesome volunteers!
