Fun for Kids at the International Children’s Festival

Clowns, acrobats, puppets, music, theatre, dance  and storytellers: They’re all there under the big white tents at Vanier Park from May 17 – 24 for the Vancouver International Children’s Festival. Since 1977 this has been a yearly highlight for families embodying the spirit of children around the world.  A program of Canadian and International stars perform as well as all the hands-on activities such as painting and pottery classes for kids.

Take your pick from this exciting list of performances suitable for kids of all ages.

• A Space to Play: Join Kellie and her puppet friends n a journey into space. Kellie Haines, BC
• Bobs & Lalo: Action packed musical adventures featuring hits from their own albums.  Audience interactive.  BC
• Peter Pan:A refreshing adaption of the classical adventure tale.  Dufflebag Theatre, Ontario.
• Jay Mankela: Performs from his newest album “Eat Like a Rainbow” USA
• National Acrobats of Taiwan: A breathtaking display of acrobats and dancing.  Taiwan.
• Alice in Wonderland: An adaption of Lewis Carroll’s classic. Theatre tou a Trac, Quebec.
• Jamie Adkins, vet of Cirque du Soleil, dazzles with his one-man tour de force using every-day objects and discarded props to attempt aero feats. USA
• Ache Brasil this local troupe performs martial arts, dance, music and acrobats known as capoeira.  Show organization, BC.
• A Promise is a PromiseA magical Inuit tale based on a well-known book by Robert Munsch and Michael Kusugat. Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre. Ontario
• The Princess and the Pea, welcome to the incredible world of master puppeteer Matthias Kuchta as he brings this fairy tale to life. Germany.
• Michel Lauziere a quirky musical comedy show. Quebec.
• King Arthur’s Kitchen What goes on in Camelot’s basement kitchen? Axis Theatre, BC
• Charlotte Diamond and the Hug Bug Band: For 25 years this award winning singer and her band has inspired children to sing and dance.  BC
• Joie D’Afrique: Musical magic with talents from the Ivory Coast, Guinea and Montreal perform West African music and dance.  Africa/Quebec/BC
• Dancing Our Stories: Celebrate the rich culture of the Gitskan Nation with dance, captivating narrative, storytelling and West Coast art. Dancers of Damelahamid. BC
• Variety Show: A high energy showcase combining various performers.

Ticket Information and show times click here There is no charge for site access or children 24 months or younger.

The on-site box office is open Monday- Friday 9.30am – 2pm, Saturday 10 am – 5.30 pm, Sunday 10.30 am – 4pm, and Monday (Victoria Day) 10.30 – 3 pm

VANIER PARK is located right behind the Vancouver Museum, 1100 Chestnut Street.   (map)

Getting There:

• By Car: Parking is available on the site and by the museum. Festival signs and traffic attendants direct visitors to the free parking area.
• By Public Transit: Bus #2 or #22 to Cornwall and Cypress. Ferry: from Main Street-Science World Station take Granville Island Ferries to the Maritime Museum. Rail, take the Skytrain to Burrard Station then transer to #2 or #22 bus.

Photo credit:  FvS @flickr