Get ready for a weekend full of creative, family-based fun as the Whistler Children’s Festival takes over May 16 to 18! There are eight shows and 11 workshops with award-winning performers who aim to wow and inspire their young audience with circus acts, science spectacles, live music performances and workshops, and undoubtedly, a little mayhem.
The schedule has been carefully curated so that your little ones can get pumped at a performance and then have a go themselves with a workshop (all around 45 minutes long). Kids love the impromptu roving entertainment and the chance to show off their moves with free activities like Bollywood dance, drumming shows, kids’ karaoke and more (the free activities schedule launches in early May).
So, let the Whistler Children’s Festival take care of the weekend entertainment – all you’ve got to do is bring the kids!
Whistler Children’s Festival 101
I have three kids, one is eight and two are six (twins), which I think are perfect ages for the Whistler Children’s Festival; just old enough to get it, and young enough to feel the magic. Most of the theatre shows are good for all ages (three to 12), but double-check the suggested age for the workshops, as some of them are split into older and younger groups.
The theatre performances and workshops are all happening at the Maury Young Arts Centre (MYAC), which is located in the heart of Whistler Village, close to Olympic Plaza. During the festival, there will also be activations along the Cultural Connector (a pathway that links six of Whistler’s cultural venues) and at Florence Petersen Park, which is a lovely, shaded green space behind the Whistler Public Library.
As a local mom who has attempted to “wing” this festival in the past, I’d advise getting your tickets in advance as some of these shows and workshops sell out ahead of time (the science events tend to go first). And if you’ve already promised a rocket launch and don’t deliver, it’s gonna take a lot of ice cream to come back from that. Workshop tickets are $15 and theatre shows are $20 per ticket, with the option of a four-ticket show bundle for $70 ($10 in savings).
Free Festival Street Party
Face painting, you say? Sidewalk chalk extravaganza? Popping bubbles to sing-along tunes? We’re in. The Children’s Festival kicks off on Friday, May 16, from 4 to 6 PM at the Maury Young Arts Centre with the free, Festival Street Party. You can take a look at the program of events and book some more things right there, but remember, if there’s a key thing your child is interested in, it’s best to book in advance.
I don’t have to tell you that kids don’t (and shouldn’t) fit neatly into boxes, and one of the fun ways of exploring the festival is to dip into all the different genres like a kid with a pick ‘n’ mix. However, to give you an idea of a few possible itineraries, I’ve devised four by event-type below.
For Those Who Want to Join the Circus
Saturday, May 17
Get hands-on straight away with a puppet-making workshop with ventriloquist, Kellie Haines and artist, Greg Robinson at 11 AM. I like the idea of the kiddos tapping into their inner voices and crafting stories as they build and play with their creations. Note that this session is for ages four to six, but there is another workshop on Sunday at the same time for ages seven and up.
Does your kid know what a unicycle is? They will after Mike Battie’s Juggler Extraordinaire show at 3 PM. This is a physical comedy juggling show with humour, music and a bit of crowd participation.
The Rising Circus’ CANDYLAND! show is a great way to end the day. Happening at 5:30 PM on both Saturday and Sunday, it follows Pat the Clown, who has a sweet-tooth issue (who doesn’t?). Pat tackles aerial hoops and silks to get a sugar-fix, and the kids are along for the ride!
Sunday, May 18
The second puppet workshop for ages seven and above is at 11 AM, with Kellie Haines’ ventriloquist show, A Birdy Told Me So, at 3 PM. The show centres around Kellie and her talking bird puppet, Magrau, who helps her overcome some of her shyness to perform in the school talent show. My kids could certainly do with hearing tales of learning that failure is just a step to success.
In between Kellie Haine’s puppetry is Mike Battie’s workshop for ages seven and above, which includes learning skills like ball juggling, plate spinning and feather balancing!
The Rising Circus is on again at 5:30 PM, and spending time with Pat the Clown at the end of an incredible weekend sounds like just the ticket.
For the Little Scientist
There are two events on both Saturday and Sunday for little scientists, a performance at 12:30 PM and a workshop at 3 PM, by firm festival-favourite, Science World on the Road. This leaves time in between for lunch and to explore the free activities. Note that the science-based performances are suggested for ages five and up, because of the topic (all the other performances are open to all ages).
Saturday, May 17
Set your scientist’s day off right with How2Science at 12:30 PM (suggested age five and above), which delves into ways scientists observe, predict and test, with interactive demonstrations including launching rockets and riding hovercrafts!
Think your kid might want to make a cloud in a bottle? If so, then Cloud Spotters at 3 PM is for you. Kiddos aged six and up become junior meteorologists as they learn the different types of clouds and how they can be used to tell the weather. This workshop starts inside, but once they’re armed with their cloud spotters, they will journey outside.
Sunday, May 18
The Science Surprises show is on at 12:30 PM (ages five and above) and promises to deliver some greatest hits, including the hair-raising Van De Graaf Generator and all the other spinning, falling and flying demos that the science world is known for.
Then prepare to get your hands mucky at Dirt Detectives at 3 PM (ages six and up), with Science World bringing their mobile vermicomposter to Whistler! Urm, what? It’s all about the magic of soil, worms and compost!
For the Budding Musicians/Swifties
Saturday, May 17
Saturday is a big day for those who love music. It kicks off with The Myrtle Sisters’ Same Same Different performance at 10 AM. The description has the word ‘shenanigans’, which immediately drew my attention; my kids will fit right in. It’s a song and dance performance about discovering and celebrating everyone’s individuality and uniqueness with some pie fights thrown into the mix. What a way to start the day! My kids now want to know if they can eat the pie, I guess we’ll find out!
At noon, it’s all about finding the beats with a master of rhythm in the Marimba workshop (for ages six and up). What’s a marimba? My kids cried, and I did what every cultured parent does and YouTubed it; we were not disappointed…
Robin Layne is bringing seven marimbas and lots of percussion instruments for kids to jam on in this session, all about making some joyful noise!
My kids are Swifties, and with my oldest starting to pen a few lyrics of her own, I know Norman Foote’s songwriting workshop at 1 PM will be a hit (for ages six and up). Believing that singing is as natural as talking, Norman will help kiddos come together to create a song in one hour with all the fun and high energy he’s known for.
Then at 4 PM, there’s a ukulele for everyone at the Woody’s World workshop (ages five and up). Fresh from Australia, Woody has taught over 10,000 children and families, so he should be able to deal with mine, right?
Sunday, May 18
If your kiddo fell in love with the songwriting style of Norman Foote at the workshop, then they’ll love seeing him in action at his Sunday performance at 10 AM. And if you didn’t opt for the workshop, now’s your chance to connect with this Juno-award-winning artist, whose blend of storytelling, comedy and catchy melodies is a must-see. Start your kiddos’ day with music that moves their heart and challenges their minds!
For the Performer
Dance Pl3y has two events at the festival, one for ages 4 to 7 on Saturday and another for the more “sophisticated” 7 to 10s on Sunday, both at 2 PM. I have done an adult Dance Pl3y and can tell you from experience that it’s a blast. Kids will learn some super simple steps to popular songs in an incredibly positive and energetic environment. Grown-ups can join in for the last ten minutes to catch a special dance presentation.
On Sunday at noon, kiddos aged eight and above can join one of Whistler’s most beloved children’s performers, Ira Pettle, for an improv and acting workshop. My daughter has done this in the past and loves the “Yes, and…” nature of improv and Ira’s gentle coaching.
Phew! That’s quite the festival! From science to music, acting and crafting, the Whistler Children’s Festival covers a lot of creative ground. Remember to factor in the free events, time for snacks and that letting your hair down alongside your kiddo is what this festival is all about.
8 Top Whistler Children’s Festival Tips
- Note the doors open half an hour before the start time of the theatre performances. We all know kiddos can take their sweet time getting out the door, so aim for the doors open time so you have time to settle in before the show starts!
- The workshops only have the capacity for 12 kiddos, so booking early is recommended. These small group sizes allow children to fully engage independently, which is perfect for parents who want to grab a coffee or explore nearby. For workshops geared toward ages 4 to 6, parents are welcome to stay if their child needs extra support. Come five to 10 minutes before the start time for these.
- Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle, creativity is thirsty work! Note that noisy packaging or crunchy snacks should be avoided during shows and workshops. Check out our blog on family dining in Whistler for suggestions for dinner.
- If your child falls outside of a workshop’s listed age range, parents are encouraged to email Arts Whistler at info@artswhistler.com to discuss if the workshop is a good fit.
- In between performances and workshops, you could head to the children’s play area (opposite Blenz), a short walk away from the Maury Young Arts Centre. There are coffee shops and bakeries all around this area if anyone is peckish!
- Book your accommodation ahead to make things easier and think about choosing somewhere in Whistler Village to reduce walk-time on little legs. Booking earlier typically means you save money, especially on hotel packages. With Whistler.com, if you stay three nights or longer, you get a free $150 activity voucher.
- Bring family and friends. As Whistler has so much to do, you can bring your in-laws, parents or other friends and family so you can sneak out for a date night!
- Know that you and your family are welcome at the festival. We’re all in the same boat; kids have meltdowns (as do parents). The Whistler Children’s Festival is an open and understanding place for your child to explore the magic of performance. With each show and workshop being around 45 minutes long, it’s an accessible introduction to this world, which I hope will lead to a lifetime of cultural fun.
Whistler Children’s Festival Offer: Book 3+ Nights and Receive a Free Activity Voucher
Secure your lodging for the Whistler Children’s Festival with rooms starting at $220 CAD per night. Extend your stay to 3+ nights and receive a free $150 Activity Voucher. This offer is available only at Whistler.com while quantities last!