Calgary International Children’s Festival
Kidsfest 2017 brings together the best in performing arts for young audiences
- Location: Arts Commons 205 8th Ave. SE
- Price: Free - $17
Are you ready to explore, journey, and discover? The Calgary International Children’s Festival brings together the very best in performing arts for young audiences to inspire and ignite imaginations.
Set to delight and awe Calgary students, teachers, and families this May, check out four full days of fun featuring live performances for all ages as well as free outdoor concerts and activities.
“If you haven’t experienced the festival before, this is a great year to take the plunge,” says festival programmer Christy Offer, in a statement. “We have a little bit of something for everyone. Whether its award-winning puppetry from Scotland or a Grammy Award-winning kid hop musician from the United States, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with Kidsfest this year.”
With a jam-packed schedule, you’re sure to find something that piques your fancy. Here’s what we’re checking out at this year’s Kidsfest:
The Swinging Belles
May 24, 2017
Max Bell Theatre, Arts Commons (220 9th Ave. SE)
$17
Winners of the 2016 JUNO Award for Children’s Album of the Year, catch The Swinging Belles live on the Max Bell Theatre stage. Featuring swing, country, and jazz for ages three to six, the show is packed with music, interactive storytelling from Newfoundland, and lots of dancing.
calgarykidsfest.ca
Masabo
May 24 – 27, 2017
Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons (225 8th Ave. SE)
$17
Interactive and participatory presentations, master musicians, dancers, and storytellers share the beauty and energy of traditional West African cultures. With shows in both English and French, this performance explores themes of interculturalism and community.
calgarykidsfest.ca
Go Go Peekaboo!
May 24 – 27, 2017
Motel Theatre, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$17
Calgary’s own Soulocentric Performing Arts Society introduces three to five year olds to classical and contemporary dance through visual storytelling.
calgarykidsfest.ca
The Man Who Planted Trees
May 24 – 27, 2017
Engineered Air Theatre, Arts Commons (225 8th Ave. SE)
$17
Can one person make a difference in the world to make it greener and better? The Man Who Planted Trees tells the inspiring story of a shepherd who, along with his dog, plants a forest, acorn by acorn.
calgarykidsfest.ca
Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey
May 25 – 27, 2017
Max Bell Theatre, Arts Commons (220 9th Ave. SE)
$17
A visually spectacular glow-in-the-dark journey that blows away any screen-based visual tricks, Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey is a one-of-a-kind performance using electroluminescent technology, music, and movement to tell the story.
calgarykidsfest.ca
A Heart in Winter
May 25 – 27, 2017
Martha Cohen Theatre, Arts Commons (215 8th Ave. SE)
$17
Presented with shows in both English and French, don’t miss Théâtre de L’Oeil’s enchanting adaptation of The Snow Queen. Playful puppets tell the story of a girl, Gerda, on a journey to find her lost friend Kai whose heart has been frozen in the palace of the Snow Queen.
calgarykidsfest.ca
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
May 26 & 27, 2017
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
$17
Internationally-renowned kid-hop artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo brings his positive, relatable songs to the Jack Singer stage. Fast becoming a favourite of kiddie radio hosts, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo recently took home the Grammy for Best Children’s Album.
calgarykidsfest.ca
The Calgary International Children’s Festival runs May 24 to 27, 2017 at Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE) and nearby Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE). Head to calgarykidsfest.ca for the full schedule.
