The Vancouver International Children’s Festival is a festival for kids and their families on Granville Island from late May until early June.

In 2026 the festival runs from May 25th to 31st in 2026.

It’s always a fabulous series of events and highly recommended. If you have young children, nieces & nephews, or grandchildren, you’ll want to attend this festival (and so will your kids and their friends). The shows and activities are both fun and educational.

For details about the festival, either continue reading or visit the official childrensfestival.ca website.

This article contains the following information about the festival:

Vancouver Children's Festival — (Photos by Tilly Nelson)

Vancouver International Children‘s Festival

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival showcases theatre, dance, music, puppetry, acrobatics, art, crafts, activities and storytelling with artists from across Canada and from around the world. It’s a really good festival and fun for young children. It’s also actually the longest-running professional performing arts children’s festival in North America!

Admission to the Children’s Festival

Ticket prices for in-person events in 2026 are as follows.

One Show Day Pass – $15 for children and $26 for adults (includes activity wristband).
Four-Pack Family Pass – $66 (includes one show and activity wristbands for four family members).
Activity Wristband Only – $8 per person (purchased on-site).
Tree Baby Show – $7 for children and $26 for adults.
Pyjama Nights – $15 per person (special evening shows)
Club Origami – $13.50 per person and 23 for adults.
Variety Show (1.5 hours) – $28 per person.

(Note: Festival prices and other details are subject to change.)

Visit the Vancouver Children’s Festival website for tickets and full details about the events.

What to Expect

Thousands of children and their families participate in a wide variety of fun activities at the festival each year.

There are normally indoor theatre shows, various forms of outdoor entertainment, and activity tents with everything from paper folding to scavenger hunts. There are also venues where you can try out circus tricks or get your face painted. The main shows cost extra. The activities, though, are free with the price of admission most years.

The festival draws large crowds, especially when the weather is good. As many as 30,000 people attend the event during its week-long run, including school groups on weekdays.

Show Types & Accessibility

There are shows for all ages and for kids of all backgrounds and needs. When looking for shows to see, you can sort options by age appropriateness. Age categories include 0-2 years, 3-6 years, 7-9 years, 7-12 years, 9-12 years, ages 13 & older, and all ages.

You can also sort options by performance genre, including dance, music, storytelling, and theatre, or by shows performed by people of Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour. There are also shows that have ASL interpreters, are blind/low-vision friendly, are low-sensory, and are wheelchair accessible. Some of the shows are also especially appropriate for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

See the Vancouver Children’s Festival website for tickets and full details about the events.

Face Painting at Vancouver Children's Festival

Activity Village

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival includes an Activity Village. It’s an area with creative things for kids to do. Examples of activities include a scavenger hunt, a face-painting station, a mystery maze, a photo station, and more. Admission is included with any event ticket.

For full details, visit the Vancouver International Children’s Festival website.

Festival Schedule

A variety of in-person events take place during the festival. Below is the 2026 schedule of events.

Monday, May 25th, 2026

Doodle Pop – a visual theatrical show featuring live music, sound effects, and art and animation from Korea for ages 3 to 8. The show takes place at the Waterfront Theatre at 1412 Cartwright Street at 6:30 pm.

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

Benched – Be shockingly surprised at this creative, high-energy dance show. It is for kids ages 7 and up at Performance Works (1218 Cartwright Street) at 10:30 am and at 12:30 pm.
Doodle Pop – a visual theatrical show featuring live music, sound effects, and art and animation from Korea for ages 3 to 8. The show takes place at the Waterfront Theatre at 1412 Cartwright Street at 10:30 am and again at 12:30 pm.
Nimihitowin! – a highly energetic performance by Indigenous artists celebrating powwow and hoop dance aimed at kids of all ages. It is on the Revue Stage at 1601 Johnston Street at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Comedy Patrol – experience comedic pandemonium when a show MUST go on, even though the star refuses. The show is aimed toward all school-aged kids (babies can come too) and takes place on the Granville Island Stage at 1585 Johnston Street at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.

In addition to the above, there are also lots of fun things to do in the Activity Village.

Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

Baby Space Opera – an interactive sensory journey that allows our littlest ones and their caregivers a chance to meditate and experience wonder through space. It is meant for ages 0 to 2 and is at the Carousel Studio at 1411 Cartwright Street from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Benched – be surprised at the versatility of a simple bench in this creative, dance show. It is for kids ages 7 and up at Performance Works (1218 Cartwright Street) at 10:30 am.
Doodle Pop – a visual theatrical show featuring live music, sound effects, and art and animation from Korea for ages 3 to 8. The show takes place at the Waterfront Theatre at 1412 Cartwright Street at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Nimihitowin! – a highly energetic performance by Indigenous artists celebrating powwow and hoop dance aimed at kids of all ages. It is on the Revue Stage at 1601 Johnston Street at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Comedy Patrol – experience comedic pandemonium when a show MUST go on, even though the star refuses. The show is aimed toward all school-aged children (babies are also welcome) and takes place on the Granville Island Stage at 1585 Johnston Street at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
The Pursuit: 1, 2, 3 Let’s Go, Let’s Keep Going! – Missy D blends R&B, soul, jazz and other fabulous genres in this French musical performance. The French show is intended for children in grades 3 and up and takes place at the Granville Island Stage at 1585 Johnston Street at 12:30 pm.
The Merry Marching Band – Productions Strada, from Quebec, help you to experience a crazy musical ride full of zany adventures through music, choreography, rhythm and worldwide cultural expression. This performance is in French and aimed at those in grade school. The show takes place at Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright Street, at 12:30.

In addition to the above, there are plenty of fun activities and sights in the Activity Village.

Families at Children's Festival

Thursday, May 28th, 2026

Baby Space Opera – an interactive sensory journey that allows our littlest ones and their caregivers a chance to meditate and experience wonder through space. It is meant for ages 0 to 2 and is at the Carousel Studio at 1411 Cartwright Street, starting at 10:00 am and again at 12:00 pm.
The Pursuit: 1, 2, 3 Let’s Go, Let’s Keep Going! – Missy D blends R&B, soul, jazz and other fabulous genres in this French musical performance. The French show is intended for children in grades 3 and up and takes place at the Granville Island Stage at 1585 Johnston Street at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Archipelago – visitors to this performance will experience hands-on creativity through their own actions. This show is for kids ages 7 to 12. It takes place at The Nest at 1398 Cartwright St (3rd floor) from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
The Merry Marching Band – This performance is in French and aimed at kids in grade school. The show takes place at Performance Works at 1218 Cartwright Street, at 10:30 and 12:30.
Haida and Squamish Stories & Songs – a cultural journey led by Kung Jaadee, of Haida heritage. She shares stories with drumming and songs. Intended for kids in grades 5 to 12, this performance happens at the Waterfront Theatre at 1412 Cartwright Streethappened at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Will and Seeka: Friends with Everyone – this French concert gets kids up dancing and singing to songs. Intended for ages 2 to 8 years old, the event takes place at Revue Stage at 1601 Johnston Street, at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm

In addition to the above, there are also lots of fun things to do in the Activity Village.

Friday, May 29th, 2026

Baby Space Opera – is an interactive sensory experience for kids, ages 0 to 2. It takes place at Carousel Studio at 1411 Cartwright Street from 10:00 am and 12:00 pm.
The Pursuit: 1, 2, 3 Let’s Go, Let’s Keep Going! – is a French-language music performance by Missy D. It features a mix of R&B, soul, and jazz. The show is for kids in Grade 3 and up. It takes place at Granville Island Stage at 1585 Johnston Street at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Archipelago – is an interactive performance. Audience members are encouraged to look, listen, and participate. The show is for kids ages 7 to 12. It takes place at The Nest at 1398 Cartwright Street (3rd floor) at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Nimihitowin! – is a performance that highlights Indigenous culture through music, movement, and storytelling. A short Q&A is included. The show takes place at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
The Merry Marching Band – is a French-language performance by Productions Strada from Quebec. The show is intended for grade school audiences. It takes place at Performance Works at 1218 Cartwright Street at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Haida and Squamish Stories & Songs – is led by Kung Jaadee of Haida heritage. The performance includes storytelling, drumming, and songs. The show is intended for Grades 5 to 12. It takes place at Waterfront Theatre at 1412 Cartwright Street at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Benched – is a theatre performance with a focus on movement and humour. The show takes place at 12:30 pm.
Doodle POP – is a visual performance that focuses on imagination. The show takes place at Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright Street, at 12:30 pm.
Comedy Patrol – is a comedy performance with audience interaction. The show takes place at 12:30 pm on the Granville Island Stage, located at 1585 Johnston Street.
Me & the Forest – is an evening performance inspired by nature. It takes place at 6:00 pm and is for kids aged 8 and above. The performance happens at the Ron Basford Park Amphitheatre on Johnson Street.
Will’s Jams: My Best Friends – is a musical performance for families that features interactive songs. The show takes place at 6:30 pm at the Revue Stage at 1601 Johnston Street. The show is for kids aged 2 to 8.
Glamily: A Family Dress-Up Party – is an interactive evening event focused on dress-up and creative play. It takes place at 6:30 pm at 1218 Cartwright Street.

In addition to the above, there are plenty of fun activities and sights in the Activity Village.

Goose Family at Granville Children's Festival

Saturday, May 30th, 2026

Baby Space Opera – is an interactive sensory experience for kids, ages 0 to 2. It takes place at Carousel Studio at 1411 Cartwright Street from 10:00 am and 12:00 pm.
Comedy Patrol – is a comedy performance with audience interaction. The show takes place at 1:00 pm on the Granville Island Stage, located at 1585 Johnston Street.
Archipelago – is an interactive performance. Audience members are encouraged to look, listen, and participate. The show is for kids ages 7 to 12. It takes place at The Nest at 1398 Cartwright Street (3rd floor) at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
The Merry Marching Band – is a French-language performance by Productions Strada from Quebec. The show is intended for grade school audiences. It takes place at Performance Works at 1218 Cartwright Street at 11:00 am.
Will’s Jams: My Best Friends – is a musical performance for families that features interactive songs. The show takes place at 11.00 am at the Revue Stage at 1601 Johnston Street. The show is for kids aged 2 to 8.
Me & the Forest – is an evening performance inspired by nature. It takes place at 12:00 pm and 3:30 pm and is for kids aged 8 and above. The performance happens at the Ron Basford Park Amphitheatre on Johnson Street.
Nimihitowin! – is a performance that highlights Indigenous culture through music, movement, and storytelling. A short Q&A is included. The show takes place at 1:30 pm.
Benched – is a theatre performance with a focus on movement and humour. The show takes place at 2:00 pm.
Doodle POP – is a visual performance that focuses on imagination. The show takes place at Performance Works located at 1218 Cartwright Street at 3:00 pm.
All The Way From Japan is a live performance featuring traditional Japanese juggling. It takes place at Performance Works at 1218 Cartwright Street at 4:00 pm.
Variety Show is an evening performance featuring a mix of acts and entertainment styles. It includes multiple performers. It takes place at Waterfront Theatre at 1412 Cartwright Street at 6:30 pm.

In addition to the above, there are also lots of fun activities and things to see in the Activity Village.

Visit the Vancouver Children’s Festival website for tickets and full details about the events.

Boy Spray Painting at Kids Festival

Sunday, May 31st, 2026

Baby Space Opera – is an interactive sensory experience for very young children ages 0 to 2. It takes place at Carousel Studio, 1411 Cartwright Street, at 10:00 am and 12:00 pm.
Comedy Patrol – is a physical comedy performance with audience interaction. A short Q&A is included. The show takes place at Performance Works at 1218 Cartwright Street at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm
Archipelago – is an interactive performance focused on creativity. The show is for ages 7 to 12. It takes place at The Nest at 1398 Cartwright Street on the 3rd floor at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.
Doodle POP – is a visual and movement-based performance. The performance takes place at the Waterfront Theatre at 1412 Cartwright Street at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm.
Will’s Jams: My Best Friends – is a musical performance for families. It takes place at Revue Stage at 1601 Johnston Street at 11:00 am.
Benched – is a physical theatre performance that combines movement and humour. A short Q&A is included. It takes place at Granville Island Stage at 1585 Johnston Street at 12:00 pm.
Me & the Forest is a longer theatrical performance inspired by nature. The event takes place at Waterfront Theatre at 1412 Cartwright Street at 12:00 pm and 3:30 pm.
All The Way From Japan – is a live performance featuring juggling. The show takes place at Performance Works at 1218 Cartwright Street at 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm.
The Merry Marching Band – is a French-language performance featuring music and choreography. The show takes place at Granville Island Stage at 1585 Johnston Street at 3:00 pm.
The Pursuit: 1, 2, 3 Let’s Go, Let’s Keep Going! – is a musical performance by Missy D. It features a mix of genres and includes a Q&A. It takes place at Revue Stage at 1601 Johnston Street at 3:30 pm.

In addition to the above, there are more fun activities in the Activity Village.

Tips & Advice

Below are some tips and advice to help you make the most of your experience at the Vancouver International Children’s Festival.

TIP #1: Don’t wait until the last minute to buy tickets for the best shows, as they’ll likely fill up. Some shows sell out weeks in advance!

TIP #2: If the weather is good, consider combining the festival with a family cycling excursion along the False Creek Seawall. Parking can be a challenge during the event. Consider parking elsewhere. That way, you can enjoy a scenic bike ride. Other options include using public transit and/or catching a False Creek Ferries or Aquabus to Granville Island. That alone can be tons of fun!

TIP #3: While at Granville Island, pop into the Public Market and explore the island with its gardens, toy stores and play areas. On the day we went a couple of years ago, there were dozens of adult Canada geese and their goslings wandering around. This made for some extra fun photos of our own – so don’t forget your camera!

Other Information

For more information, see the Vancouver Children’s Festival website. And for information about a similar event in Surrey, check out Surrey Sparks Stages.

Check out Vancouver’s Best Places for Children for other ideas on what to do with your kids.

Other articles that might be of interest include the following:

To learn about a similar event a couple of hours north of Vancouver, click Whistler Children’s Festival. Another website you might find of interest is Vancouver For Kids.