Vancouver International Children’s Festival 2025 Announces: A Week of Wonder, Creativity, and Live Performance
World-class theatre, music, dance, circus and more return to Granville Island from May 26 – June 1, 2025
Vancouver, BC (April 23, 2025) - The 48th Annual Vancouver International Children’s Festival returns to Granville Island from May 26 – June 1, bringing an unforgettable week of world-class theatre, music, dance, circus, puppetry and storytelling to children and families across Metro Vancouver. Eleven professional performing artists and companies—from as far away as Ireland and the UK—will present a total of 79 performances, all designed to ignite joy and celebrate the power of live performance.
“Our Festival is a beloved tradition in Metro Vancouver and we are thrilled to present our 48th Festival!” says Katharine Carol, Artistic and Executive Director. “Celebrating the joy of artistic expression, the Festival brings together diverse, multi-disciplinary shows that engage, inspire and entertain. We believe in the transformative power of the arts and are committed to making the Festival as inclusive and accessible as possible. Through the stories we share, the artists we present and the variety of shows we offer, we aim to reflect and represent the many experiences of children today.”
Highlights of this year’s Festival include two works from the United Kingdom, I Wish I Was a Mountain by Toby Thompson, a poetic, thought-provoking theatre experience and, Club Origami by Seven Circles, a magical dance show designed especially for younger audiences. The Festival also features acclaimed artists from across Canada, including the gravity-defying acrobatics of Kalabanté Productions’ Won’Ma Africa—a high-energy celebration of African culture that is sure to thrill audiences of all ages.
Tickets On Sale Now
Tickets can be purchased online at ChildrensFestival.ca, or during the Festival at our on-site box office located between Festival House and the Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island.
Tickets start at $13.50 for children/seniors and $23 for adults (plus service charges and tax). Each show ticket includes access to the Festival’s popular Activity Village, where families can enjoy over a dozen hands-on arts activities—from circus skills to scavenger hunts—designed to inspire creativity and connection.
2025 Featured Performers
Won-Ma Africa (Kalabanté Productions, Guinea / Québec) — You’ll be blown away by the breathtaking acrobatics and death-defying feats of Won’Ma Africa! Kalabanté Productions’ handful of daring acrobats perform to the pulsating rhythm of the djembes of Guinea with authentic movement and acrobatics. Come experience a mix of modern circus and traditional African dance and music including drums, Kora and singing that come together in a spectacular show of stunts and tricks. This entertaining show embodies the strength, agility and joy of life found in African youth. Their joie de vivre is so infectious that afterwards you’ll backflip out of the theatre! All ages.
Kym Gouchie & Band (Turtle Island) — Join Kym Gouchie and her band on an unforgettable musical journey where singing, dancing, and learning come together! Embodying the spirit of her latest release, Shun Beh Nats’ujeh/We are Healing Through Songs, Kym’s high-energy, interactive performance invites all ages to celebrate and connect. Through catchy tunes and lively rhythms, Kym weaves her ancestral languages into a cultural experience that’s as fun as it is enriching—perfect for the whole family! In association with Talking Stick. Ages 3–12.
Luminarium (Cause & Effect Circus, British Columbia) — A visually stunning journey where Cause & Effect Circus blurs the lines between illusion and technology. High-level circus skills, inventive lighting tricks, and clever object manipulation bring a whimsical world to life, transforming juggling into a truly magical experience. Three performers work together, navigating tricky moments as they create captivating scenes. With a creative mix of lighting effects, technology and mesmerizing juggling, you’ll be pulled into an exciting, multi-sensory adventure. Luminarium is a show full of humor, wonder, and surprise, with sound effects that make every moment even more fun. All ages.
Where Have All The Buffalo Gone? (Axis Theatre, British Columbia) — Move through time at this powerful Métis story that helps us remember and understand our past. Where Have All The Buffalo Gone?, follows two Métis souls as they journey through seven important moments in Métis history—from the birth of Métis nations on the plains to the colonization driven by the fur trade, the disappearance of the buffalo, and the rise of the Métis Association of Alberta. This moving tale weaves together stories and a life-sized buffalo puppet, with true historical events to explore the love, loss, and resilience of Treaty 6’s Métis peoples. At its heart, this story celebrates the rich lessons and love stories of the buffalo. In association with Talking Stick. Ages 9 and up.
I Wish I Was A Mountain (The Egg — Theatre Royal Bath, United Kingdom) — On the day of the annual fair, the town of Faldum gets an unexpected visitor—a mysterious wanderer who offers to grant anyone’s wildest wish. But as two townsfolk soon discover, getting exactly what you want can lead to surprising consequences. One vanishes into his own music, while the other becomes a lonely mountain. Written and performed by Poetry Slam Champion Toby Thompson, I Wish I Was a Mountain is a bold reimagining of Hermann Hesse’s classic tale, blending rhyme, jazz, with a sprinkle of philosophy. Do we really need the things we think we do? How did time begin? Leave the answers behind—this show invites kids to come as they are and explore big questions with curiosity and an open heart. Ages 7 and up.
Sing the World! with Ginalina and Friends (British Columbia) — Get ready for a musical journey around the globe! Sing, dance, and gather clues as you explore folk songs from Korea, Estonia, Spain, Benin, India, France, China, and beyond. Through rhythms, songs, and different languages, you’ll discover the sounds of the world and work together to solve a Mystery Sound. Presented by 4x Juno-nominated Ginalina on guitar, North Benin’s Yoro Noukoussi on djembe, donga (talking drum) and kokomba (conga), and Shanghai Conservatory of Music-trained Sarah Yusha Tan on the guzheng (ancient Chinese zither), Sing the World! will captivate audiences young and old. Every show presents a featured guest with a unique cultural song to share. Plus, families can access a special digital resource package to dive even deeper into the fun. Ages 0–9.
Club Origami (Seven Circles, United Kingdom) — Rip, fold and scrumple! What can we create with a single square of paper? As you scrunch the paper, watch how your imagination begins to dance… Dive into the magical world of Club Origami, an immersive and interactive dance show inviting families to create, imagine and explore whole new ways of thinking, playing and moving. Dance, fashion, and live music merge with the magic of origami, whisking audiences away on a playful and inspiring adventure through a world made entirely of paper. Get ready for a delightful journey where creativity unfolds in every twist and turn! Co-presented by Boca del Lupo’s Micro Performance Series and the Vancouver International Children’s Festival. Ages 1–6.
Liwanda Africa! (Jacky Essombe and friends, British Columbia with roots in Cameroon, Benin, Guinea, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe) — Get ready for an adventure through Africa! In Liwanda Africa, Queen Auntie Jacky and her talented friends bring the vibrant rhythms, songs, and dances from West, Central, East, and Southern Africa to life. This energetic performance will sweep you into the heart of African cultures, where you’ll meet legendary characters from traditional folktales. But the journey can’t happen without you! Clap, sing, dance, and cheer as we come together as a village to explore Africa’s rich traditions in this unforgettable, interactive experience! All ages. En Français.
Same Same Different (The Myrtle Sisters, British Columbia) — Get ready to howl with laughter at The Myrtle Sisters’ zany antics. The sisters have always dressed, sung, danced, and even eaten in perfect sync. But when a series of unexpected mishaps unfolds, their secret uniqueness is revealed! Will they still be part of the trio if their differences are discovered? Expect plenty of charm, shenanigans, surprises and outrageous fun, all delivered in three-part harmony. Through live music, tap, and swing, The Myrtle Sisters discover that being unique doesn’t mean you can’t belong. This silly comedy is a hilarious journey that reminds us to embrace our differences and dance to our own beat! All ages.
The Libravian (Brú Theatre, Ireland) — Meet Lynn, a lovable ‘libravian’ quietly minding her own business—until she’s unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, doing the one thing she swore she’d never do again! In The Libravian, actor James Riordan leads audiences on a lively book bonanza, bringing stories to life with big-hearted physical comedy. Featuring brave and diverse tales, this enchanting show celebrates courage, identity, and the transformative power of storytelling. With whimsical costumes, clever soundscapes, and plenty of laughs, it’s a joyful, interactive adventure that inspires everyone to embrace their creativity, celebrate bravery, and rediscover the magic of books! In association with Zee Zee Theatre. Ages 7–11.
Whipped Up! (Soap and Rope Theatre, United States) — Get ready for a hilarious adventure in Whipped Up!, where Dottie, a server at a 1950s-style diner, tackles her first day on the job—only this time, the customers are babies! With little ones calling the shots and caregivers along for the ride, Dottie’s eager-to-please attitude is quickly put to the test. As Dottie tends to her “hard-to-please” clients (imagine babies doing what they do best—creating adorable chaos), she grows more and more frazzled—and endlessly entertaining! Packed with sensory play to captivate tiny audience members, this show is equally hilarious for parents! Watch your baby step into the spotlight at this unique comedy. Ages 0–2.
Variety Show Watch Festival performers cut loose at our annual Variety Show! This year’s tour de force features daring stunts and high-energy feats from Won’Ma Africa, the zany antics of The Myrtle Sisters, the juggling magic from Luminarium, a feast of traditional songs, music and dance from Liwanda Africa! Plus, sing along with the brightest star in the world of family folk music, Ginalina! This fun-filled evening is always a highlight for kids and adults alike. Hosted by none other than Queen Auntie Jacky, Jacky Essombe! All ages.
The Vancouver International Children’s Festival gratefully acknowledges the following for their generous support: The City of Vancouver Cultural Services, the BC Arts Council, The Government of British Columbia — Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, CMHC Granville Island, Y.P Heung Foundation, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority proudly representing the Port of Vancouver, Odlum Brown, Amacon, Tree Island Yogurt, Diamond Foundation, Pattison Outdoor, Squamish Nation, Lamar Transit Advertising, Waves Coffee, City TV, Omni, Stir Arts & Culture Vancouver, WestCoast Families, Vancouver is Awesome, VancouverMom.ca and Fairchild Media Group.
About the Vancouver International Children’s Festival
The longest running professional performing arts festival for young audiences and the first of its kind in North America and Europe, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival presents the world’s finest music, theatre, dance, puppetry, acrobatics and storytelling, as well as creative arts activities for the entire family. Families come from near and far to experience this extraordinary annual arts festival created specifically for children and families. We are dedicated to providing creative, diverse programming that engages and delights our young audience.
Media interview requests please contact:
Joanne Da Silva | Communications Manager
Vancouver International Children’s Festival
e: marketing[@]childrensfestival.ca
t: 604.708.5655
About Canada Council for the Arts
The Canada Council for the Arts contributes to the vibrancy of a creative and diverse arts and literary scene and supports its presence across Canada and around the world. The Council is Canada’s public arts funder, with a mandate to “foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts.” The Council’s grants, services, initiatives, prizes, and payments support Canadian artists, authors, and arts groups and organizations. This support allows them to pursue artistic expression, create works of art, and promote and disseminate the arts and literature. Through its arts funding, communications, research, and promotion activities, the Council fosters ever-growing engagement of Canadians and international audiences in the arts. The Council’s Public Lending Right (PLR) program makes annual payments to creators whose works are held in Canadian public libraries. The Council’s Art Bank operates art rental programs and helps further public engagement with contemporary arts through exhibition and outreach activities. The Council is responsible for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, which promotes the values and programs of UNESCO to contribute to a future of peace, reconciliation, equity, and sustainable development.