The Calgary International Children's Festival is Coming...Get Ready!

Written by: Calgary's Child

Calgary International Children's Festival bursts onto the scene each May, welcoming over 50,000 parents, children, teachers, and theatre-lovers each year. The Festival is a place where parents can share Calgary's vibrant arts and culture with their children, and the kids, young and old, can come to explore, discover, and expand their creative selves. As the creative thinkers of tomorrow, this offers an invaluable chance to experience the arts, often for the first time, in a fun, safe, and imaginative Festival environment.

As an avid supporter of the Festival, Allie Percival-Wightman (our Social Media Manager) was able to sit down with Brian Dorscht, Curator of the Festival, and learn more about this annual event. 

Allie: Calgary International Children's Festival is for kids of all ages, including those of us who are kids at heart - what show do you think will blow everyone's minds this year? 

Brian Dorscht: That's a tough question, but I think that I have to say that the show that really blows my mind is LEO. Have you ever thought of walking on walls, or twirling on the ceiling? LEO does just that! It's an anti-gravity acrobatic experience, and it will blow your mind. 

Allie: Any other highlights?

Brian Dorscht: There is so much to do! You could spend the entire day here. On top of the shows inside Arts Commons, there are over 20 activities outside on Olympic Plaza, as well as live shows on the Circle Stage. This year, we also have a gigantic show called SQUONK, which is going to take place in the middle of the Olympic Plaza pool. Basically if you're outside, rain or shine, there is a place for you to play. 

Allie: There's been a lot of buzz that the Wild Kratts will be at the Festival this year! Can you tell us a bit about the show?

Brian Dorscht: Have you ever been in the wild? In the wild, there are wild creatures, and there are also two wild men called Chris and Martin Kratt. They have a wonderful television show that teaches kids about animals, and their live stage show is a multi-media extravaganza that involves the whole audience. It's just like a live TV show! 

Allie: I've seen the kooky crossing guard clowns every year at the Festival. What's the story there? 

Brian Dorscht: Our Keystone Kops are inspired by the cops from old silent movies - clumsy and silly cops whose antics would always make you laugh. Students, as part of their course at the University of Calgary, take part in the festival as our Keystone Kops. They don't speak regular language, and they delight everyone, keeping people entertained and safe while they're coming to and from the Festival site.

Allie: Tell us about BAM.

Brian Dorscht: If you're looking for wild and crazy fun, the show BAM is all that. BAM are three people who are crazy percussionists who speak in their own prehistoric language, and you will jump and scream and laugh along with them.

Allie: Will there be magic at the Festival this year? 

Brian Dorscht: It's always good to have a magician around. We're going to have our very own magician, Ryan Pilling, performing both on stage and roving the Festival teaching children his own special tricks. Who knows, you might learn a bit of magic yourself!

Tips and Tricks

Make sure you dress for rain or shine! Sunscreen, and a hat if it's sunny or a rain coat and boots if it's calling for rain. Either way, you won't want to miss out on the outdoor activities!

If you're taking the train, jump off at Centre Street Station if you're travelling eastbound, and if you're westbound, use City Hall Station.

Parking downtown is simpler than you think! You can park under Arts Commons or, if we're full up, City Hall parkade and Telus Convention Centre parkade are less than a block away and full connected by the +15 network. 

For any other questions, visit calgarykidsfest.ca/guide. See you there!