The Ottawa Children’s Festival exists to surround young people with excellence in performing arts that excites their instinctive creativity, their boundless imaginations and encourages individual expression. Join us May 8-12 as we celebrate the world’s finest performing arts for young audiences and their families.
Our 34th Festival lineup consists of highly acclaimed Canadian and international productions from across the globe.
“They Called Her Vivaldi” is the story of a girl named Cecilia Maria, called Vivaldi by many for her musical gifts, and her father Edward M. Haberdasher who makes her a hat which she calls Capello. Through the eyes and ears of this gifted young girl, the audience goes on an adventure to discover the gifts and talents hidden within the town of Triste.
(Ireland, Ages 7+)
“Fly” is a poetic journey into a circus universe with strange characters, big emotions and captivating puppet imagery.
(Denmark, Ages 5+)
“Kaschtanka”, a young dog, loses her master and can not find her way back home. George, a circus clown and trainer, discovers Kaschtanka on the street and takes her to become a member of his unusual circus troupe. Together with a goose, a cat, and a pig, they live a life of adventure, thrill and fame. After George passes, Kaschtanka becomes restless to find another owner - to her surprise she notices her former master in the audience…Curtains up for a piece of world literature for kids with live music, real actors and incredible tricks. Immerse yourself in the world of circus!
(Germany, Ages 7+)
With puppetry and animation, the story of “A MANO” is brought to life with only clay and fingers. Young or old, this amazing show will captivate your interest. Countless lessons on the value of friendship, love and sympathy guide us to the most important things in life. A MANO is a must see! Let this little terracotta adventure take you by the hand and lead you on a journey to a unique little world!
Spain (Ages 6+)
Andy Cannon, Scotland’s beloved performer for young audiences, brings Shakespeare to Ottawa with “Is This a Dagger? The Story of Macbeth”. A one-man show with a compact set and original music, Cannon provides plenty of entertainment as he transforms from one character to the next. This compelling and critically acclaimed adaptation makes understanding and appreciating Shakespearean literature fun and easy for everyone!
(Scotland, Ages 8+)
“Paper Planet”, a beautiful, gentle installation is filled with tall, strange cardboard trees, paper leaves, boulders, birds, and creatures. The artists aid children with their creations and explore the intersection between play and performance in this evolving world, accompanied by a live soundscape that transports everyone deeper and deeper into this fantastical shared creation!
(Australia, All ages)
“Les Parfaits Inconnus” is an adventure through the circus arts where comedy, acrobatics, imbalance, and juggling come together to the rhythm of live music. Seven crazy characters carry us through a Rock ‘N’ Roll performance for an hour of delirium!
Quebec (All ages)
The main Festival site is located outdoors at LeBreton Flats Park where you’ll find lots of activities on-site to keep the kids entertained. Confirmed animators include “Cirque du Soleil”, Altitude Gym, Miss Mills’ Puppet Workshop, Kromatik face panting, Archery Games, Salsa Kids, Pedalheads, Let’s Talk Science, Zorbs, Little Ray’s Reptiles, Springfree Tramplines, Tim Holmes, Orbital Talent with their “Alice in Funderland Tea Party” and much more to discover!
For the second year in a row, Nature Canada will be celebrating World Migratory Bird Day at our Festival – Saturday, May 9.
Buy your tickets, pack a picnic (or visit one of our food vendors), and spend a magical day at the Ottawa Children’s Festival (group rates also available).
CONTEST! During the month of April, through the first week of May we are holding a contest, in various Ottawa communities, called #OCFRocks. There are two ways to win a family pass - hiding and finding! You can paint a rock and write #OCFRocks on it. Then simply hide it in your local park and share a photo of it on social media, tagging us. Additionally, WE will be placing special rocks in neighbourhood parks.
Help spread a little joy in your neighbourhood. Kids who find a rock will also have a chance to win. Full details on our website under “Events” and “Community Contests”.
For examples of decorated rocks from our Ottawa Public Library craft workshops, please search our social media channels for #OCFRocks and/or #FJORocks.
Facebook @OttawaChildrensFestival
Instagram @OttawaChildrensFest
Twitter @OttChildFest
The purpose of this project is to celebrate creativity, inclusion and the importance of community.
Please visit ottawachildrensfestival.ca for more details and to purchase tickets.
