Whistler Children’s Festival 2026

Get ready for a weekend full of creative, family-based fun as the Whistler Children’s Festival takes over May 15 to 17! There are nine shows and 13 workshops with award-winning performers who aim to wow and inspire their young audience with circus and magic acts, science spectacles, live music performances and workshops, and undoubtedly, a little mayhem. 

“It’s such a privilege for me to be involved with this festival,” says Dave Francis, Programs and Events Manager at Arts Whistler. “Going into its 43rd year the Children’s Festival has evolved many times, and this year feels like the beginning of a new era.

We’re focused on delivering a festival that has space for everyone to participate, that fills the streets with joy and wonder and delivers world class theatre shows and workshops. We know the creative thinkers and performers of the future are there with us, so our job is just to light the spark of imagination and see what they’ll do next.”

Whistler Children’s Festival 2026:
Dates: May 15 to 17, 2026
Location: Whistler, BC
Events: 8 shows, 13 workshops and free entertainment
Price: Shows tickets $20 and workshop tickets $15, family packs of 4 tickets are discounted to $70
Best for: Kids aged 3 to 12 who love to have fun!

Let’s Dive In

I’m a Whistler-based mom of three (current ages 7 and 9), who has been going to the Whistler Children’s Festival for four years. I’m going to walk you through what I’ve learned over the years, as well as dive into what’s happening this year.

The schedule has been carefully curated so that your little ones can get pumped at a performance and then have a go themselves with a workshop (all around 45 minutes long). Kids love the impromptu roving entertainment and the chance to show off their moves with free activities like the beloved kids’ karaoke, the Ta Da Lady, dance parties, Stories on Wheels and more (the free activities schedule launches in early May).

So, let the Whistler Children’s Festival take care of the weekend entertainment – all you’ve got to do is bring the kids! 

What You Need to Know

• Get your tickets in advance! As someone who has attempted to “wing” this festival in the past, I’d advise getting your tickets in advance as some of these shows and workshops sell out ahead of time (the science events tend to go first). And if you’ve already promised a rocket launch and don’t deliver, it’s gonna take a lot of ice cream to come back from that. Workshop tickets are $15 and theatre shows are $20 per ticket, with the option of a four-ticket show bundle for $70 ($10 in savings).
• Most of the theatre shows are good for all ages (three to 12). There must be an adult (19+) in attendance to supervise during the shows (what a great excuse)!
• Double-check the suggested age for the workshops. Some of them are split into older and younger groups. If your kiddo’s on the cusp of the age group, email the event organizers. For the younger kiddos in workshops, parents are welcome to stay and help (no need to buy an extra ticket), but for the older ones, you can go grab a coffee!
• The theatre performances (40 minutes) and workshops (45 minutes) are all happening at the Maury Young Arts Centre (MYAC), which is located in the heart of Whistler Village. There are also activations in and around Olympic Plaza and over at Florence Petersen Park, which is a lovely, shaded green space behind the Whistler Public Library. This is a very walkable section of ground to cover, even with little legs, and there are moments of surprise around each corner during the festival!
• NEW for this year is the kids’ market, run by Bratz Biz, which empowers young entrepreneurs. Find them on the Whistler Village Stroll close to Whistler Olympic Plaza (and purebread) and peruse the young artisan and knick-knacks on offer.

Whistler Children’s Festival at a Glance

Date	Time	Event	Type	Age	Location
Friday, May 15	4 – 6 PM	Festival Street Party	Party	All Ages	MYAC Outside
Friday, May 15	5:30 PM	Pyjama and Popcorn Movie Night	Show	All Ages	MYAC Theatre
Saturday, May 16	11 AM	Orbax and Pepper Do Science	Show	All Ages	MYAC Theatre
Saturday, May 16	12 PM	Songs and Rattle Workshop	Workshop	3 – 7	MYAC
Saturday, May 16	12 PM	Acting Out! An Improv Acting Workshop	Workshop	7 – 9	MYAC
Saturday, May 16	1 PM	Penny Pompom and Fae the Garden Fairy	Show	All Ages (content-wise, maybe younger)	MYAC Theatre
Saturday, May 16	1 PM	Acting Out! An Improv Acting Workshop	Workshop	10+	MYAC
Saturday, May 16	2 PM (1hr long)	Comedy Magic Workshop	Workshop	10+	MYAC
Saturday, May 16	2 PM	Learn to Stiltwalk and Juggle Workshop	Workshop	5+	Olympic Plaza Pavillion
Saturday, May 16	2 PM	Fools Proof: A Clowning Workshop	Workshop	8+	MYAC
Saturday, May 16	3 PM	Laugh Out LIVE! Jr. The Joke Jamboree	Show	All Ages	MYAC Theatre
Saturday, May 16	4 PM	Rocket Science Workshop with Orbax and Pepper	Workshop	6+	Olympic Plaza Pavilion
Saturday, May 16	4 PM	Object Balancing Workshop	Workshop	4+	MYAC
Saturday, May 16	5 PM	The Comedy Magic of Rod Boss	Show	All Ages	MYAC Theatre
Sunday, May 17	11 AM	Orbax & Pepper Do Science	Show	All Ages	MYAC Theatre
Sunday, May 17	12 PM	Magic Art with Jess: Watercolours Workshop	Workshop	8+	MYAC
Sunday, May 17	1 PM	Yuki the Juggler: All the Way From Japan	Show	All Ages	MYAC Theatre
Sunday, May 17	2 PM	Creative Movement Workshop	Workshop	8+	MYAC
Sunday, May 17	2 PM	Learn to Stiltwalk and Juggle Workshop	Workshop	5+	Olympic Plaza Pavilion
Sunday, May 17	3 PM	Glamily	Show/Party	All Ages	MYAC Theatre
Sunday, May 17	4 PM	Martian Landing Workshop	Workshop	6+	Olympic Plaza Pavilion
Sunday, May 17	4 PM	Kendama Workshop	Workshop	5+	MYAC
Sunday, May 17	5 PM	Powwow Mash-Up	Show	All Ages	MYAC Theatre

Free Festival Street Party on Friday

Face painting, you say? Sidewalk chalk extravaganza? Popping bubbles to sing-along tunes? We’re in. The Children’s Festival kicks off on Friday at MYAC with the free Festival Street Party. You can take a look at the program of events and book some more things right there, but remember, if there’s a key thing your child is interested in, it’s best to book in advance.

Pyjama and Popcorn Movie Night

After you’ve partied, it’s time to get the PJs on and join rookie cops Judy Hoops and Nick Wilde in Zootopia 2 on the big screen at MYAC. Kiddos must be accompanied by an adult, so this is a family movie night!

Whistler Children’s Festival – Itineraries

I don’t have to tell you that kids don’t (and shouldn’t) fit neatly into boxes, and one of the fun ways of exploring the festival is to dip into all the different genres like a kid with a pick ‘n’ mix. However, to give you an idea of a few possible itineraries, I’ve devised three by event-type below.

For Those Kiddos Who Want to Join the Circus

Comedy Magic Workshop

Think your kid would love to master a good card trick, explore the secrets of mentalism and build stage confidence? Rod Boss’s Comedy Magic Workshop makes magic accessible, exciting and fun, so your kiddo can amaze family and friends! Get your tickets here.

Learn to Stiltwalk and Juggle Workshop

Perhaps your kiddo is more into physical exploits? Kids create their own balls and then learn the basics of juggling, as well as having a go on actual stilts! Note that this workshop is on at the same time and place on both Saturday and Sunday. Get your tickets here.

Fool’s Proof: A Clowning Workshop

Do you have a little comedian who needs an outlet? This is a fun-filled workshop that dives into the world of clowning, exploring character, performance style, movement, storytelling, dance, music, and costume. It’s interactive and confidence-building, learning creative ways to communicate and think outside the box. Get your tickets here.

Object Balancing Workshop

Kids get to learn how to keep things from falling with award-winning juggler, Yuki. This is a hands-on workshop that develops coordination and control, and some interesting ways to stack stuff! We’ve heard from the Arts Whistler team that the objects being balanced get harder with age! Get your tickets here.

The Comedy Magic of Rod Boss – Performance

Join the Children’s Magician of the Year in an interactive magic show that’s wowed audiences across the globe. This is an event the whole family will enjoy. Get your tickets here.

Yuki the Juggler: All the Way From Japan

Ancient Japanese traditions collide with jaw-dropping circus tricks, samurai swords, and sparkling crystal balls in this all-ages show with award-winning Japanese Canadian, Yuki. He blends the rhythm, skill and spectacle of a 400-year-old Japanese performance art with modern juggling and hilarious audience fun. Get your tickets here.

Sunday: Kendama Workshop

A kendama is a traditional Japanese skill toy consisting of a handle (usually made of wood) and a ball with a string connecting the two. It may look simple, but this toy can pull off some serious tricks, which your kids can learn alongside Yuki. Get your tickets here.

How Your Children’s Festival Could Look

Saturday, May 16: A workshop in magic, juggling and stilts, or clowning (only time for one of these), followed by balancing objects and then a magic show.

Sunday, May 17: Inspired by yesterday’s workshop, you head to Yuki’s juggling show, then to the stilts and juggling workshop, followed by kendama.

For the Little Scientists & Budding Astronauts

Saturday & Sunday: Orbaz and Pepper Do Science

Kicking off the performances at this year’s festival is the enigmatic team of Orbax and Pepper with the Do Science Show. This show is all about weird science that’s messy and loud, featuring interactive experiments and crowd participation. Get your Saturday tickets here and Sunday tickets here.

Rocket Science Workshop with Orbax and Pepper

Calling all space cadets! Junior scientists use baking soda, vinegar and a soda bottle to create their own rocket for blast-off in this hands-on workshop happening Saturday, May 16, from 4 to 4:45 PM at MYAC, good for ages six plus.

Get your tickets here.

Martian Landing Workshop

What goes up must come down. Kids take on the challenge of designing a safe landing system, made out of everyday materials, that can be dropped from as high as possible! Get your tickets here.

For the Budding Artists, Performers & Musicians

Songs and Rattle Workshop

Does your little one love music? This interactive workshop is a joyful way to connect with Indigenous culture, music, and creativity. Led by Indigenous musician Virginia Sparvier-Wells, festival goers are treated to beautiful flute music and learn a rattle song composed especially for young children. Get your tickets here.

Penny Pompom and Fae the Garden Fairy

Mixing music and magic, Penny Pom Pom and Fae the Garden Fairy lead kiddos in singing and dancing. With fan favourites like “A Hug from Mother Earth” and “The Pom Pom Song,” this show is a joyful, engaging experience for children of all ages that will have kiddos on their feet. Get your tickets here.

Acting Out! An Improv Acting Workshop

This session blends equal parts learning and laughter through theatre and improv games designed to build confidence, hone listening skills, and nurture creativity—while also developing character through storytelling. Note that there are two workshops, one for ages seven to nine and the other for 10+. Get your tickets for the younger age group here and the older age group here.

Laugh Out LIVE! The Joke Jamboree

This is a fast-paced comedy variety show for families, packed with big laughs from start to finish. Featuring improv inspired by audience suggestions, larger-than-life characters, and prize giveaways, this lively show gets both kids and parents playing and giggling together. Get your tickets here.

Creative Movement Workshop

Dance to powwow music, kids’ pop, and other lively tunes while exploring rhythm, energy, and joy through movement with Indigenous musician Virginia Sparvier-Wells. Get your tickets here.

Magic Art with Jess: Watercolours Workshop

Who doesn’t love a sloth? Young artists will learn basic sketching and watercolour techniques to create their very own sloth painting. Taught by professional artist Jessica Mai, this is a step-by-step watercolour creation that you get to take home with you! Get tickets here.

Glamily – Dance & Dress-Up Party

This is a joyful gender-creative dress-up and dance party with local drag performers. Part drag show, part lip-sync open mic, and part dress-up party, Glamily is 100% fun. Dance, celebrate, laugh, and show off your most glamorous self in a welcoming and inclusive space. Get tickets here.

Powwow Mash-Up

Powwow Mash-UP! brings the excitement, skill, and creativity of Indigenous dance from the Plains to life with hoop dances, flute music and stories. Dancers from the Cree, Blackfoot, Stoney Nakoda, and Tahltan/Kaska communities of Wild Mint Arts share the meaning behind each dance, giving children a chance to celebrate, learn and ask questions about this rich cultural treasure. Get tickets here.

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Whistler Children’s Festival Top Picks By Age

After reading through the descriptions, I put a few of my top picks below.

Younger Kid Top Picks

1. Penny Pompom and Fae the Garden Fairy
2. Songs and Rattle Workshop
3. Glamily

Tween Kid Top Picks

1. Acting Out! An Improv Acting Workshop
2. Comedy Magic Workshop
3. Fool’s Proof: A Clowning Workshop
4. Kendama Workshop
5. Powwow Mash-Up

All-Family Top Picks

1. Powwow Mash-Up
2. The Comedy Magic of Rod Boss
3. Yuki the Juggler: All the Way From Japan

Phew! That’s quite the festival! From science to dancing, acting and painting, the Whistler Children’s Festival covers a lot of creative ground. Remember to factor in the free events, time for snacks and that letting your hair down alongside your kiddo is what this festival is all about.

8 Top Whistler Children’s Festival Tips

1. Note that the doors open half an hour before the start time of the theatre performances. We all know kiddos can take their sweet time getting out the door, so aim for the doors open time so you have time to settle in before the show starts! The decals from the Anonymous Art Show will be on display in the free gallery, which you walk through to get to the theatre – a fun feast for the eyes!
2. The majority of the workshops only have the capacity for 15 kiddos, so booking early is recommended. These small group sizes allow children to fully engage independently, which is perfect for parents who want to grab a coffee or explore nearby. For workshops geared toward ages 4 to 6, parents are welcome to stay if their child needs extra support (you don’t have to buy another ticket). Come five to 10 minutes before the start time for these.
3. Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle (there are water stations at MYAC and Olympic Plaza), creativity is thirsty work! Note that noisy packaging or crunchy snacks should be avoided during shows and workshops. Check out our blog on family dining in Whistler for suggestions for dinner.
4. If your child falls outside of a workshop’s listed age range, parents are encouraged to email Arts Whistler at moc.reltsihwstraobfsctd-7b8217@ofni to discuss if the workshop is a good fit.
5. In between performances and workshops, you could head to the children’s play area (opposite Blenz), a short walk away from the Maury Young Arts Centre. There are coffee shops and bakeries all around this area if anyone is peckish!
6. Book your accommodation ahead of time to make things easier, and think about choosing somewhere in Whistler Village to reduce walk time on little legs. Booking earlier typically means you save money, especially on hotel packages. With Whistler.com, if you stay three nights or longer, you get a free $150 activity voucher.
7. Bring family and friends. As Whistler has so much to do, you can bring your in-laws, parents or other friends and family so you can sneak out for a date night!
8. Know that you and your family are welcome at the festival. We’re all in the same boat; kids have meltdowns (as do parents). The Whistler Children’s Festival is an open and understanding place for your child to explore the magic of performance. With each show and workshop being around 45 minutes long, it’s an accessible introduction to this world, which I hope will lead to a lifetime of cultural fun.

Stay 3+ Nights and Receive a Free Activity Voucher

Stay longer than the weekend and enjoy more of Whistler. Receive a free $150 CAD Activity Voucher on stays of 3+ nights if you book before April 30 with promo code SUMMER2026 or call 1.800.944.7853 and mention the offer to one of our Travel Consultants when booking. This offer is only at Whistler.com while quantities last!

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