6 things to do and see at the Calgary International Children's Festival

The Calgary International Children’s Festival is coming to town May 25 to 28 and the list of entertainers and attractions is wide and varied. There’s something for everyone: preschoolers, kids, tweens, and parents.

Yes, it’s my wife who is more than a little excited to see Fred Penner (again).

Here’s a list of some highlights to get you started planning your festival experience.

Fred Penner

Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: May 25 at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., May 26 at 10 a.m.

Canadian music icon and member of the Order of Canada, Fred Penner returns to Calgary with his classic hit The Cat Came Back and many more classic songs. Winner of multiple JUNO-Awards, host of Fred Penner’s Place, and music master of 25 years, he’s a man who needs no introduction. As an artist, he delivers a simple, yet powerful message. “Never underestimate your ability to make a difference in the life of a child.”

Doktor Kaboom: LIVE WIRE! The Electricity Tour

Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
When: May 27 at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., May 28 at 2 p.m.

Explore the nature of electricity with the (slightly) mad, scientifically ingenious Doktor Kaboom. What is it? What does it do for us? Where does it come from? With Tesla Coils, Van de Graaf Generators, and a ping pong shooting robot, Doktor Kaboom explains everything from voltage and current, to charges, conservation of energy, and plasma – all with a healthy dose of audience participation.

Ugly Animal Roadshow

Where: Max Bell Theatre
When: May 25 10 a.m. at 12:30 p.m., May 26 10 a.m. at 6:30 p.m.

Grotesque? Maybe. Weird? Most likely. Out of this world? Quite possibly. The Ugly Animal Roadshow brings you the best of the worst from the aptly named blob fish, to the strangely disfigured naked mole rat. Join biologist and presenter Simon Watt for a performance that celebrates and explores the incredible biology of the animal kingdom’s most monstrous. The show features videos, demonstrations, and lots and lots of audience participation.

The Dakhkà Khwaàn Dancers

Where: Arts Commons, Stage Door Theatre
When: May 25 – May 27 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., May 28 at 11 a.m.

Celebrating the artistic expression of their cultural roots, The Dakhkà Khwaàn Dancers represent the inland Tlingit communities and their connection to the soaring Raven and Eagle, bringing their energizing and beautiful performances to communities across Canada. Since their formation in 2007, they have been inspiring and educating audiences young and old with their powerful blend of dance, music, and storytelling, all while maintaining the utmost respect to their ancestral art forms.

Splash’N Boots

Where: Max Bell Theatre
When: May 27 at 12:30 p.m. and May 28 at 10 a.m.

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JUNO-nominated musical duo Splash’N Boots returns to Calgary with a fresh line-up of fun, educational, and upbeat tunes that will have parents and children alike dancing in the aisles. Featured regularly on TreehouseTV, Splash’N Boots has released eight award-winning albums and been featured in compilation albums along with Canadian icons Fred Penner, The Wiggles, and Sharon Lois and Bram.

Outdoor Activities

Where: Olympic Plaza
When: May 25 to 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to the ticketed concerts and performances in the nearby theatres, Olympic Plaza is a place to wander and explore. There are dozens of entertainers and things to do outside for FREE! You can twist a ribbon on the May Pole, make crafts, get your face-painted, play games, experience the roving entertainers who will have you laughing with delight, and more! Rain or shine there’s something for everyone!