A free to attend festival for the whole family

May 10 and May 11 2024

Rotary Park, Cranbrook / ʔA·KISK̓AQǂIʔIT

Our Story
The Kootenay Children’s Festival has been providing FREE hands-on activities and live performances for the whole family for 38 years now!
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Mountain Song at 1:10 pm!

Mountain Song is a children’s choir in Cranbrook, BC. The group is comprised of students in grades Grades 3 to 6, with hopes and dreams to expand this age range in the future.See them on Saturday at 1:10 PM!

Cranbrook Arts Toddler Paint at 3:15pm!

Unleash your toddler's creativity at Cranbrook Arts' Toddler Paint Party! A perfect way to start the festival filled with splashes of color and heaps of fun, this event is designed to let little ones explore their artistic side in a playful and safe environment. Join us for a colorful adventure that’s sure to brighten your toddler’s day—and perhaps discover a mini Picasso in the making!

Christina the Crazy Hooper at 10:30 am!

Christina Munchinsky is a captivating hula hooper entertainer and performer known for her mesmerizing and energetic routines. With a unique blend of skill, creativity, and charisma, she brings joy and excitement to audiences of all ages. Christina's dynamic performances showcase the artistry and fun of hula hooping, making her a standout talent in the entertainment world.
See and Learn from Christina the Crazy Hooper at 10:30 am with workshop and 1:40 pm!

Festival Finale: The GoldenCrust Family, presented by Les Deux de Pique

Let's end the festival with a bang with a finale show of the GoldenCrust Family!
We invite you to meet the GoldenCrusts. Grace and her boyfriend Kevin are freshly returned from a trip to Florida, and they're setting up camp in your neighbourhood! The GoldenCrust Family is a theatrical production focusing on circus arts and physical comedy with a heavy dose of cheesyness.

Rhythm By Nature Drums at 5:00 pm!

Feel the pulse of the planet with Rhythm By Nature Drums! Join us for an immersive drumming experience that connects you to the heartbeat of the earth. Whether you're a seasoned percussionist or a curious newcomer, our expert-led sessions will guide you through rhythmic patterns that celebrate the natural world. Unleash your inner rhythm, find your flow, and be part of a community drum circle where every beat enhances your connection to nature. Don't miss out—let your spirit drum wild with Rhythm By Nature!

Rhythm By Nature Drums at 10:05 am!

Pow Wow Dancers & Drummers at 12:00 pm!

Experience the vibrant tradition of the Pow Wow with breathtaking performances by dancers and drummers! Join us for an extraordinary gathering where community and heritage come alive through the art of dance and drumming.

Live Performances

Friday Performances

Taylor Swift Dance Extravaganza with DJ Steve Russel at 4:00 pm!

Get ready to Shake It Off at the Taylor Swift Dance Extravaganza, featuring the electrifying DJ Steve Russel! Prepare for an afternoon of unforgettable beats as we celebrate all things Taylor. From "Love Story" to "Midnights," DJ Steve will spin the ultimate Swiftie soundtrack, ensuring every song is a reason to dance. Grab your friends, don your best Taylor-inspired outfit, and join us for a magical afternoon where the Swift magic never goes out of style!

Slow Joe Crow at 6:00 pm!

We will close out Friday evening with a performance by local band Slow Joe Crow! This acoustic trio of sonic scavengers blend elements of folk-rock, covering the best songs you've never heard of (and some you have)! Slow Joe Crow will keep you on your dancing toes with special appearances of banjo and harmonizing kazoos! Show starts at 6:00 PM!

Saturday Performances

Karima Essa at 11:00 am and 2:15pm!

A three-time Canadian National Dance champion, Karima Essa is Vancouver’s very own Bollywood star. An incredibly charismatic and passionate performer, choreographer and instructor, she has used her one-of-a-kind Bollywood talent to entertain diverse audiences at festivals, theatres and in schools across Canada. In 2014, her love for Bollywood took her to the screens in Mumbai, India, as a two-time finalist on Omni TV’s reality show, Bollywood Star. With style, grace and a flair for the dramatic, she has been captivating adult and young audiences for decades. Since first showcasing her Bollywood Star School show in schools in 2018, she has performed this show in 300+ schools across Canada. Karima’s new focus is on celebrating that all bodies can dance by bringing the Body Positivity movement to Bollywood Dance in schools and communities. Karima is also completing her Education Assistance certification and is interested in exploring how dance can help improve socio-emotional skills with neurodiverse children.
Dance with Karima on Saturday, 11:00am and 2:15pm!

Friday Schedule of Activities
May 10, 2024

3:00 PM - Kootenay Children’s Festival Day 1 Officially open
3:15 - 4:00 PM - Cranbrook Arts Toddler Paint
4:00 - 5:00 PM - Taylor Swift Dance Extravaganza with DJ Steve Russel
5:00 - 6:00 PM - Rhythm by Nature Drums
6:00 - 7:30 PM - Slow Joe Crow

7:30 PM - End of Day 1

Saturday Schedule of Activities
May 11, 2024

10:00 AM - Kootenay Children’s Festival Day 2 Officially open
10:05 - 10:30 AM - Rhythm by Nature Drums
10:30 - 11:00 AM - Christina the Crazy Hooper
11:00 - 11:45 AM - Karima Essa
12:00 - 1:10 PM - Pow Wow Dancers & Drummers
1:10 - 1:40 PM - Mountain Song
1:40 - 2:15 PM - Christina the Crazy Hooper
2:15 - 2:45 PM - Karima Essa
3:00 - 4:00 PM - The GoldenCrust Family Festival Finale!
4:00 PM - End of Kootenay Children’s Festival
*Activities/instalments will be open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Activities

Cranbrook Arts Toddler Paint

Christina the Crazy Hooper

Join Christina "The Crazy Hooper" for an exhilarating workshop that will take your hula hooping skills to the next level! Known for her high-energy and dynamic style, Christina will teach you exciting tricks and techniques to elevate your hooping game. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this workshop promises to be a fun and inspiring experience for all. Come spin, twirl, and dance with Christina and discover the joy of hooping like never before!. No pre-register needed.

Sandor Bouncy Castle

Get ready for some high-flying, bouncing fun at the Sandor Bouncy Castle,! Our giant inflatable castle is the perfect place for kids to burn off some energy and jump to your heart's content. The castle has lots of twists and turns for you to explore, and you can bounce as high as you want! The Sandor Bouncy Castle is the perfect place for you to let loose and have some fun with your friends.

Paq’mi Nuq’yuk Aboriginal Early Years Services Tipi

Come share in the rich culture and traditions of the Ktunaxa Peoples at the Ktunaxa Tipi, a special feature of the Kootenay Children's Festival! Inside the Tipi, you'll be invited to a world of fascinating stories, songs, and crafts, all inspired by the Ktunaxa way of life that will teach you about the Ktunaxa people and their deep connection to the land. Kids will love exploring the Tipi's cozy interior and learning about the Ktunaxa's rich cultural heritage in a fun and engaging way.

Face Painting

Unleash your inner animal with a roaring tiger design, save the day with a superhero mask, or take flight with a butterfly design! Our face painting station is the perfect place to let your creativity run wild. And the best part? Our high-quality paints and materials are safe and gentle on your skin, so you can enjoy your new look all day long without any worries.

Sweethearts Electric Hair

Get ready to rock some seriously electric hair at the Sweetheart Electric Hair station!!
Our skilled stylists will use vibrant hair chalk to create wild and imaginative hairdos that will make you stand out from the crowd. With a rainbow of colors to choose from, you can pick your favorites and let your creativity soar! From bright pink streaks to neon green highlights, the possibilities are endless. Our hair chalk is non-toxic and easily washes out, so you can let your imagination run wild without any worries. The Sweetheart Electric Hair station is the perfect activity to express yourself through your hair. So come join us, and let's get electric with some hair chalk!

Sensory Chill Out Area

Take a break from all the excitement and step into our sensory chill out tent at the children's festival! Designed with soothing colors, textures, and sounds, our chill out tent is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Inside, you'll find comfortable seating, calming music, and a range of sensory toys and tools to explore, such as soft fabrics, gentle lighting, and calming scents. This safe and quiet space is perfect for festival goers who need a break from the hustle and bustle of the festival, or who may be feeling overwhelmed by all the noise and stimulation.

We Bike Course

Join the We Bike Course!

Rowing Fun

Rockies Rowing Club are back and bringing their rowing machines. Come give rowing a try!

Wishing Trees

Head your way to the creative, gorgeously crafted Wishing Trees, which were inspired by a father’s love for his children.
Write down your three wishes – one wish for yourself, one for someone else, and one for the world, then add them to the trees. Who knows – your wishes just might come true!

Save-On-Foods Snack Station

So much to see and so much to do, you will need to keep your energy up! Come and grab a snack from Save-on-Foods Snack Station!

Story Walk & Yo-Yo Activities

Returning again this year, Kootenay Gambling Support is setting up an interactive, all-weather Story Walk throughout the park. They will also be offering Yo-Yo activities for ages 5+, after which they get to keep their own yo-yo. Under 5s will be able to engage in alternative, craft-based activities.

Casey's Plant-a-Flower

Grow your very own plant!
Learn about the process of planting and caring for your plant, teaching you about the importance of nurturing and respecting our environment. You can choose the perfect plant to grow and take home with you. With everything you need provided, including pots, soil, and seedling, it's easy and fun to get started on your green-thumb journey. The Casey's Greenhouse activity is a great way to connect with nature and learn about the importance of sustainability. Let's get our hands dirty while we grow some beautiful plants!

Fish Pond

A staple of any festival, the fish pond offers an opportunity for every child to have the excitement of the unknown. Each child will receive a free toy to take home with them. What will you catch?

Paint the Van

Come check out our Paint-a-Van where you get to paint a real wrecked car with washable paint! It's super fun and messy, and you get to use all sorts of brushes and sponges to make your own cool design. Our helpers will be there to guide you and make sure you're safe while you create your masterpiece. Whether you love painting or just want to get messy, Paint a Van is the perfect activity for you to have a blast and show off your creativity

Green Fools Circus Base Camp

Ever wish you could run away and join the circus? Well now the circus is coming to you! Performers will be roaming the festival, creating amazing sights for us to enjoy. The base camp will also be a place to explore your own talents, or possibly learn a new one.

COTR Science Station

Endless opportunities for little adventurers to explore the wonderful world of learning about science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics!

Toddler Tumble Zone

Key City Gymnastics is hosting an obstacle course this year. Come on down to get some exercise and have some fun!

Peaceful Rocks

The Interact Club’s youth leadership program will be providing an opportunity for festival goers to come paint their own peace rocks, in hopes of having them placed under the Imagine Peaceful sculpture they created in Idlewild Park. Come have some creative fun and help spread peace in our community.

Cranbrook & District Arts Council: Creative Arts Station

Cranbrook & District Arts Council are offering their Creative Station again! Come design and create your very own unique button art and colouring. So, head on to their station and colour your heart out.

Pow Wow Dancers & Drummers

Catch the Pow Wow Dancers & Drummers live!

Mountain Mayhem Scavenger Hunt

Mountain Mayhem is a new company, focused on providing kid-friendly entertainment services. Come find out what they are all about, and participate in a Children’s Festival grounds scavenger hunt. Teams, families, and individuals are welcome, as the race begins to win prizes!

Farmers Market

Come explore the exciting world of our vendors market!
With a wide array of unique and high-quality products, there's something for everyone. Discover handmade toys, stylish clothing, delicious treats, and so much more. Our vendors are passionate about bringing joy to children and families alike, so you can be sure you'll find something special that your little ones will love. Don't miss out on this amazing shopping experience, and join us at the vendors market!

Love Your City Bingo!

Come pick up a bingo card from the Welcome Booth, go around to installations, and collect stamps on your card. Families who fill their entire card and bring it back to the Welcome Booth will have their name put into a draw. Prizes include 2 free tickets to a family friendly event at Key City Theatre, as well as 2 brand new trikes!

Non-profit Tables

Make sure to visit the community tables area, which will host several non-profit organizations, offering a wide variety of resources for children and their families.

Meet Cranbrook's Fire Fighters

Buckle up and get the chance to sit right next to one of our local heroes, our fire fighters! Learn about what they do and how the fire trucks work by visiting their tent!