The 40th annual Ottawa Children's Festival is set to bring world-class performing arts to young audiences from May 8 - 13, 2025! This year, the festival will be held at a new location at Lansdowne Park in the heart of the Glebe, alongside the traditional venue at Arts Court in downtown Rideau.
With incredible performances from around the world, this year’s festival promises unforgettable experiences for children and adults alike.
Featured Performances Include:
1, 2, 3 ON Y VA avec MISSY D
MISSY D, Canada | Ages 5+
Are you learning French ou tu parles déjà français couramment? This bilingual (English/French) musical show is perfect for young audiences! Missy D’s energetic performance will have everyone moving and singing.
Arborialis
Architects of Air, England | All Ages
Step into an immersive, glowing world of trees, leaves, and natural sounds. This walk-through installation by Architects of Air invites visitors into a peaceful, meditative space filled with luminous colours and elaborate tunnels, reflecting the beauty of the forest in a mesmerizing experience.
BullyBully
Maas Theatre en Dance, The Netherlands | Ages 4-8
A hilarious, music-filled performance exploring what toddlers and world leaders have in common. Through funny quarrels, bickering, and lively songs, two performers bring to life a playful and insightful look at leadership and friendship.
Polar Bear & Penguin
Paul Curley Theatre, Ireland | Ages 4+
An unlikely friendship forms between a polar bear and a penguin—two animals that would never meet in the wild! This heartwarming tale is full of humour, adventure, and important messages about climate change and cooperation.
A Show With Strings
Long & Short Company, South Korea | Ages 5+
A clever and interactive puppet performance exploring all the possibilities of a simple string! From creating shapes to forming imaginative worlds, this non-verbal show encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking for all ages.
Where the Wild Things Are
Presentation House Theatre, Canada | Ages 3+
Based on Maurice Sendak’s beloved book, this highly interactive performance invites audience members to join Max on his thrilling adventure to the land of the Wild Things. A must-see for fans of the classic story!
Story of a Day
Branar, Ireland | Ages 5+
A beautifully illustrated live performance featuring the words and illustrations of renowned children’s author Mary Murphy. Accompanied by an original score from award-winning composer Tom Lane, this show brings to life a single day’s story in a magical and poetic way.
The Bench
Teater Refleksion, Denmark | Ages 6+
Benches are found everywhere, inviting people to sit and share their stories. Through detailed puppetry, this performance tells a moving and funny story about the small, everyday moments that bring us together.
176 Steps
Le Théâtre de l’Oeil, Quebec | Ages 6+
A touching bilingual (English/French) tale of facing fears and forming friendships. Octave, a talented but anxious piano player, and Delphine, a fearless adventurer, cross paths in a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and courage.