FREE performances & workshops for the under 5s at the Kids Fest Pop Up!

The Children’s Festival may not be an in-person event this year but you can get enjoy a taste of the Kids Fest magic at home as part of the first ever online Kids Fest Pop Up!
The Vancouver International Children’s Festival’s Kids Fest Pop Up takes place from Tuesday, May 26 to Sunday, May 31, and you and the kids can take part in fun online events from juggling and dancing to full blown professional performances. Did we mention that it’s all free?!
>> Kids Fest Activities for 5-12s
Workshops for kids
Dorky Dance Fitness
May 26, 4:30 pm — 5:00 pm, all ages

Feeling a little stir-crazy? It’s time to get your sillies out! Grab your goofiest outfit and join dance fitness instructor Sadye Osterloh for an all-ages, all-abilities get-fit class that will have you laughing, crying (due to laughter), and sweating your pants off.
Online Circus Fun
Thursday, May 28, 2020, 3:45 pm — 4:15 pm, all ages
If you can’t run away from home and join the circus, why not turn your home into a one? Join multidisciplinary circus performer Chris Murdoch in a two-part juggling workshop, where you’ll make your own juggling balls and then learn how to get one, two, and three objects dancing through the air.
Indigenous Art
Sunday, May 31, 2020, noon – 1 pm ages 3 +
Share in the beauty of Northwest Coast First Nations artwork in this hands-on workshop with Kwakiutl artist and facilitator Christine Mackenzie. You’ll learn about form line and culture while you create a contemporary design, using traditional items such as rattles, drums, games and other regalia for inspiration.
Performances for the Under 5s
White
May 28, 3:00 pm — 3:40 pm / May 30, 10:00 am — 10:40 am
May 31, 3:00 pm — 3:40 pm Ages 2 to 4
“… one of the great experiences of a lifetime. Thank you for great memories and the best 40 mins of my life.” ~ Sarah Jessica Parker
White is a playful, highly visual show for very young children. A magical, captivating journey where surprises are revealed behind every birdhouse door and through each peep hole. Children will be swept away in this charming, perfectly paced and gentle story about change and acceptance. Add some colour to your day with White.
>> White
The Human Radio
Tuesday, May 26, 2020, 3:30 pm — 4:00 pm Ages 2 +

Through body percussion and beatboxing, Rup demonstrates and teaches how the body is indeed a musical instrument. Rup is a master at engaging kids. Using his diverse skills as a musician to create a pulsating, entertaining and engaging musical experience. A fun and captivating way to explore the universal language of music, be sure to ‘kick it freestyle’ with RupLoops!
>> RupLoops
Home is a Drag
Sunday, May 31, 2020, 1:30 – 2:00 pm, Ages 3 +
Add some rainbow to your day at this fun and inclusive event which reminds young ones, their parents, caregivers and everyone in between that it’s never too early (or too late!) to get silly and dress-up! Home is a Drag celebrates diversity with songs, laughter and play.
This post is sponsored by the Vancouver International Children’s Festival

The longest running professional performing arts festival for young audiences and the first of its kind in North America and Europe, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival presents the world’s finest music, theatre, dance, puppetry, acrobatics and storytelling, as well as creative arts activities for the entire family. Families come to Granville Island from near and far to experience this extraordinary annual arts festival created specifically for children and families.
Harriet Fancott is the Editor and Social Media Manager for Vancouver Mom. She has over 20 years experience in the arts, tech and mom-based blogging arenas. She lives in East Vancouver with her husband and son where they enjoy exploring all that Vancouver has to offer from festivals and events to playgrounds and beaches to sushi and ice cream (although not together).