The International Children's Festival of the Arts: 40 Years and Counting!

Audience members are always in for a visual treat when they attend a live show presented by the International Children’s Festival of the Arts! For 40 years the annual spring festival has been connecting performers and audiences, giving countless children, youth and the young-at-heart a greater appreciation for the arts.

This year’s 40th anniversary was celebrated virtually in May, but the celebration will keep going in 2021 with some very special live performances at St Albert’s Arden Theatre this fall. The International Children’s Festival of the Arts is thrilled to present these great October and December shows:

Notorious Cree
Saturday, October 2, 2021 | 7:00 PM

Enjoy the traditional art of fancy pow-wow and hoop dance uniquely mixed with modern hip-hop and street dance. Indigenous dancer and TikTok sensation Notorious Cree (James Jones) ignites the stage with his combination of dance, storytelling and comedy. Experience the vibrancy of Indigenous culture through his energetic and interactive stage performance set to the sounds of the flute and hand-drums.

With over 2 million followers, Notorious Cree has worked hard to elevate the Indigenous voice through social media. Hailing from Tallcree nation on Treaty Six territory, Notorious Cree is ranked among the top 5 hoop-dancers in the world and his impressive resume includes performances at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Coachella Music Festival and the Sydney Opera House. Most notably, he has also appeared as a finalist on the popular TV show So You think You Can Dance Canada, and performed worldwide with the Juno award-winning Indigenous group A Tribe Called Red.

Get your Notorious Cree tickets here.

Firefly Theatre & Circus Presents VIVAREE
Sunday, October 3, 2021 | 2:00 PM

Acrobats, jugglers, comedians, and pups, oh my! VIVAREE is a fast-paced, lively variety show that is sure to amaze and delight your entire family. Performances include everything from graceful aerialists dancing from silk scarves in the sky to acrobats popping in and out of tubes, juggling clubs flying through the air and even dancing cutlery?! This intriguing display of athleticism and grace will have you on the edge of your seat, never knowing what to expect next. There will even be furry four-legged performers with a few special tricks up their “paws” to entertain you!

Alberta’s Firefly Theatre is an award-winning Aerial Circus Performance Company that has captivated audiences nationwide with an incredible fusion of Circus Arts and Theatre. Do you have what it takes to join the circus? After the show, audience members will be invited to try their own hand at being a performer during a special workshop that includes juggling, plate spinning and more.

Get your VIVAREE tickets here.

Festive Festival PJ Party
Saturday, December 4, 2021 | 6:30 PM

Celebrate the holiday season by donning your coziest holiday pajamas and taking a seat at our cheery variety show filled with Festival fun!

All the zaniest artists from the Children’s Festival will gather to surprise and delight you during this on-stage extravaganza. Master of Ceremonies Ron Pearson will guide you through an evening of juggling, magic, music, comedy and circus antics. Watch for Festival favourites: The Great Balanzo, Gustavo the Impossibilist, Lyne Gosselin, Andrea House, Nikolai and Jay Flair. It will be an unforgettable hour of fun and ear-to-ear grins.

Get your Festive Festival PJ Party tickets here.

Tickets to all three great shows will go on sale online Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 10:00 AM through www.childfest.com. All tickets are $12 (general admission).