Join Guild Festival Theatre for the return of Family Fest, their fourth annual FREE outdoor festival! This four-day celebration of the arts features theatre, circus, dance and music performances, along with workshops, entertainment and activities for all ages. It’s the perfect family-friendly festival to kick off the summer outdoor theatre season!
At Scarborough’s biggest celebration of theatre for young audiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Family Fest! These shows are performed in a picturesque setting in Scarborough’s Guild Park and Gardens on The Greek Theatre stage, complete with majestic columns. So, come and spend the weekend appreciating local artists in one of our city’s most beautiful parks!
Guild Festival Theatre Family Fest — Schedule
Guild Festival Theatre’s Family Fest offers FREE performances and activities for all ages! Families can see various shows and workshops, including Japanese drumming, African dance, storytelling, giant puppets, hoop dancing, live poetry, fiddle music, yoga, physical theatre and much more!
Thursday, July 10
Nagata Shachu — Family Fest kicks off with some exciting Taiko drumming and music! Join this energetic group for a drum and movement workshop that uses authentic Japanese hand-drums. Afterwards, be amazed by their thunderous and heart-pounding performance!
(Note: This show is always a crowd favourite, so bring your own chair or blanket as seating will not be provided for this event.)
Friday, July 11
FIRESIDE MUNSCH: Classic Munsch Mayhem — M. John Kennedy’s hit solo show Fireside Munsch is a high-energy performance that features four of Robert Munsch’s classic stories. Friday’s performance includes Mud Puddle, Mortimer, The Paperbag Princess and Jonathan Cleaned Up — Then He Heard A Sound. In addition, come early and enjoy a performance from Jay9 Dance before the show.
(Note: While tickets to Fireside Munsch are free, advanced booking is recommended — available here!)
Saturday, July 12
Carousel Theatre’s Giant Puppet Party — Celebrate art through music, dancing and laughter with Carousel Players and their giant puppet, Nadine the Ondine! First, join a guided workshop to design and create your very own giant puppet. Then, Nadine performs a choreographed dance routine and has a freestyle dance party with your puppets!
(Note: Advance booking is already sold out, so join the waitlist here!)
Hoop You’s Hula Hoop Fun Zone & Butterflies — Can you spot the field of butterflies? In this colourful roaming act that flutters through the festival, they create a unique backdrop for selfies and family photos. Meanwhile, Hoop You brings the props and the guests supply the fun! With help from a professional hoop dancer, as well as music and 40+ hoops for all sizes, you can learn some moves and join the hoop dance party.
Spirit of Africa — Embrace the Spirit of Africa through this vibrant performance that combines music, drum and dance, which are the heart of the African people. Let the rhythm and sound move you as this presentation creates an experience of peace and understanding.
The TiBert et Douzie Show — This multi-talented duo takes listeners of all ages on a compelling journey through each tune and story. While Douzie plays old traditional songs on his trusty fiddle and turntable, master storyteller and juggler TiBert gets the jam going with his jaw harp and percussion instruments. Furthermore, on Sunday, you can find TiBert in a Fiddle Workshop to join a jam with instruments like spoons and a washboard!
FIRESIDE MUNSCH: Munsch Goes Wild — Performed as one wacky storytelling play, this show is fun for the entire family! Saturday’s stories include Andrew’s Loose Tooth, Alligator Baby, Smelly Socks and No Clean Clothes.
Sunday, July 13
Family Yoga: Joyful Movement with Jen Houston — This feel-good yoga flow program is designed for everyone who wants to explore joyful movement through yoga. In fact, anyone can find what feels good to them, such as standing postures, gentle exercises, mindful stretches, and peaceful meditation, all while enjoying the beauty of the park’s natural surroundings.
Live Typewriter Poetry by Poesy — Would you like to have a poem created just for you? Poesy’s authors create personalized poetry on vintage typewriters in real time.
The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin: The Game by The Grand Salto Theatre — Join the Grand Salto Theatre for an interactive theatrical experience, based on the stories of Beatrix Potter!
Note: There are three separate time slots throughout the afternoon and advance booking is recommended — book your tickets here!
Maestro Duo — Among the many orchestra instruments, the conductor stands alone in front with a baton at the ready. But what happens if a second conductor came along… would two conductors be a recipe for trouble?
Catch Me in the Kitchen — Craving some humorous and warm-hearted entertainment? For some joyous storytelling, join Stephen LaFrenie and Ginette Mohr for two reimagined classic tales, full of delightful characters, surprising twists, plus a touch of French! Who will outsmart “the most handsome, most daring, most petrifyingly feared wolf in all the province of Ontario?”
Scarborough Uke Jam — Bring your ukelele and enjoy a casual and fun environment with Scarborough Uke Jam, where you can play and sing with other “uke” enthusiasts. Or, just sit back and appreciate the music!
FIRESIDE MUNSCH: Classic Munsch Mayhem — It’s your last chance to catch some Munsch classics! Sunday’s performance includes Mud Puddle, Mortimer, The Paperbag Princess and Jonathan Cleaned Up — Then He Heard A Sound.
Guild Festival Theatre: Family Fest
Date: July 10-13, 2025
Venue: The Greek Theatre, Guild Park & Gardens
Address: 201 Guildwood Parkway, Scarborough
Facebook: @GuildFestivalTheatre
Instagram: @guildfestivaltheatre
Website: www.guildfestivaltheatre.ca
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