All aboard for Buddy and Friends Children’s Festival at the Railway Museum of BC! Join Buddy and his friends for a weekend filled with live music, storytelling, games, activities, dance performances, and of course, trains! The Railway Museum of BC is the best place to visit for train aficionados who are young (and young at heart), and this event is packed with entertainment that the whole family will enjoy.
Buddy and Friends Children’s Festival features some of the best family-friendly entertainment in BC. Join Norman Foote, a JUNO-winning singer/songwriter, for a special songwriting session and hear your new composition performed live in front of an audience. Practice your improv skills with educator and entertainer Ira Pettle and learn how to juggle with Mike Battie. The Nylon Zoo will also be on site for fun and interactive playtime, including a colourful parade that kids can join in!
Other incredible performers include Al Simmons, a musician, comedian, and entertainer who is often described as a “one-man cast of thousands,” and The Myrtle Sisters, a toe-tapping trio who entertain audiences with their tap-dancing numbers and hilarious antics. Kids can also make their own special crafts, puppets, and take a turn painting a mural in the Creative Corner in between the incredible acts available. With plenty of activities and performers to keep you entertained, your family will enjoy a full day of fun and enjoyment.
A day at the Railway Museum of BC wouldn’t be complete without unlimited rides on all three available trains on the track for the weekend, beginning with the Mini-Rail Train that will take families on a 20-minute journey around the museum grounds. On this journey, check out the different train parts in the back lot and enjoy the serene scenery as you ride along on this fun train. If your crew is ready for more train excitement, you won’t want to miss a ride on the popular BC-21 Budd Diesel Car. This is one of the operational trains at the Railway Museum of BC and a favourite amongst visitors for the feeling of taking a ride on a ‘real’ train journey! Finally, hop on the Maintenance-of-Way Track Speeder for a totally different experience.
Take a break from rides and explore the museum by spending time playing with wooden and electric train sets and getting your picture taken with Buddy, the Royal Hudson Steam Locomotive. The Canadian Toy Train Association will be operating its huge electric train layout featuring Thomas the Train with a special controller for visitors to try out. Then, visit the Creative Corner workshop to try your hand at making a puppet, participate in some mural painting, and get creative with arts and crafts supplies!
Events at the Railway Museum of BC offer ample opportunities for learning and fun, and tend to sell out fast! Secure your tickets today.
CONTEST CLOSED!
One lucky family will win 4 tickets to the popular Buddy & Friends Children’s Festival at the Railway Museum of BC for either May 2 or May 3! The contest is open from April 2 – April 15, 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on April 16th through our official Family Fun Vancouver channels.
To enter:
1. Follow Family Fun Vancouver on Facebook & Instagram
2. Tag a friend in the comments. Each tag counts as an entry.
3. Share the post for an extra entry!
Good luck!
Buddy and Friends Children’s Festival:
Dates: May 2 & 3, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Gates open at 9:30 AM
Venue: Railway Museum of BC
Address: 39645 Government Road, Squamish
Website: www.wcra.org
