Living in Metro Vancouver, we are fortunate to be just a short drive from one of the world’s most beautiful travel destinations – Whistler. In addition to the thrilling outdoor activities available year-round, there’s yet another reason to visit Whistler this Spring: The Whistler Children’s Festival, which has been a family favourite for over 43 years! For many families, visiting the Whistler Children’s Festival has become an annual tradition, and it’s easy to see why. Whistler Village is walkable for all ages, there are plenty of accommodations and family-friendly restaurants, and the performances and workshops offered are unparalleled. Add to that a gorgeous mountain setting, and you have the makings of an unforgettable Spring weekend!
Tourism Whistler/Tosha Lobsinger
Expect a weekend full of fun and whimsy as you step into a child’s land of imagination and wonder. The Whistler Children’s Festival brings together family performers and entertainers who are sure to dazzle and delight all ages. Throughout the weekend, families can enjoy a lineup of engaging performances, including music, theatre, dance, and circus acts. Carefully curated with kids in mind, these performers know how to thrill a crowd with laugh-out-loud moments, interactive shows, and plenty of opportunities for kids (of all ages!) to participate. This year, inclusivity is at the heart of the Whistler Children’s Festival, and the performers are as diverse as the families that attend the shows. One of the headline acts this year is the dazzling Glamerly, vibrantly leading the way in a gender-creative dress-up party perfectly suited for families. Celebrate Indigenous culture with Powwow Mash UP, a thrilling performance that combines powwow and hoop dancing to educate and entertain audiences. Have a kid who really needs some downtime? Find solace and calm in designated spaces for neurodivergent kids and their families to play, create, and reconnect.
Image credit: Tourism Whistler/Tosha Lobsinger
This year, the festival is being held at three key venues to consolidate the footprint for families: Florence Petersen Park, Whistler Olympic Plaza, and Maury Young Arts Centre. The entire festival is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, and families who have accessibility questions are encouraged to reach out for more information and special seating arrangements in shows.
While the shows and workshops are certainly a main draw at the festival, there are also plenty of free events happening all weekend long to keep you occupied between performances. New this year is a Bratz Biz market stall located in Olympic Village, selling crafts made by local youth artisans, plus free roving performances, craft stations, and creative play areas. The kick-off party this year features an all-new format as well, and invites families to join in a special pajama movie night to get the weekend started on the right foot.
Image credit: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova
Plan the ideal Spring getaway for your family with guaranteed good times and plenty of fun for the kids at the Whistler Children’s Festival. Thinking about extending your trip to explore all that Whistler has to offer? Book 3+ nights and receive a free Activity Voucher that can be applied to lift tickets, bike rentals, and more! Whistler offers tons of family-friendly activities for families, including kayaking, ziplining, hiking, canoeing, UTV rides, golf, and playgrounds, just to name a few. Stay and play in Whistler before and after the Whistler Children’s Festival to ensure a family vacation your kids will be talking about for years to come!
Performances for the Whistler Children’s Festival sell out fast; secure your tickets here.
Whistler Children’s Festival:
Date: May 15 – 17, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Friday); 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Saturday); 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Maury Young Arts Centre
Address: 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler
Website: www.whistlerchildrensfestival.com
