Ottawa International Children’s Festival Celebrates 28 Years in the Capital

The Ottawa International Children’s Festival (OICF), the largest children’s festival in Ontario, is gearing up to celebrate its 28^th year in the Capital, May 28-June 2, 2013 at the LeBreton Flats Park and Canadian War Museum sites.

Each year, the OICF proudly presents some of the finest visual and performance arts programming for young audiences.

Described by former CBC theatre reviewer Alvina Ruprecht as “a children’s paradise,” the OICF offers visitors the opportunity to sample the world of dance, theatre, visual arts, music and live performance theatre. This year’s line-up offers a range of shows such as the ever-popular theatrical performance of Where The Wild Things Are; the high-energy, Quebec-based Evolution Of BBoying featuring local choreographer/dancer Yvon “Crazy Smooth” Soglo; Denmark’s A Sonatina, a hysterical version of Little Red Riding Hood; Ghosts and Ladders, which features acrobats and musicians who combine movement, music and poetry; and Step Afrika! from the US, showcasing the dance style “stepping” where tradition meets rhythm as performers use their bodies as instruments.

Don’t forget to join us for all the ongoing fun and excitement with activities, music, crafts, exhibits, and participatory games. Roving entertainers, hands-on explorations and arts activities will allow everyone to unleash their creative side.  This year features award-winning, multi-talented performers The Silly People whose show has folks of all ages rolling in the aisles with laughter; Kromatik, the international superstars of face-painting, transform children into works of art; Make Your Mark gives kids an inside look at urban arts and graffiti; the Long and McQuade Instrument Petting Zoo is a hands-on experience like you’ve never seen featuring guitars, drums, keyboards and horns instead of typical farm fare; and the 100 Watt Earth Stage (created and performed by young local artists who share a passion for environmental conservation).

Tickets for the Festival are $12.50 per person, or you can choose your three favourite shows by purchasing a 3-Show Package (to any 3 shows) for $30 per person. Tickets can be purchased through the OICF office by calling 613-241-0999, by visiting the office at 294 Albert Street, Suite 602, Ottawa (Mon-Fri, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm), through the OICF website or on-site at LeBreton Flats Park, between May 28 and June 2. These shows usually sell out, so call early to avoid disappointment! For more information about the schedule or ticket information, visit the website at www.ottawachildrensfestival.ca.