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The Ottawa Children’s Festival has been delighting the region’s youngest arts lovers with enriched, creative programming for 40 years — and for the first time, the festival is coming to the Glebe. 

As Ottawa’s only festival dedicated to world-class theatre, music and dance for young audiences, the Ottawa Children’s Festival has built an outstanding reputation over the decades. Performers have travelled from across Canada and around the world to take part in this much-loved event. 

To mark its 40th anniversary, the festival is setting up in the Glebe on Lansdowne Park’s Great Lawn, inside the Horticulture Building and at Arts Court on Daly Avenue in downtown Ottawa. With its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent accessibility, top-tier facilities and proximity to elementary schools, the Glebe offers the perfect new home for the beloved event. 

“Since 1985, the Ottawa Children’s Festival has been dedicated to enriching the lives of children through world-class performing and visual arts experiences. This move to the Glebe marks an exciting new chapter — one that reflects our mission to spark imagination, celebrate creativity and ensure every child has access to the arts,” said Catherine O’Grady, executive director of the Ottawa Children’s Festival. 

This year’s six-day celebration features crowd favourites like Missy D, BullyBully and Polar Bear & Penguin. Organisers are transforming the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park into a black box theatre — an adaptable performance space that offers a blank canvas for artistic freedom and an intimate, immersive experience for audiences. 

“The Glebe offers everything we were looking for — a vibrant, family-focused neighbourhood, accessible facilities and strong community spirit. With its proximity to schools and easy access via public transit, the Glebe makes it possible for even more families and students to participate. We’re excited to become part of this dynamic community and to contribute to its cultural and economic vibrancy in a meaningful way,” said O’Grady. 

Also returning this year is the mesmerizing Architects of Air: Arborialis installation — an awe-inspiring, inflatable labyrinth that combines light and sound to create a multi-sensory experience. Inspired by the natural world, Arborialis evokes the feeling of wandering through an enchanted forest, with radiant canopies of leaves overhead and luminous, tree-like columns rising from beneath your feet. 

Whether you’re discovering the magic of the Ottawa Children’s Festival for the first time or returning for another year of wonder, this milestone edition promises unforgettable moments for the whole family. The festival runs from May 8 to 13. Don’t miss your chance to experience world-class performances, interactive installations and creative play — right here in the Glebe. Visit ottawachildrensfestival.ca to view the full schedule and get your tickets today. 

Photo credit: Curtis Perry