Celebrating 40 Years of Childhood, Creativity & Community
The Kootenay Children’s Festival is a place to play, learn, meet old and new friends, build community, and most of all, celebrate childhood.
For 40 years, the festival has brought families together for free activities and entertainment, creating a welcoming space where kids can explore, create, and have fun.
Follow the Kootenay Children’s Festival on Facebook for festival updates.
Our Story
The Kootenay Children’s Festival first welcomed families in 1986, put on by a committee of volunteers.
By 2014 Key City Theatre was involved to provide live entertainment for the festival, and in 2019 the theatre took on hosting it alongside a group of volunteers.
From the hands-on activities to the cultural displays and live performances, the festival brings out the child in all of us — a reminder of how important it is to play, and that every child truly does matter.
Activities have included live performances, bouncy castles, face art, electric hair, a chill-out area, cookie decorating, planting, the fish pond, paint the van, wishing trees, the Cranbrook Fire Department firetruck, Cranbrook Search and Rescue, roving performers and more.
Play, Create & Explore
There’s plenty for the whole family to experience at the Kootenay Children’s Festival. Enjoy live performances, hands-on arts and crafts, games and active play, creative activities, cultural experiences, and opportunities to learn and explore.
Festival Activities
There’s always something to discover at the Kootenay Children’s Festival! From live performances and hands-on activities to arts and crafts, games, cultural experiences, and plenty of opportunities to play, the festival is filled with fun for the whole family.
Explore Festival Activities →Memory Wall
Celebrate 40 years of the Kootenay Children’s Festival by looking back at the people, moments, and memories that have helped shape the festival through the years.
Explore the Memory Wall →Volunteer at the Festival
Volunteers have been an important part of the Kootenay Children’s Festival since it began. Get involved and help create a fun and welcoming festival experience for children and families in our community.
Become a Volunteer →Sponsors & Partners
The Kootenay Children’s Festival is made possible with the support of sponsors and community partners. Learn more about those who support the festival and opportunities to get involved as a sponsor.
Sponsors & Partners →Festival Scrapbook
Four decades of festival photographs, year by year, from the very first festival in 1986 through to the most recent.
Browse the Scrapbook →A Safe & Welcoming Festival
The Kootenay Children’s Festival is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for children and their families, where everyone can play, learn, and enjoy the festival together.
What Families Tell Us
Festival Attendee
“We had a fabulous day! Thank you SO much for doing this for all of us!”
Festival Attendee
“Watching my eldest daughter get her face painted inside a teepee while learning about the Ktunaxa Nation. She had so much fun and gained knowledge and respect for this land at a young age.”
Festival Attendee
“I enjoyed going to the festival when I was young and I can’t believe that I am bringing my kids to the festival each year! This is such a memorable experience to share with my family! Thank you!”
Help Keep the Festival Free
The Kootenay Children’s Festival is one of the last remaining free children’s festivals in British Columbia. Free admission and entertainment help make the festival accessible to families throughout the community. Your support helps keep the festival free and the fun going for future generations.