Festival Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where does the Festival take place?
Festival performances take place in and around the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts in the heart of downtown Calgary.

How do I know if a show is right for my child and my family?
We strongly suggest that you read the descriptions carefully, taking into account the age guidelines provided, as well as the show genre and length. The Calgary International Children's Festival works directly with the artists that created each show to carefully develop age guidelines based on thoughtful considerations of the youngest appropriate age and audience feedback during past presentations. We urge you to refrain from bringing kids younger than the minimum age indicated. For additional information on the age appropriateness of a show, click here or call 403.294.7482.

How do I get tickets for the Festival shows?
School tickets are available starting September 28, 2009. Please visit our School Tickets page for more information. Public tickets will go on sale early in the spring of 2010. Visit our Public Tickets page for more information.

How much do tickets cost?
Public tickets are only $12.50. Alternate pricing may apply on specific performances, check your show to confirm the price.

Is seating in the theatres assigned?
Seating at performances in the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts is general festival seating. Theatre ushers will help seat groups together when seats together are available.

What is the policy for latecomers?
Festival shows are on a tight schedule and performances cannot be delayed for latecomers. Arrive at the theatre venue twenty minutes early so as to be seated before the performance begins. Once a performance has started, latecomers will be admitted ONLY if there is a suitable break in the performance.

What time(s) does the Festival run?
Shows do run all day long and into the evening. Check the performance schedule for exact start times as it can depend on the day. The Olympic Plaza portion of the Festival site is open 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Tuesday to Friday, and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday.

Where do I park?
We are in the heart of downtown Calgary. Parking is available on three sides of our site. You'll find convenient parking at: the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts, the Telus Convention Centre, the City Hall Parkade and East of City Hall (on 3 Street SE). View our map for parking and directions

Is the Festival site public transit accessible?
Avoid traffic by taking the bus or C-Train. Eastbound LRT passengers can get off either at the Telus Convention Centre or the City Hall LRT Stations. Westbound LRT passengers get off at the Olympic Plaza station.

Can I bring my baby?
Yes, children under 2 sitting on a parent's lap are admitted free. Please be prepared to quickly remove your children from the theatre if they cry or become disruptive. Park your stroller at our Lost and Found tent on Olympic Plaza.

Are there vendors on the Festival site?
Following some performances the Festival will offer autograph sessions, in the theatre lobby, where you can purchase artist specific merchandise and CDs. Otherwise, there are no outside vendors permitted on the Festival site, so you'll avoid expensive treats and massive merchandising campaigns aimed at your children.

Is food available on site?
For lunch or snack options pack a picnic to enjoy on-site, or visit Baraka Café or Pita Express inside the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts, or at the snack bar on Olympic Plaza.

What happens if it rains?
The Festival must go on, so never let the weather keep you away. The Olympic Plaza site activities will continue to be available even when it rains.

Are there pay phones on site?
There are pay phones on 8th Avenue near Olympic Plaza.

Is there a bank machine on site?
A bank machine is located in the Centre Court area of the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts and in the lobby of the Jack Singer Concert Hall.