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 call 403.294.7482.

How do I get tickets for the Festival shows?
School and Home School tickets are available starting October 3, 2011. Please visit our School Tickets page for more information. Public Tickets will go on sale April 2, 2012. Check back here later in the fall for Friends of the Festival on sale dates.

How much do tickets cost?
Public ticket prices will be announced in the spring. Educators, purchase tickets for your school groups between October 3, 2011 and March 30, 2012 to take advantage of discounted pricing for as little as $8.00 per ticket. Alternate pricing may apply on specific performances, check your show to confirm the price.

What is a school performance vs. a public performance?
Tickets to schools and home schools go on sale in early October for performances that are held Tuesdau to Friday, during the day. Evening performances and all Saturday performances are designated public performances. The public is more than welcome to purchase tickets and attend school performances when available.

How do I find my theatre?
When planning your Festival visit, check out the maps to get a sense as to where in the EPCOR CENTRE your theatre(s) is located. Once you arrive at the Festival watch for signage and volunteers to help guide you the rest of the way.

Where is the Stage Door Theatre?
The Stage Door Theatre is located by entering, you guessed it, the Stage Door of the EPCOR CENTRE. You can only reach the Stage Door Theatre off of 9th Ave SE between 1st Street SE and MacLeod Trail S. Make sure you have your tickets from the EPCOR CENTRE Box Office before you head to the theatre as there aren't any satellite box office locations at any of the Festival theatres.

I have to pick up my tickets at the Box Office prior to the performances, where is it?
The EPCOR CENTRE Box Office is located in the Centre Court area of the building. Satellite box office locations are not available at the Festival theatres, so please allow for time to get your tickets and to get to your theatre.

Is seating in the theatres assigned?
Seating for public performances at the Festival are regarded as "general". This means that there are no specifically reserved seats with a seat and row number. For school performances we have assigned seating for school groups in the Jack Singer Concert Hall, Max Bell and Martha Cohen Theatres. Public attending school performances in these venues will find, once they arrive at the venue, that there are general sections reserved for them to allow for convenient seating.

What is the policy for latecomers?
Some performances do not admit latecomers or allow re-entry once a performance has begun. To be safe, you should plan on arriving at the theatre venue at least twenty minutes prior to the performance start time so you are able to get seated comfortably. Latecomer and re-entry policies for each performance will be listed at a later date under the Show Information on their respective show page.

What time(s) does the Festival run?
Shows do run all day long and into the evening. Check the performance schedule for start times. The Olympic Plaza portion of the Festival site is open 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Tuesday to Friday, and 8:30 AM to 4:30 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.

Is food available at the Festival?
It is highly recommended that you plan on packing a picnic lunch or snack options to enjoy on-site, or visit Baraka Café, Pita Express, or Insomnia inside the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts.