Having a blast with hula hoops at the 2023 Kootenay Children’s Festival. Photo: Brian Clarkson.
by Margaret Tessman
Since 1986, the Kootenay Children’s Festival has been entirely free and entirely fabulous. “According to my research we’re the longest-running free children’s festival in Canada,” says Key City Theatre executive director Galen Olstead. The much-loved piece of Cranbrook life was operated through donations and sponsorship by an industrious group of volunteers until 2019, when it was handed over to the management of Key City. “As a not-for-profit society, we could access funds through the provincial and federal governments, and run the event on a sustainability model,” says Olstead.
Each organization or business that participates in the festival does their own work to put together their booths or performance spaces. “It’s a great way to connect to the community,” says Olstead. There are generational and emotional connections as well, with the kids who came to the festival back in the day returning as parents themselves. Families travel to the event from throughout the region, with 4,500 people in attendance at Rotary Park in 2025. Olstead recalls that headliner Fred Penner caused a major spike in attendance in 2022.
The festival has refined its format over the past few years to include youth performers such as hoop dancers from Invermere and the Columbia Valley. You can check out photos and activities from the 2025 festival on the Key City Theatre website, keycitytheatre.com/kootenay-childrens-festival-activities.
The festival always runs on the Mother’s Day weekend in May. For the 40th anniversary, Key City is thinking about the history of the event. “What is important to bring to a celebration?” asks Olstead. Cake, for sure, and a lot of fun.
Kootenay Children’s Festival: May 8 and 9, 2026.
Having a blast with hula hoops at the 2023 Kootenay Children’s Festival. Photo: Brian Clarkson.
