Published on May 28, 2025
Magic Materializes at the Children’s Festival of the Arts This Weekend!
The International Children’s Festival of the Arts returns for its 44th year from May 29 to June 1 in downtown St. Albert. As the largest- and longest-running children’s festival in North America, the Festival remains one of the most cost-friendly major attractions in the region.
Feel the Magic with Feature Performances and Ticketed Activities!
The festival grounds are open to all, with a mix of both free and ticketed events: there’s an outdoor stage, an open art studio, a temporary tattoo booth, roving performers, mazes and activities to be enjoyed by anyone on-site. There are also ticketed activities like the puzzle-solving adventure of Fizzlewit’s Fairy Finding, and featured out-of-town shows, including Mario the Maker Magician—a family-friendly, kid-focused show that mixes delightful magic with an inspirational, build-it-yourself approach.
Cardboard props, malfunctioning robots and Mario’s own exuberant stage presence combine to give audiences a show that’s been lauded on late-night television and all over the world. Mario Marchese, the magician behind the show, notes that empowering his young audience is half the fun.
“The show has a mantra,” Marchese explains. “It's do what you love, use what you have and have fun.”
Marchese had been planning to become a teacher before a life in magic pulled him away: as a result, he’s ready to roll with anything the younger members of the audience might do. Making theatre squirm-and-sound friendly helps him get his message across, he notes, and keeps it accessible for youngsters who might struggle in a more formal setting.
“It's a release for the parents, where they're like, ‘Oh, it's this kind of show—I don't have to worry about how my kids are acting,’” he says. “One of my biggest things is that every child deserves a seat at the theatre. And it's something that's just so important, because theatre changed my life.”
It doesn’t hurt that the DIY creativity on display sends its own inspiring message. “One of the best compliments I got was in Chicago,” Marchese grins. “After a show, a kid went to his mom and said, ‘Mom, when I go home, I'm gonna go through the trash and build a magic show like Mario!’”
Programming from Around the World
Over four decades of bringing play, creativity and inspirational arts experiences to children, families, schools and the young-at-heart are reflected in this year’s programming. Professional Programming Presenters, Elliott Garnier and Ben Sures, have brought the magic to St. Albert from all around the world!
Splash'N Boots(Canada)
Canadian music duo Splash'N Boots have created a global community dedicated to making every child feel seen, heard and loved for exactly who they are! They’ve become a household name by creating music and concert experiences that bring joy to children all ages. Great for the youngest of festival goers to the young at heart! From their hit TV show on Treehouse TV and Disney Jr. Canada, right to our stage.
The Merry Marching Band(Canada)
Ever wonder what happens when you combine a boisterous band with world music and clowning? Enter, The Merry Marching Band! Hold on tight as this band of merry music makers takes you on a journey around the world through musical celebrations and playful choreography, hailing from Quebec to Brazil to Ukraine and back … with a brief stopover on Mars!
Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr.
Presented by: St. Albert Children’s Theatre (Canada)
An annual festival favourite, St. Albert Children’s Theatre is back, this time with a literary classic! Fall down the rabbit hole with Alice as she navigates the curious world of Wonderland on her journey of self discovery!
A Simple Space (australia)
Presented by Gravity and Other Myths
Make sure to get your reserve your seat for an acrobatics show where seven athletes push their physical limits to extremes right before your eyes! With breathtaking displays of fearless skill and strength, get up close and personal in the on-stage seating (or for those whose hearts just can’t take it, watch from the safety of the theatre!). Also, with an evening show on Saturday night!
Ahkamēyimok (Canada)
Rooted in the rich traditions of First Nations culture, this engaging performance showcases the art of powwow dancing, using traditional regalia to captivate and educate students. Through lively dance performances, storytelling and interactive segments, students are encouraged to embrace their cultural heritage while instilling a powerful message: no matter how tough life gets, you have the strength to rise again. It's a celebration of identity, resilience and the unbreakable spirit within us all.
Ticketed and Free Activities
Along with feature performances, there is a variety of ticketed and free activities including Printmaking, Collaging with Nature by the Des (River) with artist Anna Muskego, fairy finding tours and West African Drumming! An outdoor stage will feature a variety of entertainment all festival long, and roving artists are waiting to be discovered around the entire site.
The Festival also has options for your littlest family members! Toddler Town is an interactive one-stop shop for little ones featuring storytelling, musical performances, crafts and self-guided sensory bins.
Accessibility and Inclusion
The City of St. Albert is committed to removing barriers to access for all Festival attendees through access to low cost and no cost activities, sensory kits, calming areas, social stories, accessible venues and activities in addition to inclusive washrooms in St. Albert Place with adult changing facilities.
Programming is accessible to all ages and experience levels, from first-time arts participants and Festival goers to dedicated afficionados of the arts. In our relaxed, festival atmosphere, it is expected that attendees will chat, move, squirm, react and otherwise experience the performances and activities and that is okay!
Inclusion kits equipped with noise- and light-dampening devices, are available for use at each feature performance venue. Advance seating requests can be directed to the Box Office.
Best Value for the Weekend
To get the most out of your weekend at the Festival consider a Performance Plus Pass, available for children and adults for $33 each. The pass includes one Feature Performance (which must be pre-selected) and unlimited Ticketed Activities all weekend (excluding Toddler Town).
The Festival begins tomorrow in downtown St. Albert! Schedules, tickets and other details can be found at childfest.com
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Last edited: November 18, 2025