Ottawa Children’s Festival de la jeunesse Presents the Black Bird Festival of the Arts for Young People, November 12–17, 2026

The Ottawa Children’s Festival de la jeunesse is pleased to present the Black Bird Festival of the Arts for Young People, taking place November 12–17, 2026, at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

The festival brings together four exciting Canadian and international productions, with an updated lineup featuring the newly added By Trial and Error — Le Cirque Content Pour Peu from Saint-Thois, France. The program offers children and families opportunities to experience live performance, circus, movement, and imaginative storytelling. Most productions are recommended for ages four and up, with the program featuring both English-language and non-verbal performances.

FESTIVAL PROGRAM

• Luminarium — Cause & Effect Circus | Vancouver, BC - A visually engaging, non-verbal circus experience for ages 4 and up, inviting audiences into a world of movement, discovery, and wonder.

• By Trial and Error — Le Cirque Content Pour Peu | Saint-Thois, France - A non-verbal circus performance for ages 4 and up, exploring physical expression, experimentation, and discovery.

• Returns Department — The Kif Kif Sisters | Montreal, QC - An imaginative English-language production for ages 4 and up, bringing creativity and theatrical storytelling to young audiences.

• While We Wait — Gale Force Theatre | Halifax, NS - An English-language production for ages 5 and up, offering a theatrical experience designed to spark curiosity and connection.

Multiple performances of each production will take place throughout the festival, giving families, schools, and groups a range of opportunities to attend. Audiences can view the complete schedule and showtimes on the Ottawa Children’s Festival website.

A FESTIVAL FOCUSED ON YOUNG AUDIENCES

As one of only three professional performing arts festivals for young audiences in Ontario, and the only one serving Eastern Ontario, the Ottawa Children’s Festival de la jeunesse plays an important role in the region’s cultural ecosystem.

The Black Bird Festival continues this commitment by bringing professional artists to Ottawa, supporting Canadian and international cultural workers, and creating opportunities for children to experience the arts in an engaging and welcoming environment.

The festival also contributes to downtown cultural activity by welcoming families, school groups, and visitors to the Canadian War Museum. Following significant challenges across the performing arts sector, this fall edition represents an important step in sustaining the Festival and maintaining its connection with audiences as it looks toward future programming in 2027.

A SYMBOL OF RENEWAL

The Black Bird Festival takes its name from the ideas of resilience, transformation, and the enduring importance of creativity in the lives of young people.

"The Black Bird represents resilience and the enduring need for art in the lives of young people," says Catherine O’Grady, Executive Producer of the Ottawa Children’s Festival. "This November, we are creating a space for connection, imagination, and shared experience."

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Black Bird Festival of the Arts for Young PeopleNovember 12–17, 2026

Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, Ontario

Tickets are available through Showpass via the Ottawa Children’s Festival.

• Single ticket: $17.50

• Family 4-Pack: $52

• Groups of 10 or more: $12 per ticket, with one complimentary ticket for every 10 tickets purchased

  
  

For more information about the festival, productions, schedules, and updates, visit https://ottawachildrensfestival.ca/