WeeFestival 2019

The WeeFestival of Arts and Culture is dedicated to nurturing and showcasing the best in theatre and the arts for children 0-6 years.

The WeeFestival is a 10-day celebration of arts in early childhood and the artists, educators, parents, grandparents, and caregivers who believe in the power of arts from the start.

Festival Venues & Locations

Shows, interactive performances, workshops and hands-on activities take place at multiple locations. Most of the action is at The Assembly Hall and Colonel Samuel Smith Park in Etobicoke, with select performances at The Redwood Theatre (1300 Gerrard St. E., Toronto) and Théâtre français de Toronto (21 College St., Studio 21, Toronto).

Here’s a roundup of what’s on the schedule. Events are free unless otherwise noted.

May 11–17

• Flying Hearts – An inclusive and relaxed performance that combines dance, theatre, and music. Multiple shows May 11–15 @ The Redwood Theatre (tickets $12–$15)
• Mokatek and the Missing Star (Mokatek et l’étoile disparue) – English and French language musical puppet show. Multiple shows May 14–16 @ The Assembly Hall (tickets $12–$15)
• Mwana and the Turtle’s Secret – An African tale of a courageous young girl, with storytelling, puppetry, and shadow theatre May 17, 10 am @ The Assembly Hall (tickets $12–$15)

May 18

The Assembly Hall

• Free dance classes with Salsa Babies and Salsa Tots @ 9:30 and 10 am
• Tricoter – An interactive dance show for all ages @ 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm (tickets $25 for child and caregiver)
• The Sandbox – A play that incorporates puppetry, clowning, and shadow theatre @ 11 am and 4 pm (tickets $12–$15)
• Mwana and the Turtle’s Secret – An African tale of a courageous young girl, with storytelling, puppetry, and shadow theatre @ 2 pm and 4 pm (tickets $12–$15)

The Redwood Theatre

• Tweet! Tweet! – An aerial and circus performance for young children in a forest-like setting @ 11 am and 4 pm ($25 for parent and caregiver)

May 19 Events

The Assembly Hall

• Tricoter – An interactive dance show for all ages @ 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm (tickets $25 for child and caregiver)
• Mwana and the Turtle’s Secret – An African tale of a courageous young girl, with storytelling, puppetry, and shadow theatre @ 11 am (tickets $12–$15)
• Landscape Folley by Drôle Play Collective – a pop-up outdoor play space and art installation @ noon–3 pm
• Family Dance Party – A DJ spins tunes while you do your thing! @ 1:30 pm
• Le Carré de Sable – In French, a play incorporating puppetry, clowning, and shadow theatre @ 2 pm (tickets $12–$15)

The Redwood Theatre

• Tweet! Tweet! – An aerial and circus performance for young children in a forest-like setting @ 11 am and 2 pm ($25 for parent and caregiver)

May 20 Events

On the WeeFestival’s “Family Day”, all-day fun at The Assembly Hall and Colonel Samuel Smith Park includes the following.

The Assembly Hall

• Gardening for Kids – Learn how to make a biodegradable pot and plant edible microgreens @ 10 am–noon
• I Spy Ladybugs and Butterflies – Create your own garden creature with artist Meredith Wolting @ 1o am–noon
• Wonder Portraits — Magical on-the-spot portraits of kids from Melanie Gordon Photography @ 10 am–4 pm
• Tricoter – An interactive dance show for all ages @ 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm (tickets $25 for child and caregiver)
• Bonne Nuit! (Good Night!) – A funny one-man, one-puppet play without words @ 11 am and 2 pm (tickets $12–$15)
• Sing Along Tim! – A fun sing-along family concert @ 12:15 pm (tickets $5)
• Birds of a Feather Storytelling — Hear magical folktales from India, China, and other places around the world @ 2 pm

The Redwood Theatre

• Tweet! Tweet! – An aerial and circus performance for young children in a forest-like setting @ 11 am ($25 for parent and caregiver)
• Jack and Cosima Grunsky – An interactive show filled with songs, stories, and many instruments – The Redwood Theatre @ 1 pm (tickets $5)