Looking for something fun to do with your family over the May long weekend? Harbourfront Centre invites children of all ages to experience curiosity and adventure at Toronto’s beloved International Children’s Festival, JUNIOR! Being held from May 20-22, the festival features a full range of performances, workshops, and events for all ages, both ticketed and free, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
JUNIOR’s 2023 programming is all about exploring the many adventures of growing up. Kids can experience stories of resilience, cultural celebrations, and the limitless possibilities of movement and creativity, all led by both local and international artists and storytellers. With both indoor and outdoor venues across Harbourfront Centre’s 10-acre waterfront location, you can experience the beauty of Toronto’s waterfront while having fun with your family.
JUNIOR’s 2023 festival is co-curated by Nathalie Bonjour, Harbourfront Centre’s Director of Performing Arts, and Lisa Marie DiLiberto, an award-winning director, advocate for artist caregivers, and Artistic Director of Theatre Direct, one of Canada’s leading theatres for young audiences.
The multidisciplinary festival program features a comprehensive line-up of ticketed and free performances, workshops and interactive activities, including various disciplines of theatre, dance, music, circus, culinary arts, storytelling and film.
Spotlight performances include the visually stunning Pinocchio from Copenhagen’s award-winning Teater Patrasket; the interactive performance ZOOOM, inspired by the iconic children’s book Harold and The Purple Crayon, from Australia’s Patch Theatre; the participatory experience Bees, in which Australia’s Polyglot Theatre will map delicate patterns across the festival grounds in collaboration with its young audiences and the moving video installation Family Portrait from Scotland’s Barrowland Ballet, which follows Artistic Director Natasha Gilmore and her three children through choreographed sequences across Scotland’s majestic landscapes.
Additional free programming includes a performance and interactive workshop from dancer and TV star Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli; a daily parade from the eccentric and entertaining Lemon Bucket Orkestra; a food program from Black chefs commissioned to cook up creations with kids while sharing culinary and cultural knowledge; a giant, interactive map of the ocean; art workshops that explore the Humber River, learn about Tipis before crafting their own, and collaborate on an eye-catching banner; a Jam Zone where kids can try out an array of instruments including mandolins, banjos and more alongside musicians; demonstrations from Indigenous pow wow dancers, a Persian percussion ensemble and so much more!
Accessibility additions this year include a primarily free program line-up; accessible pricing on ticketed performances; a designated quiet zone; free, professional daycare for families who may need additional support and enhanced accessibility on May 21 on select programming, including ASL/DSL interpretation, audio description, tactile stations and a relaxed performance.
Don’t miss out on the chance to make memories with your family at JUNIOR 2023. Get your tickets now and get ready to step off the beaten path and into a world of adventure!
JUNIOR’s indoor ticketed performances range from $10 (child) to $20 (adult) per ticket. Pre-registration is required for some of the festival’s free programming, including Storybook Search and the Noir Experience culinary workshops.
To learn more about programming and for tickets, visit HarbourfrontCentre.com.
Harbourfront Centre is located at 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8
Harbourfront Centre is a leading international centre for contemporary arts, culture and ideas, and a registered, charitable not-for-profit cultural organization operating a 10-acre campus on Toronto’s central waterfront. Harbourfront Centre provides year-round programming 52 weeks a year, seven days a week, supporting a wide range of artists and communities. We inspire audiences and visitors with a breadth of bold, ambitious and engaging experiences. We champion contemporary Canadian artists throughout their careers, presenting them alongside international artists and fostering national and international artistic exchange between disciplines and cultures.
More information: harbourfrontcentre.com.
