The Interior Savings Fat Cat Children's Festival started over 23 years ago and its success is a testament to the dedication of our volunteer corps, and a reflection on the community spirit which they represent. Thanks to every one of you who helped to create the magic of this wonderful celebration for our region.
In 1990, the Children's Festival Society of Kelowna was organized with a mandate to establish high-quality, professionally produced educational summer festival for children in the Central Okanagan. In 2007 the Festival shifted from a summertime, one-day festival to a two-day festival in June for one very big reason – we wanted to ensure the Festival was an opportunity for children and their families from throughout the region to get first-hand knowledge and exposure to the arts and to allow their creativity and imaginations to blossom. This renewed vision for the Festival led to very successful events each year with continued growth for the School Day on Friday, the Community Day and Parade on Saturday.
The programming for the Interior Savings Fat Cat Children’s Festival builds on our traditions of world-class performers, from within our region as well as nationally and internationally, but offers significantly more entertainment and hands-on learning opportunities for Okanagan families, as well as for visitors. The Festival is committed to bringing the world to our community stage and we are fortunate to have strong corporate and community partners to help us deliver on this commitment.
Festival Overview
Festival Site
The Festival takes place at Waterfront Park in beautiful downtown Kelowna.
Admission
The Festival is open to the public with a small admission fee that ensures the Festival is able to continue to provide phenomenal experiences and family fun. Admission is $5 pp or $15 per family of 4 people. Early Bird Family Passes can also be purchased for $10 at any Interior Savings Branch starting in May.
Parking
Parking will be available on all city streets as usual other.
On-Site Info
There will be information and schedules at each of the entrance points to the Festival (1) Harmony Bridge - near Water Street, just past the Dolphins Fountain; and (2) Locks Entrance – off the Grand Promenade Walkway.
Check out our on-site Information Maps on site – they will help direct you to all of the fun and activities.
Daily Performance Schedules
There are scheduled shows and also roving entertainment on the festival site. Find out who is performing where and when by checking back at our website for details as the Festival approaches. A full schedule and map will be printed in the Capital News the week prior to the Festival.
Rain or Shine
The Fat Cat Children’s Festival takes place rain or shine. Schedules may be adapted, but no matter the weather – the show goes on.
Money
Once you have paid for your admission most of the activities on site are free but there are some opportunities to enjoy delicious festival foods and to buy raffle tickets. There are no banking machines on site.
Common Sense Rules
We recommend sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and comfortable footwear. Children should be supervised at all times. Please turn off cell-phones while watching shows. Videotaping performances is not permitted.
FAQ
When is the Interior Savings Fat Cat Children’s Festival?
The Festival is usually the second weekend in June.
In 2014 the dates are:
Friday, June 6th
-- School Day 9:00 – 1:30 pm Waterfront Park
Saturday, June 7th
--Parade 10 am starts on Cawston Avenue at Richter Street
--Community Day 11:00 – 5:00 pm Waterfront Park
Is there a cost to the Interior Savings Fat Cat Children’s Festival?
Yes. Admission is $5 pp or $15 per family of 4 people. Early Bird Family Passes can also be purchased for $10 at any Interior Savings Branch starting in May and are valid for four people, any age. All pass members must enter at the same time. Additional 'Family Members' (up to a maximum of 2) may pay $3 each at the gate when entering with a Family Pass holder. Again, all pass members must enter at the same time. Children 2 and under are free.
Where is the Interior Savings Fat Cat Children’s Festival?
The Festival is held in Waterfront Park in Downtown Kelowna.
The Parade starts on Cawston Avenue at Richter Street and heads to Water Street where it turns to go up to Waterfront Park.
How do I find out what is going on at the Interior Savings Fat Cat Children’s Festival?
There will be a published schedule of events closer to the Festival closer to the Festival. Watch for a schedule on our website and also in the Capital News.
Is parking available nearby the Festival?
Yes, parking will be available on all city streets as usual as well as the Library Plaza Parkade or the Parking Lot at Cawston and Ellis Street. The Dolphins Parking Lot (at Sunset and Clement) is reserved for Festival Participants.
Are there pay phones at the Festival?
No. The closest phone would be at the Delta Grand Okanagan.
Is there a bank machine at the Festival?
There is a cash machine at the Delta Grand Okanagan. All major banks are located close to the Festival in downtown Kelowna.
Is food available on site?
Food vendors, with snacks, lunches, coffee and other refreshments to suit every taste are part of the Festival Fun.