Kidzfest strives to maintain an environment where all people feel welcome and included, knowing that our community is stronger when we can all be supported and represented. We are committed to continuing to grow in this area to ensure that we are removing barriers so all children can have meaningful arts and culture experiences. See below for our current accessible supports:
- Wheelchair Accessible Site - Although we are outdoors in a grassy park, all of our programming is on single level and accessible for wheelchairs. Most of our activity stations have adaptability options for those with mobility issues and our volunteers are happy to accomodate as best they are able. Wheelchair accessible washrooms are also available in the building beside the ice rink at the southwest corner of the park.
- Certified Service Animals Permitted - Although our festival site does not allow pets, certified service animals are always welcome.
- Accessible Performance Space - With our outdoor open-air style performance stage, audience members have freedom to wiggle and move, leave and come back and there are no darkness or strobe lights.
- Low Sensory Times - Thursday and Friday 1:30-3:00 pm and Saturday 9:30-10:30 am are quieter times on our festival site, giving more breathing room to enjoy all of the activities and performances of Kidzfest.
- Infant/Toddler Changing and Feeding Station - Located near Tiny Town, our changing and feeding station gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to take care of the needs of our youngest guests in a peaceful environment.
- Quiet Tent - With the support of our friends at the Dragonfly Pond Society, we are pleased to offer a Quiet Tent for our guests who may appreciate or require a bit of a break from the intensity of our regular festival programming. This space offers low-key activities intended to offer a calming space. The Quiet Tent will be open on Thursday and Friday to all who need it. On Saturday, sensory kits and Quiet supplies may be picked up at the Information Station.
- Sensory Kits - These kits are available at the Quiet Tent as a loan for guests who may have a desire to participate in the regular festival programming with a bit of noise-reduction. **On Saturday, please head to the Information to borrow a sensory kit. These kits are supported by the Penticton Vees.
- Festival Buddy Donation Program - We recognize the financial struggle that many families face and are pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to experience Kidzfest to a number of low-income families in the South Okanagan. These tickets are gifted by local businesses and individuals as well as by Kidzfest and are distributed through a variety of local organizations to ensure they go to families who wouldn't otherwise be able to attend.
