Buddy and Friends Children's Festival
At the Railway Museum of BC.
Join us for the 2nd annual ‘Buddy and Friends’ event! Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3, 2026.
Trains to explore, performing arts to enjoy, culture to immerse yourself in and lots to learn about trains and railways.
Tickets on sale soon! Group pricing available for 20+ tickets.
A full weekend of fun, featuring the Performing Arts, Culture, Adventure and Learning!
TRAINS will be running all day.
Gates open at 9:30 am.
The Railway Museum of BC is proud to bring you an ‘all new’ event, the 2nd annual ‘Buddy & Friends Children’s Festival’, the first weekend in May. You’ll get to meet Buddy and enjoy a weekend full of music, entertainment and train riding fun.
Our BC-21 Budd Rail Diesel car will be operating for you to enjoy riding a real train.
Our Mini-Rail Train will take you on a 20 minute journey around the Museum grounds.
Take a spin on ‘Big Red’, our CN Maintenance-of-way Track Speeder.
Bring the whole family and enjoy a day full of fun. Create family memories that last forever!
There’s lots of performers and activities to enjoy while you visit!
Norman Foote
Singer, songwriter, comedian
Juno winner Norman Foote has an incredible passion for songwriting, story telling and comedy. It has taken him to amazing concerts and communities throughout the world.
His ability to find ageless melodies and interesting subject matter brings laughter and singing to audiences big and small. He also incorporates some hilarious “props with an attitude” to his concert performances .He has gathered music awards along the way including a Juno and several WCMA awards.
Norman has written and recorded for Disney records, CBC, Shari Lewis, Max and Ruby and others. Musicians Victor Smith and Maria B Foote will join Norman on stage.
www.normanfoote.com
Ira Pettle
Arts educator, entertainer, creator.
Ira mixes his DJ Ira character with his amazing control of an audience, bringing movement and laughter wherever he performs. Originally from Toronto, Ira has contributed to the Whistler Arts community with his “Laugh out Live” concert series. He is known and loved for his many family audience performances and interactive acting camps for young audiences.
Mike Battie
Physical comedian, juggler, unicyclist, stilt walker
Mike has been charming audiences throughout North America for the last three decades and more. His easy banter and many skills have made him a sought after performer for festivals and concerts.
His engaging performances are always visual, full of comedy and surprises.
I’m Buddy!
This is my first time coming to the Railway Museum of BC. My friends and I are super excited to meet you!
You can join me in a variety of workshops and activities.
Write and sing songs, learn to juggle, share stories in the Old caboose, perform with us on the Local – Motion stage!
Interactive activities & workshops
Local-motion stage – Presenting local ‘up and coming’ talent! Featuring:
Squamish Academy of Music,
Cam Salay and the Brackendale School of Fun Arts,
And More!
Norman Foote – Songwriting workshop. Create a song with Norman Foote and hear your song performed in his concert the same day!
Mike Battie – Learn how to juggle. Mike makes it look easy and teaches some basic skills for enthusiastic participants.
Improv with Ira – Ira Pettle shares his passion and talent with young actors.
Creative Corner workshop – A hands on experience building puppets, mural painting and other cool stuff. A great hands-on experience you can take home with you.
Storytime Station – Featuring Roxy Lewis, Beverley Elliott, Norman Foote. 3 storytellers take turns sharing some of their stories in the cool location.
Canadian Toy Train Association – Drive Thomas the Tank Engine. CTTA will be operating their huge electric train layout with a controller for the Thomas engine kids can drive.
Member Gordon Hall will have multiple floor display trains running with controls for the kids to run trains!
