Arts, music & chess · Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festivals Society

Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival

Metro Vancouver's large music competition festival, with feedback from adjudicators. Solo registration runs November 2, 2026 to January 18, 2027.

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Grades
K–Grade 12
Format
In person at venues around Metro Vancouver.
Cost
Entry fees vary by class. Fees are non-refundable.
Official site
vkmfestivals.org

Key dates

  • ConfirmedSolo registration opensMon, November 2, 2026
  • ConfirmedLarge Ensembles registration closesFri, November 6, 2026
  • ConfirmedSolo registration closesMon, January 18, 2027
  • ConfirmedSolo & Small Ensemble Festival begins (March 30 – April 30)Tue, March 30, 2027
  • ConfirmedPerforming Arts BC Provincial Festival, Cranbrook (June 5–9)Sat, June 5, 2027

What it is

Students perform in classes for piano, strings, voice, woodwinds, brass, guitar, harp, speech arts, composition and small ensembles. An adjudicator gives written and spoken feedback and marks.

The 2027 Solo & Small Ensemble Festival runs March 30 to April 30, 2027. A separate Large Ensembles festival for school bands, choirs and jazz groups runs February to March 2027.

Strong performers can be recommended to the Performing Arts BC Provincial Festival. This needs a mark of 85% or higher in at least two solo classes for the same instrument. The 2027 Provincial Festival is June 5–9 in Cranbrook.

New for 2027, string classes are mostly divided by level instead of age.

A good fit if: Music students who want performance experience and expert feedback beyond exams.

How to register

  1. Parents or teachers register online through the festival's Ciniki registration system. A new account is needed, as old logins no longer work.
  2. Solo & Small Ensemble registration is open November 2, 2026 to January 18, 2027. Late entries aren't accepted.
  3. School large ensembles register October 5 to November 6, 2026, through the school's music teacher.

How to prepare

  • Read the syllabus for your instrument carefully. Pieces must match the class's level and style period.
  • Talk with your teacher about which classes to enter. Entering two or more solo classes keeps the provincial path open.
  • The festival offers prep workshops. Check the New in 2027 page.

For grade-by-grade options see Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12.

Common questions

When is the Kiwanis Music Festival registration deadline in Vancouver?

Solo & Small Ensemble registration for 2027 closes January 18, 2027. It opens November 2, 2026.

How do you qualify for the BC provincial music festival?

Through a local festival like Kiwanis. At VKMF, you need 85% or higher in at least two solo classes on your instrument to be eligible for a recommendation.

Can parents register their child for Kiwanis?

Yes. Parents, teachers and accompanists can all create accounts in the festival's online registration system.

What comes next

Arts, music & chess

Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program Exams

Graded music and theory exams used across Canada. For the January 2027 practical exams, register by November 3, 2026.

K–Grade 12Fees depend on the subject and…

Sources

Last checked October 2, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.