Montréal’s KidCon turns terrific two

Like most two-year-olds, the second edition of Montréal’s KidCon is incredibly active, truly finding its feet and – with a live hand from Thomas the Tank Engine, Ravings Rabbids, Sesame Street and Star Wars characters, and beloved Montréal sports mascot Youppi! – something you really need to keep an eye on.

Running for a fun-fueled two days, October 22-23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Stade Uniprix (home to the annual Rogers Cup pro tennis tournament) this year’s instalment of KidCon is offering an even more head-spinning array of entertainment for kids aged 3-12. And their parents, of course. Popular toys, television shows, video games, movies, books, comics, technology, sports, food and more are all represented under one roof, spread out over 75,000 square feet of floor space.

“Live” is where it’s at this year, beginning with one of the most beloved, generations-spanning children’s characters, Thomas the Tank Engine. Thomas and friends will take the main stage at varying times for shows in both French and English. As well, singing, dancing and surprises are all in store when award-winning French-language TV show Caillou celebrates its 25^th anniversary with a live performance on October 22 (please go here for show schedules).

Rassemblez toute la famille et venez rencontrer Cookie Monster, Elmo et Abby Cadabby de #SesameStreet, une visite qui plaira certainnement aux petits comme aux grands! #KidConMTL – — Gather the whole family to enjoy this multi-generational visit from #SesameStreet’s very best: Cookie Monster, Elmo and Abby Cadabby! #KidConMTL

Une photo publiée par KidCon (@kidconmtl) le 15 Sept. 2016 à 9h50 PDT

But not all the star-studded action will be taking place onstage. Kiddos should keep their eyes peeled for walk-around appearances by the likes of Sesame Street heroes Cookie Monster, Elmo and Abby Cadabby (these life-size characters are actually from the show). Also on hand will be massively popular game and TV show characters Raving Rabbids, courtesy of Montréal’s all-new Centre d’amusement Les Lapins Crétins, and life-sized kitty cats Chase and Marcus from PAW Patrol. And not to be missed, of course, is a hug from legendary Montreal Canadiens mascot Youppi! (on October 23 only).

Le personage la plus populaire à Montréal sera à #KidCon cette année! Alors, mettez votre chandail de hockey et venez rencontrer @youppi_offical Le personage officielle des @canadiensmtl (Dimanche seulement.) – – Montreal’s most popular mascot will be at #KidCon this year! So put on your hockey jersey and come meet Youppi the official mascot of the Canadiens de Montréal. (Sunday only.)

Une photo publiée par KidCon (@kidconmtl) le 13 Oct. 2016 à 9h15 PDT

The Video Game Zone was a huge hit last year, and technology is again front and centre at KidCon with a whole new immersive VR section this year. Kids will be able to paint the sky or even battle alongside R2D2, lightsaber in hand (it should be noted that stormtroopers and other Star Wars characters will also be there in the flesh, as it were). And those who like their reality real, hit the Radio-Controlled Toys Zone and take a shot at piloting drones, as well as trucks, cars and other RC vehicles.