Picks Of The Week: March 7-9

March has arrived and it’s brought lively happenings with it! Chill out with some special jazz performances and parties or get grooving at a jaw-dropping breakdancing performance. Also on the docket this weekend is a film festival just for children and a St. Patty’s Day celebration perfect for families!

Starting Friday, March 7

New York International Children’s Film Festival
Various theaters throughout Manhattan
Various times
For movie-lovers big and small, the New York International Children’s Film Festival is the place to be. Boasting over 100 animated, live-action, and experimental shorts and features, this special event is the largest of its kind in North America. The festival caters to ages 3-18, so you can be sure there will be something for everyone! Some highlights this year include “Amazonia 3D,” a documentary about baby capuchin monkeys; “Mother, I Love You,” A coming-of-age drama that’s won prizes at the Berlin and Los Angeles Film Festivals, and a special screening of “Muppets Most Wanted.” Various ticket prices.

Saturday, March 8

Beats, Rhymes, and Breaking
Symphony Space
11am
As part of Symphony Space’s Just Kidding series, this unique breakdancing program features head spins, windmills, pop and lock, and more! Join the Manzana City Crew, a group of artists based out of New York, for an unforgettable show filled with action and awe-inspiring dance moves. Children $15, Adults $20.

Regina Carter Family Concert
Carnegie Hall
1pm
For a spot of jazz, take the whole family to see this concert with award-winning violinist Regina Carter at Carnegie Hall. This talented musician infuses her performance with soulful African folk tunes in a contemporary style. The show also incorporates instruments like an accordion and kora, a special kind of West African harp. Tickets start at $12.

WeBop’s Family Jazz Party: Meet Charlie Parker
Jazz At Lincoln Center
1pm and 3pm
WeBop, an early-childhood jazz education program, is hosting their very own Family Jazz Party! This fun-filled musical afternoon allows kids to “Meet Charlie Parker,” one of the founding fathers of bebop. Teaching tots to swing, dance, and bop to his tunes along with Mr. Tim and the WeBop band, this event is a must-see! Tickets are $20.

Sunday, March 9

Annual St. Patrick’s Open Day
Irish Arts Center
12pm-5pm
St. Patty’s Day is right around the corner, and one of the best ways to celebrate is with this open day at the Irish Arts Center! Rain or shine, this celebration of the national holiday will immerse youngsters in Ireland’s culture. Some festive activities include playing the tin whistle, learning to speak Gaelic with instructors, building an interactive map of Ireland, and enjoying a cup of Barry’s tea. This event is free.

Bounce! Family Entertainment Center

Bounce! Family Entertainment Center is an indoor birthday party and play space located in Syosset, NY. Perfect for birthday parties, group events, open play, and more! We have the best party packages on Long Island! Our facility has multiple AWESOME attractions: The Trampoline courts, The Adventure Zone, Bumper Cars, Laser Tag, Soft Play, Arcade, &amp; MORE! If you need a break from jumping and climbing, try out some of our delicious food from The Bounce Bites Kitchen! Come on in to any of our Open Play, Toddler Time, or Glow Night sessions!

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

Saf-T-Swim

For over 35 years, Saf-T-Swim Swim School has been teaching lifesaving swimming skills throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and now Little Neck. The school is proud to be Long Island's #1 swim school and a leader in water safety education. With swim programs for infants as young as 4 months, beginners, and advanced swimmers, Saf-T-Swim offers swimming programs for every age and skill level. Discover why generations of Long Islanders have trusted Saf-T-Swim time and time again with equipping their little ones the essential skill of swimming. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;