This week, festival-seekers should look no further than the New York International Children’s Film Festival and the Kids Food Festival, while theater buffs should check out the latest offerings from the New Victory Theater and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Also, for those who have not yet partaken in the city’s array of Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations, we’ve rounded up a couple that mustn’t be missed.
Beginning Friday, February 27
New York International Children’s Film Festival
Various locations
Various times
The New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) is the largest film fest for children and teens in North America, screening more than 100 animated, live action, and experimental short and feature films from around the world. In addition to the films, the festival boasts a variety of activities such as gala premiers, retrospectives, filmmaker Q&As, and workshops. Winners of the NYICFF jury prizes are Academy Award eligible. Be sure to purchase tickets early—all screenings typically sell out in advance. Recommended for ages 3 through 18. Runs weekends through Sunday, March 22.
The Light Princess
New Victory Theater
Various times
Ages 5 and up are invited to the New Victory Theater for the A.R.T. Institute’s production of The Light Princess. This delightful musical tells the tale of a princess who is cursed by an evil witch to literally float through life. Will she break the curse before her 16th birthday or remain up in the air forever? Find out during this magical 70-minute fairy tale. Tickets start at $15. Runs weekends through Sunday, March 8.
Saturday, February 28
Lunar New Year Celebrations
The Museum of Chinese in America & The Metropolitan Museum of Art
MOCA: 11am-4pm; The Met: 12pm-5pm
Whether you celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year or just enjoy learning about different traditions and cultures, we’ve selected a couple of Lunar New Year celebrations that are sure to put you and your family in a festive mood. The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) will ring in the new year with a lion dance, storytelling, Chinese zodiac-themed crafts, face painting, balloon animal twisting, and a performance by the Red Silk Dancers! The Metropolitan Museum of Art will host its own afternoon of festivities which will include performances from Sesame Street puppeteers, the Chinese Center on Long Island’s Lion Troupe, and Lotus Music & Dance, martial arts and hand-pulled noodle demos, arts & crafts, a Chinese tea ceremony, and much more. Tickets for MOCA’s Lunar New Year Family Festival are $10 per person. The Met Museum’s Lunar New Year Festival is free with museum admission.
Saturday, February 28-Sunday, March 1
Kids Food Festival
Bryant Park
10am-5pm
Attention all foodies: join Bryant Park for their annual Kids Food Festival! This two-day food extravaganza will feature live cooking demos for kids with celebrated chefs, as well as musical performances and the Balanced Plate Scavenger Hunt. Among the culinary world celebs scheduled to attend are “Top Chef” judge (and our January cover mom) Gail Simmons, Jehangir Mehta, Daniel Holzman of The Meatball Shop and Joey Campanaro of The Little Owl. Kids can rock out during performances from ApplauseNY, Super Sprowtz, The Singing Baker, Baby Loves Disco, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band, and more. General admission is free. Tickets for cooking demos are $25.
Blocks
Brooklyn Academy of Music
10:30am & 1:30pm
Block out some time this weekend to see “Blocks” at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). Geared specifically towards families with little ones, “Blocks” is Teater Tre’s production about three clowns who use colorful blocks to form physical bridges and emotional connections with one another. One of Sweden’s oldest theater troupes, Teater Tre’s blue-overalled performers will enchant and amuse audiences. Recommended for ages 3 through 7. Tickets are $12 per person.
