Spring forward into some of our hand-picked bouquet of pre-spring events. We have gathered a nice mix of high-stepping dance, fairy tale magic, Persian and Irish-themed festivities, and a few pirates thrown in for good measure! Take advantage of the extra daylight to take the family out for some memory-making fun!
Beginning Thursday, March 12
New York Spring Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall
Various times
Head over to Radio City Music Hall to see the Rockettes in a brand-new musical show! Dancing with the Stars‘ Derek Hough and actress Laura Benanti will also star in this production about three New Yorkers whose lives intertwine and change for the better. Featuring 3D special effects, puppetry, and original songs this spectacular spectacle is a must-see for local and visiting families. Tickets start at $50. Runs through Sunday, May 3.
Beginning Friday, March 13
Pinocchio
New Victory Theater
Various times
Last performed at the Sydney Opera House, in this Australian reinvention of Carlo Collodi’s classic tale Pinocchio goes rock ‘n’ roll. Lured by the temptations of fun, fame, and becoming a real boy, Pinocchio embarks on a journey of self-discovery in this psychedelic show distinguished by its powerful pop-rock ballads and Pinocchio’s relatable angst. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Tickets start at $15. Runs weekends through Sunday, March 22.
Sunday, March 15
Persian Festival
Children’s Museum of the Arts
10am-5pm
Whether you’re familiar with Persian customs and culture or interested in learning more, the Persian Festival at the Children’s Museum of the Arts is the place to be this Sunday. Visitors can design and create their own model houses with the help of architect Nadir Khalili, make paisley-patterned stamp prints, and enjoy Beyond the Light, a theatrical puppet production based on Persian fairy tales. Free with museum admission.
Annual St. Patrick’s Open Day
Irish Arts Center
12pm-4pm
Those seeking a kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration can explore and engage with Irish culture at the Irish Arts Center’s annual St. Patrick’s Open Day. Children of all ages are invited to the Center where they’ll learn to play the tin whistle, speak Gaelic with the Center’s instructors, learn about the Irish diaspora through a life-size bead maze, get creative at the fairy costume station, dance to music by DJ Púca, and play soccer—or as the Irish say, football—with the Manhattan Gaels. This event is free.
The Story Pirates
NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
2pm
As a part of the NYU Skirball Center’s Big Red Chair Family Series, the Story Pirates are coming to plunder children’s minds and incorporate their ideas on the spot in this hilarious, interactive show. It’ll be hard to control your laughter as the Story Pirates translate kids’ creativity to the stage—think monsters and tomatoes with super powers. In this silly and surprising show, you won’t know what’s coming next. Tickets start at $20.
