The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning is bringing families together again this spring with rich and diverse cultural performances during the 10th anniversary of its Queens International Children’s Festival at Rufus King Park in Jamaica on Saturday, May 16, from 12 to 4:45 p.m.
The free festival will have musical and dance performances drawing from various communities throughout the World’s Borough, along with interactive art experiences and crafts for the whole family to enjoy.
“For ten years, the Queens International Children’s Festival has created a joyful space where families come together to experience the richness of global culture through the arts,” said Courtney Ffrench, JCAL’s artistic director, in a statement.
To register for the event go to tinyurl.com/5y3w5h7n. To learn more about JCAL, visit jcal.org. The rain date is May 17.
Deejay Barry Blends will be on the ones and twos and serve as the emcee for the festivities, which include Eric Q’s Family Magic Show, a blend of visuals with Asian cultural storytelling; Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra, a celebration of Caribbean musical traditions; and La Troupe Zetwal, a Haitian folklore dance ensemble honoring ancestral heritage through music and movement.
There will be an ArtZone, which includes creative workshops led by JCAL’s teaching artists; gardening and sustainability workshops; art-making experiences exploring identity and global traditions; face painting; caricature portraits; and “Super You,” a comic strip and costume-making station.
There is also a GameZone, which includes tabletop games, mini golf, a photo booth and classic treats such as popcorn and cotton candy.
JCAL is seeking additional nonfood vendors for the event, which is sponsored by Raising Cane’s, a fast food chain. People interested in becoming a vendor may submit their application to tinyurl.com/yeyt5e79.
“Welcoming thousands of attendees each year, this festival has grown into one of Queens’ most beloved family traditions,” said Ffrench. “As we celebrate this milestone, we are proud to continue expanding access to creativity, connection and cultural discovery for the communities we serve.”