By HWM
One of New York City’s longest-running family arts festivals is set to return to Harlem this month, bringing three days of free performances, creative workshops and community programming to neighborhood parks.
Now celebrating its 20th year, NYC Kidsfest will take place June 12 through June 14 across three iconic Harlem locations: Marcus Garvey Park, Morningside Park, and Jackie Robinson Park. The annual event aims to make arts, culture and creative expression accessible to children and families while fostering a sense of belonging throughout the community.
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This year’s festival theme, “Belonging,” reflects the organization’s mission to create welcoming spaces where every child and family feels included.
Festival organizers have assembled a diverse lineup of performers and educators who will lead activities designed to inspire creativity and encourage participation from attendees of all ages.
Among the featured performers is Lachie, the blind singer and rising star whose story of perseverance has earned him a growing international following. Legendary rapper Rah Digga will also appear, bringing her unique blend of performance and education through an interactive workshop focused on self-expression, lyricism, and the power of hip-hop culture.
Adding to the festival’s musical offerings is Grammy Award-winning Latin jazz musician Renaldo De Jesus, who will showcase world-class musicianship in a setting designed to introduce young audiences to a variety of artistic styles and traditions.
In addition to live entertainment, NYC Kidsfest will offer a wide range of hands-on creative experiences. Arts workshops will be presented by organizations including the Studio Museum in Harlem, Children’s Art Carnival, and Sugar Hill Children’s Museum. Participants will have opportunities to engage in collaborative tape art projects, chalk murals, poetry workshops and spoken-word activities.
Families can also enjoy read-alongs hosted in partnership with the New York Public Library and Word Up Books, as well as face painting, balloon artists and performances by student groups from schools throughout Harlem, Washington Heights, and Long Island City.
The festival schedule begins Friday, June 12, at Marcus Garvey Park from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Activities continue Saturday, June 13, at Morningside Park from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., before concluding Sunday, June 14, at Jackie Robinson Park from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Over the past two decades, NYC Kidsfest has become a staple of Harlem’s cultural calendar, providing thousands of families with free access to arts education and live performances. Organizers say the event remains committed to celebrating creativity, community engagement and the belief that every child deserves opportunities to explore the arts.
Admission to all NYC Kidsfest events is free. Additional information and updates are available at www.nyckidsfest.org.
Photo: NYC Kidsfest
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