Queens International
  Children’s Festival

Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) is thrilled to announce the return of Queens International Children’s Festival, a free, two-day family event that brings together high-quality arts performances and activities to inspire children and families to enjoy the arts. Being held on Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13, 12pm to 5pm, at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (153-10 Jamaica Avenue), the Festival will offer live music and dance performances, interactive workshops, a magic show and much more. 

After pausing the annual event in 2020 due to COVID, the Queens International Children’s Festival is back with a diverse range of performances and activities for the entire family to enjoy. ​

​​​​​​​ Following Saturday’s Opening Ceremony, the Festival will kick off with Showtime NYC, one of New York City’s largest street dance programs. Showtime NYC is part of the nonprofit, Bessie-nominated Dancing in the Streets. Next, the Festival will bring to the stage a Hip-Hop dance workshop by one of JCAL’s most popular teaching artists, Janora Blackman, and following that will be an exciting folkloric performance from the acclaimed Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. The final event on Saturday will showcase the incredible dancers of Edge School of the Arts, a Southeast, Queens-based dance school that has stood for decades as a beacon of cultural and artistic excellence in the community. Throughout day 1, attendees can enjoy a live magic show by Brian McGovern

Day 2 of the Queens International Children’s Festival will be just as action-packed, beginning with a voice workshop offered by another one of JCAL’s professional teaching artists, Karina Parker. Then there will be spoken word performances and shows by Raj Daffu, the Thunderbirds and Soul Steps

We’ll also invite everyone under 12 to participate in a creative drawing contest on the JPAC grounds. And on both days of the Festival, we’ll offer mini-golf, cotton candy, popcorn, merchandise and more than a few surprises!