The DMV area has an abundance of live productions whether it be theater or music, there’s always something going on. Expose your Bambinos early and help develop their appreciation for dramatic arts, rhythm and sound. This summer you can also see performances involving live music and outdoor movies. We’ve added a list of well-known musicians and venues at the bottom.
(Photo: Marmalade at Atlas Performing Arts Center)
Discovery Theater is part of the Smithsonian for Young Audiences. Shows are generally on a weekday at 10:15 and 11:30 however there are some shows that will have weekend performances. August and September they do not have shows.
In addition to The Puppet Co Main Stage, Glen Echo also features a series called Tiny Tot shows. These are geared towards the younger audience (0-4 years old) with a shorter show for $6. Show titles vary each week.
Millennium Stage at The Kennedy Center presents free performances everyday, no tickets required! Shows typically begin at 6:00pm.
To the Clouds at Arts on the Horizon– May 31 – June 16, 2018
(1819 N. Quaker Ln. Alexandria, VA. 22302)
Take a journey from the clouds, to the earth, and back again through the eyes of a single rain drop! On their very first trip through the water cycle, a drop of rain is eager to see what lies ahead. Along the way, we all get a closer look at some amazing things: colorful flowers, the warm sun, and perhaps even a whale! As the voyage is completed ad the raindrop goes back to their home clouds, they look forward to once again returning to their friends on earth. Through movement, puppetry, and found object animation, this interactive world-premiere for babies and toddlers is driven by soundtrack of classical music and creates a captivating world of transformation.
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo Kids Pajama Party at AMP Strathmore– June 27, 2018
(11810 Grand Park Ave. Rockville, MD. 20852)
Grammy-winning funk and hip-hop artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo brings the excitement and energy of hip-hop to children’s music in this special Father’s Day performance. With sophisticated instrumental funk and witty wordplay, his live shows are alive with call-and-response anthems and unique and heartwarming party music that will fill the whole family with delight. In this special performance, 23 Skidoo will be joined by students from the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras for a performance of Mozartistic. Originally commissioned by the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, Mozartistic is an unforgettable blend of original hip-hop and classical pieces by Mozart. Find out why NPR said, “Nobody is making better ‘kid-hop’ than Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.”
1, 2, 3 Andrés– June 19 – July 3, 2018
(Various locations in DC, MD. & VA)
Latin Grammy Winner: Best Children’s Album is a popular musician who specializes in songs in English & Spanish will be all over our area for a few weeks. Catch him if you can!
Tinkerbell at Adventure Theatre- June 22 – Aug 20, 2018
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan. Or, at least, everyone thinks they do. But unless you have heard it from Tinker Bell’s point of view, you really have not heard it at all. A new twinkling light shines on all the characters you love including, Wendy, the Lost Boys, Peter Pan, Smee, and the nefarious Hook from a feisty fairy’s point of view. Recommended all ages.
Paper Dreams at Imagination Stage– June 23 – July 29, 2018
(4908 Auburn Ave. Bethesda, MD. 20814)
In a brand-new collaboration with Mons Dansa Dance Company Barcelona, Spain, we bring to life our first DANCE performance based show, perfect for ages 1-5 that explores the many facets of creativity. A fun, interactive production that tells the story of two delightful creatures who live inside a wastepaper basket. Can our greatest mistake actually turn out to be the next greatest innovative idea?
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at Imagination Stage-June 23 Aug 12, 2018
(4908 Auburn Ave. Bethesda, MD. 20814)
Don’t miss your chance to see the comic strip characters of the lovable “Peanuts” gang comic brought to life in Summer 2018! This hit Off-Broadway musical is directed by acclaimed playwright and director Aaron Posner (Ford’s Theatre, Arena Stage, Folger Theatre, Signature Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and many more!). Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Peppermint Patty, and Schroeder as they sing and dance their way through the timeless struggles of childhood. This show features catchy songs, including “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, and is the perfect family outing for the young and young at heart! Recommended ages 5+.
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of the colorful characters who live in the Jungle of Nool. Horton the Elephant hears a sound coming from a speck of dust on a clover and discovers an entire world of the Whos. Jojo, an imaginative Who, keeps getting in trouble for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton must not only protect the Whos on their clover, but also sit on an abandoned egg, left to him to look after by Mayzie LaBird. Gertrude McFuzz, Horton’s next door neighbor and admirer, fights to rescue him. Come and enjoy many well-beloved characters of Dr. Seuss as they learn about friendship, loyalty, and community. After all, “a person’s a person no matter how small.” We recommend this musical for ages 4 and older.
Special Summer Events:
Backyard Theater for Children at Strathmore (10701 Rockville Pike North Bethesda, MD 20852-3224)
Bringing families together for concerts that are entertaining, educational and perfect for all ages! Thursdays in July. Bring a blanket and relax under the tent. $8 tickets for kids over 2.
Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods offers summer-long entertainment to children. Shows are geared towards children in Kindergarten-Grade 6.
Summerfest Family Theatre in Frederick
From clowns and magicians, to Emmy-awarding winning musicians and puppeteers, the Summerfest Family Theatre has brought high-quality entertainment to Frederick youngsters for over seventeen years! All summer long.
Venues to keep in mind:
Jammin Java (Tot Rock)
Bloombars
Boogie Babes
The National Theatre
Encore Stage and Studio
Black Rock Center for the Arts
Atlas Performing Arts Center
Arts on the Horizon
Favorite DC musicians and performers (in no particular order) we recommend checking out their schedules as well as considering them for birthday parties:
Mr. Gabe
Mr. Skip
John Henry, The Guitar Playing Man
Baba Ras D
The Uncle Devin Show
Marsha Goodman-Wood
Related Posts:
Live Music in DC
Outdoor Movies