PERFORMANCES & WORKSHOPS
Ebony Hillbillies
The Ebony Hillbillies are a legendary Black string band blending fiddle, banjo, folk, and bluegrass traditions into joyful performances that get kids and adults dancing, clapping, and smiling together!
2026 FEATURED PERFORMERS
Harlem Bombshell
The Harlem Bomb Shelter is a premier NYC spoken-word and literary arts organization known for its dynamic youth poetry slams, open mics, and powerful storytelling that uplift young voices, creativity, and community connection.
LACHI
Lachi is a singer, storyteller, and GRAMMY-nominated producer who celebrates disability, creativity, and being yourself. Come experience songs from her brand-new children’s album full of imagination, empowerment, and fun!
Reinaldo De Jesus
Join Grammy Award-winning Latin jazz artist Reinaldo De Jesus for an electrifying jam session with his musician friends — and don’t miss a hands-on percussion workshop led by a true world-class master!
RAH DIGGA
with LYRICS MATTER FOUNDATION
One of hip-hop's greatest MCs is coming through to show the next generation that words have power. Real hip-hop. Real lessons. Real fun — for the whole family 🎶
Open Act Theater Improv
Join Opening Act Theater Company at NYC KidsFest for a high-energy improv workshop led by their amazing teaching artists! Festival participants will jump into fun games and creative exercises that spark laughter, confidence, and collaboration. No experience needed—just bring your imagination!
National Congo Coalition
Get ready to move! The Congo Youth Coalition brings the rhythm and soul of Afro-Congolese dance to NYC, led by the dynamic Nkumu Katalay—artist, educator, and cultural powerhouse.
Join us for high-energy workshops filled with movement, music, and joy. It’s a celebration of culture, connection, and the spirit of the Congo!
Youth Performances ~
Don’t miss student performances by kids from
Harlem School of the Arts 🎭 PS 200 🎶 PS 180 🎭
PS 128 🎶 Hour Children AfterSchool 🎭 Harlem Village Academy 🎶 Children’s Aid Society 🎭 Lexington Academy
Harlem Swing Dance Society: Jump, Jive & Swing!
Get ready to groove with The Harlem Swing Dance Society! In this fun, high-energy workshop just for kids and families, little dancers will learn the basics of Harlem’s own Lindy Hop—full of big smiles, fancy footwork, and joyful moves.
Come dance, laugh, and feel the rhythm of Harlem’s swing legacy—no experience needed, just your happy feet!
ARTS ACTIVITIES & WORKSHOPS
Word Up Community Bookshop/Librería Comunitaria brings the joy of books, storytelling, and creativity to NYC Kidsfest with a lively reading corner and free book giveaways for kids and families!
Word Up Community Bookshop /
Librería Comunitaria
Get ready to get messy—in the best way! Ms. Stef’s Science Club brings hands-on STEM fun to the festival with a crowd favorite: slime-making!
Ms. Stef’s Science Club:
Slimy, Squishy Science Fun!
Stop by for a special drop-in session where young children can create their own masterpieces with guidance from the museum’s amazing teaching artists.
The Studio Museum
Join us for an exciting mix of art and storytelling! In this interactive experience, kids will explore their creativity through vibrant art and captivating stories. fun, hands-on adventure that celebrates culture, imagination, and the power of storytelling!
Sugarhill Museum of Art & Storytelling: Art, Stories & Imagination
Fold, crease, and create! Join artist Yasuyo Tanaka for a magical origami workshop where kids can transform simple paper into animals, shapes, and surprises.
Children’s Art Carnaval: Origami with Yasuyo Tanaka
Add some extra sparkle to your day with top-of-the-line face painters at NYC Kidsfest! From butterflies and superheroes to rainbows and tigers, our talented artists will transform little faces into works of art—right before your eyes.
Fantastic Face Painting: Colorful Fun, Festival-Style!
Watch balloons come to life! From dogs and swords to flowers and hats, there’s a twisty creation for every kid to enjoy.Fun, fast, and full of surprises—come grab your balloon masterpiece!
Balloon Animals
