The Big Apple Circus will perform during the eighth annual Family Day on Presidents Day at the State Theatre. The State Theatre will present the eighth annual Family Day on Feb. 17. Family Day is part of the State Theatre’s Hub City Carnivale, a winter festival featuring four weeks of performances, participatory activities, social events and special attractions for all ages.
Families can spend the schoolday holiday enjoying dozens of performances, workshops and hands-on activities — many of them free. The event will also feature costumed characters, “Turtle Back Zoo: Amazing Animal Adaptations,” face painting, balloon animals, a photo booth, fire trucks from the New Brunswick Fire Department, the Colgate “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures” mobile dental van, a live DJ, food and more.
The festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., features multiple venues: the State Theatre, George Street Playhouse, Crossroads Theatre, United Methodist Church and the popular Hub City Big Top, an enormous tent set up in front of the State Theatre. In addition, there will be a food drive to benefit the Elijah’s Promise food pantry in New Brunswick. Those attending Family Day can help by bringing nonperishable food items such as pasta, dried spices, rice and beans.
The featured Family Day events include performances of Hub City Spectacular by Big Apple Circus at 10:30 a.m., and 1 and 3:30 p.m. at the State Theatre. The Big Apple’s cast of characters will include balancing acts, clown sketches, performing pups and more.
Additionally, there will be free performances at Crossroads Theatre, including Gustafer Yellowgold, a multimedia performance of live music, animated illustrations and storytelling at noon and 3 p.m.; an interactive “Meet the Percussion” program by Princeton Symphony Orchestra at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and performances by the New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
A variety of hands-on workshops will take place throughout the day, including “Hand-in-Hand” at 10:30 a.m.; “Hip-Hop Dance” at noon; “Intro to Ballet” at 1:30 p.m., led by American Repertory Ballet; “Make and Take: Clown Hat” at 10 a.m.; “Make and Take: Paper Plate Banjo” at 12:30 p.m.; “Make and Take: Paper Bag Puppet” at 2 p.m.; “Making Character Masks” at 10:30 a.m.; “Theatre Games” at noon; and “Intro to Improv” at 1:30 p.m., led by George Street Playhouse. Registration for all workshops is $6 and can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 732-246-7469, ext. 545.
For tickets or more information, call the State Theatre ticket office at 732-246-7469 or visit www.statetheatrenj.org.
The State Theatre ticket office, located at 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday; and at least three hours prior to curtain on performance dates, unless otherwise specified.
For information on group discounts, call 732-247-7200, ext. 517. Some additional transaction fees may apply.