Since the beginning of time, children have threatened to run away and join the circus. In 2007, 11 St. Louis
teenagers did just that. And filmmaker Alexandra Lipsitzwas there to catch all their triumphs and tribulations in her film Circus Kids.
Accompanied by an entourage of a dad, clown, mentor, social circus director and Lipsitz, the kids of Circus Harmony’s St. Louis Arches traveled to Israel to work with the Jewish and Arab children of the Galilee Circus. For many of the performers, this is their first time abroad. Despite the Arches’ struggles with cultural differences and language barriers, enduring friendships with their Middle Eastern counterparts and an entertaining show develops.
You can catch the St. Louis premier of Circus Kids during the St.Louis International Film Festival. The screening is happening on Sunday, November 21 at 1:30 p.m. at the Hi-Pointe Theatre. Directly following the screening, a benefit gala will be held at the Regional Arts Commission. The cost for a combined film and gala ticket is $15 for children and students, $35 for adults, and $95 for patrons. Order your tickets today!
If you like Circus Kids, check out the Circus Harmony performers in person. They make regular appearances at the Youth City Showcase at the City Museum and are a highlight of Circus Flora. For more information on the Arches or for a schedule of where they will be performing, visit Circus Harmony’s website.
By Andrea Wilson, Events Blogger for SmartParenting
Come over to the dark side and meet the amazing birds that exist by moonlight. Owl Prowls are an opportunity for families to learn about owls from the naturalists at the World Bird Sanctuary.
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur.
Stop in and have some fun in the indoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres with your little one at this drop-in swim time for kids up to age 6. No pre-registration is needed; Water Waddlers is open to residents and non-residents of Des Peres.
Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Juneteenth, Sweet Treats, Summer and more. Storytelling in the Museum is free.
LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library is a free opportunity for kids to gather and have fun building with LEGO bricks. LEGOs are provided.