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
More than a million lights will illuminate some of the Missouri Botanical Garden's most iconic locations, walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, and traditional candlelight village displays, festive drinks, s'mores and great photo opportunities will delight crowds of all ages.
Enjoy the iconic lights that adorn the Anheuser-Busch Brewery close up during walking tours. Brewery Lights features more than one million twinkling lights, a Kids Winter Wonderland, a nightly parade featuring the World-Famous Clydesdales, and lots of family-friendly activities.
The magical sights of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation's Winterfest return to downtown St. Louis this holiday season. Winterfest includes family fun, beautiful holiday lights, s'mores stations, ice skating and festive activities and fireworks, plus special character visits and a New Year's Eve celebration.
Sensory Friendly Science Time features reduced noise, modified lighting and sensory-friendly demonstrations at the Saint Louis Science Center.
Winterfest 2025 will host special guests on Sundays. Some of your kids' favorite characters will appear for free meet & greets and photo opportunities at Kiener Plaza's annual winter festival.