History
International Children’s Festival — Experience the Arts
The Arts Council of Fairfax County’s annual International Children’s Festival is a renowned international arts education experience held at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. Since 1971, over 2,000 international children from over 40 countries have participated in the Festival. In addition, over 400 local youth performers showcase the region’s many diverse cultures each year.
About the Festival — 40 Years of Exitement!
The Arts Council of Fairfax County’s annual International Children’s Festival was first conceived and produced in 1971 as International Children’s Day. One of the originators was Catherine Filene Shouse, founder of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the nation’s only national park devoted solely to the performing arts. The purpose of the first event was to facilitate a basic cultural exchange, in which children could learn customs, art and dress of other peoples.
Today, the purpose of the Festival remains much the same as children from all over the world continue to share their cultural traditions through the international language of the arts, creating an atmosphere of friendship, trust and harmony.
Thousands of area families come to the Festival to see not only the featured international performers, but also dozens of Fairfax County and metro area arts organizations with over 400 area performing artists representing a diverse range of genres and cultures right here in our own backyard.
The Festival’s unique interactive arts environment provides children with a fun, dynamic, and accessible way to discover and learn about diverse art forms and cultures. Interactive games and arts presentations take place in the meadow led by professional artisans and performers.
The Festival promotes cultural understanding and exchange by providing opportunities for audience members and area supporters, including Northern Virginia corporate and community leaders, to interact with the international and local artists and performers. It takes over 600 volunteers contributing over 3,500 volunteer hours each year to help patrons enjoy the many performances and interactive arts activities.
Each year, free Festival tickets, gifts, and snacks are provided to nearly 2,000 Washington DC area children and their families (Special Guests Program), who would otherwise be unable to enjoy a magical day filled with the arts at Wolf Trap.
Our Partners
The Arts Council produces the International Children’s Festival in cooperation with the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and the National Park Service. The Festival also relies on many community corporate sponsors, many of whom provide both financial assistance and volunteers in order to help make it all happen.
Get Involved!
Find out more about the many ways that you or your company can get involved in this unique community event.
