Children's Activities


All Weekend

Jaycees Face Painting

The Matt Epling Creative Arts Competition
All weekend in our Children's Activities are enjoy the original artwork of local middle school students. The Matt Epling Creative Arts Competition was created in 2006 to provide a public venue for middle school artists. Now in it's fifth year, over 150 artists and close to 300 pieces of art have been displayed during the city's art festival. Some of the artists and their work has also been showcased in the public art museum. The Competition was chosen as the 2006 Neighborhood Association of Michigan's "Innovator" Award.

Grow up Great
Mobile learning Adventure sponsored by PNC Bank, Located at the corner of Albert Ave. and Abbot Rd. offering "What I Want to Be When I Grow Up" photo station, interactive crafts and educational material for children.

Saturday, May 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Carnival Games Hosted by:

Let's Pretend! Children's Activity Stage

The Amazing Clark - Puppets, Balloons and Magic Show

  • 10:15-10:45 a.m.
  • 2:15-2:45 p.m.
  • 4:15-4:45 p.m.

French Voyageur Adventure
Join interpreter Paul Roose as he portrays French Voyageur "Jean Paul le Franc". Embark on a journey of imagination and adventure from Montreal, Canada to the Grand Portage in Minnesota. Be ready to row as audience members become part of the crew in this highly interactive, "edu-taining" program.

  • 1:00-1:45 p.m.

Story Doodle
Join professional storyteller Steveanna Roose as she invites the audience to draw and doodle. Put on your thinking caps and discover what's in the picture. Be amazed by the power of creativity as an interactive story is crafted before your eyes. Family fun for all ages.

  • 11:00-11:45 a.m.
  • 12:00-12:45 p.m.

All of Us Express Children's Theatre - Storybook Story Theatre
The troupe of young actors will present a 15-20 minute skit for all ages. They will open and close their performance with 15 minutes of improvisational theater games.

  • 3:00-3:45 p.m.
  • 5:00-5:45 p.m.

Sunday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Carnival Games Hosted by:

Let's Pretend! Children's Activity Stage:

MSU Community Music School - Early Childhood

  • 11:00 - 11:45

Harmonicas - Reeds and Rhythm Music Workshops:
(must be age 4 or older and participate in the workshop to receive a free harmonica)

  • 11:50 - 12:10
  • 2:20 - 2:40

Lake Effect - musical performance

  • 12:15 - 1:00

Lake Effect has been playing American roots music for families for nearly thirty years. Whether playing traditional American tunes or original songs ranging from poignant to hilarious the excellent musicianship and tight family harmonies bring a special quality to the fun.
Lake Effect consists of Tiyi Schippers on vocals, lap dulcimer and percussion, David Bunce on vocals, guitar, and banjo, Rachael Davis, (Shout Sister Shout, The Rachael Davis Band) on vocals, guitar, and banjo, Zak Bunce, (Detour Bluegrass) on vocals and doghouse bass, Bruce Ling, (Hawks and Owls), on vocals, mandolin, and fiddle, and Lauran Bittinger, (Oxter Mahone, Sister Wilene, and Creolization), on vocals, keys and accordion.

Bones (percussive stick instruments) - Reeds and Rhythm Music Workshops:

  • 1:05 - 1:25
  • 3:35 - 3:55

MSU Community Music School - Folk Instrument Petting Zoo

  • 1:30 - 2:15
  • 2:45 - 3:30
  • 4:00 - 5:00

Ukulele - Reeds and Rhythm Music Workshops:

  • 1:30 - 2:15
  • 2:45 - 3:30

The East Lansing Art Festival is presented by the Art Festival Board in cooperation with the Arts Commission/City of East Lansing
Contact the East Lansing Art Festival by calling 517.319.6804 or emailing us at info@elartfest.com.
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