Passport To The World: Cultural Program Series
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
Italian Holiday Celebration
Date: December 14, 2024
Performance Times: 11 a.m., 1 p.m.
Location: Story Time Theater
Join us in continuing the holiday celebration this month through the art and storytelling of Italian opera. Since its birth in Italy over 400 years ago, opera has flourished as a beautiful, ever-changing art form. This month, we delve into Italian opera as we explore this timeless art form, learn famous Italian Christmas carols, and investigate our own singing skills and potential.
Benedetta Orsi, an Italian mezzo-soprano opera singer, has made a name for herself in the St. Louis area. Born in Bologna, Italy, she has made concert appearances at Carnegie Hall in NYC and throughout Italy, Austria, England, France, Spain, Brazil, and the United States.
Chinese New Year
Date: January 25, 2025
Performance Times: 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m.
Location: Whitaker Theater
This month we welcome the new year by celebrating China’s Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year. This year is the year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, hard work and determination. Join us in celebrating the new year with lion dances, a dragon parade and more!
The St. Louis Modern Chinese School is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing children of all ages and cultural backgrounds with avenues for learning Chinese culture through programs that teach calligraphy, crafts, song, dance and more.
Brazilian Samba
Date: February 8, 2025
Location: Story Time Theater
Celebrate Brazil with us this month through music and dance! Samba is often called the dance of Brazil and is considered a symbol of the nation. This month we invite families to join in on the joyful, lively, rhythmic dance as part of an Escola de Samba, or Samba school, guided by local cultural groups dedicated to sharing Brazilian culture, particularly the art of dance and music!
Samba Bom is a Midwest-based music ensemble that offers the authentic sounds of Brazil mixed with the flavor of carnaval through a unique mix of Brazilian popular song styles such as Samba, Bossa Nova, Brazilian Jazz, and more.
Viva Brasil STL, established in 2012, works to bring the Brazilian culture to St. Louis while bridging the gap between Brazilian and American cultures through cultural events and teaching Portuguese.
Holi: India’s Festival of Color
Date: March 8, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Pavilion & Staff Parking Lot
This month we celebrate Holi, India’s Festival of Color. Holi observes the coming of spring and highlights the joy of diversity, friendship and community. Join us as we celebrate the Festival of Colors with our very own color throw accompanied by other fun and colorful activities.
Registration is required and sold separately.
Bal Vihar Center for Indian Cultural Education works to promote, instill, and foster Indian culture in children through yogasana, Indian literature, service programs and other cultural education programs. Gayathri Seetharaman, Pratima Murali, and Shilpa Rao are all teaching artists with a passion for Indian art and culture.
German Easter Celebration
Date: April 12, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Art Studio & Story Time Theater
Frohe Ostern! This month we are celebrating Easter the German way! Germans have been dying and decorating eggs for centuries. Today, the tradition has become a staple for Easter celebrations where children and families decorate eggs before hanging them on an ostereierbaum, or Easter egg tree. Join us in exploring this timeless tradition accompanied by German Kindertanzgruppe dance performances throughout the day.
The German Cultural Society of St. Louis began in 1945 to support German refugees fleeing Europe because of World War II. Today they strive to preserve their cultural heritage by fostering fellowship and sharing traditions including those related to language, music, and dance.
Mexican Traditional Dance
Date: May 10, 2025
Location: Story Time Theater
Celebrate the opening of our newest cultural exhibit, Viva Mexico, in the World Traveler Gallery just in time for Dia del Niño, or Children’s Day. Explore the beautiful country of Mexico firsthand in this interactive exhibit before celebrating the rich and vibrant culture through traditional dance performances and workshops. ¡Celebra con nosotros!
Alma de Mexico is a Mexican folklore dance group, representing traditional dances from 11 different states of Mexico. The group has been active in the St. Louis region for nearly two decades, participating in numerous events around the area.
China’s Dragon Boat Festival
Date: June 14, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Art Studio
China’s Dragon Boat Festival is one of China’s largest summer holidays involving longtime traditions and ancient superstitions. The holiday is also celebrated with delicious food, good-luck emblems, and festive celebrations. Join us in the celebrations with arts projects directly from China, facilitated by the St. Louis Modern Chinese School.
The St. Louis Modern Chinese School is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing children of all ages and cultural backgrounds with avenues for learning Chinese culture through programs that teach calligraphy, crafts, song, dance and more.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.