Puppet play: Puppetry Arts hosts annual Family Festival

What better way is there to celebrate spring? The sixth annual Family Festival, presented by Puppetry Arts, is set for April 29 in Park Slope.

The borough-based theater company hosts this fun day of activities that includes crafts, games, and activities as well as live performances and giveaways. And the first 200 kids will receive Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District gift bags filled with tons of goodies.

Special guests include Tuffy Tiger and cameos by Star Wars characters from the 501st Empire City Garrison and the Echo Base Rebel Legion and Empire Saber Guild.

Family Festival on April 29, 11 am to 3 pm, rain or shine. Admission to festival is free but there is an activities fee of $3 and $5 fee for bouncy moon walk. Wheelchair accessible.

Old Stone House by JJ Byrne Park [Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street in Park Slope, (718) 768–3195; info@puppetryarts.org].

Athletic Association of Yorkville Youths

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Serving the families and children of NYC for over 50 years with high-quality recreational activities that foster life-lessons which empower young people to succeed beyond sports. Our programs encourage positive attitudes and growth through teamwork and sportsmanship, attendance, fair play, respect, hard work, integrity and fun. Your child can participate in clinics and leagues in such sports as baseball, basketball, flag-football, lacrosse, soccer, hockey, wrestling, track, and tennis. We also offer weekly dodgeball tournaments, drama and musical theater workshops, and after school programs.</span></p>

Treehouse Shakers

<div>Treehouse Shakers&rsquo; Branching OUT After-School program is for ages 12-14. This awarded program is for young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, or are seeking to become better allies. Branching OUT centers on discovering and exploring one&rsquo;s story and identity through an intentionally artist-led format. During our community-based program, young people will explore and reflect on their own story to create a larger, more meaningful experience, while gaining self-empowerment and gathering with like-minded peers. Through the guidance of our awarded teaching artists, young people will create narratives that will be turned into podcasts, dances, songs or poetry.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Young people have the opportunity to learn new art forms, work with professional artists, while building a meaningful community.</div>

Joe's Music & Dance Academy

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Private and group music lessons &amp; dance classes for Guitar, Bass, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Drums, Piano, all woodwind &amp; brass instruments, Choir, Preschool Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Step, African and Modern Dance and more. Helping thousands of students begin and continue on their musical journey since 1998!</span></p>