Located on the site of a former dairy barn, the Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville, VA, is Western Loudoun County’s premier venue for the performing and visual arts!
The center features a 260-seat theater with stadium-style seating and state-of-the-art audio. Below are a few select opportunities perfect for kids and families:
Oct 3, 2026
Movie Sing-Along: Disney’s Encanto
Follow the on-screen lyrics and sing along with the Madrigals, an extraordinary family living in a magical house hidden in the mountains of Colombia. Every child has been blessed with a unique gift except Mirabel, who discovers the family’s magic is in danger and may be the only one who can save it. Costumes are encouraged.
Oct 14, 2026
Animals in Fall & Winter
Presented by Kids Nature Shows
How do neighborhood animals survive when the weather turns cold? A colorful cast of animated animal puppets introduces young audiences to hibernation, migration, and other natural science concepts tied to the changing seasons. This monthly puppet show blends puppetry with nature education in a lively 30-minute performance.
Oct 21, 2026
Free to Create Art Day
Materials are provided, and young artists supply the creativity. Families can drop in before or after the Showstoppers performances to make a masterpiece, drawing inspiration from the gallery exhibit or the world outside. This free session runs in two blocks, and children must be supervised.
Oct 28, 2026
The Dragon King
Presented by Tanglewood Marionettes
An intrepid grandmother journeys to the bottom of the sea in search of the elusive Dragon King in this underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore. Colorful sea creatures, hand-crafted marionettes, and integrated lighting and sound bring the award-winning adventure to life. A puppetry demonstration opens the show, with a question-and-answer session afterward.
Nov 4, 2026
Pig Tales
Presented by Blue Sky Puppet Theatre
Mrs. Picklebottom and her students Suzy, Buster, and Chester have a full day ahead, from shenanigans at the weather board to arguments at recess. Their teacher helps them work together to stage class plays of their favorite tales, including “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” and “Jack and the Beanstalk.” Audiences sing along throughout, and a meet-and-greet follows the 40-minute show.
Nov 4, 2026
Free to Create Art Day
Materials are provided, and young artists supply the creativity. Families can drop in before or after the Showstoppers performances to make a masterpiece, drawing inspiration from the gallery exhibit or the world outside. This free session is open for two hours, and children must be supervised.
Aug 5, 2026
Musical Barnyard
Presented by Big Barn Puppets
Young audiences are invited to visit a musical farm in this charming puppet show from Kidsinger Jim. Featuring friendly animal puppets and a realistic barnyard setting, this engaging production introduces little ones to the magic of live theater through music, storytelling, and farmyard fun.
Aug 2, 2026
Planetarium Program: The Story of Tanabata
Discover the story behind Tanabata, Japan’s Star Festival, during this unique planetarium experience. Based on the legend of two stars reunited across the Milky Way, this interactive program invites guests inside an inflatable dome for an immersive journey through the night sky.
Jul 28, 2026
Summer Showstoppers: The Enchanted Mermaid
Step into a magical world of adventure and puppetry in The Enchanted Mermaid. When a young hero discovers a hidden castle and a maiden transformed into a mermaid, he must outsmart the wicked Lord Fish to break the spell. This enchanting production features beautifully crafted Bunraku-style puppets and detailed miniature sets.
Jul 15, 2026
Movie Sing-Along: Frozen
Cool off with a sing-along screening of Frozen! Families are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters and join Anna, Kristoff, Sven, and Elsa on a magical adventure to save Arendelle. With beloved songs and plenty of audience participation, it’s a fun experience for young Frozen fans.
Jul 8, 2026
Out of Orbit
Presented by Big Barn Puppets
Beale Street Puppets invites young audiences on an out-of-this-world adventure featuring musical marionettes, friendly aliens, astronauts, spaceships, and planets. Filled with imagination and larger-than-life characters, this family-friendly puppet show ends with a fun astronomical rock-and-robot finale.
Jun 30, 2026
Summer Showstopper Laser Light Show
Get ready for a dazzling family experience as vibrant laser lights, music, and animation come together in this exciting show celebrating the American spirit of innovation, exploration, discovery, and determination. Featuring colorful laser effects synchronized to patriotic favorites and popular sing-along tunes, this high-energy presentation brings history to life.
Jun 21, 2026
Play All Day VA
Families are invited to get creative during this hands-on art experience. After exploring the gallery exhibit, visitors can create their own bright and colorful masterpiece using provided materials, making it a fun and inspiring activity for artists of all ages.
Jun 21, 2026
Movie Sing-Along: The Little Mermaid
Get ready to sing along under the sea at this special screening of Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid! Families are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters and join Ariel on her adventure beyond the ocean as she dreams of life in the human world and makes a daring deal with the sea witch Ursula, with loyal friends Flounder and Sebastian by her side.
Jun 3, 2026
Jack & the Beanstalk
Presented by Big Barn Puppets
Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum! Join young Jack as he climbs an enormous beanstalk to a castle in the sky. Discover a hen that lays golden eggs, a gilded harp that sings on its own, and a giant with a hearty appetite. Don’t miss this classic English folktale, brought to life with beautifully hand-crafted puppets and sets, along with heart-warming music.
May 6, 2026
Bananas!
Presented by Blue Sky Puppets
Little Red’s banana puppet helps teach him the difference between healthy and unhealthy food with plenty of hilarity along the way and lots of audience sing-alongs. This monthly puppet show offers family-friendly entertainment and serves as a great introduction to live theater for younger children.
Apr 19, 2026
Planetarium: Sky Stories
Inside an inflatable planetarium, families explore the night sky through ancient legends and constellations. This interactive program brings starry myths to life, connecting bright points of light with the stories and characters behind them.
Apr 1, 2026
The Fairy Circus
Presented by Tanglewood Marionettes
More than twenty beautifully hand-crafted marionettes leap, twirl, juggle, and soar in this enchanting circus-inspired performance. Set to beloved classical music, this visually dazzling show is especially well-suited for younger children and families.
Mar 29, 2026
Planetarium Program: Gassy Giants
Families journey through the outer solar system inside an inflatable planetarium, exploring Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. This immersive program highlights fascinating facts, mysterious moons, and the icy worlds of our gas giant neighbors.
Mar 4, 2026
The Hungry, Hungry Bookworm
Presented by River City Puppets
A mischievous Bookworm is on the loose, gobbling up stories straight from the shelves. Giant puppets, music, and playful storytelling come together in this lively adventure that introduces young audiences to the magic of live theater.
Feb 28, 2026
Lunar New Year Celebration
This cultural celebration invites families to enjoy drumming, musical performances, and traditions honoring the Year of the Horse. After the show, guests can create a themed craft, enjoy warm tea, and explore the featured art exhibit, “Freedom.”
Feb 4, 2026
The Hollow Stump
Presented by Beech Tree Puppets
Seven unique woodland animals search for warmth in a cozy hollow stump, discovering friendship and community along the way. With hand-crafted puppets, gentle poetry, and interwoven songs, this sweet retelling of The Mitten offers a heartwarming winter story for children.
Jan 18, 2026
Planetarium: Rocky Worlds
Step inside an inflatable dome planetarium for a live, interactive journey through space, where you’ll tour the four rocky planets of the solar system. From fiery Venus to stormy Mars, learn about the volcanoes, canyons, and polar ice caps on these four small but mighty planets.
Jan 7, 2026
Little Red & the Gingerbread Man
Presented by Barefoot Puppets
Little Red chases a playful Gingerbread cookie through snowy woods in this charming mash-up of two classic tales. With original music, whimsical wintry scenery, and a lighthearted appearance by the Big Bad Wolf, this performance delights the youngest theatergoers.
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
