Back for its 32nd year is the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts’ Children’s Festival. The celebration will feature three days—from May 18-20—of youth-specific theater, music, and dance performances, as well as a variety of interactive activities at its free, outdoor “PlazaMania.”

Different from past years, the 2017 showcase will have more of a focus on Philadelphia-based programming rather than international acts, says Christopher Gruits, the Annenberg’s executive and artistic director.

Some talented crews featured will include Philadelphia’s Enchantment Theatre Company, with whimsical “Peter Rabbit Tales” performances; Philadanco’s D/2, an ensemble of younger dancers between 15 and 23 years old; and collaborative group Teen Voices of the City Ensemble.

The plaza will feature a slew of fun offerings, including the always-popular face painting, balloon animals, and food trucks, along with activities from local partners Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, Fleisher Art Memorial, Please Touch Museum, Arden Theater Co., and the Penn Museum.

“It’s the perfect way to showcase what’s happening in the city for kids interested in the arts,” says Gruits. “There are such high-quality arts offerings.”

On Thursday, May 18, and Friday, May 19, performances will primarily be catered to students from partnering schools across the greater Philadelphia area. They’ll see, at reduced ticket prices, Mexico Beyond Mariachi, professional musicians and dancers telling the story of Mexico’s rich past and present; BOOM!, a circus act featuring the ancient art of masked theater; and Jawanza Kobie, a composer celebrating and spreading the genre of jazz.

“The programs are designed to inform and entertain at the same time,” Gruits says. “They provide a different level of exposure and context.”

A couple of the artists, Gruits says, have even created “study guides” for the students to prepare before the performances. For instance, students seeing Mexico Beyond Mariachi will learn about Mexican culture, music, dance, and folklore in the classroom ahead of time.

Gruits, who will soon complete his first year leading the Annenberg Center, believes it is essential to expose youth to the arts.

“It’s been proven time and time again that exposure to the arts at a young age will likely lead to the enjoyment of them later on,” he says. “It improves so many different facets of a person’s education.”

He adds how disheartening it isto see arts education funding slashed in many schools across the United States.

“That’s why it’s so important for performing arts centers to support and supplement school arts programs and provide access for kids to experience dance, music, and theater,” Gruits says.

A full day of performances on Saturday, May 20, are dedicated to the family. Check out the list of shows on the Annenberg website, which conclude with a “Frozen” sing-a-long at Zellerbach Theatre at 2:30 p.m. (Children should dress in their finest “Frozen” attire for a costume contest.)

Tickets for each performance range from $5-$14. A $30 Festival Pass, which provides access to three shows, is available for purchase for Saturday. Like all Annenberg events, Penn faculty and staff are eligible for a 20 percent discount.

“The Children’s Festival is such a great tradition with a wide appeal,” Gruits says, adding that it’s the nation’s oldest continually operating children’s arts festival, drawing about 3,000 children to the Annenberg each year.

“Whether you have young children or older children, there’s really something for everyone to enjoy,” he says.