The Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine is gearing up for its highly anticipated annual Kidstock Music & Arts Festival, slated for April 16–19 and April 23–27. This vibrant festival celebrates early childhood creativity through a series of live performances and interactive art activities aimed at fostering emotional expression, rhythm, storytelling, and self-discovery.

Families are invited to immerse themselves in a world of music and movement, featuring a diverse lineup of performers over the course of two weeks. Highlights include engaging shows from Backhaus Dance, Platinum Performing Arts, and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, along with hands-on art experiences throughout the museum. One standout feature this year is the crowd-favorite Paint Yard, where children will have the unique opportunity to paint a real car alongside local artists.

“Kidstock is designed to support early childhood development through immersive play,” said a representative from the museum. “It’s a space where children can build confidence, express themselves creatively, and engage in memorable experiences.”

Each day of the festival will include two performances, as well as ongoing art activities designed to captivate young minds. Additionally, a media availability session will take place before the first performance, offering interviews with museum staff and visual opportunities to capture children interacting with the arts.

The schedule of performances is as follows:

– April 16: 11 AM – Backhaus Dance | 2:30 PM – Neeta Merchant
– April 17: 11 AM – Backhaus Dance | 2:30 PM – Yvonne Hernandez
– April 18: 11 AM & 2:30 PM – Platinum Performing Arts
– April 19: 11 AM & 2:30 PM – Arts & Learning Conservatory
– April 23: 11 AM – Ashley Mills Monaghan | 2:30 PM – OCSA – Ballet Folklorico Las Estrellas
– April 24: 11 AM & 2:30 PM – Drumatix
– April 25: 11 AM & 2:30 PM – Mrs. Michelle & Music In Motion
– April 26: 11 AM – Philharmonic Society of OC | 2:30 PM – Author Toni Haas
– April 27: 11 AM & 2:30 PM – Time to Tell a Story with Jukie Davie

The Kidstock Music & Arts Festival will take place at the Pretend City Children’s Museum located at 29 Hubble, Irvine, California.

Founded as a non-profit organization, Pretend City Children’s Museum features an interconnected city designed to help children reach developmental milestones through imaginative play. It aims to assist families, educators, and community agencies in supporting children’s growth from an early age. For more information about the museum and its commitment to fostering development through play, visit http://www.pretendcity.org.