BloomBars is a home-grown, non-profit, off-beat arts space in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC. Each morning, and many afternoons, the cozy space welcomes children of all ages to experience a range of age-appropriate performances ranging from local favorites Liz the Singing Lizard and Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres, to puppets and stories, to Harambe and Samba. There is a strong focus on multiculturalism with programs available in Spanish, French, and Russian.
My 3.5 year old daughter and I went to a recent Songs, Stories, and Puppets performance by local parent David Greenfieldboyce who performs with his toddler onstage with him.
David puts on a lively weekly show designed for the five-and-under crowd with songs about eating too many cookies, flying puppets, and stories about Grandma Pearl. The 30 minute performance time was the perfect length for this age group who were encouraged to sing along and get up and move during the show.
Kids and their grown-ups sit either on a mat that takes up most of the floor or on benches around the perimeter. BloomBars is a great experience with plenty of regulars who show up weekly (or more often) to catch their favorite acts.
After the shows, many children head en masse to a playground a block away or they are invited to stay at BloomBars and draw with chalk on the sidewalk out front. BloomBars operates on donations and there is a suggested donation of about $5.00 to $7.00 depending on the show. Crowds come to see not just the better known acts, but the newer local ones as well.
There is plenty of stroller parking available out front. There is usually street parking available but be sure to read all signs carefully as some spots are designated for neighborhood residents and permit holders only.
Room 11 is a great place on the same block to stop for breakfast or a morning pastry before the show and the popular pizza restaurant Red Rocks is a block away as well.
Bloombars offers an intimate, welcoming experience with top-notch entertainment for young children. It’s definitely worth checking out a show or two!
Upcoming Shows:
- Songs, Stories & Puppets on Fridays at 10am
- Nous Bloomon en Francais on Fridays at 5:30pm
- Harambe on Thursdays at 10am, Saturdays at 9:30 & 10:30am and Mondays at 9:30am.
- The Singing Lizard on Tuesdays at 10am.
- All events on the BloomBars website.
