From clowns and magicians, to Emmy-awarding winning musicians and puppeteers, the Summerfest Family Theatre has brought high-quality entertainment to Frederick youngsters for many years!

From a modest beginning highlighting three programs throughout the summer, the series has grown to feature eight, full-length performances by some of the most sought-after children’s performers in the region. Kids’ sensations Laurie Berkner and Milkshake have both been part of the series, exposing more children than ever to the magic of the performing arts.

June 12 @ 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Summerfest Family Theatre | Guava Jelly

Caribbean influenced and family fun, Guava Jelly infuses authentic rhythms and dynamic percussion into every show. Bridgette Michaels (lead singer/songwriter) transforms familiar songs into island inspired celebrations that will have all ages up and dancing. Dawn Madak’s (vocals/percussion) high energy performance creates an infectious groove that gets everyone moving to the beat. Let your worries drift away as Guava Jelly transports you to a sun-soaked Caribbean paradise through their vibrant, feel-good music.

Come kick back and vibe with Guava Jelly on June 12!

June 19 @ 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Summerfest Family Theatre | Unique Devotions and The Rhythm Mamas

Join us as we commemorate Juneteenth at the Baker Park Bandshell with performances from two local performing arts groups! Each will perform a 20-minute set.

Unique Devotions is a dance studio based in Frederick, MD specializing in hip-hop, contemporary, majorette, and jazz.

Rhythm Mamas, Ayanna Gallant (Mama G), and Kristen Arant (Drumlady K), are moms with a passion for West African culture, social justice, and music education. Their lively performances of songs and rhythms of the Manding, Ghana, Nigeria and beyond, invite people of all ages to sing, move, and respond to the world of music around us.

June 26 @ 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Summerfest Family Theatre | Mr. Jon & Friends sponsored by Dairy Maid Dairy

Frederick’s own Mr. Jon & Friends sponsored by Dairy Maid Dairy is multiple Parents’ Choice Award winning music for kids and their families. Mr. Jon plays over 250 shows a year for kids, sharing the stage with bands like The Pop Ups and The Imagination Movers. Mr. Jon & Friends makes music for kids and their families that inspire fun, laughter, and dancing. Sometimes with a band, sometimes as a duo, and sometimes solo, the music of Mr. Jon & Friends is sure to bring a smile to your face!

Bring your Friends and family to have fun with Mr. Jon and Friends at the Baker Park Bandshell on June 26!

July 10 @ 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Summerfest Family Theatre | Groovy Nate

Groovy Nate® is a children’s entertainer, and Teaching Artist, who creates fun and educational shows using funky grooves, exotic musical instruments, and comedy— a la Sesame Street meets Parliament/Funkadelic. He is also a GRAMMY NOMINATED ARTIST WITH THE ONE TRIBE COLLECTIVE. Groovy Nate’s shows encourage children and adults to move, sing, and play creatively with one another.

Come dance with Groovy Nate at the Baker Park Bandshell on July 10!

July 17 @ 10:00 am - 10:45 pm

Summerfest Family Theatre | Eric Byrd Trio Summer Camp Students

For over 20 years, The Eric Byrd Trio (EBT) have traveled the world as enthusiastic ambassadors of jazz. Rooted in swing and be-bop, The Trio also embraces gospel and the blues as core elements of their expansive performance style. Their body of work spans seven unique studio and live recordings on which they shine as a Trio and as collaborators with an expanded 8-piece ensemble they call The Eric Byrd Trio: Brother Ray Band, in tribute to The Genius of Soul icon Ray Charles. On each recording, they take a rigorous, modern approach to standards as well as original compositions, playing with great acuity within the broad and rich jazz tradition. This performance will feature members of the Eric Byrd Trio Summer Camp!

Head to the Baker Park Bandshell on July 17 for an interactive jazz experience!

July 24 @ 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Summerfest Family Theatre | Rainbow Rock Band sponsored by Dairy Maid Dairy

Are you ready to rock the rainbow?? Join the Rainbow Rock Band sponsored by Dairy Maid Dairy as they entertain your little dudes with tunes, laughs and more!  Winners of a Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff Award for their debut CD, “Meet the Rainbow,” in addition to a Family Choice Award, a Mom’s Choice Award, and a National Parent Product Award (NAPPA) winner for their newest release “Total Eclipse of the Rainbow,” an absolute mix of musical genres from folk, pop rock to rockabilly, all the while being EDUCATIONAL and FUN!! Your child will learn about shapes, colors, movement, and more! The Rainbow Rock Band encourages all rainbow rockers to participate in the show either on the mic or at their seat, any which way you play it, your little one is sure to have fun!

Dance and sing with the Rainbow Rock Band at the Baker Park Bandshell on July 24!

July 31 @ 10:00 am

Summerfest Family Theatre | Ms. Niki

Nicole Ms. Niki Addison is a classically trained singer/songwriter from Washington, D.C.. One of family music’s most compelling and talented emerging artists, Ms. Niki is a member of the GRAMMY-nominated 1 Tribute Collective’s All One Tribe album featuring “Rainbow.” Described as “a new age cross between Mary Poppins and Ms. Frizzle,” Ms. Niki is sure to please audiences of all ages. Join music edu-tainer Ms. Niki on a colorful adventure through upbeat original songs and classics with a twist you’ve never heard before.

Come feel the beat with Ms. Niki on July 31!

August 7 @ 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Summerfest Family Theatre | Theatricks’ Presents Mark Lohr Classic Comedy Show!

Theatricks Presents – Mark Lohr’s solo show Classic Comedy! Mark Lohr Physical Comic extraordinaire!! He uses the circus skills of juggling , plate spinning, hat tricks, and more to hilariously entertain the young and the young at heart. A smorgasbord of family fun guaranteed to leave the entire family rolling in the aisles! Mark has toured extensively with his unique blend of circus and slapstick comedy, wowing audiences wherever he goes! Performance credits – The Kennedy Center, Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, The George Carden International Circus, and The Kim-Tom Clown Festival (Shanghai China).

Join Mark Lohr for a fun, family-friendly circus experience at the Baker Park Bandshell on August 7!

Free to attend. 

Performance duration is 45 minutes. 

Festival Date and Time:  Thursdays Jun 12 2025 - Aug 7 2025 | 10 AM 

Location:  Baker Park Bandshell

121 N. Bentz Street

Frederick, MD 21701

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