School’s out for the summer! So get your kids hooked on the performing arts with the International Arts Carnival’s stage, dance and music shows. By Jacky Lee and Andrea Yu

The International Arts Carnival is back again with an impressive collection of 22 stage programmes, seven workshops and 16 films showing over six weeks. Here are our picks for the performances you should check out...

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Our favourite fairytale (mainly, of course, because of the kiss-and-wake-up scene) hits the stage with a contemporary twist. Accompanied by special effects and fireworks, this sweet and innocent story is transformed into a musical filled with plenty of ballet-fuelled action. The fast-paced production moves quickly between dance numbers without any pauses – sure to help keep the little ones transfixed from start to finish.
Cultural Centre, Jul 6-8, $400-$150.

International Children’s Film Carnival
An enormous collection of new and revamped classical animations are brought together for this year’s Film Carnival, ranging from The Ugly Duckling to mysterious detective stories. Besides fun-filled visual entertainment, parents and kids can also enjoy film appreciation sessions following select features. With two months of coming-of-age stories from across the world, including old comedies for kids by Charlie Chaplin, it’s an opportunity to go beyond the usual Disney classics.
See www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp for screening dates and venues, $55.

Splendid
With a name like this, you can expect nothing less than a marvellous show. The China National Acrobatic Troupe – established by the Chinese government in 1950 – delivers 13 amazing feats in this performance that brings traditional arts and culture to the stage. Expect to be dazzled by acts like male performers dangling from lengths of silk, plate spinning and the back-breaking act of two unicycles carrying 20-plus performers in one go.
Various venues, Jul 15 & 17-18, $320-$130.

Harmony
This Canadian production puts a larger-than-life spin on the classic puppet-show concept – literally! Based on an old Japanese legend, Harmony tells the story of a doctor who flies around the world on the back of his giant pelican to heal plants and animals injured by human acts. The story is told by humanoid puppets who have huge expressive eyes which almost make them look alive. Accompanied by music and plenty of visual effects, the fact that this show has a positive moral like saving the planet is an added bonus.
Kwai Tsing Theatre, Aug 3-5, $240-$120.

The Sound of Bamboo Music
If your kids are fond of blowing through straws and banging on plates at the dinner table, they should appreciate this concert. Brought to you by the Beijing Green Bamboo Orchestra, The Sound of Bamboo Music puts the panda’s fave snack in the spotlight with all sorts of instruments including flutes and zithers in a performance of folk and children’s songs.
Various venues, Jul 21-22, $240-$110.

Romeo and Harriet
Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy gets an update with this local spin. Set in modern-day Hong Kong, the heirs to two rival stores fall in love. While many of the IAC’s highlight productions are from international companies, it’s great to see local youngsters getting a chance to steal the limelight. But straying from the classic, we’re told (spoiler alert!) this one’s got a happy ending…
City Hall, Aug 10-11, $190-$110.

The IAC runs from Friday July 6 to Sunday Aug 19. Head to www.hkiac.gov.hk for a full list of programmes and schedules. 
Tickets: 2734 9009; urbtix.hk.