Like art, music and entertainment? How about art from around the world, Somali rap and international circus acts? If yes, then a trip to the Seattle International Children’s Festival is the perfect getaway for kids of all ages.

The fun runs from May 14-19 at the Seattle Center. Most of the events are daytime performances and activities, with a special evening performance each night. Catch circus shows from Quebec and Brazil, German and Chinese puppetry, music from Chad, Mexico and Japan and so much more as Seattle brings a world of entertainment to its very own backyard.

The daily activities around the Seattle Center are free, and the performances have low ticket costs. To save money, tickets for multiple shows can be purchased at the same time. With 12 world-class acts performing, finding a few to see should not be a difficult task.

Despite its name, the Seattle International Children’s Festival is not just for kids. Executive Director Andrea Wagner said the event is not only for school groups, although during the early afternoon thousands of fieldtrip-goers make the festival their main attraction.

“What we’re most proud of is the high quality of professional and international artistry featured in the festival,” Wagner said. “These adventurous performances really work for all ages. And when we say ‘all ages,’ it’s not code for young people only; we really mean all ages.”

The International Children’s Festival has many events to choose from, all catering to a different taste. A few of the performances, like Glouglou!, are specifically for younger children — a great idea if you want to take a younger sibling out for the day or instantly become the world’s best babysitter.

Thursday and Friday nights, the festival is geared toward the older crowd, with Thomas Arthur, the lyrical juggler, Quebec’s rock ‘n’ roll circus Les Parfait Inconnus (the Perfect Unknowns) and the Vera Project’s Mirah and Spectratone International.

However, the best way to enjoy the festival is to attend Opening Night — An International Variety Show. Self-described as a sweet smorgasbord of global music, theater, comedy and circus, the performance has a sneak preview of all the festival’s greatest acts. Los Patita de Perro and H’Sao will perform next to Les Parfaits Inconnus and Circo Teatro Udi Grudi from Brazil. Special MCs and free food and drink will be provided as well. Tickets for the International Variety Shows are $18 in advance or $20 at the door.