Kids Euro Festival

If the cost of a family vacation to Europe makes you quake, sit tight: A free sampler of the continent's finest theatrical traditions is coming to your doorstep.

Starting Thursday through Nov. 9, the Kids Euro Festival is bringing 150 events to venues across the region. The performances and workshops, for children ages 6 to 12, are designed to showcase the varied theater traditions in the European Union and teach kids about life in countries including France, Ireland, Germany and Greece.

"Children's culture has a strong position in Europe," says Mats Widbom of the Swedish Embassy and one of the festival's lead organizers. "We wanted to celebrate that."

We've rounded up some of the can't-miss performances. All are free, and reservations are not required unless noted. For a complete schedule or to make reservations, call 202-944-6558 or visit http://www.kidseurofestival.org.

Land of Dragon Riders In the tradition of Hungarian storytelling, this show features folktales, castle legends and oral history along with a dollop of audience participation. The performances are Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St. NW) and Oct. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Strathmore (10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda) and 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. at the National Children's Museum Launch Zone (112 Waterfront St., National Harbor). Reservations are required at Strathmore.

Waiting for Julio As its title suggests, this show is about passing time. When it opens, the star is so late that stage manager Peppe comes out to entertain the crowd with magic, acrobatics and a quick Spanish lesson. The play runs Oct. 17 at noon and 2 p.m. at the House of Sweden (2900 K St. NW) and Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center.