Carly Rae Jepsen will be among the performers at annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Saturday, August 25, $10-$40 ($5 with promotional code WILD4TNS through August 12), 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
www.usopen.org
www.arthurashekidsday.com
The official kickoff to the U.S. Open, which runs August 27 to September 9, takes place Saturday, August 25, with the annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day celebration. Honoring the legacy of the late Arthur Ashe, the 1968 Open champion who died of AIDS complications in 1993 at the age of forty-nine, the event includes tennis skill activities, workshops, and demonstrations tailored to children, as well as face painting, storytelling, hair braiding, an obstacle course, juggling, interactive games, and more. Hosted by Jordin Sparks and Quddus, the day will feature appearances by such tennis superstars as Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Kim Clijsters, Mardy Fish, and John Isner, who will be on hand to sign autographs, play exhibition matches, and hit with kids. There will also be live performances by the Wanted, Carly Rae Jepsen, Owl City, Mindless Behavior, Rachel Crow, the Love Jones Girlz, Ahsan, Caroline Sunshine, Alex Aiono, and Megan and Liz. Although admission to the grounds is free, tickets are needed for the stadium show; they go for $10 to $40, but you can get general admission promenade tickets for just five bucks if you use promotional code WILD4TNS by 11:59 pm on August 12.