This week, the ACANSA Arts Festival will present an explosion of music, dance, theater, visual arts and more across Little Rock and North Little Rock. Central Arkansas' second annual arts fest isn't just for adult art-lovers, either. There are multiple family-friendly offerings, plus a few performances and activities tailored just for the younger set. Here are seven family-friendly events at ACANSA Arts Festival, held Sept. 16-20.

1. Festival Opening: Head to the Creative Corridor in downtown Little Rock for the official opening of the festival on Sept. 16. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will perform, Arkansas First Lady Susan Hutchinson will welcome guests, and performers from Recreation Studios will entertain. Reservations requested; admission free. Venue: Main St. between Capitol & Sixth, LR. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 16.

2. Angela Davis Johnson Exhibit: Local artist Angela Davis Johnson will display artworks at Argenta Gallery in North Little Rock throughout the festival. Her vibrant paintings are sure to interest youngsters; they're created using a mix of oil paint, scrap paper and fabric. Admission free. Venue: Argenta Gallery, 406 Main St., NLR. Sept. 16-20.

3. PUSH Physical Theatre: Traveling all the way from Rochester, New York, this innovative dance and theater troupe will amaze viewers with its physical illusions and acrobatic dance. See for yourself in this video! $20, students/military $10; $50, includes a "Meet the Artists" event. Venue: North Little Rock Middle School, 2400 Lakeview Road, NLR. 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 17.

4.The Exchange: We think this event will be a hit for families with tween and teens. Fans of a capella can hear the impressive vocals of this internationally touring group; they sing everything from hip hop to opera. $20, students/military $10; $50, includes a "Meet the Artists" event. Venue: Albert Pike Memorial Temple, 712 Scott St., LR. 7-8:30 Sept. 18. 

5. Puppets, Music & Dance: The event especially for youngsters will feature a puppet show by Jan Wolfe and folksinger Laura Lee Willard, plus dancing by Lauren King and performances by Real Entertaining Girls and The Skinner Girls. Lunch and drinks will be provided. Admission free; reservations requested to tickets@ACANSAartsFestival.org or (501) 663-2287. Venue: Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library, 4800 W. 10th St., LR. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 19.

6. Children's Public Art Project: Kids are invited to join Fayetteville artist, Alice McKee at the Argenta Plaza in North Little Rock for a Public Art Project. Alice will lead the children in the development of an art piece that will then be displayed in Central Arkansas. Admission free; reservations requested to tickets@ACANSAartsFestival.org or (501) 663-2287. Venue: Argenta Plaza, 520 Main St., NLR. 2-4 p.m. Sept. 19.

7. Gospel Brunch: The Saint Mark Baptist Choir will lead this Sunday morning full of uplifting, soulful music--and brunch. $35, includes brunch. Venue: Wildwood Park for the Arts, 20919 Denny Road, LR. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 20.

For the full ACANSA Arts Festival schedule and to purchase tickets, visit AcansaArtsFestival.org.