FAO Schwarz, the oldest toy store in the U.S., is celebrating 160 years of toys and inspiring awe and discovery with a free, family-friendly birthday party at its flagship store at Rockefeller Center on Saturday, October 8.
Being held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the celebration will take over Rockefeller Plaza and include live performances, sweet treats and a host of fun-filled activities. Live performances will include Broadway Cares (featuring Suri Marrero, Analise Scarpaci, Jelani Remy and Jay Armstrong Johnson, with host Michael James Scott), American Ballet Theater, Emmy Award winner Alex Mitnik, Professor Atlas, Little Maestro’s, Bubble Dad and the NYC Magician of the Year Silly Billy.
Frederick August Otto Schwarz established the store to focus on unique, high-quality toys. With its flagship location in Rockefeller Center, New York City, FAO Schwarz has become a global destination, enchanting generations of children from around the world, drawing acclaim for its assortment of premiere toys and one-of-a-kind experiences, the company said.
“We are so excited to host generations of fans and celebrate this milestone with the most epic birthday party,” said Jill Nordquist, chief marketing officer at MerchSource/ThreeSixty Brands, owner of FAO Schwarz. “We’re bringing together amazing entertainment and experiences to celebrate FAO Schwarz like never before, and create even more terrific memories at our legendary toy store!”
Arts and crafts activities will offer interactive experiences, including Twee Chalk Art with chalk artist Caryn Cast, Djeco mask making, Ooly birthday cards, Bright Stripes hair chalk, Candylabs build-you-own wooden race car, glitter tattoos and balloon twisting.
Food and treat stations will include Magnolia Bakery custom cupcakes, Van Leeuwen ice cream truck featuring FAO Schwirl Sundaes, cotton candy and popcorn. Other fun activities including the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, FAO Toy Soldiers skating at Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Patrick and Penelope character appearances, ear piercing by Studex and photo ops.
Additionally, top toy brands will offer limited edition commemorative toys including Funko, Hot Wheels, UNO, Schleich, Madame Alexander, Bunnies by the Bay, Ruby Red, Swarovski and more.
