“In the world of local kid’s entertainment, there is no bigger name than The Great Zucchini!”
– Tony Perkins, Fox 5 News
“A man with a nearly magical ability to connect with children”
– Washingtonian Magazine
“The Great Zucchini is instantly likeable, and effortlessly charming.”
– Gene Weingarten, The Washington Post
Time slots fill up fast! Call The Great Zucchini directly: (202) 271-3108
We Laughed In Spite of it All![]()
![]()
The Great Zucchini, also known as Eric Knaus, has been making DC area children laugh at birthday parties and live performances for a couple of decades. Birthdays and the need for children to laugh did not end when the pandemic started. Children kept getting older and deserved to celebrate so Eric, who is generally low-tech, got a crash-course on Zoom and started offering virtual parties and shows almost right away. Virtual parties meant that more out-of-town friends, cousins, and grandparents could join the laughter. Without the pressures of having to travel, Eric could offer lower-cost online shows so that he could help bring laughter to all kids at a time they need it the most. Eric has also been using his Zoom shows to help kids in the DC area in need. He recently donated all proceeds from a performance to raise funds for an organization that provides books to low-income children and proceeds from another to help a family with two children who both need bone marrow transplants. Eric is currently planning a show for a little fan of his who was recently diagnosed with leukemia to help make getting through treatment a little easier.
9 DC Parents That Found Silver Linings in 2020
redtri.com
Every cloud has a silver lining. These 9 parents share their positive pivots from 2020.
These guys are terrific. I highly recommend getting a ticket to see their zoom show tonight and make it a super cool date night. Have fun. I’ll be watching, for sureHey everyone, I've got my ticket for WillardandWood.com tonight. I've been to their in person show and am really looking forward to seeing what they do online. I know it'll be fun and we'll see some impossible things. If you want to join us at 8 tonight, click the link above. Hope to see you there!
Hey everyone, I've got my ticket for WillardandWood.com tonight. I've been to their in person show and am really looking forward to seeing what they do online. I know it'll be fun and we'll see some impossible things. If you want to join us at 8 tonight, click the link above. Hope to see you there!
Indoors or out, large space or small, The Great Zucchini makes sure your children have a fantastic time!
The Great Zucchini challenges the kids to a race after the show!
White House Easter Egg Roll with friends
You’re like a phenomenon. All the parents know you!”
– Tony Perkins, Fox 5 News
“Can you imagine not having read Goodnight Moon, Ezra Jack Keats books, or Beatrix Potter? Though they are children’s books, our lives are enriched by experiencing them. His show is the same.
“I saw him and it was magical. It was like seeing a unicorn that you know lives in the area somewhere and only a few are lucky enough to run into it.
“He’s a toddler whisperer.”
– Zac Gomez, parent & teacher
The Great Zucchini is Washington’s funniest and most magical preschool & kindergarten entertainer, with over 25 years of experience making kids laugh!
In addition to appearing at hundreds of schools and thousands of birthday parties throughout Maryland, Virginia, and DC, The Great Zucchini has also entertained at the 9:30 Club, DC Improv, Arlington Cinema Drafthouse, Historic 6th and I Synagogue, ABC 7 “Let’s Talk Live,” numerous embassies, Jammin’ Java, Avalon Theatre, and Reston Festival.