Puppet Fest

Friday, August 16 – Sunday, August 18

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Step into the magical world of puppetry at Puppet Fest! This three-day, museum-wide event promises an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. From awe-inspiring performances by celebrated puppeteers to interactive workshops designed to introduce and inspire, explore the art of puppetry with us and discover the rich history, intricate craftsmanship and boundless creativity that bring puppets to life.
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All Puppet Fest experiences are free with museum admission.

Featured Experiences
Daily Programs
Special Performances
Spinning Straw into Gold Puppet Performance
Friday, August 16 • 10:00 am and 2:00 pm / Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18 • 10:00 am
A retelling of the fairytale classic Rumpelstiltskin, Spinning Straw into Gold tells the story of a young woman who, after being tasked with turning a pile of straw into gold for the King, strikes a deal with a mysterious and mischievous little green man. Performed in an old-time puppet booth and filled with relevant humor and interactive moments, this traditional hand puppet performance has amused and delighted audiences since 1985.
Puppet Parade
Friday, August 16 – Sunday, August 18 • 1:30 pm
Bring your own puppets and join us to create a parade around our outdoor Celebration Courtyard! Whether it’s a hand puppet, finger puppet or sock puppet, we welcome all puppets of every shape, size and material. Don’t have a puppet of your own? Not to worry—we have plenty to spare!
The Sandpiper and the Whale Puppet Performance
Friday, August 16 – Sunday, August 18 • 1:00 and 4:00 pm
Brought to life through hand-crafted puppets both big and small, The Sandpiper and the Whale tells the heartfelt story of a mighty conflict between the underwater world of sea creatures and the feathered families of birds above. Featuring themes of conflict resolution and interdependence, this enchanting tale from the Marshall Islands reminds us all of the importance of harmony and coexistence.
An Hour of Clown
Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18 • 11:00 am and 3:00 pm
Join Hour (The Clown), a whimsical wanderer who carries their world on their back, yet somehow stumbles into delightful chaos at every turn. With an array of captivating stunts, clever tricks, juggling and puppetry, this lively and interactive clown show guarantees laughter and joy from beginning to end. Crafted and performed by the talented Anthony Sellitto-Budney.
Jeghetto’s Workshop
Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18 • 2:00 pm
Come one, come all and learn how master builder and puppeteer Jeghetto creates his unique style of puppets made of found and recycled materials! Set to Hip Hop beats by Detroit producer Omari “Hir-0” Hall, Jeghetto will demonstrate how his signature puppets are made and operated and even invite you to interact with the puppets up close during this interactive performance for all ages.
Friday, August 16
All Day
Shadow Puppet Experiment (Self-Guided)
All Day
Puppet Theater Fun (Self-Guided)
All Day
Puppet Exhibition (Self-Guided)
10:00 – 10:30 am
Spinning Straw Into Gold Puppet Performance
10:30 – 11:00 am
Puppet Creation Station: Anything Can Be a Puppet
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Puppet Creation Station: Of Feather or Fin
1:00 – 1:30 pm
The Sandpiper and the Whale Puppet Performance
1:30 – 2:00 pm
Puppet Parade
2:00 – 2:30 pm
Spinning Straw Into Gold Puppet Show
2:30 – 3:00 pm
Puppet Creation Station: Anything Can Be a Puppet
3:30 – 4:00 pm
Puppet Creation Station: Of Feather or Fin
4:00 – 4:30 pm
The Sandpiper and the Whale Puppet Performance
Saturday, August 17
All Day
Shadow Puppet Experiment (Self-Guided)
All Day
Puppet Theater Fun (Self-Guided)
All Day
Puppet Exhibition (Self-Guided)
10:00 – 10:30 am
Spinning Straw Into Gold Puppet Performance
10:30 – 11:00 am
Puppet Creation Station: Anything Can Be a Puppet
11:00 am
An Hour of Clown
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Puppet Creation Station: Of Feather or Fin
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Mutt-i-gress: Rescue Dog Storytime
1:00 - 1:30 pm
The Sandpiper and the Whale Puppet Performance
1:30 – 2:00 pm
Puppet Parade
2:00 pm
Jeghetto’s Workshop
2:30 – 3:00 pm
Puppet Creation Station: Anything Can Be a Puppet
3:00 pm
An Hour of Clown
3:30 – 4:00 pm
Puppet Creation Station: Of Feather or Fin
4:00 – 4:30 pm
The Sandpiper and the Whale Puppet Performance
Sunday, August 18
All Day
Shadow Puppet Experiment (Self-Guided)
All Day
Puppet Theater Fun (Self-Guided)
All Day
Puppet Exhibition (Self-Guided)
10:00 – 10:30 am
Spinning Straw Into Gold Puppet Performance
10:30 – 11:00 am
Puppet Creation Station: Anything Can Be a Puppet
11:00 am
An Hour of Clown
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Puppet Creation Station: Of Feather or Fin
1:00 – 1:30 pm
The Sandpiper and the Whale Puppet Performance
1:30 – 2:00 pm
Puppet Parade
2:00 pm
Jeghetto’s Workshop
2:30 – 3:00 pm
Puppet Creation Station: Anything Can Be a Puppet
3:00 PM
An Hour of Clown
3:30 – 4:00 pm
Puppet Creation Station: Of Feather or Fin
4:00 – 4:30 pm
The Sandpiper and the Whale Puppet Performance