Philly Puppetry Guild’s Day of Puppetry 2026
Purchase tickets here: https://www.greaterphillypuppetryguild.org/event-details/a-day-of-puppetry-2026
Join the Philly Puppetry Guild for a full-day celebration of puppetry in all its forms at Day of Puppetry 2026, taking place April 18, 2026 at the Abington Art Center.
This dynamic festival brings together professional puppeteers, emerging artists, educators, and audiences for a day of performances, workshops, films, and hands-on activities across Abington Art Center’s beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces.
Presented by the Philly Puppetry Guild, one of the oldest puppetry organizations in the country, the festival reflects the Guild’s ongoing commitment to supporting puppeteers, celebrating the art of puppetry, and building a vibrant creative community in the Philadelphia region.
Featured Performances
Featuring work by:
Tucker’s Tales
Digger & David
Black Cherry Puppets
Reach for the Stars Productions
Philadelphia Children’s Theater
Adam Schwartz Puppets
Movie Riffing Melee with Matt McGinnis
Puppets: Here & There
Workshops & Learning
Throughout the day, participants can take part in workshops led by experienced puppeteers and teaching artists. Workshops are designed for a range of ages and experience levels, giving participants the opportunity to learn new skills and deepen their connection to the art of puppetry.
Topics include:
Puppet-making
Tabletop puppetry
Stop-motion animation
Special Guest
Joel Hodgson
Creator and Star of Mystery Science Theatre 3000!
Join us for a special live Q&A with Joel Hodgson during the festival.
Daytime Programming(All Ages)
The daytime portion of the festival is centered on families, young audiences, and curious newcomers, featuring:
Puppet performances in a variety of styles
Hands-on workshops for kids and adults
Interactive activities and playful pop-up moments
The Celebration of Puppetry Parade
Puppet films and short screenings
Vendors and puppet-related merchandise
This welcoming and playful portion of the day introduces audiences to the craft, imagination, and storytelling power of puppetry while creating a vibrant festival atmosphere.
Afternoon Celebrations(All Ages)
In the afternoon, the festival gathers everyone together for the Celebration of Puppetry Parade—a joyful, community-driven moment that brings artists and audiences together and marks the transition from daytime programming into the evening festivities.
Evening Programming(Adult Audiences)
As the sun sets, Day of Puppetry transitions into evening programming curated specifically for adult audiences.
Event Highlights
Family-friendly daytime performances
Professional puppetry performances in a variety of styles
Hands-on workshops for kids and adults
Celebration of Puppetry Parade
Adult-focused evening programming
Puppet Play & Create Room for ALL ages
Puppeteer of the Year Award presentation
Vendors and puppet-related merchandise
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Morning Kickoff
9:30 AM - Doors Open
Festival grounds, vendors, and activity spaces open
9:45 AM - Welcome Gathering
Presented by the Philly Puppetry Guild
Featured Performances
10:00 AM – Pavilion: Peter Rabbit Tales
Performed by: Tucker’s Tales Puppet Theater
11:00 AM – Community Room: Eat Like a Pirate
Performed by: Digger & David
12:00 PM – Pavilion: Baby Whale and the Plastic Ocean on Tour
Performed by: Philadelphia Children’s Theater
1:15 PM – Community Room: The Great Crayon Strike
Performed by: Reach for the Stars Productions
2:00 PM – Pavilion: Life is an Oyster: Opus 18
Performed by: Black Cherry Puppet Theater
3:00 PM – Community Room: Captain Aesop’s All-Star Galaxy Games
Performed by: Adam Schwartz Puppets
Workshops & Learning
Location: Copper Gallery
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Build a Puppet
Instructor: Adam Swartz
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Tabletop Puppetry Workshop
Instructor: Mark Blashford
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Stop Motion Animation Workshop
Instructor: Noah Cohen & Nate Dreschel
Special Programming
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Art Deco Basement
Puppet D&D Campaign with Grognard and Friends
A live, interactive puppet roleplaying experience
Afternoon Celebration
4:00 PM: Gather for Parade
4:15 PM: Celebration of Puppetry Parade & Award Ceremony
Join artists and audiences for a community parade followed by the Puppeteer of the Year Award
Dinner Break
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Enjoy:
Food available on-site
Or support local restaurants in the area
Vendors and festival spaces remain active
Evening Programming (Adult Audiences)
6:00 PM – Pavilion: Joel Hodgson Q&A & Signing
Creator and Star of Mystery Science Theater 3000
7:00 PM – Pavilion: Puppets: Here & There
A puppet improv troupe performance
8:00 PM – Pavilion, Additional ticket needed
Movie Riffing Melee with Matt McGinnis
A live competitive movie riffing game show
All Day Attractions
Vendors
Monkey Boys Productions
Muppet Stuff
No. 2 Pencil Man (Tanner Tales Entertainment)
RonDee Productions
Slamtastic Parties
Zone Unknown
Located in:
Kellner Gallery
Tile Gallery
Explore puppet-themed merchandise, handmade goods, and more.