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Erben: Vlasy

Hura Collective - Czech Republic

Photo by: Hza Bazant

Bohemian National Hall
321 E. 73rd Street
New York, NY
https://www.rehearsalfortruth.org/program/erben-vlasy-czechia-live-puppetry

A visual puppet theatre production from the Czech Republic, based on a series of dark adaptations of K. J. Erben's fairytales: Hair - Eyes - Death. A king who really liked to chase game. After a series of evil deeds, he longed to chase the game forever. Shadows, live sounds on quills and chimes in the tradition of family puppet theaters. Performed at the Rehearsal for Truth International Theater Festival, honoring Vaclav Havel. A 45 minute show, followed by a discussion of the puppets and techniques used. Performed by Hza Bažant (head of the puppetry department at the theater academy in Prague) and Leona Bažant Telínová For puppeteers, you are also invited to sit behind the show and watch how it is done! Appropriate for children and adults.

January 1 - December 31, 2025
June 8, at 5pm and 7pm

Free


Cinderella Samba

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
W 79th St
New York, NY
https://tinyurl.com/vhfhm779

Cinderella Samba takes place in the lush landscape of Brazil, where, with the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella attends Rio de Janeiro's biggest Carnaval gala and dances with Prince Paulo. The lively production features an original musical soundtrack by Daryl Kojak, commissioned by the Cottage, that brings samba center-stage. The show features a festive Carnaval float, stunning sets, and one-of-a-kind marionettes donning vibrant celebratory costumes.

February 4 - May 31, 2025
Tuesday - Friday: 10:30am and 11:30am
Saturdays and Sundays: 11am and 1pm

$15


Dreamtopia

1604 Broadway

1604 Broadway
New York, NY
https://broadwayliveshows.com/dreamtopia/

Experience Dreamtopia at 1604 Broadway, where acrobats, fairies, and mythical creatures bring a magical world to life with breathtaking stunts and aerial artistry. This unforgettable cirque adventure is perfect for all ages, with dazzling performances and enchanting pre-show surprises!

April 26 - June 29, 2025
5PM

$28


The Journey of Pura Belpré's Tales

Teatro SEA

Teatro SEA
107 Suffolk Street
New York, NY
www.teatrosea.org

Step into the world of Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in NYC, as her beloved folktales come to life through puppetry, music, and storytelling. Featuring Pérez & Martina, Juan Bobo, and The Three Magi, this interactive show celebrates the power of stories and cultural heritage. This show is performed in both English and Spanish Simultaneously. Please Be Aware: Intimate internal events with limited space. RSVP is mandatory.

May 10 - June 7, 2025
3:00PM

$20


Free Puppet Shows at Hudson Yards

WonderSpark Puppets

Photo by: Chad Williams

Hudson Yards, NYC
20 Hudson Yards
New York City, NY
https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/family-fun-backyard-hudson-yards

Every second Saturday at 11am, WonderSpark Puppets will be at the Family Fun stage outside Hudson Yards (or inside if it's raining) with a different story each time. Join us starting May 10th and every month after until our final performance on October 11th.

May 10 - October 11, 2025
Sat, May 10 - 11:00 am
Sat, June 14 - 11:00 am
Sat, July 12 - 11:00 am
Sat, August 9 - 11:00 am
Sat, September 13 - 11:00 am
Sat, October 11 - 11:00 am

$0


CityParks Puppetmobile: Pippi Longstocking

City Parks Foundation

Various Venues - see website for details
New York, NY
https://cityparksfoundation.org/puppetmobile/

City Parks Foundation is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the world-renowned children’s story Pippi Longstocking by the legendary Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. To honor this milestone, our traveling marionette theater, the PuppetMobile, will present Pippi, a fresh retelling of the classic Swedish tale.

May 10 - June 7, 2025
See website for details

FREE


The Little Red Hen

WonderSpark Puppets

Columbus Library
742 10th Ave
New York, NY
https://www.wondersparkpuppets.com/free-shows-nyc

The Little Red Hen is an interactive play that gets kids moving their bodies, calling out and laughing! Every animal on the farm wants to eat the Hen’s bread, but no one wants to help make it.

May 22, 2025
4:00pm

FREE


Free Puppet Shows at Bryant Park

WonderSpark Puppets

Bryant Park
35 W 40th St
New York City, NY
https://bryantpark.org/calendar/event/le-carrousel

Every Wednesday in June, join us for highly interactive puppet shows at Le Carrousel in Bryant Park NYC. The stories will change every week and feature folk tales and stories that all kids love.

June 4 - 25, 2025
Wed, June 4 - 10am
Wed, June 11 - 10am
Wed, June 18 - 10am
Wed, June 25 - 10am

$0


June in Bryant Park

WonderSpark Puppets

Bryant Park
New York, NY
https://www.wondersparkpuppets.com/free-shows-nyc

Every Wednesday in June at 10am in beautiful Bryant Park (close to Times Square) we will present free puppet shows at Le Carrousel. Come watch a highly interactive show and ride the famous merry-go-round, eat incredible food and enjoy the giant trees.

June 4 - 25, 2025
10am

FREE


Rancho Tales

Teatro SEA

Teatro SEA
107 Suffolk Street
New York, NY
www.teatrosea.org

A charming blend of music, puppetry, movement, and visuals, Rancho Tales retells classic barnyard stories in an engaging bilingual format. Join Pepa and Pepe as they guide audiences through The Ugly Duckling, Three Billy Goats Gruff, and The Red Hen, accompanied by popular Latin American barn songs. This show is performed in both English and Spanish Simultaneously. Please Be Aware: Intimate internal events with limited space. RSVP is mandatory.

June 14 - 21, 2025
11:00AM

$20


The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Rockefeller Productions

The Duke On 42nd Street
229 West 42nd St
New York, NY
feverup.com/m/188141

Dive into Eric Carle’s vibrant world with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show in New York! In this critically acclaimed 4-part show, 75 magical puppets bring 4 beloved children’s classics to life for audiences young and old. Meet the colorful characters from The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, swim with Mister Seahorse, help The Very Lonely Firefly find his friends, and, of course, let The Very Hungry Caterpillar nibble its way into your heart. Laugh, cheer, and clap along to this magical show that, just like its star, will leave you hungry for more! Get your tickets now for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show in New York!

Ongoing, tickets on sale through January 5, 2025
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: 9.00 a.m. - 3.30 p.m.

starting at $39