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Chickens, grannies and brain transplants. Household junk transformed into surreal shadow puppets!
More detailsMelbourne Festival of Puppetry 2026
Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2026
22 September to 27 September
The Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2026 returns from 22nd September to 27th September.
With shows for all ages, roving puppets, daily free shows, films, workshops and masterclasses, there really is something for everyone!
This year’s festival has expanded across Naarm/ the City of Melbourne to include Arts Centre Melbourne, ACMI and the Motley Bauhaus as well as returning to La Mama and the community of Carlton. Check out the rest of the festival here.
Shows for everyone
Shows for 2 - 6 years
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Celebrate friendship, empathy and kindness in an enchanting musical adventure for 3-8 year-olds
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A spectacular deep sea adventure to inspire the imaginations of children and adults.
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An enchanting puppetry adventure into a magical illuminated world.
More detailsShows for 5 - 10 years
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A mother writes down her life. Her daughter brings it to light.
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A Little Robot Who Longs To Become "Real" – But is he ready for what it means to be alive?
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A surprising puppet tale of courage, magic, and clever tricks!
More detailsWorkshop for KIDS (4 - 10 years)
Parents and/or carers are required to stay onsite.
Workshop run times: 60mins
10:30am, 22nd September, Co.As.It
SOCK puppets Workshop
Turn an old sock into a wonderful new character!
2:30pm, 22nd September, Co.As.It
JUNK puppets Workshop
Using bits and bobs, make an extraordinary creature proving nothing is really junk!
10:30am, 23rd September, Co.As.It
Marionette puppets Workshop
Make a simple marionette and learn to pull some strings.
2:30pm, 23rd September, Co.As.It
CARDBOARD CREATURES Workshop
Cardboard is a very useful puppet making material. Learn some techniques to make amazing things.
10:30am, 24th September, Co.As.It
SHADOW PUPPETS Workshop
Dive into the magical world of shadow puppets.
2:30pm, 24th September, Co.As.It
ROBOT PUPPETS Workshop
Make your very own robot puppet.
FREE shows and roving puppets
Daily throughout the festival, there are free shows and roving performances fro everyone to enjoy. Catch something before or after your show.
The Puppet Picnic community day
Join us on Saturday 26th September for The Puppet Picnic Community Day.
The puppet treasure hunt
Grab your Puppet Treasure Map from La Mama HQ and follow the map around the streets of Carlton to find the puppets.
Tick off what you find and return to La Mama HQ to receive your prize!
