Jan 31, 2026

Chicago International Puppet Festival at Austin Town Hall

Date and Time:
Jan 31, 2026
Saturday, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Event Fee
$0.00
Age Range
All Ages
Categories:
Theater , Cultural Center Events , Night Out in the Parks
Image
Woman with accordion performs puppet show, "Happy Birthday, Mom Ami".

Description

The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is the largest event dedicated to the artform in North America. In the heart of winter, the Festival spans 11 days and dozens of Chicago venues, sharing 100+puppetry activities with 14,000+ guests.
The Puppet Festival’s annual Free Neighborhood Tour brings free, family-friendly performances to locations outside of Chicago’s theaters to foster an appreciation for puppetry throughout the city.

Class, cultures, and expectations clash when Jacques’ American cousin Sam visits him in Paris for a birthday celebration. Winner of a 2024 Jim Henson Foundation grant award, Happy Birthday, Mon Ami combines glove puppetry, live music, and audience participation to create a delightful hour of fun for the whole family. Broadwayworld calls it “tiny, enchanting and exquisite.”