Dive into the fanciful world of puppetry at the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, which presents master puppeteers from around the world in an array of performances throughout the city. The fest hosts over 100 events in 12 days. Performance tickets range from $15-$48 but the festival also supplies a selection of free events during the festival on January 21-February 1, 2026.
Photo courtesy of Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival
Puppet Hub
When: January 23-February 1, 2026
Where: The Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., 4th Fl.
Times: Friday-Saturday, 12-7:30 pm, Sunday 12- 4 pm, Monday-Thursday, noon- 5:30 pm
Check out the free exhibits, ” Two Ways Down”, displaying a shadow puppet and an animated installation inspired by “Garden of Earthly Delights”, and the momentary nature of life and “Giant Puppet Lanterns”, which features towering fantastical creatures. Don’t miss the pop-up puppet shop for tees, hats, puppets and other merch. Relax at the Spoke & Bird Pop-Up cafe and enjoy soups, baked goods and drinks.
Free Neighborhood Tours
When: January 22-25, 2025, January 28-February 1, 2026
Where: Austin Town Hall Cultural Center, Marshall Field Garden Apartments/Arts on Sedgewick, 345 Gallery, Center on Halsted, Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, Tuly Park, Experimental Station, Loyola Park, Fieldhouse, Theatre Y, Instituto Cervantes
Time: Varies
Spanish puppet artist Tian Gombau uses inanimate objects to tell the engaging story “Stone By Stone,” and Alex & Olmsted illustrate the experiences of an American visiting his cousin in Paris with “Happy Birthday Mon Ami.” The free performances run for 30 and 60 minutes respectively.
Photo courtesy of Chicago International Puppet Fest
Volkenburg Puppetry Symposium and Book Talk Series
When: January 24, 25, 31, February 1, 2026
Where: Studebaker Theater at the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan
Time: 10 am-noon
Four different sessions cover topics like the labor of gratitude and the art of asking, with panel discussions featuring puppeteers. Check out the symposium schedule here.
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival
January -21- February 1, 2026
Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan, plus various venues across the city
Free
