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Upcoming festivals in Almonte →Puppets Up! International Festival 2026
A magical biennial celebration of world-class puppetry in charming downtown Almonte
Dates
Aug 8–9
Cost
Ticketed
Where
Almonte, ON
Vibe
Family-friendly
Puppets Up! brings the world’s most talented puppeteers to the magical streets of downtown Almonte for two unforgettable days. With 7 theatres, up to 70 performances, daily parades, incredible street entertainment, artisan vendors, and a dedicated kids’ area, this biennial festival celebrates the art of puppetry for families and art lovers of all ages.
🎭 World-class puppet performances
🎪 7 theatres, 70+ shows
🎉 Parades & street entertainment
👨👩👧👦 Kids’ activities & craft area
💡 Puppets Up! was founded in 2004 by Noreen Young, the legendary puppet creator behind beloved Canadian shows “Hi Diddle Day” and “Under The Umbrella Tree.” Her vision continues to bring joy, wonder, and world-class artistic expression to the streets of Almonte.
Why Go
Puppets Up! is one of Canada’s most beloved cultural festivals and a celebration of artistry that appeals to the inner child in all of us. Whether you’re a longtime fan of puppetry or discovering this art form for the first time, Puppets Up! offers something magical. You’ll witness world-class puppeteers from across the globe, see innovative performances that blend traditional techniques with contemporary creativity, and experience the joy of live performance in the charming streets of Almonte.
This biennial event happens only every two years, making 2026 a perfect opportunity. With 70+ performances across 7 theatres, your one-day pass grants you unlimited access to see as many shows as you wish. From intimate puppet theatre to elaborate street performances and daily parades, there’s something to delight every age and interest.
It’s also a chance to support the legacy of Noreen Young, the visionary puppet creator who founded this festival and gave the world beloved Canadian television classics. Almonte is picturesque, welcoming, and ready to make your festival weekend unforgettable.
Schedule
Saturday, August 8
10:00 AM onwards
Saturday is opening day of the festival. The day kicks off with performances beginning at 10 a.m. in the seven theatres throughout downtown Almonte. You’ll find a parade featuring puppeteers and characters, street entertainment, food vendors, artisan merchants, and the kids’ area. With your day pass, attend as many shows as you like throughout the day. Arrive early to explore the festival map and plan your day!
Saturday is opening day of the festival. The day kicks off with performances beginning at 10 a.m. in the seven theatres throughout downtown Almonte. You’ll find a parade featuring puppeteers and characters, street entertainment, food vendors, artisan merchants, and the kids’ area. With your day pass, attend as many shows as you like throughout the day. Arrive early to explore the festival map and plan your day!
Sunday, August 9
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday concludes the festival weekend with a full day of performances, parades, and celebrations. All seven theatres are active with shows throughout the day. The kids’ area, marketplace, and street entertainment continue. This is your final opportunity to see performances you may have missed on Saturday, or revisit your favourites. Many performers conclude their runs on Sunday evening.
Sunday concludes the festival weekend with a full day of performances, parades, and celebrations. All seven theatres are active with shows throughout the day. The kids’ area, marketplace, and street entertainment continue. This is your final opportunity to see performances you may have missed on Saturday, or revisit your favourites. Many performers conclude their runs on Sunday evening.
What to Expect
🎭 Puppet Theatre Performances
Seven venues throughout downtown Almonte host puppet performances — everything from intimate puppet theatre to grand-scale productions. Expect storytelling, comedy, drama, music, and experimental puppetry. Shows range in duration and are designed for various age groups.
🎪 Parades & Street Entertainment
Daily parades feature puppets, performers, and music moving through the streets of Almonte. Spontaneous street entertainment happens throughout the festival — buskers, interactive performers, and surprise moments of puppet magic.
🎨 Artisan Marketplace
Browse locally-made crafts, puppet-related art, souvenirs, and handmade goods from vendors throughout the festival. Food vendors serve local and international cuisine. Support small businesses and artists.
👨👩👧👦 Kids’ Activities & Craft Area
A dedicated kids’ area features hands-on activities, craft workshops, age-appropriate shows, and interactive entertainment. Children can make their own puppet crafts, meet performers, and enjoy the festival safely.
Essentials
🎟️ Tickets & Pricing
Day passes: Child (3–12) $10, Adult (13+) $20, Family (2 adults + 2 children) $55. Children under 3 are free. One day pass grants unlimited access to all shows. Buy through TicketsPlease.ca. Early booking recommended.
💳 What to Bring
Cash for food and artisan purchases. Comfortable walking shoes — you’ll be exploring downtown Almonte. A printed or digital festival map/schedule. Sunscreen and a hat. A light jacket for cooler evenings. Umbrella if rain is forecast.
🌤️ Weather
August in Ontario typically ranges from 18–24°C (64–75°F). Weather can vary — prepare for sun, cloud, or occasional rain. Almonte is located in Ottawa’s region, so August is generally pleasant with occasional humidity.
🚗 Parking & Transit
Free parking at the Fairgrounds. A short walk or shuttle gets you to downtown Almonte and the festival venues. Almonte is about 30 minutes from Ottawa. Public transit from Ottawa available through OC Transpo.
Getting There
📍 Location
Downtown Almonte, Ontario. Main venue: 71 Mill Street, Almonte, ON K0A 1A0. Festival venues spread throughout the charming downtown streets and tented areas.
Open in Google Maps
🚗 Driving
From Ottawa: Approximately 30 minutes northeast. Take the Queensway (Highway 417) toward Manotick/Mississippi Valley. Follow signs to Almonte via local roads (typically Highway 7 or 29).
From Toronto: Approximately 2 hours south. Take Highway 7 east toward Ottawa region, then follow signs to Almonte.
Parking: Free parking at the Fairgrounds. Limited street parking in downtown Almonte. Plan to arrive early or use the Fairgrounds parking and walk/shuttle to the festival.
From Toronto: Approximately 2 hours south. Take Highway 7 east toward Ottawa region, then follow signs to Almonte.
Parking: Free parking at the Fairgrounds. Limited street parking in downtown Almonte. Plan to arrive early or use the Fairgrounds parking and walk/shuttle to the festival.
🚌 Transit from Ottawa
OC Transpo: Public transit from Ottawa to Almonte area available. Check the OC Transpo website for schedule and routes to Almonte.
Almonte Location: Almonte is a picturesque village in Mississippi Mills, about 30 km northeast of Ottawa’s core. It’s part of the Lanark region and is easily accessible by car.
Almonte Location: Almonte is a picturesque village in Mississippi Mills, about 30 km northeast of Ottawa’s core. It’s part of the Lanark region and is easily accessible by car.
Tips for Your Visit
Plan your day: With 70+ shows across 7 venues, it’s impossible to see everything. Download the schedule, pick highlights, and build your itinerary. Aim to arrive early in the day.
Come both days if possible: With unlimited shows per pass, consider experiencing both Saturday and Sunday. You’ll see different performances and have time to explore more thoroughly.
Bring cash for vendors: While some vendors may accept cards, cash is king at small independent booths. ATMs are available but lines can get long.
Explore Almonte: Beyond the festival, Almonte is a charming arts community with shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants. Spend time wandering the streets before or after festival events.
Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking from venue to venue, so comfortable shoes are essential. Almonte’s downtown is walkable but involves varied terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Details may change — always confirm on the official Puppets Up! website before heading out.
Location
Get DirectionsDowntown Almonte, 71 Mill Street, Almonte, ON, K0A 1A0
