“A joyful celebration of puppetry, community, and imagination in downtown Almonte.”
The Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival returns to magical downtown Almonte on August 8 and 9, 2026. This beloved two-day celebration brings together master puppeteers, emerging artists, and families from across Ontario and beyond. With seven stages across indoor and outdoor venues Puppets Up!, sponsored in 2026 by Minto, continues to grow as one of Canada’s most imaginative community festivals. More information about the festival and the performers will be shared in the coming weeks and months, but you can expect to see some festival favourites as well as many new and exciting troupes.
This year, for the first time ever, tickets are available in time for Christmas! A limited-time Flash Sale (November 23–December 24) offers deeply affordable prices with early access tickets, perfect for holiday gifting. Ticket options include child day passes (3-12) for just $10, adult day passes (13 and over) for $20, and family day passes (2 adults and 2 children) for $55. The Flash Sale tickets are limited in number, so puppet fans are invited to purchase early to avoid disappointment. Puppets Up! is committed to keeping the festival affordable and inclusive and these flash-sale tickets help with that goal.
The Flash Sale runs from November 23 to December 24, when tickets may be purchased electronically at https://puppetsup.ticketsplease.ca/puppets-up/ If these tickets sell out, prices will automatically shift to Early Bird sales.
A limited number of paper tickets will also be available for sale in Almonte starting on Tuesday, November 25 at Baker Bobs on Little Bridge Street or at Almonte Print Shop on Ottawa Street, in the grocery store plaza.
Weekend passes and group sales will be added to the mix in Early Bird pricing, which runs from December 25 to March 31. Regular prices will apply from April 1 onwards, with a slight rise in price at the gate during the festival.
As always, in addition to the paid shows, Puppets Up! will feature free outdoor programming: parades, street entertainment for all ages, an exciting vendor’s market, and a town full of fun. Puppets Up! is committed to keeping the festival affordable and inclusive, and the team has worked hard to find a price point for everyone.
Puppets Up! celebrates storytelling and creativity while strengthening Almonte’s reputation as a vibrant arts hub. The festival generates tourism, supports local businesses, and provides a platform for artists of all ages and backgrounds. With an emphasis on accessibility, family engagement, and local partnerships, Puppets Up! 2026 continues its mission to bring joy and wonder to audiences of all ages.
More information on our pricing structure can be found at www.puppetsup.com. Subscribe to our updates to stay informed of programming and other updates.
Contact: Jane Torrance at executivedirector@puppetsup.com
