QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
1. The Ekka 
The Royal Queensland Show, fondly known as The Ekka, is the ULTIMATE dream festival for any puppeteer! Held annually since 1876 at the Brisbane Showgrounds, this iconic event is the heart and soul of Brisbane’s festive spirit. The Ekka sets the gold standard for festivals, fetes and agricultural shows across Queensland, and for any puppeteer, each performance at smaller festivals is a stepping stone towards the grand stage of The Ekka. Childhood memories of vibrant clowns, mesmerising magicians, and enchanting puppet shows at The Ekka plant the seeds of big dreams. For a puppeteer, especially one from Brisbane, scoring a gig at The Ekka is the pinnacle of success, a true testament to having made it in the world of puppetry.
2. Out of the Box Festival
Every puppeteer and children’s entertainer dreams of gracing the stage at QPAC’s Out of the Box Festival, a pinnacle achievement that requires years of dedication, global performances, and a relentless climb up the children’s entertainment ladder. This biennial festival is renowned for its stellar lineup, showcasing the best talent in the industry. Out of the Box is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of learning, play, curiosity, and discovery, creating unforgettable experiences for children aged eight and under and their families. To be accepted into this prestigious event is a testament to an entertainer’s skill, creativity, and ability to inspire young minds, making it one of the most coveted and challenging milestones in a puppeteer’s career.
3. Little Splendour
Just as every band dreams of performing at Byron Bay’s iconic Splendour in the Grass festival, every puppeteer aspires to take the stage at Little Splendour – the event’s enchanting, child-friendly festival within a festival. This magical, fenced-off wonderland brims with rides, entertainment, and activities for children and families. Puppet shows hold a special place in the festivities, and landing a spot on the lineup is a mark of true prestige. The organisers are incredibly selective, typically choosing puppeteers with a rich portfolio of at least twenty years in live entertainment and/or significant television exposure. Being invited to perform at Little Splendour is a testament to a puppeteer’s exceptional talent, dedication, and the ability to captivate and delight young audiences.
4. Woodford Folk Festival
Scoring a gig at the Woodford Folk Festival at the end of 2016 was a remarkable achievement for us. We had the incredible opportunity to perform three puppet shows a day, every day for a whole week, in the vibrant Deja Voodoo Sideshow Dome. We were exceptionally fortunate to be invited by a renowned circus troupe, who included us as part of their diverse week of performances. The Children’s Festival section of Woodford is notoriously competitive, with a stringent application process that makes it a highly sought-after opportunity for performers. Woodford Folk Festival is a captivating and dynamic event, especially for puppeteers. From Punch & Judy to shadow puppets and giant roving street puppets, the festival embraces all forms of puppetry, making it a perfect and exciting home for our craft.
5. The Pine Rivers Show
Since its inception in 1904, the Pine Rivers Show has been a cherished tradition, delighting audiences with an extraordinary array of entertainment. Each year, this iconic festival has hosted some of Australia’s most established puppeteers, showcasing everything from classic marionettes and Punch & Judy shows to mesmerising ventriloquists and cutting-edge animatronic dinosaurs. Larrikin Puppets was honoured to be part of this esteemed lineup, performing at the 2019 Pine Rivers Show and again in 2021. Unfortunately, the 2021 event was cut short by a snap COVID-19 lockdown after only half of the first day. Despite this setback, our experience at the Pine Rivers Show remains a highlight, reflecting the festival’s long-standing commitment to celebrating the magic of puppetry.
6. The Mt Gravatt Show
Since 1915, The Mt Gravatt Show has been a cherished tradition for families on the south side of Brisbane, offering a delightful mix of Ekka-style attractions, show bags, and thrilling entertainment. This prestigious event is a dream gig for any puppeteer, not only because of the enthusiastic crowds that adore puppet shows but also due to the rigorous selection process that ensures only the finest acts are chosen. The Mt Gravatt Show is celebrated for its commitment to high-quality puppetry, having featured some of the world’s most renowned puppeteers over the years. For those fortunate enough to be selected, performing here is a testament to their exceptional talent and a significant milestone in their career.
7. Horizon Festival
Horizon Festival, renowned for its diverse celebration of performing arts across the Sunshine Coast, reached new heights with the groundbreaking Puppets In Harmony event in 2018. This innovative festival was a pioneering showcase for puppetry, featuring an exciting lineup of workshops, puppet shows, and roving puppeteers. We at Larrikin Puppets were profoundly honoured to perform our puppet show over three afternoons at this extraordinary event, sharing the stage with some of Australia’s most esteemed puppeteers. Joining Perth’s Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, known for their impressive interactive puppet installation, “String Symphony,” was a highlight and a testament to the festival’s commitment to celebrating the art of puppetry in all its forms.
8. Tablelands Folk Festival
Often referred to as the Yungaburra Folk Festival, the annual Tablelands Folk Festival in North Queensland is a beloved event renowned for its vibrant array of folk bands and musicians. This festival is a true celebration of artistic talent and community spirit, drawing music lovers from near and far. For a puppeteer, being invited to perform at this prestigious festival is a remarkable privilege. Amidst the enchanting folk performances, the festival occasionally features puppeteers and roving children’s entertainers, adding a magical touch to the festivities. Being chosen to be part of this esteemed lineup is a testament to a puppeteer’s skill and a golden opportunity to delight audiences in such a cherished setting.
9. Mary Poppins Festival
Maryborough, the birthplace of Mary Poppins author P. L. Travers, is home to the enchanting Mary Poppins Festival, a cherished annual celebration of storytelling and the beloved Mary Poppins characters. This festival has long been a beacon of creativity, with the wonderful Judy Harris from The Puppet Hut captivating audiences with her puppetry and workshops for many years. In 2017, we at Larrikin Puppets had the immense privilege of participating in this prestigious event, despite our more contemporary style of puppetry. We spent a full day running our own engaging puppetry performance workshops and delighting festival-goers with Mary Poppins-themed puppet shows. Being part of the Mary Poppins Festival was a true honour, showcasing how puppetry, as a powerful storytelling technique, can shine in the heart of such a beloved celebration.
10. Goomeri Pumpkin Festival
Nestled in the Gympie Region, the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival is a delightfully quirky event that began in the 1990s to lift community spirits during tough drought times. Since then, it has blossomed into an annual celebration brimming with fun and excitement. From the thrill of pumpkin rolling to a host of entertaining activities, this festival is a vibrant spectacle of community joy. Among the festivities, you’ll often find a puppeteer adding an extra layer of magic to the event, making it a truly memorable experience for all ages. The Goomeri Pumpkin Festival is a testament to the power of community and creativity, turning every pumpkin into a symbol of fun and togetherness.
11. Little Days Out / Kids Collective – South Bank Parklands
For nearly a decade, performing at Little Days Out and its successor, Kids Collective, was a highlight for every puppeteer in Brisbane. These beloved events, which transformed from South Bank’s free children’s program into a broader celebration with shows at Roma Street Parkland, were a treasured opportunity for us. Larrikin Puppets had the joy of bringing our puppet shows to these vibrant festivals, where families gathered for a day of fun under the sun, complete with picnic rugs, umbrellas for shade, and a delightful array of children’s entertainment. Sadly, after 2023, Kids Collective came to an end, but the memories of these fantastic public events, where we connected with the community and celebrated family fun, will always hold a special place in our hearts.
NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA
12. One Van International Puppet Festival
The “One Van” International Festival of Puppetry, held from 1998 to 2005 in the picturesque village of Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, NSW, was a landmark event in the world of puppetry. This festival was a cherished gem for puppeteers from Australia and around the globe, celebrated for its unique and intimate setting. Every seasoned Australian puppeteer from that era reminisces fondly about the joy of performing at “One Van,” while today’s puppeteers eagerly dream of a revival. The Sydney Puppet Theatre’s festival was a golden opportunity to showcase innovative puppet shows and connect with a global audience, making it a truly special and influential event in the puppetry world.
VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
13. Melbourne Festival of Puppetry
Renowned for its innovative approach to contemporary theatre, Melbourne’s La Mama Theatre has elevated the art of puppetry to new heights with its Melbourne Festival of Puppetry. This festival is a beacon for puppeteers across Australia, who eagerly aspire to catch the attention of its discerning organisers. Unlike many festivals where puppetry is just one component, the Melbourne Festival of Puppetry is dedicated entirely to showcasing the magic of puppets. It stands as one of Australia’s most significant puppetry events, with organisers carefully curating a lineup of performances that reflect the pinnacle of puppetry excellence. Being chosen to perform at this prestigious festival is a mark of distinction and a celebrated opportunity for any puppeteer.
14. Tarrengower Puppetfest
Nestled in the heart of central Victoria, the Tarrengower Puppetfest was a shining jewel in the Australian puppetry landscape, cherished by puppeteers across the country. This extraordinary festival was not just an event but a celebration of puppetry that left a lasting impression on all who participated. With Richard Hart from Dream Puppets serving as the event’s visionary artistic director, the festival became a landmark occasion that every Australian puppeteer either had the honour of performing at or dreams of seeing revived for a new generation. The fond memories and high regard for Tarrengower Puppetfest continue to inspire current puppeteers, who eagerly hope for its triumphant return to once again celebrate the magic and creativity of puppetry.
15. Port Fairy Folk Festival
Just like the renowned Woodford Folk Festival, the Port Fairy Folk Festival holds a special place in the hearts of artists and audiences alike. Nestled in the historic fishing village of Port Fairy, Victoria, this annual celebration has been a beacon of creativity and innovation since 1977. It’s a coveted opportunity for musicians, magicians, and puppeteers to showcase their talents in a festival that celebrates cutting-edge art and performance. The selection process for Port Fairy is as rigorous as it is prestigious, with every performer eagerly vying for a spot on the lineup. Being chosen to take part in this esteemed festival is a testament to an artist’s exceptional skill and creativity, making it a highly sought-after honour in the world of performing arts.
16. Puppets at Fed Square
Each September school holidays, Melbourne’s Federation Square transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity and fun, bursting with interactive puppet shows and engaging puppetry workshops for kids. This dynamic event not only captivates young audiences but also ignites the passion of both seasoned puppeteers and aspiring newcomers. With its lively atmosphere and hands-on activities, it’s a must-attend spectacle that brings puppetry to life and inspires imaginations of all ages.
17. Viva Victoria Festival
Also known as the VIVA Multicultural Arts Festival, Melbourne’s celebration of cultural diversity is a vibrant showcase perfect for puppeteers from around the globe. This festival offers a unique opportunity to explore and experience a rich tapestry of puppetry styles, each reflecting the distinct traditions and artistry of different cultures. It’s an immersive event where audiences can discover and celebrate the diverse world of puppetry, as performers bring their cultural heritage to life through captivating and diverse puppet shows.
NEW YORK CITY, USA
18. Puppetry Arts Festival of Brooklyn 
The Puppetry Arts Festival of Brooklyn, sometimes affectionately known as Tuffy Tiger’s Puppet Festival, is a delightful, free community event held in Park Slope, Brooklyn (New York, USA), that brings joy to families of all ages. What makes this annual festival truly special is that every single performance is by a puppeteer, offering a diverse array of puppet styles—from marionettes and bunraku to Muppets and roving walk-around puppets. In 2016, Larrikin Puppets had the immense pleasure of participating in this charming festival, marking our farthest performance ever. With Brooklyn a staggering 15,500 km from our home in Brisbane, Australia, it was a remarkable journey that showcased the universal magic of puppetry on an international stage.
CHICAGO, USA
19. Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival
Founded in 2014, the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival has quickly become a pivotal event in the world of puppetry, establishing Chicago as a leading hub for this enchanting art form. Held biennially, this festival transforms the city into a vibrant tapestry of puppet magic, featuring a dazzling array of local and international talent performing across multiple venues. Attendees not only enjoy captivating puppet shows but also have the chance to participate in workshops and delve into the Volkenburg Puppetry Symposium, which is dedicated to advancing the scholarship and research of puppetry. This festival is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the profound impact of puppetry on both performers and audiences alike.
IOWA, USA
20. Great Plains Puppet Train! Regional Festival
The Great Plains Puppet Train! Regional Puppetry Festival is a cherished event held annually in West Liberty, Iowa, celebrating the art of puppetry with vibrant flair. This festival is renowned for its inclusive spirit, welcoming puppeteers of all levels from around the globe to showcase their talents. Since its inception, the festival has become a beloved tradition in the region, drawing enthusiastic audiences who are eager to experience a diverse range of puppet performances.
The festival’s unique charm lies in its commitment to bringing together a wide array of puppetry styles, from traditional marionettes to contemporary puppet innovations. This inclusive approach allows both seasoned performers and emerging talents to share their craft and connect with an appreciative audience. The Great Plains Puppet Train! Regional Puppetry Festival is not just a showcase of puppetry but a celebration of community, creativity, and cultural exchange, making it a highly anticipated and well-loved event in the world of puppetry.
ŠIBENIK, CROATIA
21. International Children’s Festival
The International Children’s Festival in Šibenik, Croatia, is a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture, inviting children and families to immerse themselves in a world of artistic wonder. This dynamic festival is a true showcase of multidisciplinary arts, featuring an exciting array of performances and workshops that span dramatic and musical arts, puppetry, film, literature, and visual arts from both Croatia and around the globe. Not only does the festival highlight professional talent, but it also provides a platform for children’s own artistic expressions. For any puppeteer, performing at this enchanting festival is a golden opportunity to engage with a diverse and enthusiastic audience while contributing to a magical event that celebrates the boundless creativity of young and old alike.
NAIROBI, KENYA
22. International Puppet Festival (IPFest)
Launched in 2009 by The Kenya Institute of Puppet Theater (KIPT), the International Puppet Festival (IPFest) in Nairobi, Kenya, has become a vibrant platform for global puppeteers. This festival is not just a showcase but a celebration of puppetry’s power to drive cultural and social change across Kenya and Africa. IPFest invites puppeteers from around the world to present innovative and interdisciplinary works, fostering dynamic collaborations between Kenyan and international artists. For any puppeteer, traveling to IPFest offers an eye-opening adventure, immersing them in a unique cultural exchange while contributing to a festival dedicated to the transformative potential of puppetry and folk media.
IIDA CITY, JAPAN
23. Iida Puppet Festival 
The Iida City Puppetry Festival, Japan’s largest and most vibrant celebration of puppetry, transforms the city into a bustling hub of creativity and performance. With over 100 venues hosting an array of puppet shows, parades, and hands-on workshops, this festival is a feast for the senses. Puppeteer troupes from Japan, Asia, and around the globe converge to showcase a dazzling variety of puppet styles, from the intricate artistry of traditional ‘bunraku’ and shadow puppets to the lively antics of pantomime and ventriloquism. Each corner of Iida City becomes a stage for the magic of puppetry, offering a truly immersive experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL
24. Jerusalem Puppet Festival
Hosted by The Train Theater in Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Puppet Festival is a cherished celebration of puppetry that spans both contemporary and traditional styles, enchanting audiences of all ages. Founded in 1991, this festival has a rich history of showcasing innovative puppet theatre and object theatre, becoming a beacon of creativity and cultural exchange. The festival historically has been a joyous and vibrant event, filled with whimsical performances that captivate and entertain. However, in recent times, the ongoing conflict in the region has cast a somber shadow over the festival’s atmosphere. Despite these challenging circumstances, the Jerusalem Puppet Festival remains a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of puppetry, continuing to offer a glimpse into the diverse and magical world of puppetry through its performances and workshops.
ERFURT, GERMANY
25. Synergura – International Puppet Theatre Festival Erfurt
Synergura – International Puppet Theatre Festival Erfurt, established in 1992, is a prestigious and vibrant festival in Germany that celebrates the art of puppetry with global flair. This renowned event brings together a diverse array of puppeteers and theatre specialists from around the world, offering a rich program of performances and workshops that cater to children, young people, and adults alike.
From its inception, Synergura has been dedicated to showcasing the dynamic range of puppetry, from traditional techniques to innovative contemporary works. The festival’s lively atmosphere and diverse lineup make it a standout event in the international puppetry calendar, attracting audiences and performers who are passionate about the magic of puppetry. Synergura continues to be a cultural highlight, fostering cross-cultural connections and celebrating the art form in all its splendid variety.
LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS, SWITZERLAND
26. Figuresco – Festival de Marionnettes pour enfants
Founded in 2003, Figuresco – Festival de Marionnettes pour enfants is a beloved annual event dedicated to introducing young audiences to the enchanting world of puppetry. Held in various charming locations, this festival is designed to be a child’s first immersive experience with theatre, blending entertainment with educational opportunities.
Figuresco stands out for its commitment to promoting puppetry as a vibrant, interactive medium that fosters cultural exchange and creativity among children. The festival features a diverse array of puppet shows from around the world, each crafted to captivate and engage young minds. With its focus on creating joyful and enriching experiences, Figuresco has become a cornerstone event for celebrating the magic of puppetry and its role in early theatre education.
