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Great Plains Puppet Train Regional Puppet Festival

  • September 10, 2026
  • September 13, 2026
  • West Liberty, Iowa

Come to West Liberty, Iowa for the Great Plains Puppet Train!

Located close to Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa and the internationally renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop, West Liberty is an iconic small town, with an active main street and warm hospitality.

The Regional Festival will take place in various buildings downtown, all within a distance of about four to six blocks, starting Thursday evening with registration, finger foods, a show, and a party. Friday will include workshops, performances in our opera house, and a Puppet Slam. Saturday will feature the West Liberty Children’s Festival, complete with five puppet performances and lots of street food and activities, A street dance with Latino bands, and finally a delicious catered dinner and an evening performance. Sunday: breakfast, one last show, and farewells to friends, old and new!

REGISTER HERE

We’ll have the following kinds of shows:

  • Family friendly shows outdoors during the West Liberty Children’s Festival
  • School shows that connect to the curriculum
  • International shows, slam pieces, etc.

And workshops:

  • Shadow puppets
  • Marionettes
  • Giant puppets
  • Business workshops to help puppeteers make a living in the current economy
  • Advocacy through puppets
  • And more!

More info: greatplainspuppettrain.com

Puppeteers of America
310 East 38th St, Suite 127
Minneapolis, MN 55409

612-821-2382
office@puppeteers.org