2025 Hudson Valley Puppetry Festival
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
With spring just around the corner, the air is abuzz with anticipation of warmer days signaling the arrival of festival season. It’s the perfect time to embrace the lively spirit of community gatherings, arts, and cultural celebrations. The Hudson Valley Puppetry Festival is back for its second edition, bringing a colorful and captivating array of puppetry events to the Mid-Hudson region from March 22 to April 26, 2025. Organized by the Arts Mid-Hudson Folk Arts Program and Paper Heart Puppets, this festival promises to delight audiences in Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster counties with a rich schedule of performances, workshops, and exhibits.
The festival kicks off with “A Day of Puppetry” on March 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Academy in Poughkeepsie. This family-friendly event will feature puppet theaters from across the region, sharing their creations, explaining the mechanics of puppetry, and offering make-and-take activities. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the International Day of Puppetry with renowned groups like Paper Heart Puppets, Artistree, Up in Arms, and more.
For those seeking a more adult-oriented experience, the Uncanny Valley Puppet Slam at The Ritz Theater in Newburgh on the evening of March 22 offers a unique twist on traditional puppetry. This adults-only event, reminiscent of a poetry slam, promises an evening filled with humor, creativity, and thought-provoking performances. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door.
The festival continues with an exciting lineup of events, including the “Magnificent Monster Circus” by CactusHead Puppets at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum on March 23. This performance is sure to delight both young and old with its imaginative storytelling and vibrant characters. Tickets are priced at $5 for museum members and $8 for non-members.
On March 25, Up in Arms presents “Waffle and Friends” at Cornwall Public Library. This free, family-friendly event requires registration and promises a delightful afternoon of puppetry fun.
Paper Heart Puppets brings “Cardboard Explosion” to the Howland Cultural Center in Beacon on March 29. This free event is perfect for families looking to explore the creative possibilities of puppetry. Registration is required.
The festival also honors the legacy of Alice Beal “Allelu” Kurten, an internationally known puppeteer who spent many years in Hyde Park. A retrospective exhibit in her honor opens at the Hyde Park Library Annex on April 3, with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit will run through the end of May.
Throughout April, the festival offers a range of events, including “Monster Intelligence” at Newburgh Free Library on April 5, a special screening of Jim Henson’s “The Frog Prince” followed by a workshop at Upstate Films in Saugerties on April 12, and a puppetry workshop with Brad Shur at Millbrook Library on April 16.
As the festival draws to a close, visitors can enjoy a series of puppet exhibits along Main Street in Poughkeepsie, including “Puppets in the Windows,” “Parade Puppets,”; and “Puppetry Around the World.”; The closing day, April 26, features tours of these exhibits and a closing reception at the Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory, followed by the Hudson Valley Puppet Slam at the Stissing Center for Arts and Culture.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of puppetry in the Hudson Valley. With events for all ages and interests, the 2025 Hudson Valley Puppetry Festival is set to be anunforgettable celebration of creativity and artistry. For more information, visit the festival’s website and join the community in this enchanting journey through the world of puppetry.
If you go:
2025 Hudson Valley Puppetry Festival
Various Locations & Times Based on Events
Dates: March 22 - April 26, 2025
845-454-3222
info@artsmidhudson.org
www.artsmidhudson.org/hvpf
