If you thought puppets were just for kids, think again.
Stratford, Ontario—already famed for its Shakespearean gravitas—is about to get a whole lot weirder, wilder, and more whimsical. From July 31 to August 4, the fourth annual World in a Weekend festival is taking over the town, and this isn’t your average puppet-on-a-string situation.
Organized by the ever-adventurous team at SpringWorks~PuppetWorks!, this jam-packed, family-friendly (but also very adult-friendly) festival is an artistic playground of bold ideas, international performances, and pure storytelling magic—all brought to life by some of the world’s top puppeteers.
Think: giant stilt creatures by the Avon River, hauntingly beautiful cabarets featuring a singing Edith Piaf puppet, late-night salsa dancing under the stars, and yes, plenty of opportunities to giggle in your PJs with your kids at a dreamy puppet show at sunset.
🎪 A Fringe Festival Vibe with a Puppet Twist
At its heart, World in a Weekend is Stratford’s answer to a fringe festival—with a specific focus on puppetry as a powerful and expressive art form.
“There’s a myth, especially in North America, that puppets are just for children,” says festival founder and artistic producer Eileen Smith. “But around the world, puppetry is a provocative, emotionally rich method of storytelling that speaks to all ages.”
And Stratford’s global contribution to this art hasn’t gone unnoticed. This year, the city joins AVIAMA, an international network of “puppet-friendly” cities—only the third town in North America to receive this honour. Clearly, something special is stirring in this quaint Ontario destination.
🌍 A Global Lineup on a Local Stage
This year’s lineup brings together world-class artists from Italy, Spain, Israel, Finland, Quebec, and across Ontario, showcasing an eclectic mix of shows for every age and attention span.
The festival kicks off with an Opening Night Eclectic Cabaret, full of surprises and sneak peeks: puppets, live music, and theatrical moments that set the tone for a weekend that celebrates play, creativity, and connection.
And after the show? Dust off your dancing shoes (or just show up with good vibes) for Line Dance, Latin Style, a lively night of beginner-friendly salsa steps and freestyle dancing with pro dancer Mateo Torres of GG Movement. Because why should kids have all the fun?
🎤 Piaf, Puppets, and Powerful Performances
A major highlight this year is the arrival of Israeli artist Yael Rasooly, fresh off stages in New York and Paris. Her world-touring show “Edith and Me” is part puppet show, part one-woman musical, and all heart. Through Edith Piaf’s music, Rasooly explores trauma, silence, and artistic survival—with puppets playing both villains and heroines.
In her second show, “Hymn to Love”, you’ll find Rasooly channeling Parisian charm in a stylish cabaret set to the sparkling sounds of the 1920s to 1950s. Add a cocktail and a beautiful meal at Stratford’s Revival House, and it’s a full-on Midnight in Paris experience—no flight required.
🧸 Pajama Puppets, Block Worlds & Magic Grandmas
Families, rejoice: World in a Weekend has thought of you too.
Catch the world premiere of “Wren’s Recipes”, the charming tale of a Ukrainian grandmother’s magical cookbook. Or snuggle up with the little ones for “Story Bike”, a sunset show where audience members—pajamas encouraged—ride through spooky, silly, and surreal scenes.
Other can’t-miss shows for the younger crowd include Quebec’s “Scribbles”, a hilariously animated story about sharing, and Finland’s “Block Theatre”, a multi-sensory experience that turns wooden blocks into a full-blown theatrical universe.
And all weekend long, along Veterans Drive, you’ll find free puppet performances by the Avon River. Look out for Waykaru, the 12-foot-tall creature from Montreal, the elegant and musical puppet Flora from Spain, and Pay Attention to Those Two!—a madcap Italian performance sure to delight.
🖼️ A Puppet History (and a Stop Motion Bonus)
If you love puppets and cinema, make sure to catch “The Art of Stop Motion”, screening July 26 via the Stratford Film Festival. It’s a curated set of short films made for adults that shows just how far puppet artistry can go.
For the history buffs, the Stratford Perth Museum will showcase the Royal Till Marionette Collection, honouring a legendary British puppet family who brought marionette shows to North America in the 1860s.
🧺 Don’t Forget the Picnic
Between shows, grab a bite from one of 30+ restaurants participating in Stratford’s Al Fresco Picnics. From global flavours to locally sourced treats, this is the best way to eat, relax, and reflect on just how strange and delightful the world can be—especially when viewed through a puppet’s eyes.
🎟️ Tickets, Deals & Final Tips
Festival events include a mix of free and ticketed programming, and there’s a FLEX 4+ discount for anyone buying four or more tickets—perfect for groups or families wanting to dive in all weekend long.
Whether you’re a theatre nerd, a curious parent, or just someone looking for an unforgettable summer experience, World in a Weekend is unlike anything else in Canada—a wildly creative celebration of storytelling in all its forms.
So go ahead, bring your curiosity, your kids, your dancing shoes—and maybe a few tissues. Because yes, puppets might just make you cry (or laugh, or salsa dance, or reconsider your life choices).
Explore the full lineup and grab your tickets here 👉 WorldInAWeekend.ca
Cover image: The amazing 12-foot-tall Waykaru is just one of the many special guests at this year’s World in a Weekend festival. (Photo credit: SpringWorks~PuppetWorks)
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