Calendar of Events
Our programming includes many art classes and events both free and paid for anyone who is passionate about puppetry! Events are typically hosted at different venues around Minneapolis, and include offerings that are all ages, family friendly, as well as programs for kids, tweens and teens. You can subscribe to our enewsletter and stay up to date on all we have to offer.
Puppet Library
The puppet lending library is a collection of puppets and masks on display, many of which are available for check out—just like a book from a library, at no cost to the public.
These puppets and masks can be utilized for community events, activism, school plays, personal celebrations, civic events, and more. During library hours, the public can come for a visit or check out a puppet. Visit us on the First and Third Saturday of each month, 10a-2p!
First Saturday Storytime
Join us for First Saturday Storytime with Chelly and her sidekick Turnip the Dog!
All are welcome. Free!
Puppet Library
The puppet lending library is a collection of puppets and masks on display, many of which are available for check out—just like a book from a library, at no cost to the public.
These puppets and masks can be utilized for community events, activism, school plays, personal celebrations, civic events, and more. During library hours, the public can come for a visit or check out a puppet. Visit us on the First and Third Saturday of each month, 10a-2p!
Puppets in Progress
"Puppets in Progress" a gathering space for artists and puppet enthusiasts.
A space to connect in time and space A space to share and witness
- Are you looking for an accountability group?
- Would you like a cohort to brainstorm with, to showcase your work and get feedback?
lightly led/coordinated by Felicia Cooper and Steve Ackerman
* Free
Clown Workshop!
Find and Expand your Clown with the Secret Circus!
With silly games and logic breaking interactions, we will find out how your clown moves and walks. Your clown will learn to enter the stage and be vulnerable while connecting with the audience and other clowns. We will place your clown in different situations to try to find your clown’s deepest need, and hopefully you will discover their name!
Gear: Participants are encouraged to joyfully dress to express, wear make up, wigs, or comfy street clothes. Bring a Water bottle
Ages 9 and up. Limited to 18 participants - please register to attend!
The Secret Circus Musical
Welcome to The Secret Circus! An original all ages musical featuring local puppets and circus performers. Shhh...tell everyone!
When feelings have been outlawed, a gregarious rock-n-roll ringleader and their circus friends establish an underground Big Top, a place for freedom and self-expression that’s welcome to all identities—person or puppet. This family and LGBTQ-friendly show features original music with local circus acts and In The Heart of the Beast Puppets.
Sliding scale ticket available below, we want everyone to come!
Puppet Library
The puppet lending library is a collection of puppets and masks on display, many of which are available for check out—just like a book from a library, at no cost to the public.
These puppets and masks can be utilized for community events, activism, school plays, personal celebrations, civic events, and more. During library hours, the public can come for a visit or check out a puppet. Visit us on the First and Third Saturday of each month, 10a-2p!
First Saturday Storytime
Join us for First Saturday Storytime with Chelly and her sidekick Turnip the Dog!
All are welcome. Free!
The Secret Circus Musical
Welcome to The Secret Circus! An original all ages musical featuring local puppets and circus performers. Shhh...tell everyone!
When feelings have been outlawed, a gregarious rock-n-roll ringleader and their circus friends establish an underground Big Top, a place for freedom and self-expression that’s welcome to all identities—person or puppet. This family and LGBTQ-friendly show features original music with local circus acts and In The Heart of the Beast Puppets.
Free at the Park! Come join! Please bring a lawn chair or a blanket!
Mother's Day Brunch and Puppet
Calling all Familes! Come celebrate your cregivers: moms, aunts, grandmas, sisters, dads and anyone else who is special in your life! Open to all! we will make simple hand puppets and enjoy some brunchy snacks and beverages.
Puppet Library
The puppet lending library is a collection of puppets and masks on display, many of which are available for check out—just like a book from a library, at no cost to the public.
These puppets and masks can be utilized for community events, activism, school plays, personal celebrations, civic events, and more. During library hours, the public can come for a visit or check out a puppet. Visit us on the First and Third Saturday of each month, 10a-2p!
Puppets in Progress
"Puppets in Progress" a gathering space for artists and puppet enthusiasts.
A space to connect in time and space A space to share and witness
- Are you looking for an accountability group?
- Would you like a cohort to brainstorm with, to showcase your work and get feedback?
lightly led/coordinated by Felicia Cooper and Steve Ackerman
* Free
HOBT Summer Puppet Camp: June Session
HOBT Puppet Camp will take place June 22-26, 2026 and August 31-September 4, 2026! Your child will be able to explore the materials and create with others.
HOBT Summer Puppet Camp: August Session
HOBT Puppet Camp will take place June 22-26, 2026 and August 31-September 4, 2026! Your child will be able to explore the materials and create with others.
The City that Slept
The Heart of The Beast presents Tom Tuke’s
“The City That Slept”
What happens when Sleep arrives in New York? We listen, as the city falls asleep, and folks retell dreams. Using shadow, lantern and large-scale marionettes, we see these dreams as they weave through the towers, avenues and city blocks.
Floating Shadow Puppetry workshop
Photo by Richard Termine
Tom Tuke will teach floating shadow puppetry, a style he has developed for his show The City That Slept. These puppets can be great for both crowd scenes and ambient, autonomous puppetry. This workshop is best suite to adults and teenagers, however all are welcome
Puppet Library
The puppet lending library is a collection of puppets and masks on display, many of which are available for check out—just like a book from a library, at no cost to the public.
These puppets and masks can be utilized for community events, activism, school plays, personal celebrations, civic events, and more. During library hours, the public can come for a visit or check out a puppet. Visit us on the First and Third Saturday of each month, 10a-2p!
The City that Slept
The Heart of The Beast presents Tom Tuke’s
“The City That Slept”
What happens when Sleep arrives in New York? We listen, as the city falls asleep, and folks retell dreams. Using shadow, lantern and large-scale marionettes, we see these dreams as they weave through the towers, avenues and city blocks.
Puppets in Progress
"Puppets in Progress" a gathering space for artists and puppet enthusiasts.
A space to connect in time and space A space to share and witness
- Are you looking for an accountability group?
- Would you like a cohort to brainstorm with, to showcase your work and get feedback?
lightly led/coordinated by Felicia Cooper and Steve Ackerman
* Free
Portraits of Curiosity
Produced and performed by Cahoot Physical Theatre. Tickets: https://tix.gobo.show/events/event/vToPEfcrA3mMv2SI2sya
Portraits of Curiosity
Produced and performed by Cahoot Physical Theatre. Tickets: https://tix.gobo.show/events/event/vToPEfcrA3mMv2SI2sya
Portraits of Curiosity
Produced and performed by Cahoot Physical Theatre. Tickets: https://tix.gobo.show/events/event/vToPEfcrA3mMv2SI2sya
Portraits of Curiosity
Produced and performed by Cahoot Physical Theatre. https://tix.gobo.show/events/event/vToPEfcrA3mMv2SI2sya
Portraits of Curiosity
Produced and performed by Cahoot Physical Theatre. Tickets: https://tix.gobo.show/events/event/vToPEfcrA3mMv2SI2sya
First Saturday Storytime
Join us for First Saturday Storytime with Chelly and her sidekick Turnip the Dog!
All are welcome. Free!
Puppet Library
The puppet lending library is a collection of puppets and masks on display, many of which are available for check out—just like a book from a library, at no cost to the public.
These puppets and masks can be utilized for community events, activism, school plays, personal celebrations, civic events, and more. During library hours, the public can come for a visit or check out a puppet. Visit us on the First and Third Saturday of each month, 10a-2p!
Portraits of Curiosity
Produced and performed by Cahoot Physical Theatre. Tickets at: https://tix.gobo.show/events/event/vToPEfcrA3mMv2SI2sya
Puppet Library
The puppet lending library is a collection of puppets and masks on display, many of which are available for check out—just like a book from a library, at no cost to the public.
These puppets and masks can be utilized for community events, activism, school plays, personal celebrations, civic events, and more. During library hours, the public can come for a visit or check out a puppet. Visit us on the First and Third Saturday of each month, 10a-2p!
Puppets in Progress
"Puppets in Progress" a gathering space for artists and puppet enthusiasts.
A space to connect in time and space A space to share and witness
- Are you looking for an accountability group?
- Would you like a cohort to brainstorm with, to showcase your work and get feedback?
lightly led/coordinated by Felicia Cooper and Steve Ackerman
* Free
Finger Puppet Follies - Sold Out
Come see the Finger Puppet Follies: A Valentine's Day Puppet Slam!
Local artists will perform an original, tiny 8-10 minute puppetry piece.
Come see the intricate, the minuscule, the teeny-tiny, itsy-bitsy fine art of finger puppets!
Partially funded by Puppet Slam Network.
Valentines Sip & Puppet
Looking for a fun activity for Valentine's Day? Join us for a puppet making workshop at HOBT on Feb. 14th for 3 hours of puppet making, connections and light snacks. We will be making Finger Puppets!
Come back for the Finger Follies in the evening - tickets included in the price of this activity
Finger Puppet Follies
** All proceeds from this performance will go towards the Mpls Phillips Neighborhood GoFundMe!
Come see the Finger Puppet Follies: A Valentine's Day Puppet Slam!
Local artists will perform an original, tiny 8-10 minute puppetry piece.
Come see the intricate, the minuscule, the teeny-tiny, itsy-bitsy fine art of finger puppets!
Partially funded by Puppet Slam Network.
First Saturday Storytime
Join us for First Saturday Storytime with Chelly and her sidekick Turnip the Dog!
All are welcome. Free!
Puppet Library
The puppet lending library is a collection of puppets and masks on display, many of which are available for check out—just like a book from a library, at no cost to the public.
These puppets and masks can be utilized for community events, activism, school plays, personal celebrations, civic events, and more. During library hours, the public can come for a visit or check out a puppet. Visit us on the First and Third Saturday of each month, 10a-2p!
Groundhog Day Celebration!
"Come enjoy a shadow puppet show, and then stick around to make shadow puppets of your own...
Puppets in Progress!
Puppets in Progress: a gathering space for artists and puppet enthusiasts.
A space to connect in time and space
A space to share and witness
Third Tuesday of each month. Free. Come join us!
Are You Thirsty?
Are You Thirsty?
A revival of the 2008 performance by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre*.
“Thirsty” just wants a drink of Water! But first they must explore a myriad of questions contained in that one precious sip.
This project is sponsored by the Hennepin History Museum with funds from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, and the Minnesota Department of Health" as part of the Circle of Water exhibit
FREE - All are Welcome!
Puppet Library
The puppet lending library is a collection of puppets and masks on display, many of which are available for check out—just like a book from a library, at no cost to the public.
These puppets and masks can be utilized for community events, activism, school plays, personal celebrations, civic events, and more. During library hours, the public can come for a visit or check out a puppet. Visit us on the First and Third Saturday of each month, 10a-2p!
First Saturday Storytime
Join us for First Saturday Storytime with Chelly and her sidekick Turnip the Dog!
All are welcome. Free!
Puppet Library
The puppet lending library is a collection of puppets and masks on display, many of which are available for check out—just like a book from a library, at no cost to the public.
These puppets and masks can be utilized for community events, activism, school plays, personal celebrations, civic events, and more. During library hours, the public can come for a visit or check out a puppet. Visit us on the First and Third Saturday of each month, 10a-2p!
FULL - Mask Making Workshops
FULL - Please sign up for a wait list.
Come join us for a Mask Making Workshop!
Free. Registration required.
View event to register!
Winter Solstice
We are partnering with several Twin Cities organizations and artists to bring warmth and light to the shortest day of the year. On December 20th we'll gather from 6-9 pm, meeting at the Powderhorn Park Rec Center.
All events are free, open to the public, and for all ages!
ASL interpreter available at the event
This event is sponsored by the Minneapolis Foundation.
Puppet Library
The puppet lending library is a collection of puppets and masks on display, many of which are available for check out—just like a book from a library, at no cost to the public.
These puppets and masks can be utilized for community events, activism, school plays, personal celebrations, civic events, and more. During library hours, the public can come for a visit or check out a puppet. Visit us on the First and Third Saturday of each month, 10a-2p!