FAQ

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Have questions? We have answers!

Here are answers to questions we've had from visitors over the years.

  • Your bracelet is proof that you have purchased a pass. You must exchange your proof of payment for a bracelet when you enter the site. Only people with a bracelet will be allowed into the theatres
  • In short, the pass allows admittance to the theatres and puppet shows – 6 theatres and 13 troupes presenting 70 shows over the weekend. 
  • Without a pass you can have a great time participating in the free things on the site, like watch the parade, see the street performers, shop the Marketplace, buy treats from our local shops, find fantastic food from the food vendors, meet people who are attending with their own puppets, engage with many people who dress up in cosplay and wander around the festival grounds. There is also lots to do in Almonte!
  • The 2 evening shows are ticketed individually, with tickets available at TicketsPlease.ca
  • On Friday night MacBeth: A Tale Told by an Idiot by Eldritch Theatre is for audiences 13+ and parental guidance is essential.
  • On Saturday night Felt Up: An After-hours Cabaret hosted by Joshua Holden is for audiences 18+ and has mature content.
  • Free parking is available at the Almonte Fairgrounds, also known as the North Lanark Agricultural Society at 195 Water Street. Volunteers will assist you in finding a spot.
  • Yes, there will be limited availability on Reserve Street.  If you can’t find a spot, park at the fairgrounds and catch the fun people mover (our 8-seat golf cart) that will take you to the entrance.
  • Yes – along with the natural shade from trees, there will also be a shade tent in Kirkland Park and some of the food vendors will have seated areas in the shade. There are also public buildings such as our Library and the Almonte Old Town Hall where there is air conditioning.
  • Yes, the program will have the trigger information listed
  • The Library (155 High Street) will have a “chill out space” for guests who need to have a quiet environment for a few minutes.
  • There are many wonderful restaurants on Mill Street  –  Joe’s Italian, Almonte Ice Cream Shop, Mill Street Crepe Company, Barley Mow, Ottawa Valley Coffee, Cafe Postino, Moe’s Shawarma, North Market, Superior Restaurant and on Bridge Street – Canadian Cafe, Sarah’s Kitchen, Food Truck at Beckers.
  • There will be food vendors including pizza at the Community Oven, provided by the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre, a BBQ (pulled pork) at Don’s Meat Market, a BBQ (hamburgers and hot dogs) by Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Beavertails and shaved ice.
  • The festival site is compact and centres around Mill Street which is about 350 metres long, but it also extends about 150 metres towards the Library and onto the Alameda. New in 2026 are two golf cart shuttles (6- and 8-seaters) that will give folks a lift, if needed.
  • Think hot summer pavement in August. Dogs are not allowed in theatres or festival tents (with the exception of service dogs) but the rest of the festival is public property.
  • Portable toilets are on the Alameda, on Mill Street and at the Almonte Old Town Hall. Full public toilets are also available at the Library and the Almonte Old Town Hall.
  • Evening shows sell out quickly.  The day passes are limited in number, which is necessary so that we don’t sell so many passes that folks can’t get into the shows.
  • Saturday pass holders get the added bonus of a show in French in a special theatre that is a converted school bus! Otherwise, both days are identical. History tells us that Sunday is a little quieter in terms of attendance.
  • All theatre performers stop and the puppeteers all join the magical parade down Mill Street at 1:45 on both days.
  • Look for them throughout the festival grounds and don’t forget to look up sometimes too!