We have an exciting lineup of shows for 2026.
Here's our lineup for 2026—find out when and where to see our shows.
You can buy advance tickets from Tickets Please, or at the gate when you arrive.
How to buy at Tickets Please
- Pick a pass from the dropdown menu.
- Add it to your cart and check out. Taxes and fees will be added at checkout.
- Bring your receipt to the gate — we’ll exchange it for an entry bracelet that gets you into all the theatres for the day(s) on your pass.
- Sales through Tickets Please end at midnight on August 7th. Tickets will still be available at the gate.
Other ways to buy
- Group sales (10 or more): $20 per person — call 613-485-6434 to book.
- VIP Weekend Pass: Limited to 25 passes. Adult-only. Includes day andevening performances, front-of-the-line access, swag, and a VIP experience: $200 per person. Buy a VIP pass →
- Friday and Saturday evening adult-only shows: $35 per person. Sold separately. Buy a ticket for Friday or Saturday.
- Friday workshop with Joshua Holden: $75 per person. Sold separately. Buy a ticket.
Regular Advance
Apr 1 - Aug 7
- Child Day Pass (ages 3-12) $20
- Adult Day Pass (ages 13+) $30
- Family Day Pass (2 adults, 2 children) $90
- Family Weekend Pass (2 Adults, 2 Children) $140
- Child Weekend Pass $30
- Adult Weekend Pass $50
- VIP ticket (day and evening performances, VIP seating and experience) $200
Gate
Aug 8 - 9
- Child Day Pass (ages 3-12) $25
- Adult Day Pass (ages 13+) $35
- Family Day Pass (2 adults, 2 children) $100
- Family Weekend Pass (2 Adults, 2 Children) $170
- Child Weekend Pass $35
- Adult Weekend Pass $55
- Group Day Passes (10+) NA
- Child Single Show $15
- Adult Single Show $25
- VIP ticket (day and evening performances, VIP seating and experience) $225
Kids Under 3 ALWAYS FREE!
(NOTE: The dreaded fees and taxes will be added to these prices)
There's usually plenty of parking at the Almonte Fairgrounds, only a short walk from the main festival venues.
Find out why they call us “The Friendly Town!”
Puppets Up! takes place in historic Almonte, part of the municipality of Mississippi Mills in beautiful Lanark County, Ontario.
Situated on the traditional territories of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg, Almonte was settled by European immigrants who came to work in the textile mills powered by Canada’s Mississippi River and stayed for the region’s natural beauty.
Today Almonte is home to a thriving community of artisans, craftspeople and others who have been drawn to its small-town charms and incredible local shops and restaurants.
Located within easy reach of Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, and a short day’s drive from the international travel hubs of Toronto or Montreal, Almonte is a one-of-a-kind destination for tourists and travellers.
Come discover why they call Almonte “The Friendly Town!”
Have questions? We have answers!
Here are some of the things visitors have asked over the years.
What’s the difference between a pass and a bracelet?
- 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
What can I see with a pass vs without a pass?
- 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: 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 elsewhere in Almonte!
Can I get into the evening shows with my pass?
- The 2 evening shows are ticketed individually, with tickets available at TicketsPlease.ca
Can I bring my kids to the evening shows?
- 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.
Where can we park?
- 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.
Will there be reserved handicapped parking?
- 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.
Will there be shade and places to cool down?
- 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.
Are there trigger warnings for neurodiverse guests (loud noises, strobe lights) ?
- 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.
Where can we get food?
- 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.
How big is the site and is it easy to get around?
- 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.
Can I bring my dog?
- 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.
Where are the toilets?
- 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.
Will you sell out?
- 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.
Will both days be the same program?
- 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.
What time is the parade, and will we miss any shows if we go to the parade?
- All theatre performers stop and the puppeteers all join the magical parade down Mill Street at 1:45 on both days.
Where can we see street entertainers?
- Look for them throughout the festival grounds and don’t forget to look up sometimes too!
I would like to volunteer for the festival, how do I do that?
- That’s great to hear! Complete the form on our volunteer portal.