Step into a wonderous dreamscape where the inanimate comes to life and storytelling exists through art. There’s a dreamy puppet festival coming to Calgary this month, complete with live performances and displays – and we bet you’ve never anything like it!
The Festival of Animated Objects is back in Calgary and there’s a packed lineup that starts on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 until the end of the month. This one-of-a-kind festival merges the practice of mask and puppet arts with contemporary spaces, themes and ideas. There will be events happening all over the city, from exhibitions and performances to hands-on workshops and family-friendly events.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
About the Festival
The International Festival of Animated Objects Society is a non-profit organization that’s been promoting mask and puppet-related performances for over 20 years.
This festival sets the stage for Alberta creators to showcase their work and bring the community together. It also allows for the exchange of ideas and learning opportunities among professionals, emerging artists, and the public. According to the festival website, “breathing life into the inanimate is a foundational act of creation which allows us to connect us in a visceral way that crosses cultures and identities. It tells the stories that tie us together.”
The puppet festival takes place from mid-March until the end of the month with events at venues all over Calgary. These vary from free exhibitions to ticketed performances and workshops – depending on what piques your interest.
What to Expect
At the heart of mask and puppet performance is a love of storytelling. Enjoy captivating performances that range from a reimagined tale of Romeo and Juliet to haunting stories of loss and recovery.
This year will have one of the biggest lineups ever seen with over 35 performances, screenings, workshops and exhibitions. Check out the complete festival calendar and note the events you’d like to attend.
No matter what you choose, we promise it’ll be unlike anything you’ve experienced before!
Festival of Animated Objects
When: Tuesday, March 11 – Sunday, March 30, 2025
Where: Venues across Calgary
Cost: Events vary from free to ticketed
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