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.
Trees Are Cool!
Trees Are Cool
Trees are Cool introduces its young audience to a Grandmother Squirrel who teaches us to plant trees for the benefit of future generations. The simple narrative of a grandmother and her tree climbing grandchild is packed with educational information about our specific ecosystem here in the city, the importance of trees, and the magnificence of the interconnection of all living things. Told through puppetry, song, and even some tree jokes, Trees are Cool is a delightful and educational show that illuminates just how cool trees are.
Artist Gathering: Puppets in Progress
🎭✨ Puppets in Progress is back! ✨🎭
🗓️ Tuesday, August 18
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 HoBT
Working on a puppet show? 🪆 Want feedback on a new idea? 🤔 Curious about puppet-building techniques? ✂️🎨 Or just looking for a room full of people who love puppets as much as you do? 💜
Join us for an evening of sharing works-in-progress, brainstorming, creative conversation, community, and good company. Whether you're looking for feedback, resources, inspiration, or simply a place to make art alongside others, Puppets in Progress is for you.
🥗 Bring a snack to share if you'd like (totally optional!).
🤝 Lightly facilitated by Felicia Cooper and Steve Ackerman.
🌎 We're thrilled to be part of a growing network of sibling PIPs with @roughhousepuppets in Chicago and @greenfeatherorg in New York!
💜 FREE!
🎭 All experience levels welcome.
✨ Come every month or drop in whenever you can!
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.
Puppet Toddler Music Time
Join Chelly and her sidekick Turnip the Dog for 8 weeks of music, movement, stories and puppets!
We will engage in exploring puppets, singing familiar songs, finger play and more.
Suggested ages: Toddlers and Pre-K
Artist Gathering: Puppets in Progress
🎭✨ Puppets in Progress is back! ✨🎭
🗓️ Tuesday, September 15
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 HoBT
Working on a puppet show? 🪆 Want feedback on a new idea? 🤔 Curious about puppet-building techniques? ✂️🎨 Or just looking for a room full of people who love puppets as much as you do? 💜
Join us for an evening of sharing works-in-progress, brainstorming, creative conversation, community, and good company. Whether you're looking for feedback, resources, inspiration, or simply a place to make art alongside others, Puppets in Progress is for you.
🥗 Bring a snack to share if you'd like (totally optional!).
🤝 Lightly facilitated by Felicia Cooper and Steve Ackerman.
🌎 We're thrilled to be part of a growing network of sibling PIPs with @roughhousepuppets in Chicago and @greenfeatherorg in New York!
💜 FREE!
🎭 All experience levels welcome.
✨ Come every month or drop in whenever you can!
Artist Gatherings: Puppets in Progress
✨ REMINDER!
For tonight’s Puppets in Progress, we decided to do a field trip to go see David Hanzal's workshop performance of "Wishes in the Sand" at Open Eye Theatre. Meet at Open Eye!
🎟 GET YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE: https://www.openeyetheatre.org/wishes-in-the-sand
We'll be back at HOBT for August's Puppets in Progress on Tuesday, August 18 at thew regular time (6pm-9pm)
First Saturday Storytime CLOSED JULY 4th
HoBT will be closed July 4th. Storytime this Saturday is cancelled.
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.
Let Them Eat Melon - SOLD OUT
The Ow WOW mEoW puppet troupe presents “Let Them Eat Melon: A puppet show inside a watermelon, inside a stomach, inside of a anti folk music
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
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!
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.
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!
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 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!
MayDay Parade Workshops
Join HOBT to build some puppets for the MayDay Parade. We will be making all kinds of insects and butterflies during the workshops and will join a section of the Parade on May 3d.
Come join! Free and open to All.
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!
MayDay Parade Workshops
Join HOBT to build some puppets for the MayDay Parade. We will be making all kinds of insects and butterflies during the workshops and will join a section of the Parade on May 3d.
Come join! Free and open to All.
MayDay Parade Workshops
Join HOBT to build some puppets for the MayDay Parade. We will be making all kinds of insects and butterflies during the workshops and will join a section of the Parade on May 3d.
Come join! Free and open to All.
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
MayDay Parade Workshops
Join HOBT to build some puppets for the MayDay Parade. We will be making all kinds of insects and butterflies during the workshops and will join a section of the Parade on May 3d.
Come join! Free and open to All.
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!
MayDay Parade Workshops
Join HOBT to build some puppets for the MayDay Parade. We will be making all kinds of insects and butterflies during the workshops and will join a section of the Parade on May 3d.
Come join! Free and open to All.
MayDay Parade Workshops
Join HOBT to build some puppets for the MayDay Parade. We will be making all kinds of insects and butterflies during the workshops and will join a section of the Parade on May 3d.
Come join! Free and open to All.
MayDay Parade Workshops
Join HOBT to build some puppets for the MayDay Parade. We will be making all kinds of insects and butterflies during the workshops and will join a section of the Parade on May 3d.
Come join! Free and open to All.
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!
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!