Come to West Liberty, Iowa for the Great Plains Puppet Train
Sept. 10-13, 2026!
Located close to Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa and the internationally renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop, West Liberty is an iconic small town, with an active main street and warm hospitality. The Regional Festival will take place in various buildings downtown, all within a distance of about four to six blocks, starting Thursday evening with registration, finger foods, a show, and a party. Friday will include workshops, performances in our opera house, and a Puppet Slam. Saturday will feature the West Liberty Children’s Festival, complete with five puppet performances and lots of street food and activities, A street dance with Latino bands, and finally a delicious catered dinner and an evening performance. Sunday: breakfast, one last show, and farewells to friends, old and new!
We’ll have the following kinds of shows:
- Family friendly shows outdoors during the West Liberty Children’s Festival
- School shows that connect to the curriculum
- International shows, slam pieces, etc.
And workshops:
- Shadow puppets
- Marionettes
- Giant puppets
- Business workshops to help puppeteers make a living in the current economy
- Advocacy through puppets
- And more!
FESTIVAL STAFF:
Monica Leo, Festival Director
Stephanie Vallez, Assistant Director
Nancy Clark, Artistic Director
Mike Horner, Workshop Director
Gary Neil Holmquist, Technical Director
Christopher Eck, Festival Registrar
Michelle O’Donnel, Festival Exhibit