Puppets of New York Performance Series

Join us at the Museum this fall for a special series of live, outdoor performances featuring local puppeteers, educators, and performance groups.  

All of the performances and workshops will be held in person on the Museum’s beautiful, outdoor terrace. Families can enjoy the performances and then visit the Puppets of New York exhibition to explore the extraordinary creative and diverse stories of puppets in NYC.  

Family Programs are geared to families with children ages 7–12 years old and are intergenerational for adults to attend with their children.  

Masks must be worn at all times by all participants older than 2 years old. Advanced registration is required for socially distanced seating. 

Seats will be limited! Advance registration is required. See dates, times, and descriptions for each program using the links at the bottom of this page. 

See performance dates and times below.
Click on the individual programs at the bottom of the page to read full descriptions and register. 

“Back to School” Puppet Workshop with NYC Kids Project 
Thursday, September 12 at 10:30 am or 1:00 pm ET

FREE. Registration Required. 
Venue: IN-PERSON event at the Museum of the City of New York 

“HAO BANG-AH!” Hand Puppet Program with Chinese Theatre Works 
Sunday, September 19 at 11 am or 1:30 pm ET 
(Rain Date: Saturday, September 25 at the same times)  
FREE. Registration Required. 
Venue: IN-PERSON event at the Museum of the City of New York 
This performance is supported by a Presenter’s Grant from The Jim Henson Foundation.

“The Colors of Frida | Los colores de Frida” Performance for Families with Teatro SEA
Saturday, October 2 at 11 am or 1:30 pm ET  
(Rain Date: Sunday, October 3 at the same times)  
FREE. Registration Required. 
Venue: IN-PERSON event at the Museum of the City of New York 
This performance is supported by a Presenter’s Grant from The Jim Henson Foundation.

“Native New Yorkers are still here!” with the Children’s Cultural Center of Native America 
Sunday, October 10 (times will be announced soon)
(Rain Date: Monday, October 11 at the same times)  
FREE. Registration Required. 
Venue: IN-PERSON event at the Museum of the City of New York 
Check back for more information about this performance. Visit this link and click the box for “Family Programs” to receive updates. 

Things to Note About Outdoor Performances at the Museum:

Safety Guidelines and Expectations for Onsite Family Programs:    

• Proof of vaccination and a valid I.D. is required for entry to the event (everyone over the age of 12), so please plan ahead! Original vaccination card, Excelsior Pass, or NYC COVID Safe Pass is accepted. 
• Masks will be required by all participants older than 2 years old, both indoors and outdoors.
• For more information about the Museum’s COVID Guidelines, please check our "Plan Your Visit" page.

The Museum has guidelines in place for staff, performers, and visitors to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Before you attend our programs, please familiarize yourself with these protocols and our Frequently Asked Questions here.  

Masks must be worn at all times by all participants older than 2 years old. Advanced registration is required for socially distanced seating.  

You can find details on the Museum’s Courtesy Code here, and our enhanced cleaning schedule and procedures here.   

The safety plan and visitor guidelines are subject to change in accordance with federal, state, and city guidelines, rules and regulations, and other health and safety recommendations. Please continue to visit this page for the most up-to-date information.   

If you are unable to visit us, please check out our MCNY Kids Create page for an array of digital and recorded offerings that you can enjoy remotely.  

Expectations for Participation in the Museum’s Programs:  

Participants are required to stay home if anyone in their party in the last 14 days has:  

• Had any COVID-19 related symptoms (including, but not limited to: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea).  

• Received a positive result from a COVID-19 test or been advised by a medical provider to remain home because of COVID-19 and/or cared for or come into close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.  

• Traveled to any state, country or other location that would require you to quarantine according to CDC Guidelines CDC Domestic Travel Guidelines and CDC International Travel Guidelines   

Museum visitors who experience COVID-related symptoms while at the Museum of the City of New York agree to self-identify to Museum staff for contact tracing purposes and exit the Museum to decrease exposure to other visitors.   

To enable contact tracing, in case of an exposure event, you will be asked to volunteer your contact information. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. Those visiting the Museum of the City of New York do so at their own risk of exposure.   

During the Museum’s Programs:  

Family and community programs are geared to children and we require that all participants follow these guidelines.  

• All participants ages 2 + must wear a mask at all times that cover the nose and mouth. Please wear a mask.  

• Adhere to social distancing markers set up at the performance. Maintain 6-feet (2m) social distance with others outside your group.  

• Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizing stations.   

• Do not touch your face with unwashed hands. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing.  

• No eating or drinking is allowed in performance spaces. If you wish to eat or drink you may visit the 2nd floor café.  

• Please follow the instructions of security guards and other Museum staff.  

• We reserve the right to request that any visitors who do not follow these protocols leave the premises.  

Participants are encouraged to complete a health screening form and include their contact information upon arrival, and will be seated by Museum staff who will facilitate socially distanced seating.   

Learn more about this exciting series of puppet performances and other upcoming family events by joining our mailing list. Visit this link to sign up and be sure to click the box for “Family Programs.”