Monkey Mind Pirates: Quest for Calm
May
10
10:00 AM10:00

Monkey Mind Pirates: Quest for Calm

Thanks to a Lake St. Lift grant from the Lake Street Council, Z Puppets Rosenschnoz is presenting four free family-friendly performances at 10 a.m. on two Saturdays in May and 2 Saturdays in June at the Midtown Farmers Market.

Dive into this award-winning musical tale of a sea captain navigating the stormy seas of stress to tame the unruly Monkey Mind Pirates. The fun songs, lovable characters and a playful approach to yoga and mindfulness will help you sail towards your Island of Calm.

Turn your family’s “Arghs” into “Oms” with the Monkey Mind Pirates!

Recommended for ages 3+

View Event →
Sensory-Friendly Glow-in-the-Dark Lab
May
11
8:00 AM08:00

Sensory-Friendly Glow-in-the-Dark Lab

Join Chris of Z Puppets to explore the magic of blacklight and underwater creatures and plant life in this sensory-friendly creativity lab. Experiment with 2-D and 3-D materials to stir up the tide pool of luminescent science and art. Drop-in to let your imagination swim and then go explore the museum!

Walker Sensory Friendly Sundays Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities. From 8 am to 11 am on the second Sunday of the month, the galleries will be closed to the general public, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum in a calm environment with accommodations such as quiet spaces, fidgets, and sunglasses available.

FREE!

View Event →
100 Year Birthday Celebration of Our Building: Doors Open Mpls
May
17
10:00 AM10:00

100 Year Birthday Celebration of Our Building: Doors Open Mpls

Join us to celebrate the 100th Birthday of our little gem of a building in South Minneapolis as part of the citywide Doors Open event. We invite people to drop by to:

• Learn about the building’s colorful history, from its start as a National Tea Company grocery store

• Peek into the life and work of Z Puppets

• Tour the new native plant garden with art by Graci Horne.

•Check out our ᎦᏚᎩ Gadugi Window Gallery of local Indigenous art. Doors Open.

FREE!

For more info re: all the sites you can visit during Doors Open click this link:

https://www.doorsopenminneapolis.org/

View Event →
Say It! Sing It! Play It! In Cherokee
May
24
10:00 AM10:00

Say It! Sing It! Play It! In Cherokee

Thanks to a Lake St. Lift grant from the Lake Street Council, Z Puppets Rosenschnoz is presenting four free family-friendly performances at 10 a.m. on two Saturdays in May and 2 Saturdays in June at the Midtown Farmers Market.

Grandmother Turtle is upside down. Turtle and Wabbit must find a way to help her get back on her feet.

Through catchy songs and fun storytelling, award-winning Z Puppets' artists, Chris Griffith (Cherokee Nation) and Shari Aronson, lead an adventure into the Cherokee language. 

Sing along and you, too, will learn how to count to three, say hello and thank you in Cherokee.

Recommended for ages 4+

View Event →
Shadow Puppet Lab
May
28
4:30 PM16:30

Shadow Puppet Lab

Play with light to design and build shadow characters and create special effects based in one of the oldest puppetry traditions of the world! All creatures of the imagination are invited to get into the act of storytelling with shadow and light.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FREE! Thanks to Hennepin County Libraries.

View Event →
The Secret Life of Puppets
May
31
1:00 PM13:00

The Secret Life of Puppets

Take a trip around the world and across time to learn the tricks of turning sticks, cloth, string and even your own hands into fun characters. Z Puppets will present a dynamic demonstration of different styles of puppets that have popped up across our planet with dips into hands-on exploration of what’s behind the magic!

Recommended for ages 6+

FREE! Thanks to Hennepin County Libraries.

View Event →
Before Chicago Avenue: A Celebration of Native Artists
Jun
7
1:00 PM13:00

Before Chicago Avenue: A Celebration of Native Artists

This free family-friendly celebration will feature:

• Z Puppets’ live performance of a musical adventure into Cherokee Futurism starring ᏓᎦᏏ Dagsi Turtle & ᏥᏍᏚ Jisdu Wabbit.

•. Graci Horne (Dakota/Lakota) and Juan Lucero (Pueblo) hosting a participatory screenprinting station where people can bring t-shirts, handkerchiefs or use the paper cards on site to print Graci’s design to take home;

•. Julie Boada (Anishinabe) and Jennings Mergenthal leading a drop-in puppet making station for youth

• Tours of the ᏩᏙ WADO GARDEN, a rain garden of native plants traditionally important to Dakota and Ojibwe people in consultation with Tanagidan Winyan (Dakota/Ojibwe) with artwork collaborator Graci Horne (Dakota/Lakota).

View Event →
Z Juggling Rosenschnoz
Jun
14
11:30 AM11:30

Z Juggling Rosenschnoz

One man, no words, a gajillion balls and lots of laughter!

Mixing tricks with innocence, Chris Griffith charms audiences of all ages with his juggling. With deceptively simple flair, he gives flight to spheres, pins and hilarity.

A blend of physical comedy and aerodynamics, Z Juggling is equal parts ooh's, aah's and ha ha haa's. 

FREE!

View Event →
A La Carte: In A Fool's Kitchen
Jun
21
10:00 AM10:00

A La Carte: In A Fool's Kitchen

Thanks to a Lake St. Lift grant from the Lake Street Council, Z Puppets Rosenschnoz is presenting four free family-friendly performances at 10 a.m. on two Saturdays in May and 2 Saturdays in June at the Midtown Farmers Market.

A LA CARTE is a comic battle between a clown French Chef and a wily lobster set to live accordion music. This playfully interactive comedy features clowning, puppetry, music and a few unruly vegetables.

A LA CARTE begins as the Chef sets the table for the Grand Opening of his 2-seat café.  Before the Chef can dazzle his very important guests, dinner’s main ingredient stages a rebellion — again and again and again.  Who knew crustaceans could cook up such delicious mischief?

View Event →
A La Carte: In a Fool's Kitchen
Jul
26
2:00 PM14:00

A La Carte: In a Fool's Kitchen

  • Puppets in the House Puppetry Festival (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A free outdoor performance presented by the Puppets In the House Puppetry Festival.

A LA CARTE is a comic battle between a clown French Chef and a wily lobster set to live accordion music. This playfully interactive comedy features clowning, puppetry, music and a few unruly vegetables.

A LA CARTE begins as the Chef sets the table for the Grand Opening of his 2-seat café.  Before the Chef can dazzle his very important guests, dinner’s main ingredient stages a rebellion — again and again and again.  Who knew crustaceans could cook up such delicious mischief?

Recommended for ages 3+.

For more info about the Festival, go to: https://puppetsinthehouse.com/puppet-shows

View Event →
Recycled Objects Puppet & Invention Lab
May
3
1:00 PM13:00

Recycled Objects Puppet & Invention Lab

Take recycled objects, bits and scraps that others might call “junk,” follow Z Puppets’ formula for creative experimentation, mix in your imagination and Voila! Eureka! Zoinks! You may invent a fantastic gizmo or out of this world creature to take home with you.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FREE! Thanks to Hennepin County Libraries.

View Event →
Tales of ᏓᎦᏏ Dagsi Turtle & ᏥᏍᏚ Jisdu Wabbit
Apr
29
5:30 PM17:30

Tales of ᏓᎦᏏ Dagsi Turtle & ᏥᏍᏚ Jisdu Wabbit

Dagsi Turtle & his sidekick Jisdu Wabbit race through time and space to bring you a new musical adventure into the Cherokee language. Hop aboard the Turtleship and join Dagsi and Jisdu's quest to keep alive this endangered Indigenous language, featuring catchy original tunes and out-of-this-world puppet characters. Created and performed by Cherokee Nation citizen Chris Griffith and Shari Aronson, directed by Julie Boada (Anishinabe).

TALES is an Awardee of a 2025 Jim Henson Foundation Family Theater Grant.

FREE admission.

Questions about this event? Contact us: info@zpuppets.org or 651-231-9000.

This activity is also made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

View Event →
Tales of ᏓᎦᏏ Dagsi Turtle & ᏥᏍᏚ Jisdu Wabbit
Apr
26
10:30 AM10:30

Tales of ᏓᎦᏏ Dagsi Turtle & ᏥᏍᏚ Jisdu Wabbit

Dagsi Turtle & his sidekick Jisdu Wabbit race through time and space to bring you a new musical adventure into the Cherokee language. Hop aboard the Turtleship and join Dagsi and Jisdu's quest to keep alive this endangered Indigenous language, featuring catchy original tunes and out-of-this-world puppet characters. Created and performed by Cherokee Nation citizen Chris Griffith and Shari Aronson, directed by Julie Boada (Anishinabe).

Tales is an Awardee of a 2025 Jim Henson Foundation Family Theater Grant.

FREE admission!

Questions about this event? Contact us: info@zpuppets.org or 651-231-9000.

This activity is also made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

View Event →
Tales of ᏓᎦᏏ Dagsi Turtle & ᏥᏍᏚ Jisdu Wabbit
Apr
19
1:30 PM13:30

Tales of ᏓᎦᏏ Dagsi Turtle & ᏥᏍᏚ Jisdu Wabbit

Presented as part of the Wish Work Puppet Series of Hinterhands Puppet Company

Dagsi Turtle & his sidekick Jisdu Wabbit race through time and space to bring you a new musical adventure into the Cherokee language. Hop aboard the Turtleship and join Dagsi and Jisdu's quest to keep alive this endangered Indigenous language, featuring catchy original tunes and out-of-this-world puppet characters. Created and performed by Cherokee Nation citizen Chris Griffith and Shari Aronson, directed by Julie Boada (Anishinabe).

Suggested donation of $5-$10 per person at the door. No one will be turned away for lack of funds!

Questions about this event? Contact us: info@zpuppets.org or 651-231-9000.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

View Event →
Tales of ᏓᎦᏏ Dagsi Turtle & ᏥᏍᏚ Jisdu Wabbit
Apr
19
10:30 AM10:30

Tales of ᏓᎦᏏ Dagsi Turtle & ᏥᏍᏚ Jisdu Wabbit

Presented as part of the Wish Work Puppet Series of Hinterhands Puppet Company

Dagsi Turtle & his sidekick Jisdu Wabbit race through time and space to bring you a new musical adventure into the Cherokee language. Hop aboard the Turtleship and join Dagsi and Jisdu's quest to keep alive this endangered Indigenous language, featuring catchy original tunes and out-of-this-world puppet characters. Created and performed by Cherokee Nation citizen Chris Griffith and Shari Aronson, directed by Julie Boada (Anishinabe).

Tales is an Awardee of a 2025 Jim Henson Foundation Family Theater Grant.

Suggested donation of $5-$10 per person at the door. No one will be turned away for lack of funds!

Questions about this event? Contact us: info@zpuppets.org or 651-231-9000.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

View Event →
The Secret Life of Puppets
Apr
12
2:30 PM14:30

The Secret Life of Puppets

Take a trip around the world and across time to learn the tricks of turning sticks, cloth, string and even your own hands into fun characters. Z Puppets will present a dynamic demonstration of different styles of puppets that have popped up across our planet with dips into hands-on exploration of what’s behind the magic!

Recommended for ages 6+

FREE! Thanks to Hennepin County Libraries.

View Event →
The Secret Life of Puppets
Apr
12
10:30 AM10:30

The Secret Life of Puppets

Take a trip around the world and across time to learn the tricks of turning sticks, cloth, string and even your own hands into fun characters. Z Puppets will present a dynamic demonstration of different styles of puppets that have popped up across our planet with dips into hands-on exploration of what’s behind the magic!

Recommended for ages 6+

FREE! Thanks to Hennepin County Libraries.

View Event →
Recycled Objects Puppet & Invention Lab
Apr
5
1:00 PM13:00

Recycled Objects Puppet & Invention Lab

Take recycled objects, bits and scraps that others might call “junk,” follow Z Puppets’ formula for creative experimentation, mix in your imagination and Voila! Eureka! Zoinks! You may invent a fantastic gizmo or out of this world creature to take home with you.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FREE! Thanks to Hennepin County Libraries.

View Event →
The Secret Life of Puppets
Apr
4
3:00 PM15:00

The Secret Life of Puppets

Take a trip around the world and across time to learn the tricks of turning sticks, cloth, string and even your own hands into fun characters. Z Puppets will present a dynamic demonstration of different styles of puppets that have popped up across our planet with dips into hands-on exploration of what’s behind the magic!

Recommended for ages 6+

FREE! Thanks to Hennepin County Libraries.

View Event →
Shadow Puppet Lab
Apr
3
3:00 PM15:00

Shadow Puppet Lab

Play with light to design and build shadow characters and create special effects based in one of the oldest puppetry traditions of the world! All creatures of the imagination are invited to get into the act of storytelling with shadow and light.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FREE! Thanks to Hennepin County Libraries.

View Event →
Shadow Puppet Lab
Apr
2
3:00 PM15:00

Shadow Puppet Lab

Play with light to design and build shadow characters and create special effects based in one of the oldest puppetry traditions of the world! All creatures of the imagination are invited to get into the act of storytelling with shadow and light.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FREE! Thanks to Hennepin County Libraries.

View Event →
Recycled Objects Puppet & Invention Lab
Mar
28
1:00 PM13:00

Recycled Objects Puppet & Invention Lab

Take recycled objects, bits and scraps that others might call “junk,” follow Z Puppets’ formula for creative experimentation, mix in your imagination and Voila! Eureka! Zoinks! You may invent a fantastic gizmo or out of this world creature to take home with you.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FREE! Thanks to Hennepin County Libraries.

View Event →
The Secret Life of Puppets
Mar
7
3:00 PM15:00

The Secret Life of Puppets

Take a trip around the world and across time to learn the tricks of turning sticks, cloth, string and even your own hands into fun characters. Z Puppets will present a dynamic demonstration of different styles of puppets that have popped up across our planet with dips into hands-on exploration of what’s behind the magic!

Recommended for ages 6+

FREE! Thanks to Hennepin County Libraries.

View Event →
Recycled Objects Puppet & Invention Lab
Feb
22
10:00 AM10:00

Recycled Objects Puppet & Invention Lab

Take recycled objects, bits and scraps that others might call “junk,” follow Z Puppets’ formula for creative experimentation, mix in your imagination and Voila! Eureka! Zoinks! You may invent a fantastic gizmo or out of this world creature to take home with you.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FREE! Thanks to Hennepin County Libraries.

View Event →
Recycled Objects Puppet & Invention Lab
Feb
14
3:00 PM15:00

Recycled Objects Puppet & Invention Lab

Take recycled objects, bits and scraps that others might call “junk,” follow Z Puppets’ formula for creative experimentation, mix in your imagination and Voila! Eureka! Zoinks! You may invent a fantastic gizmo or out of this world creature to take home with you.

Recommended for ages 7+.

FREE! Thanks to Hennepin County Libraries.

View Event →
Puppetry in MN Exhibit
Feb
5
to Apr 26

Puppetry in MN Exhibit

From marionettes controlled by strings to shadow puppets to larger-than-life wearable characters, Minnesota has long had one of the most vibrant puppetry communities in the country. Puppetry! In Minnesota!! provides a taste of this broad and wide-ranging artistic community. Featured artists include Shari Aronson and Chris Griffith, Co-Creative Directors/Founder of Z Puppets.

The exhibition is on view from February 5 – April 26, 2025. An artist reception will be held Saturday, February 22 from 2 – 4 p.m.

FREE!

For more info: https://www.andersoncenter.org/calendarevents/puppetry/

View Event →
Say It! Sing It! Play It! In Cherokee
Oct
19
11:00 AM11:00

Say It! Sing It! Play It! In Cherokee

  • Roseville Lutheran Church Social Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Grandmother Turtle is upside down. Turtle and Wabbit must find a way to help her get back on her feet.

Through catchy songs and fun storytelling, award-winning Z Puppets' artists, Cherokee Nation citizen Chris Griffith and Shari Aronson lead a musical adventure into the Cherokee language. 

Sing along and you, too, will learn how to count to three, say hello and thank you in Cherokee.

Recommended for ages 4+

$10 suggested donation per family

Presented by Wingspan Life Resources and COMPAS

View Event →
Turtleback Tunes
Oct
16
5:30 PM17:30

Turtleback Tunes

Join Cherokee Nation citizen Chris Griffith and his ukulele for fun and catchy tunes.

This 30-minute program will showcase Chris' new songs and stories in his ongoing adventure into the Cherokee language.

Since 2019, Chris has been creating live performances, music videos and web series in response to the Cherokee Tribes' declaration of emergency for the language.

Sing along and help keep alive the Cherokee language!

Recommended for Ages 5+

FREE!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

View Event →
Dagsi Turtle Guest Appearance with Turtleback Tunes
Oct
12
4:00 PM16:00

Dagsi Turtle Guest Appearance with Turtleback Tunes

Tap a toe to some new Turtleback Tunes with Dagsi Turtle in a special guest appearance at this super fun comedy variety show for kids ages 5+ and their grown ups. Hosted by longtime Z Puppets’ pal Jen Scott.

Also featuring improvisers, musicians, and generalized silliness. Kids - bring a joke to tell! Grown ups - we hope you like jokes.

Tickets: $10 adults/$5 kids

More information at bringyourkidscomedy.com

View Event →
Make it Pop! A Dive into the World of Blacklight Puppetry (Virtual Workshop)
Oct
12
9:00 AM09:00

Make it Pop! A Dive into the World of Blacklight Puppetry (Virtual Workshop)

Presented by Full Moon Puppet Workshops at Open Eye Figure Theatre

Explore the spectacle and glow of blacklight in this online workshop. We’ll dive into the materials and equipment and tricks and tips for building and performing a piece that will leave audiences oohing and ahhing in amazement.

Recommended for ages 13-adult

Registration is $30

To register click this link

View Event →
The Amazing Gnip Gnop Circus
Oct
9
6:30 PM18:30

The Amazing Gnip Gnop Circus

Step right up and allow us to astound you with this magnificent glow-in-the-dark ping pong ball circus spectacular.

Thrill in the acrobatic daring, dizzying stunts and dazzling charms of our miniature marvels.  

You may never look at table tennis the same way again!

Recommended for ages 3+

FREE!

View Event →
A La Carte: In a Fool's Kitchen
Sep
29
3:15 PM15:15

A La Carte: In a Fool's Kitchen

Z Puppets is pleased to be part of Waldmann Brewery’s family Oktoberfest celebration on Sundays, Sept. 22 and 29th.

A LA CARTE is a comic battle between a clown French Chef and a wily lobster set to live accordion music. This playfully interactive comedy features clowning, puppetry, music and a few unruly vegetables.

A LA CARTE begins as the Chef sets the table for the Grand Opening of his 2-seat café.  Before the Chef can dazzle his very important guests, dinner’s main ingredient stages a rebellion — again and again and again.  Who knew crustaceans could cook up such delicious mischief?

FREE ADMISSION for kids under 5 years old!

ADULTS $7.50, Youth 12 AND younger $3

Go to this link for more event info: https://waldmannbrewery.com/oktoberfest

View Event →
A La Carte: In a Fool's Kitchen
Sep
22
3:15 PM15:15

A La Carte: In a Fool's Kitchen

Z Puppets is pleased to be part of Waldmann Brewery’s family Oktoberfest celebration on Sundays, Sept. 22 and 29th.

A LA CARTE is a comic battle between a clown French Chef and a wily lobster set to live accordion music. This playfully interactive comedy features clowning, puppetry, music and a few unruly vegetables.

A LA CARTE begins as the Chef sets the table for the Grand Opening of his 2-seat café.  Before the Chef can dazzle his very important guests, dinner’s main ingredient stages a rebellion — again and again and again.  Who knew crustaceans could cook up such delicious mischief?

FREE ADMISSION for kids under 5 years old!

ADULTS $7.50, Youth 12 AND younger $3

Go to this link for more event info: https://waldmannbrewery.com/oktoberfest

View Event →
The Amazing Gnip Gnop Circus
Aug
23
1:00 PM13:00

The Amazing Gnip Gnop Circus

This is a private event for our neighbors, Greater MN Council of Churches (GMCC).

Step right up and allow us to astound you with this magnificent glow-in-the-dark ping pong ball circus spectacular.

Thrill in the acrobatic daring, dizzying stunts and dazzling charms of our miniature marvels.  

You may never look at table tennis the same way again!

Recommended for ages 3+

View Event →
The Amazing Gnip Gnop Circus
Aug
17
1:00 PM13:00

The Amazing Gnip Gnop Circus

Step right up and allow us to astound you with this magnificent glow-in-the-dark ping pong ball circus spectacular.

Thrill in the acrobatic daring, dizzying stunts and dazzling charms of our miniature marvels.  

You may never look at table tennis the same way again!

Recommended for ages 3+

Tickets are $20 each, $15 with a can of non-perishable food or self/care item.

Z Puppets is pleased for the Gnip Gnops to be part of the Minneapolis Puppetry Palate, a Great Plains Regional Puppetry Festival.

TO BUY TICKETS FOR THIS SHOW click this link

See the full Festival schedule and info at this link:

View Event →
The Amazing Gnip Gnop Circus
Aug
16
5:00 PM17:00

The Amazing Gnip Gnop Circus

Z Puppets is pleased to be part of the Minneapolis Puppetry Palate, a Great Plains Regional Puppetry Festival.

Step right up and allow us to astound you with this magnificent glow-in-the-dark ping pong ball circus spectacular.

Thrill in the acrobatic daring, dizzying stunts and dazzling charms of our miniature marvels.  

You may never look at table tennis the same way again!

Recommended for ages 3+

See the full Festival schedule and info at this link: https://sites.google.com/view/minneapolispuppetrypalate/performances

View Event →