Hystoplis Productions Proudly Presents
KuklaFest 2025
Celebrate Puppetry at KuklaFest
Saturday, May 3, 2025
A Day of Family Fun in Saugatuck-Douglas, Michigan!
Hystopolis Productions proudly announces KuklaFest 2025, a vibrant day-long celebration of puppetry honoring the legacy of the late Burr Tillstrom, creator of the beloved television show Kukla, Fran, and Ollie and one of Saugatuck’s most cherished famous figures. In the early 1950's, Burr drew fellow puppeteers to Saugatuck for intensive puppetry conferences at OxBow, attracting notable puppeteers from around the country, including Jim and Jane Henson.
On Saturday, May 3rd, enjoy three unique, family-friendly puppetry events hosted at venues throughout Saugatuck and Douglas, Michigan. From whimsical marionette shows to hands-on puppet-making, KuklaFest invites visitors of all ages to experience the magic of puppetry in a town where this art form has deep roots.
“Captain Cranky and His Crew”
Marionette Variety Show
Saturday
May 3, 2025
10:30 am
Saugatuck Douglas District Library
174 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan 49406
Cost: FREE and open to the public
Set sail for adventure in this lively, “piratical” marionette show! Originally performed at Chicago’s Navy Pier, this variety show features 15 stunning hand-carved marionettes by Master Puppeteer Dave Herzog. It’s packed with laughs, songs, and high-seas hijinks, perfect for kids and families!
Puppet Making Workshop
Saturday
May 3, 2025
1-3:00 pm
Ox-Bow House
137 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan 49406
Cost: FREE and open to the public
Get hands-on with puppetry during this interactive open-house workshop, presented in partnership with Ox-Bow House, The Village Puppeteers, and Dragoncillo Puppet Troupe. Kids and families can drop in anytime to create two different types of puppets, hand puppets and shadow puppets, with all materials provided.
Thanks to our Title Sponsor
The Frisch Marionette Show
Evening Performance
Saturday
May 3, 2025
7:00 pm
Saugatuck Woman’s Club
303 Butler St.
Saugatuck, MI 49453
$5 Kids & Students
$10 Adults
End the day with this dazzling evening performance featuring a cast of hand puppets and trick marionettes. Full of music, comedy, and expert puppetry, the Frisch Marionette Show offers a joyful mix of artistry and entertainment for all ages.
