Call for Participants: The 14th International Festival for Street and Puppet Theatre — PUPPET FAIR 2026
Apply by November 30, 2025
From our friends at Sofia Puppet Theatre.
Dear colleagues and friends,
We are delighted to announce that Sofia Puppet Theatre will host the 14th edition of the International Festival for Street and Puppet Theatre — PUPPET FAIR, taking place in Sofia, Bulgaria, from September 12 to 19, 2026.
Supported by Sofia Municipality, the festival has become a landmark event in Bulgaria’s cultural calendar, drawing the attention of critics, media, and audiences alike. Over the years, PUPPET FAIR has established itself as one of the most significant international celebrations of puppetry arts.
This upcoming edition will be particularly special — a double celebration marking not only the 14th festival, but also the 80th anniversary of the Sofia Puppet Theatre.
Who Can Apply
PUPPET FAIR is not a competition. Everyone is welcome from all kinds of professional puppet and street theatre companies — whether indoor, outdoor, or hybrid performances.
The aim is to:
Showcase diverse, high-quality performances for all ages.
Encourage exchange and collaboration among artists worldwide.
Celebrate the creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity of puppetry today.
🗓 Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
You can download the application form and full festival regulations here:
👉 Google Drive Folder – Application Materials
Please send completed applications to dir@sofiapuppet.com by November 30, 2025 (for international participants).
Note: The deadline for Bulgarian companies is February 1, 2026.
💡 Festival Details
Dates: September 12–19, 2026
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Organizer: Sofia Puppet Theatre
Supported by: Sofia Municipality, the Ministry of Culture, ACT-UNIMA Bulgaria, Union of Bulgarian Actors, and NATFA “Kr. Sarafov”
Selected companies will receive official invitations by February 1, 2026, with travel and accommodation support provided by the festival.
Join the Celebration
PUPPET FAIR 2026 will bring together artists, audiences, and creative spirits in a joyful week of performances, workshops, exhibitions, and exchange. We invite you to share this call through your networks and to be part of this vibrant international community of puppeteers.
With warm regards,
Ivan Raykov
Director of the Festival
Sofia Puppet Theatre