The International Puppet Fringe Festival NYC (also stylised as IPFFNYC or Puppet Fringe NYC) is a biannual puppet theater fringe festival hosted by Teatro SEA in the Lower East Side of New York City. The festival had its 1st edition in 2018, at the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center, and featured puppet shows, short films and artist talks with international puppet theater companies.

Come celebrate the mix of arts and cultures at the 3rd Annual International Puppet Fringe Festival from August 9 – 13, 2023, in the Lower East Side. As the only international festival dedicated to puppetry, this festival is a CAN'T MISS for summertime fun. This year's theme, "Halloween in August", will honor New York City’s most renowned puppet master and founder of the Village Halloween Parade, the late Ralph Lee. Organized by Teatro SEA, Grupo Morán (The Morán Group) and The Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Education Center.

Events

Get Tickets

Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 9th, 6pm
Location: Clemente Center
Kick-off will be on August 9th at the Clemente Soto Vélez Center in the Lower East Side of Manhattan (107 Suffolk Street, NYC). Puppeteers will take to the streets with their favorite fun and spooky puppets to emulate the famous Village Halloween parade.
Sunday, August 13
1pm
Abrazo Gallery, Clemente
In this artist talk, many master puppeteers from around the world will join to discuss and share their stories, love for puppetry, and artistry. Delve into the range of puppetry and its ties to cultures from around the world. Have any questions? You'll get the opportunity to talk with these artists and ask them questions about their work and more!
Sunday, August 13th.
Come and enjoy the spectacle of giant puppets brought to life by talented puppeteers from around the world, featuring full body puppets, puppettronics, mascots, and more. You won't want to miss this exciting event, so mark your calendars and get ready to be amazed!
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 9th, 7 PM
Location: La Plaza, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 9th, 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Punto SEA, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 10th, 6:00 PM
Location: Abrazo Interno Gallery, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 10th, 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM; August 12th, 10:30 PM – 11:30 PM; August 13th, 7:00 PM
Location: Teatro SEA, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 11th, 8:30 PM
Location: La Plaza, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 11th, 9:00 PM
Location: Flamboyán, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 12th, 2:00 PM
Location: Abrazo Interno Gallery, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 13th, 1:00 PM
Location: Abrazo Interno Gallery, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 13th, 2:30PM – 4:00PM
Location: Clemente
This event is by invitation only, so be sure to apply first to reserve your spot.
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 13th, 6:30PM
Location: La Plaza, Clemente

performances

Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 9th, 8:00 PM; August 10th, 7:00 PM; August 11th, 7:00 PM; August 12th, 7:00 PM
Location: La Plaza, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 10th, 6:00 PM; August 13th, 1:00 PM
Location: Flamboyán, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 10th, 6:00 PM; August 12th, 4:00 PM; August 13th, 4:00 PM
Location: Los Kabayitos, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 10th, 8:00 PM; August 12th, 3:00 PM
Location: Teatro LATEA, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 10th, 8:00 PM
Location: Flamboyán, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 10th, 9:00 PM; August 11th, 8:30 PM; August 12th, 8:00 PM
Location: Teatro SEA, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 10th, 9:00 PM; August 12th, 8:00 PM; August 13th, 2:00 PM
Location: Teatro LATEA, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 11th, 4:00 PM; August 12th, 5:00 PM; August 13th, 5:00 PM
Location: Flamboyán, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 11th, 4:30 PM; August 13th, 2:00 PM
Location: Los Kabayitos, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 11th, 4:30 PM
Location: Teatro LATEA, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 11th, 4:30 PM; August 12th, 8:00 PM; August 13th, 3:00 PM
Location: Flamboyán, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 11th, 8:00 PM; August 12th, 6:00 PM; August 13th, 4:00 PM
Location: Teatro LATEA, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 12th, 11:00 AM; August 12th, 1:00 PM; August 13th, 11:00 AM; August 13th, 1:00 PM
Location: La Plaza, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 12th, 11:00 PM
Location: Los Kabayitos, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 12th, 12:00 PM
Location: La Esquinita, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 12th, 12:00 PM
Location: Flamboyán, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 12th, 1:30 PM
Location: La Esquinita, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 12th, 2:00 PM
Location: Flamboyán, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 12th, 2:00 PM; August 12th, 6:00 PM
Location: Los Kabayitos, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 13th, 2:00 PM
Location: La Esquinita, Clemente

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Workshops

Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 10th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM; August 11th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM; August 12th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Room 202 at Teatro LATEA Clemente
Create your own scary puppet, by Mascara Viva.
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 12th, 11:30 AM
Location: Teatro SEA, Clemente
A masterclass for the independent theater maker 90min.
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 12th, 3:00 PM
Location: La Plaza, Clemente
Cost: Check Puppet Fringe website for more information.
Date(s): August 13th, 2:30 PM
Location: Norfolk St.

Films

Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 10th, 3:00 PM (Ep.2: Dominican Republic-52 min); August 10th, 6:00 PM (Ep.2: Puerto Rico-70 min); August 11th, 3:00 PM (Ep.3: Dominican Republic-52 min); August 11th, 4:00 PM (Ep.2: Puerto Rico-70 min); August 11th, 5:00 PM (Ep.1: Cuba-42 min); August 11th, 6:00 PM (Cuba, diez años después. Presentation by Yudd Favie); August 12th, 3:30 PM (Ep.2: Puerto Rico-70 min); August 12th, 5:30 PM (Ep.1: Cuba-42 min); August 13th, 12:00 AM (Ep.1: Cuba-42 min)
Location: Teatro SEA, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 10th, 4:00 PM; August 12th, 2:00 PM; August 13th, 11:00 AM
Location: Teatro SEA, Clemente
A short Q&A talkback after the screening with Heather Henson (Founder of Handmade Puppet Dreams), Jessica Simon (representing Lake Minnetrista) Jaime Sunwoo (Handwritten), Alex Griffin (When Ghosts Appear)
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 12th, 2:00 PM
Location: Teatro SEA, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 12th, 2:00 PM
Location: Teatro SEA, Clemente

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Exhibitions

Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 9th, 4:30 PM -10:00 PM; August 10th, 11:00 AM -10:00 PM; August 11th, 11:00 AM -10:00 PM; August 12th, 11:00 AM -10:00 PM; August 13th, 11:00 AM -10:00 PM
Location: Abrazo Interno, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 9th, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM; August 10th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; August 11th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; August 12th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; August 13th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: LES Gallery, Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 9th, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM; August 10th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; August 11th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; August 12th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; August 13th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: Tamayo Gallery (@Teatro LATEA), Clemente
Cost: FREE
Date(s): August 9th, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM; August 10th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; August 11th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; August 12th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; August 13th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: Punto SEA (Teatro SEA Lobby), Clemente

“An explosion of color, culture and music”

— ABC New York

“Something lighthearted and uplifting, but also thought-provoking and as varied as the city itself.”

— The New York Times

“A celebration of diversity, inclusion and beautiful performances.”

— Time out New York

Remembering Ralph Lee

Although this year’s celebration will be bittersweet with the recent passing of Mr. Lee, we are privileged to remember his life and legacy with this truly unique and exciting festival made accessible to all!