The Art of the Puppet (Fratello Marionettes)

The 9th Annual Menlo Park Puppetry Festival is here! The Fratello Marionettes delivers an interactive presentation on the art of puppetry, from creation to performance.
The puppeteers will demonstrate hand puppets, rod puppets, and specialized trick marionettes. After each vignette, they will cover an aspect of the puppet building process.
The presentation ends with a look behind the scenes and a Q&A session.
Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., Menlo Park, CA, 94025
menlopark.gov/puppetry
About the Fratello Marionettes:
The Fratello Marionettes have been entertaining audiences through the art of marionettes since 1989, performing in locations around the world. Having apprenticed with some of the country’s leading puppeteers (including Tony Urbano, Bob Baker, Randal Metz and Lewis Mahlmann), Fratello founder Kevin Menegus continues the tradition of classic marionette performances. Menegus is coauthor of the book A Century of California Puppetry: How the West was Strung.
About the Summer Puppetry Festival:
We’re presenting our 9th Annual Summer Puppetry Festival! Menlo Park celebrates the art of puppetry in its many forms, with a series of puppet shows and related events featuring beloved performers from throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Drop in for one event, or join us for the entire series.
Performances:
June 28 | Pop & Go Puppets | Belle Haven Library
July 9 | The Puppet Company | Menlo Park Library
July 26 | Fratello Marionettes | Belle Haven Library
July 30 | Puppet Art Theater | Menlo Park Library
Aug. 23 | Possibly Puppets | Belle Haven Library
Other events:
June 9 | The Science & Psychology of Muppet Design | Menlo Park Library
July 18 | Shadow Puppet Workshop (Ages 8-Adult) | Belle Haven Library
Aug. 12 | A Visit with Mallory Lewis (and Lamb Chop) | Zoom
Aug. 26 | Film: Shari & Lamb Chop | Menlo Park Library
This free event received funding support from the Friends of the Menlo Park Library.
More free events with Menlo Park Library: