Summer Puppetry Festival: Author Appearance

Meet the authors of A Century of California Puppetry: How the West was Strung, a book sharing the fascinating history of puppetry and puppeteers in California since the late 1800's.

The 8th Annual Menlo Park Summer Puppetry Festival with a look at California’s history of puppets.

Randal J. Metz and Kevin Menegus, each well-established puppetry artists themselves, dove into California's century-plus of puppetry—from rustic performances during the Gold Rush, to large touring companies playing in vaudeville houses, to small troupes during and after the Depression, to television, theme parks, and beyond.

The authors will share fascinating stories of puppetry throughout the years.

About the Summer Puppetry Festival:

We’re presenting our 8th Annual Summer Puppetry Festival! Menlo Park celebrates 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 29 | The Puppet Company | Belle Haven Library |
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| July 27 | Fratello Marionettes | Belle Haven Library |
| Aug. 10 | Steve Chaney & Corny Crow | Belle Haven Library |
| Aug. 22 | Bob Baker Marionette Theater | Menlo Park Library |
| Aug. 24 | Luce Puppet Company | Belle Haven Library |

Other events:

| June 9 | Author talk: A Century of California Puppetry | Menlo Park Library |
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| June 24 | Documentary: I Am Big Bird | Menlo Park Library |
| July 22 | Mini-puppet workshop (Ages 4-7, with adult) | Belle Haven Library |

This free program series received funding support from the Friends of the Menlo Park Library.

Monday, June 09, 2025 | 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park, CA, 94025

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