International Puppet Festival Neustadt and Sonneberg

The 2026 edition of the International Puppet Festival is officially scheduled on the event calendar of the city of Neustadt b.Coburg: May 10th to 17th, 2026, together with Sonneberg. A detailed program and site map will be published in spring 2026.

The program framework from previous editions includes: international collector's exchange with thousands of exhibits, special exhibitions at the Sonneberg Toy Museum and in the Neustadt museums, factory sales at the remaining manufacturers, guided factory tours, family days with hands-on workshops and demonstrations. The highlight weekend of May 14th–16th, 2026 promises partly free admission and the full program.

Mon May 11th – Fri May 15th, 2026 — Festival Week

• International Collector's Exchange for dolls, teddy bears, tin toys, and miniatures
• Special exhibitions at Sonneberg Toy Museum, Museum of the German Toy Industry Neustadt, and partner museums
• Factory sales at the remaining manufacturers in the region
• Guided tours, lectures, collector meetups

Thu May 14th – Sat May 16th, 2026 — Highlight Days

• Numerous free program points
• Family workshops for doll and teddy bear crafting
• Demonstrations of historical toy manufacturing
• Town festival atmosphere in the city centers of Neustadt and Sonneberg

Sun May 17th, 2026 — Festival Finale

• Last market day of the collector's exchange
• Closing events and family program

Detailed daily and location schedules, as well as specific exhibitor lists, will be published by the festival committee a few weeks before the start.

Getting There

By car via the A73 (exit Coburg/Neustadt b.Coburg) or A4 (exit Sonneberg). By train to Coburg, then by bus or train to Neustadt b.Coburg or Sonneberg. Shuttle buses run between the two festival towns during the festival.

Admission

Admission is tiered: Collector's exchange with its own day ticket, museum exhibitions with regular or reduced admission, many program points on the weekend of May 14th–16th are free. Detailed program booklet and tickets available on the official festival website.

When to Arrive

Collectors or enthusiasts: arrive at the start of the festival on May 10th – the exchange will have the best pieces then. Families: the highlight weekend of May 14th–16th with free offers. Book accommodation well in advance, the region is heavily booked during the festival.