44. Paderborn Puppet Theatre Festival

44. Paderborn Puppet Theatre Festival — Figure Theatre from Classics to Avant-Garde

The Paderborn Puppet Theatre Festival is one of the most traditional and renowned puppet theatre festivals in the German-speaking world. From Saturday, March 7 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, the festival enters its 44th edition. Two full weeks of programming across several venues in the cathedral city of Paderborn — curated by the Cultural Office of the City of Paderborn.

Two Pillars: Paderborn Puppeteers and Guest Ensembles

The festival follows a proven dual concept:

• On weekends — Performances by the Paderborn Puppeteers (ensemble led by Robert Husemann) at Forum St. Liborius on March 8, 13, and 22.
• On weekdays — Guest performances by professional figure theatre ensembles from all over Germany and Belgium.

Diverse Venues

The festival utilizes several locations in and around Paderborn — showcasing the full spectrum of figure theatre:

• PaderHalle, Heiersmauer — the central venue.
• Deelenhaus — historic burgher house.
• Natural History Museum Schloss Neuhaus — venue for children.
• Kulturwerkstatt — alternative stage.
• Kreismuseum Wewelsburg — castle backdrop.
• Forum St. Liborius — for the Paderborn Puppeteers.

For Children Aged 3 and Up

The program for young audiences features adaptations of children's literature classics:

• Pinocchio
• The Bremen Town Musicians
• Little Polar Bear, Where Are You Going?

Age recommendations are clearly marked — from 3+ and 5+ to school class programs.

For Adults: Opera and Literature

The adult program presents figure theatre beyond the children's realm:

• The Barber of Seville — opera adaptation with puppets (March 11).
• „…und konnten es nicht fassen!“ — literary figure theatre (March 17, already sold out).

These performances are aimed at an adult audience interested in performing arts, avant-garde, and experimental forms.

Robert Husemann and the Paderborn Puppeteers

The Paderborn Puppeteers, led by Robert Husemann, are the heart of the festival and perform on three Sundays at Forum St. Liborius. The ensemble combines traditional puppetry with literary storytelling — a specialty that has shaped the festival for over four decades.

Paderborn — Cathedral City at the Source

Paderborn is a major city in eastern North Rhine-Westphalia (Paderborn district and city), known for its High Cathedral of St. Mary, the Pader springs (Germany's shortest river), and the University of Paderborn. With around 152,000 inhabitants, Paderborn is the cultural center of Ostwestfalen-Lippe — the Puppet Theatre Festival is a flagship of the city's cultural work.

Ticket Information

Many performances tend to sell out quickly. Early booking through the Cultural Office of the City of Paderborn or via paderborn.de is recommended. School classes can book special contingents.