PuppetMobile is the touring arm of the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, and its 2026 show rewrites Pinocchio as a New York story: Geppetto is a city kid inventor, Pinocchio the robot he builds, and the pair tour landmarks from the Swedish Cottage to Victorian Gardens. The marionettes are hand-carved by Swedish Cottage puppet maker Kevin White, and the score, orchestrated by Daryl Kojak, is sung by the puppets. Free, an hour, all ages, in a Bronx park.
What to expect
The PuppetMobile sets up at Crotona Park's Picnic Area #2 and plays to whoever gathers on the grass, with no ticket line and no assigned seating. The hour-long show runs with hand-carved marionettes and an orchestrated original score performed by the characters. Kids typically end up right at the front, close enough to watch the strings work.
Good to know
- It's completely free with no ticket or registration; just find the picnic area.
- Meet at Picnic Area #2 off Wilkins Avenue inside Crotona Park.
- The 2 and 5 to Freeman Street and the B, D to 174-175th Street both serve the park.
- All ages are welcome, and the show runs about an hour.
- Bring a blanket or a low chair, since seating is whatever you carry in.
- It's outdoor programming, so heavy weather can move or cancel it.
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Is this the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre?
It's PuppetMobile, City Parks Foundation's touring marionette company connected to the Swedish Cottage, bringing the show out to parks across the boroughs.
Does it cost anything?
No. PuppetMobile performances in the parks are free and open to everyone, with no ticket required.
How long is the show?
About an hour, which suits all ages including preschoolers who won't sit still much longer.
More this weekend
