Bob Baker Day 2026

One of LA's most beloved institutions turns a Sunday into a free outdoor celebration. Bob Baker Day lands September 20 at Los Angeles State Historic Park, and if you've got kids in tow, this is the kind of family event in Los Angeles that earns its place on the calendar well in advance.

Bob Baker Marionette Theater has been running puppet shows in Los Angeles since 1963, making it the longest-running puppet theater in the country. Every September, the company takes its craft outdoors for a full-day carnival. The 12th Annual is no exception.

What's Going On

Puppet performances run throughout the day at the park's open-air lawn. Expect the handcrafted marionettes that made the theater famous, operated by the same ensemble that has kept the tradition alive through multiple near-closures and a loyal community fundraising effort. Beyond the stage shows, the event draws vendors, craft stalls, and hands-on activities that give younger kids something to do between sets.

Entry is free. There's no ticket to buy, no gate to wait at. Show up, find a spot on the grass, and let the afternoon unfold.

About the Venue

LA State Historic Park sits on 32 acres just north of Chinatown, flanked by the LA River on one side and the downtown skyline on the other. It's a genuinely good outdoor space, flat and open with room for a crowd to spread out. Street parking nearby is limited on weekends, so the Gold Line's Chinatown Station (a short walk south on North Spring Street) is the practical move for most people coming from outside the neighborhood.

Why This One's Worth It

There's no shortage of kids activities in LA, but most of them cost money and feel like they were designed by a marketing committee. Bob Baker Day is something different: a real community event organized by people who care about keeping a specific cultural institution alive. The marionette theater itself nearly closed in 2019, and the outpouring that saved it is part of what this annual day celebrates.

For families looking for things to do in Los Angeles that aren't a theme park or a mall, this checks every box: outdoors, free, rooted in actual LA history, and genuinely entertaining for both kids and adults who grew up watching these shows.

Bring a blanket. Arrive before noon if you want a good spot for the first performance.

For more family-friendly events in Los Angeles, browse the full calendar. This event is in Downtown LA, close to Chinatown and the LA River.