Get ready to dance your cares away, because the ultimate fan celebration of the year is almost here. In honor of what would have been his milestone 90th birthday, the global Muppet fandom is descending upon New York City for an unprecedented four-day blowout.
Running from September 24 through September 27, 2026, the historic event takes over the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) in Queens—the official permanent home of The Jim Henson Exhibition. Co-produced alongside community powerhouses like ToughPigs and The Jim Henson Legacy, this is shaping up to be the largest gathering of Henson fans in history.
Whether you are packing your bags for Queens or tracking the magic from home, here is your ultimate preview guide to the festivities.
The Ultimate Four-Day Schedule Highlights
MoMI’s newly revealed schedule is packed tighter than a clown car full of Muppets. Here are some of the premier events dominating the weekend:
- The Puppet Prom & Fan Gatherings: Kick things off on Thursday night with the digital learning suite’s “Puppet Prom,” followed across the weekend by community meet-ups, fan art showcases, and evening socials at local spots like Pig Beach.
- Rare Screenings & Deep Dives: Catch rare archival screenings, including curated blocks of The Muppet Show‘s greatest episodes, a special 60th-anniversary presentation of Jim Henson’s experimental short Time Piece, and the countdown of The Muppet Show: 50 Greatest Moments.
- Interactive Workshops & Panels: Dive into the craft with hands-on puppeteering sessions, a Puppet Tea Party hosted by Stacey Gordon, artist demonstrations, and panel discussions like Inspired by Jim Henson and Henson Products—The Inside Story.
- The Return of the Swa(m)p Meet: The legendary collector’s marketplace is back over the weekend, giving fans a chance to trade rare memorabilia, vintage plushies, and holy-grail merchandise.
- Music and Movin’ Right Along: Enjoy offsite sing-alongs and strolls with Heather Henson, a special Gaia Music Collective choir performance of “I’m Going to Go Back There Someday,” and live music from Lucas Ross and John Koozin and the Neighborhood.
How to Participate If You’re Following Online
Can’t make it out to Queens this September? You can still join in on the digital celebration:
- Follow Community Feeds: Keep a close eye on grassroots partners like ToughPigs, who will be posting live updates, panel breakdowns, and podcast recordings straight from the venue floor (including their live podcast covering Inside Jim Henson’s Creature Shop).
- Join the Discord and Social Channels: Dive into community fan servers to share your own tributes, look at community fan art shares, and watch real-time reactions to the costume contests and special screenings.
- Host a Watch Party: Honor the legacy locally by throwing your own marathon of Henson classics, spinning the Fraggle Rock or Labyrinth soundtracks, or baking a themed treat in honor of the master creator.
Stay tuned to Muppet Madness as we continue tracking schedule drops, surprise guest announcements, and everything else leading up to the biggest birthday bash in Henson history!
Will you be making the pilgrimage to Queens this September, or celebrating from your own corner of the fandom? Let us know below!