Road closures planned in Almonte for Puppets Up! festival this weekend

Residents and drivers making their way through downtown Almonte this weekend should expect some road closures as the community welcomes the return of the Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival.

In a release issued on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the Municipality of Mississippi Mills announced that Mill Street and Little Bridge Street will be fully closed on Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to accommodate the festival.

The annual festival brings puppeteers, performers and visitors to downtown Almonte for a weekend full of puppet shows, street performances and other family-friendly activities.

Drivers will be asked to use Bridge Street and Main Street as detour routes around the closures, however, residents of Thoburn Mill and people who have parking spots in the affected area will still have access throughout the event.

Municipal officials note there will also be a brief closure at the Bridge Street and Mill Street intersection on both festival days to allow the Puppets Up! parade to cross. The intersection will be closed for approximately 45 minutes, from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m., on both Saturday and Sunday.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time when travelling throughout the downtown area during the festival.