Bob Baker Marionettes Make Coachella Debut

The iconic L.A. puppet theater brings its quirky charm to the music festival.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:56pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, textured fabrics in vibrant colors, capturing the glamour and energy of the Bob Baker Marionettes' Coachella performance.The Bob Baker Marionettes brought their signature whimsy and showmanship to the Coachella stage, captivating audiences with a dazzling display of puppetry and pop culture references.Los Angeles Today

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, a beloved Los Angeles institution, made its Coachella debut on April 10, delighting crowds with a 40-minute set featuring an array of whimsical puppets dancing and performing to a mashup of pop hits. The theater, which recently reached an agreement to purchase the Highland Park building it has rented since 2019, is set to return to the Coachella stage on April 17.

Why it matters

The Bob Baker Marionettes' Coachella appearance represents a unique intersection of L.A. culture and the iconic music festival, showcasing the city's rich artistic heritage and the continued evolution of Coachella's programming beyond just music.

The details

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater's Coachella set featured a diverse cast of puppets, including pink poodles, googly-eyed cacti, and a Hansel-like figure dancing to a Ben Platt cover of Addison Rae's 'Diet Pepsi.' The performance, which was a departure from the theater's more intimate shows, was a hit with the crowd, who enthusiastically sang along to the familiar pop song.

  • The Bob Baker Marionettes made their Coachella debut on April 10, 2026.
  • The theater will return to the Coachella stage on April 17, 2026, from 2:55 to 3:35 p.m. in the Gobi Tent.
  • The recorded performance will be available on Coachella's YouTube channel at 4 p.m. on April 17, 2026.

The players

Bob Baker Marionette Theater

A beloved Los Angeles institution that has been entertaining audiences with its unique brand of puppet theater since 1963. The theater recently reached an agreement to purchase the Highland Park building it has been renting since 2019.

Winona Bechtle

The director of partnerships at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater.

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What they’re saying

“'Puppet-chella … meeeeooowww!'”

— Pink Cat, Puppet host

What’s next

The Bob Baker Marionettes will return to the Coachella stage on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 2:55 to 3:35 p.m. in the Gobi Tent. The recorded performance will be available on Coachella's YouTube channel at 4 p.m. that day.

The takeaway

The Bob Baker Marionettes' Coachella debut showcases the enduring appeal of this iconic Los Angeles institution and its ability to captivate audiences with its unique brand of whimsical, nostalgic puppet theater. The performance highlights the festival's continued efforts to diversify its programming and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the local community.