The annual Jarvis Puppet Festival returns this weekend with two shows by nationally acclaimed puppet troupes and a workshop to experience the world of a puppeteer. This is the 21st year that the Jarvis Conservatory has created a puppeteering extravaganza for the community, creating a tradition that kicks off the holidays.

It begins on Friday, Nov. 17 with puppet shows at 7 p.m. The puppet shows are repeated on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 2:30 p.m. This year, Parasol Puppets will present “The Pied Piper,” and the Mesner Puppet Theater “Pulcinella.”