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Every two years, Calgary is invaded by the bizarre, the wonderful, the stuffed and the animated. The International Festival of Animated Objects brings oddities and wonders to town starting on March 9, with the opening Galabash. Here are Swerve’s recommendations for what to see during the festival. But don’t take our word for it, check out all of the offerings and choose for yourself  at animatedobjects.ca.

Opening Night Galabash

Turn back the clock and step into a dark, twisted Muppet fantasy at the festival’s opening party on March 9. Disco-keyboard duo Shine Machine, psych-rock outfit Deadhorse and the doo-wop of the Pigeonettes will serenade this costume party. Wear your best Jim Henson-inspired Muppet attire and try your hand at animation with the Quickdraw Animation Society.

Dolly Wiggler Cabaret

A variety-cabaret-style evening featuring short skits by many of the troupes at the festival on March 11th and 12th. The headliner is Los Angeles puppet artist, chanteuse and high-art drag personality Marsian, who brings Fudgie’s Death, the neo-noir story of an ice-cream heiress told through security cameras and table pop-up books.

The Book of Jonah

Bored with the dog you can make with your hands and a flashlight? See how complicated shadow puppetry can be at this world premiere by Colorado theatre troupe Circo de Nada (March 12 and 13). The Book of Jonah is a sectarian take on the Hebrew story of Jonah, who ends up in the belly of a fish. Afterwards, get a hands-on demonstration with the puppets and the crew.

Handmade Puppet Dreams

Join Heather Henson, Jim Henson’s youngest child, on March 13th as she presents a compilation of short films exploring the art of puppetry, including finger puppets, marionettes and paper cutouts. Henson, like her famous father, is heavily involved in the world of puppets, curating films and producing the annual Orlando Puppet Festival.

Ronnie Burkett

The world-renowned marionette artist returns to Calgary on March 13th to read from his yet-to-be-released Penny Plain—the story of a blind woman at the end of civilization. Afterwards, there will be a reception and silent auction to benefit the AIDS Calgary Awareness Association, with two of the carousel animals from Burkett’s Tinka’s New Dress up for grabs.