Novi Sad International Children's Theatre Festival 2026

This annual festival in Novi Sad presents a competitive selection of the most artistically relevant theatre productions for children from around the world. Both drama and puppet theatre are featured, with an international jury awarding prizes for best performance, direction, stage design, original music, and puppetry.

Beyond the official competition, the festival offers an accompanying programme that includes street theatre, outdoor performances, film screenings, scientific gatherings, exhibitions, and puppetry workshops. Performances also take place throughout Serbia and in neighbouring Hungary, extending the festival's reach.

Since its founding in 1994, the event has hosted more than 500 theatre productions from Europe and beyond. It has been proclaimed of national significance by the Ministry of Culture of Serbia and has received the country's highest cultural recognition, the Vuk's Award. The stated aims include presenting valuable stage creations, promoting cultural exchange, and bringing nations closer.