What do you get when you mix world-class comedy, unforgettable performances, and puppets with personality? You get VentFest, the only festival of its kind in the entire world! And luckily for Hoosiers, it all happens in the charming town of Spencer, Indiana.
VentFest is the world’s only international ventriloquism and arts festival, and it’s back and better than ever July 24–26. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of ventriloquists or just looking for something completely different and entertaining, this is one event you don’t want to miss.
A Little History with a Lot of Heart
VentFest was originally set to launch in 2020, but we all know how that year turned out. Live performances were put on hold, and the dream had to wait. However, the passion behind the puppet didn’t fade. The team believed in the vision, and in 2022, the first-ever VentFest took the stage, and the international ventriloquist world took notice.
Since then, VentFest has become the gathering place for elite performers from around the globe, breathing life into their puppet companions.
Big Talent, Small-Town Stage
This isn’t your average talent show. VentFest has hosted some of the biggest names in the business, including:
- Jay Johnson, TONY Award-winning ventriloquist and star of Soap
- Niels Duinker, three-time European Juggling Champion from the Netherlands
- Dashnor Bushi, world-renowned magician and illusionist
Plus, ventriloquists like Lynn Trefzger, Don Bryan, Kellie Haines, Todd Oliver and many more. These are not your backyard birthday party acts; these are internationally acclaimed artists, comedians, and performers who know how to command a stage with a puppet or two.
And where do they perform? Inside the beautifully restored Historic Tivoli Theatre in the heart of Spencer. It’s a picture-perfect venue full of old-school charm and top-notch acoustics, ideal for big laughs and unforgettable moments.
Why You’ll Love It (Even If You’ve Never Seen a Ventriloquist Before)
VentFest isn’t just for die-hard fans of the art. It’s for anyone who enjoys live performance, side-splitting comedy and seeing something genuinely unique.
You’ll laugh. Seriously. These acts are funny.
You’ll be amazed. The puppets’ and performers’ talent on display is jaw-dropping.
You’ll feel the magic of Spencer. Small-town hospitality meets big-time talent for a weekend that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious.
Plus, where else in the world can you say you’ve seen multiple ventriloquists performing and collaborating on stage just for you? That’s a once-in-a-lifetime sentence and experience.
Make a Weekend of It
Spencer’s not just the host town, it’s part of the event’s charm. Stroll the streets, pop into local shops, grab a bite at one of the town’s cozy restaurants and let yourself fall in love with this hidden gem in southern Indiana.
VentFest 2026 is shaping up to be the most dynamic festival yet, and there’s truly nothing else like it anywhere on the planet.
So grab your tickets, and get ready to laugh, cheer and maybe even develop a newfound respect for the world of ventriloquism. Because when you experience the energy, talent, and joy of VentFest, you’ll understand why this little festival in Spencer, Indiana, has captured the hearts of fans around the world.
