The puppets are coming.

Fourteen puppeteers will give free performances in Washington Market Park on May 17, from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m., at the fourth annual Spring Popcorn and Puppet Festival. Four plays will take place simultaneously around the park while Ralph Lee’s life-size dancing animal puppets entertain on the grass. The Toe Jam Puppet Band and Circus Amok will provide music.

“The festival offers a variety of puppet styles, which is one reason I think it’s exciting for kids,” said organizer Liz Liebeskind, “There’s a range of visual creativity that sparks imagination.”

Children can also make their own paper-bag puppets and join in a puppet parade to end the day.

And the festival would not be complete without the proper snacks. “There will be popcorn,” said Liebeskind, “and plenty of it.”