Each year the Center for Puppetry Arts presents the Family Series, a collection of adapted classic and new works performed in a variety of puppetry styles by the Center company. Past shows have included an adaptation of The Shoemaker & The Elves set in 1940s Manhattan, Jon Ludwig's Dinosaurs, and The Ghastly Dreadfuls' Compendium of Graveyard Tales and Other Curiosities, a Halloween-themed variety show. Family Performances are made up of shows that the Center's company creates/performs, as well as other artists from around the world. National traveling puppetry troupes set up shop at the Center during SummerFest and perform a variety of works for families. Included with many Family Performances is a Create-A-Puppet workshop that relates to the show.