Henson Week 2026

Sunday, September 20th - Saturday, September 26th

Every year the University of Maryland community has a little extra fun in honor of two of its most creative alumni, Jim '60 & Jane '55 Henson around September 24.

This year, the fun will last a little longer and will include a few special surprises as this year would have been Jim's 90th birthday.

In commemoration of his and Jane Henson's collective creative contributions to our lives, there will be numerous activities and events hosted throughout the week on and off campus promoting the themes: CREATE. MAKE. PLAY.

We hope you can join the fun by discovering something new, sharing your creative vision, seeking out inspiration from untapped sources, and making a few new friends along the way.

To participate or to learn more, please contact innovate@umd.edu

Learn More About The Henson Day Tradition

Activities Leading up to Henson Week

Activities Across Campus

11am-2pm outside LeFrak Hall: Creating PomPom Weefolk

Got 10 minutes between classes? Join the Office of Sustainability on Sept. 24th at the UM Farmers Market (Tawes Plaza) from 11am-1pm for some Henson-inspired crafting. Grab a wooden peg person, pick up a paintbrush, and design your very own sustainability superhero. What’s your eco-superpower? Come show us!

Activities in the Community

7:30-9:30pm at Busboys & Poets in Hyattsville: Jazz Jam featuring saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed and his band

Activities After Henson Week

A few events will take place after September 26th including the following:

Experience the Arts at Northwestern HS! The Jim Henson Academy of Visual and Performing Arts provides opportunities for a diverse student population to discover their passion. Students at the academy will participate in in-depth studies of multiple aspects, including history, theory, technique, and practice of Visual Art, Theatre, Music, Dance, and Television Media. A highly trained staff of arts educators will develop the courage within students to take risks and become leaders. Together, we will build an active arts community where VPA academy students inspire others to express themselves through various artistic methods. Their experience will foster a lifetime appreciation of the arts by developing creative skills that can be applied across any college and career path.

Jim Henson Academy of Visual & Performing Arts

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Special Thank You to the Henson Day 2025 Organizing Team, all of the supporters of this year's festivities, and every single one of the talented creative contributors.
Shout out to Ambi Narula for designing the Henson Day marketing materials!
Many thanks to everyone who hosted an activity, helped promote the day, and participated in any way with Henson Day 2025!