Without Walls Festival 2026

La Jolla Playhouse’s celebrated annual WOW Festival is a four-day celebration of immersive, interactive and surprising art experiences from local, national and international artists. This is theatre - without walls. From April 24 – 26, discover more than 20 new works including free and paid events with fun for the whole family. WOW Festival is presented in partnership with UC San Diego and takes over locations around the campus in La Jolla. Tickets required for: DeepFake In this immersive experience for an audience of one, you will argue your perspective on new AI tools. Part puzzle room, part quiet horror story. You will be recorded during this performance. This recording will be deleted at the end of the performance. Must be 18+ to participate Duration: 20 mins Handle with Care Handle with Care is a theatre performance in a box. No actors, no technicians. Just a box. And you. This show is particapatory. There are 2-3 stairs to the stage. Recommended for ages 12+. Duration: 60 mins Night Watch An immersive monster movie set within a 9-foot cargo van. Night Watch is designed to be accessible to players of all interactivity levels. The show includes a mix of one-on-one actor interaction, tactile media components, and light gameplay. Players will be seated on a bench or desk chair inside a cargo van. Participants must be able to transfer into the vehicle. A signed waiver is required to participate. Must be 18+ to participate Duration: 25 mins Again! Again! Three artists playing themselves invite the audience into a confabulation of balance, determination, and the joyful chaos of creative caregiving. Again! Again! is a highly-participatory show and audiences have the opportunity to take part by talking, playing, moving, and making. Though some audience interaction will be encouraged or required, all participation will be "opt-in" for each individual audience member, and no one will be put "on the spot" without their express permission. There will be chairs available; however, audiences may (should!) sit , stand, or move as they please. Content guidance: Eldercare/dementia may be discussed at some performances. Recommended for ages 6+. Duration: 59 mins Molly Went Missing: A WOW Development Workshop Can you gentle parent a poltergeist? The ghost of a scared kid takes over a local haunted history tour in an unexpectedly real crisis. This presentation is a WOW Development Workshop, which means this shows is in a work-in-progress development phase. This workshop presentation offers the opportunity to experience this piece while the creative team is working on the show. This is a vital element of a show’s evolution, allowing the creative team to step back and see the show through the eyes and experience of the audience. Recommended for ages 13+. Duration: 60 mins Tea Party at the End of the World As a guest of this intimate tea party, you will be presented with tea and parlor games, and when the end comes, no need to panic, you won’t be alone. The show doesn’t shy away from various explorations of life and death. Drinking tea will be offered at different times during the experience. Please refrain if you are sensitive to caffeine or various teas/herbs. Recommended for ages 16+. Duration: 75 mins Choir! Choir! Choir! Why see a show when you can BE the show. Choir! Choir! Choir! is the fully interactive, participatory show that turns audience into performer. This show is in partnership with ArtPower. Locations: Thursday and Saturday at Epstein Family Amphitheater. The Friday show will begin at Warren Mall. Saturday's show is recommended for families. Please note: Choir! Choir! Choir! is presented in partnership with UC San Diego’s ArtPower, who would love to stay in touch with you! By submitting your RSVP, you agree to having your name and email address shared with UC San Diego for future communications. Recommended for all ages. Duration: 60 mins Karaoke Dreams “Karaoke Dreams” transforms a karaoke bar into the shared soundtrack of our lives — where iconic hits reveal community, connection, and catharsis. The Loft has both seated and standing room and is general admission -- first come, first served. Doors open up to 30 minutes before start time. 21+ to order beer or wine. Food is available. Recommended for ages 12+. Duration: 75 mins Adult Puppet Cabaret A delightfully rowdy puppet cabaret where mischievous creatures, cheeky humor, and chaos collide. Grab a drink and let the puppets lead you astray. The Loft has both seated and standing room and is general admission -- first come, first served. 21+ to order beer or wine. Food is available. Recommended for ages 16+. Duration: 60 mins