Sesame Street is embarking on an exciting cross-country journey to connect with families at beloved local events, delivering interactive fun and educational experiences inspired by its iconic characters. This initiative by Sesame Workshop highlights the show’s enduring mission to foster learning, kindness, and community bonds through playful activities at venues like baseball stadiums, state fairs, farms, and racetracks.
The Mission Behind the Journey
Since its debut in 1969, Sesame Street has championed inclusive education for children from all backgrounds. The Road Trip Across America extends this legacy by bringing characters like Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Big Bird directly to hometowns nationwide. Aaron Bisman, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Sesame Workshop, emphasizes that these events amplify laughter and learning where families gather most.
The tour underscores Sesame Workshop’s nonprofit goals: helping kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Activities promote social-emotional skills, early literacy, and healthy habits through themed games, photo ops, and giveaways. By partnering with local attractions, the tour reaches diverse communities, ensuring every child feels included.
Kickoff with High-Speed Excitement
The adventure launches on July 27, 2025, at the NASCAR Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Cookie Monster serves as Grand Marshal, joined by NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace. A special video features Cookie inviting Wallace on the trip, humorously pondering space for monsters, fairies, and Big Bird in the car. This high-energy start sets a joyful tone for the season.
Baseball Fever Across Leagues
Sesame Street infuses America’s pastime with Muppet magic at Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) games. Fans enjoy character meet-and-greets, themed innings, and interactive zones.
- MLB Highlights: Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park (July 21 or 25), Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field (July 25), plus stops at Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Cleveland Guardians, Texas Rangers, and St. Louis Cardinals.
- MiLB Gems: Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Constellation Field (September 21), Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Fort Wayne TinCaps, Albuquerque Isotopes, and St. Paul Saints.
These appearances echo past tours, like the 2019 50th anniversary road trip where Cookie Monster led the seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley Field.
Farm Fun and Maze Mania
Autumn’s charm shines through partnerships with over 30 farms via The MAiZE Inc., creating Sesame Street-themed corn and sunflower mazes. These attractions expect to welcome up to a million visitors, blending navigation challenges with character-themed designs.
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Starting July 26 | Lyman Orchards Corn Maze | Middlefield, CT |
| Starting August 30 | All Season’s Orchard Sunflower Trail | Monmouth Junction, NJ (Von Thun Farm) |
| Starting September 13 | Von Thun Farm, Pumpkinville, Liberty Ridge Farm Corn Mazes | Washington/Schaghticoke NJ/NY, Great Valley, NY |
| Starting September 15-20 | The Fun Farm, A&H Farm, Fifer Orchards, Wright Family Farm, Vesperman Farms | Various: NY, KS, DE, NY, WI |
| Starting September 22-27 | Peebles Farm, Frosty’s Forest, La Union Maze, Brookshire Farm, Beggs Family Farm | AR, CA, NM, CA, MO |
| Starting October 4 | Marana Pumpkin Patch | Marana, AZ |
| TBD | Iron Mill Farmstead, Harvest Ridge, Jaemor Farms, East Union Farms | PA, NC, GA, IN |
Families navigate paths shaped like beloved characters, with rest areas offering storytelling and crafts.
State Fairs and Zoo Adventures
State fairs provide vibrant backdrops for Sesame Street activations from August to October.
- Tennessee State Fair (August 14-16, Lehi, UT at Thanksgiving Point)
- North Carolina State Fair (October 16-19, Raleigh, NC)
- Additional fairs in Kansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas
- Utah’s Hogle Zoo (August 29-September 1, Salt Lake City, UT)
Interactive digital booths, coloring stations, and photo opportunities create memorable family moments.
Digital Engagement and Lasting Impact
A dynamic social media campaign amplifies the tour, sharing fan photos, character updates, and virtual participation tips. This connects remote families to the excitement. The road trip precedes Sesame Street’s 56th season premiere on Netflix and PBS KIDS, building anticipation.
Past tours, like 2019’s, produced TV segments showcasing local kids’ pride, reinforcing cultural ties. This event continues that tradition, filming fresh content for future episodes.
Planning Your Sesame Street Outing
To attend, check official sites for tickets and schedules. Events feature free activities amid paid admissions. Prepare with sunscreen, snacks (Cookie-approved!), and cameras for character hugs. These gatherings promote values like sharing and empathy in fun settings.
Why These Events Matter for Families
Beyond entertainment, the tour supports child development. Studies from Sesame Workshop show interactive play boosts vocabulary and emotional regulation. Events encourage parent-child bonding amid community celebrations.
In an era of digital overload, real-world Muppet encounters offer tactile joy. Diverse venues ensure accessibility across urban and rural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What characters will appear at Road Trip events?
Expect favorites like Cookie Monster, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Big Bird at select stops, with activities themed around them.
Are events free to attend?
Sesame Street activations are complimentary within ticketed venues like fairs and games. Confirm details per location.
How many farms are involved in the maze program?
Over 30 farms nationwide partner for Muppet-themed mazes, potentially reaching a million visitors.
Can I follow the tour online?
Yes, join via Sesame Workshop’s social media for live updates, photos, and virtual fun.
What’s next after the road trip?
The tour builds hype for Sesame Street Season 56 on Netflix and PBS KIDS later in 2025.
Character Spotlights: Who to Watch For
Cookie Monster: Leads as NASCAR Marshal and maze mascot, teaching healthy eating with a twist.
Elmo: Brings curiosity to baseball games and fairs, sparking wonder.
Abby Cadabby: Adds magic to zoo visits and farm trails.
These stars embody lessons in friendship and perseverance.
The Road Trip Across America reaffirms Sesame Street’s role in family life, blending nostalgia with fresh adventures. Mark your calendars for monster-sized fun near you!
References
- Road Trip Across America – Sesame Workshop — Sesame Workshop. 2025-07. https://sesameworkshop.org/support-us/events/road-trip-across-america/
- Bringing Joy and Learning to Families and Fans, Sesame Street Takes a Road Trip Across America — Sesame Workshop Press Room. 2025-07-21. https://sesameworkshop.org/about-us/press-room/bringing-joy-and-learning-to-families-and-fans-sesame-street-takes-a-road-trip-across-america/
- Sesame Street Takes Another Road Trip — ToughPigs. 2025. https://www.toughpigs.com/ss-road-2025/
