Creative Educators Network Announces Friday Field Trips, Mitchell McClung Award Honorees, and Rainn Wilson Keynote for 2026 Burbank Institute

Creative Educators Network Announces Friday Field Trips, Mitchell McClung Award Honorees, and Rainn Wilson Keynote for 2026 Burbank Institute

Creative Educators Network

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2026 -- The Creative Educators Network (CEN) returns to Burbank September 23 through September 25, 2026 with a high-impact event celebrating creative educators and connecting them to the robust creative industries of Los Angeles. This year's Institute will celebrate individuals who are making a great impact on creative workforce education and will offer a three-day program with a full slate of Friday Field Trips hosted by leading industry partners.

Kick-Off Event

This year's Kick-Off Event will feature the third annual Mitchell McClung Awards, honoring an outstanding creative educator and industry partner for their commitment to preparing young creatives. The Creative Educators Network congratulates this year's recipients: Julia Pinhey, Visual and Performing Arts Director & Technical Theatre Instructor at Santa Susana High School, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Sony Pictures Entertainment is a longtime supporter of Creative Educators Network and its annual Sony Ambassador program, which provides 20 students with training and real work experience at the Institute. Sony Pictures' award will be accepted on their behalf by Lani Monos, Vice President, Global Corporate Social Responsibility.

"This year's winners embody the service and commitment to the field that the Mitchell McClung Award celebrates. Julia Pinhey's rigorous, industry-connected Technical Theatre program at Santa Susana prepares students to turn their passion into careers, with many going on to work professionally across Los Angeles. Sony Pictures has shown that same commitment through its sustained leadership of the Ambassador program, giving four cohorts of Los Angeles students access to training, paid work-based learning, and the professional and personal connections that can open doors for years to come." - Ashley Adams, Executive Director, Creative Educators Network.

This year, the Institute will also posthumously honor Herb Trawick, celebrated producer and record executive, with a special Mitchell McClung Award recognizing his lasting contributions to the industry and his instrumental work on the new CA-AED Standards.

"Herb Trawick understood that the future of the creative industries depends on who we bring into the room. He leveraged his relationships, credibility, and deep industry knowledge to connect educators and emerging talent with the people doing the work. His impact will live on through the legacy he created with Pensado's Place and the pathways he helped build for aspiring music industry professionals." - Allison Frenzel, Education Programs Consultant, CA Department of Education.

The Kick-Off will also feature a keynote from beloved actor from The Office, Rainn Wilson, along with a student performance by the students of Santa Susana High School.

Friday Field Trips

The Institute's Friday Field Trips will give educators an inside look at the studios and companies shaping the creative industries. Host partners include:

• Gnomon
• Ableton
• Disney Live Entertainment
• Volt
• Nickelodeon
• Sony Digital Media Production Center
• Key Code Media
• IATSE Local 80
• MUD
• CA Film Commission

The Creative Educators Network Burbank Institute is more than an event, it's a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the transformative power of investing in the future of the creative workforce. Join us for three days dedicated to professional growth, industry alignment, and the future of creative learning.

Whether you're a seasoned creative educator or new to the field, the 2026 Creative Educators Network Burbank Institute is your opportunity to gain fresh tools, make meaningful connections, and be inspired by the future of creative education. Registration and more information available here.

About Creative Educators Network- The Creative Educators Network (formerly the AME Institute) envisions a world where all students, and particularly those furthest from opportunity, have the access and preparation needed to succeed in the creative workforce of today and tomorrow. We realize this vision by equipping educators with the tools and training they need to empower the next generation of our creative workforce. Sponsors include Sony Pictures Entertainment, Snap Foundation, California Film Commission, Focusrite, Soundtrap, Adobe, Dolby, Key Code Media, Visit Burbank, Figma, Lenovo, and Wacom.

Learn more about the Creative Educators Network at www.creativeeducatorsnetwork.org/

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Official Creative Educators Network press release courtesy of PR Newswire.

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Burbank Public Library Unveils Exclusive Nickelodeon Library Card Designs for National Library Card Sign-up Month

Burbank Public Library Unveils Exclusive Nickelodeon Library Card Designs for National Library Card Sign-up Month

Burbank Public Library / Nickelodeon

Burbank, CA (August 28, 2026) – This September, Burbank Public Library is introducing three exclusive library card designs featuring iconic Nickelodeon franchises, as part of the Library's celebration of National Library Card Sign-up Month.

In partnership with Nickelodeon Our World, the brand’s initiative to empower kids on their journey to building life skills, the limited-edition Burbank Public Library cards feature artwork from the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The special-edition cards will be available beginning in September as part of National Library Card Sign-up Month, an annual campaign that celebrates the power of a library card as a gateway to discovery, learning, and entertainment.

“This partnership is a wonderful example of the creativity that makes Burbank such a special community,” said Mayor Tamala Takahashi. “By bringing together our Library with the imagination and storytelling of Nickelodeon, we’re creating a fun new way for residents to connect with all the Library has to offer.”

"We're thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon Our World to offer these exciting new library card designs," said Eric Lashley, Burbank Library Services Director. "These cards celebrate characters that generations have grown up with while reminding our community that a library card unlocks a world of stories, creativity, and lifelong learning."

Observed each September, National Library Card Sign-up Month encourages people of all ages to discover the many benefits of a library card. At Burbank Public Library, a library card provides free access to books, movies, music, eBooks, audiobooks, online learning resources, research databases, study room reservations, the Spark! Digital Media Lab, and many more services and resources throughout the year.

The Nickelodeon library cards will be available at all Burbank Public Library locations beginning in September, while supplies last. New patrons may choose one of the special-edition designs when signing up for a library card, while current cardholders may exchange their existing card for one of the new designs.

For more information about obtaining a library card or exploring Burbank Public Library's many free resources, visit the Library's website at https://www.burbanklibrary.org or stop by any Burbank Public Library location. To learn more about Nickelodeon Our World, visit https://www.nickourworld.com

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H/T and lead image: myBurbank.

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North Carolina Courage Presents Nickelodeon Night, August 22

NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE PRESENTS NICKELODEON™ NIGHT

North Carolina Courage

Get ready to turn First Horizon Stadium green for a slime-filled night of soccer, family fun, and Nickelodeon™ nostalgia! 

Join the North Carolina Courage on Saturday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. as they take on Boston Legacy FC for Nickelodeon™ Night, presented by Best Nutrition. 

The first 500 fans through the gates will receive an exclusive Courage slime water bottle, so be sure to arrive early before this totally awesome giveaway slips away! 

The forecast is calling for a 100% chance of slime as Nickelodeon™ fun oozes throughout the stadium from kickoff to the final whistle. Whether you grew up watching your favorite Nickelodeon shows or are introducing the next generation to the fun, this matchday is made for fans of all ages. 

Grab your crew and get ready for a night that is all that and a whole lot of slime. Don’t miss Nickelodeon™ Night at First Horizon Stadium on August 22!

For tickets and info, visit https://www.nccourage.com/news/nickelodeontm-night

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More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

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Paramount’s Dino-Sized Mission to Help Kids Discover Their Own Superpowers

The PAW Patrol is taking on a rescue mission unlike any they have encountered before in PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, playing now exclusively in theaters. In the film, the PAW Patrol land on a mysterious dinosaur island after a storm where they meet Rex, a stranded pup. When Humdinger's reckless mining triggers a volcano, the team must band together to save the island, kicking off their biggest rescue mission yet.

Kids at the EGG-cellent Dino Photo Opp | Paramount

But beyond dinosaurs, adventure, and big-screen action, the film also opens the door to another kind of mission: helping kids recognize their own ability to be brave, persevere, and make a difference. At the heart of the story is a message especially meaningful for families with kids ages 2-9 years old: even when a challenge feels enormous, you can keep going.

Inspired by Marshall’s storyline, Paramount and Nickelodeon extended that message beyond the screen through a social impact campaign designed to give families resources to help kids build confidence and resilience.

A Dino-Sized Adventure with a Lasting Message

The campaign builds on Nickelodeon’s existing Our World initiative, which launched in 2023 as a global initiative to inspire kids and provide them with tools to make a positive change in their communities and beyond. Together with Afterschool Alliance, Ashoka, Association of Children’s Museums, Boys and Girls Clubs of America Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Team Impact, and UNICEF USA, the partner organizations reach more than 20 million kids and families. With PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, that mission comes to life through resources families can use to help a child navigate a challenge, recognize their strengths or take positive action. Custom print materials, digital content, and an online resource hub page, encourage families to access these practical tools designed to turn the movie’s themes into everyday moments of empowerment.

• Conversation Starters offer sample questions parents can ask after the movie to spark empowering dialogue with their kids.

• A Dino-Sized Mission Kit provides parents with interactive activities that help kids build skills like imagination, resilience, and teamwork while having fun with their friends and family.

• A PAW Patrol-themed set of Dino-Mite Tips to Build Confidence and encourage kids to find their roar.

Together, the resources center on a simple idea: the lessons kids saw their favorite pups put into action on screen can become tools for navigating their own world.

Kids receive resource cards at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan | Paramount

Bringing the Mission into Communities

The campaign also created opportunities for families to experience those messages together in the real world. Through a partnership with the Association of Children’s Museums, PAW Patrol costume characters visited children’s museums in Dallas, LA, Miami, NYC and Salt Lake City, and offered families movie-themed takeaway materials featuring Our World resources focused on kids empowerment. Children’s museums across the country are invited to further activate using the Dino-Sized Mission Kit to engage kids and families on Worldwide Day of Play powered by Nickelodeon Our World on September 26, 2026.

Kids and families meet PAW Patrol characters at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Miami | Paramount

Families got into the prehistoric spirit with the EGG-cellent dino photo opp at the LA Premiere of the film and Family Day screening. Kids struck a "hero pose" with empowerment props featuring messages including "I can make a difference," "I never give up," and "My voice matters," and received printed resource cards with valuable tips from the Our World campaign. This playful activation, inspired by the movie's dino-sized adventure, gave families another memorable way to engage with the world of PAW Patrol.

Families were also given Our World resource cards and invited to check out the campaign at family day screenings taking place in 29 cities across the country the weekend before release. 

Phoebe Spengler Mckenna Grace at the EGG-cellent Dino Photo Opp | Paramount

These experiences met kids where they were through characters they love, imaginative play and memorable moments shared with their families.

Saving a dinosaur island may have been a job for the PAW Patrol. But being brave, trying again after a setback, speaking up and helping your community? Those are missions every kid can take on.

Via the official Paramount News hub.

Check out full episodes of PAW Patrol and Rubble & Crew on Nickelodeon and Paramount+!

For more information on PAW Patrol, visit: http://www.pawpatrol.com

Shop all things PAW Patrol on the official Paramount Shop.

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PAW Patrol fans can stream full PAW Patrol episodes and movies, including The Mighty Movie, on Paramount+. Try it FREE today at ParamountPlus.com.

More Nick: Jennifer Hudson and Fortune Feimster Join 'PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie' Cast; Mckenna Grace to Reprise Her Lead-Role as Skye!

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SpongeBob's Crazy Carnival Ride at Nickelodeon Play! Tersane Istanbul | Sally Dark Rides

SpongeBob's Crazy Carnival Ride at Nickelodeon Play! Tersane Istanbul | Sally Dark Rides

Go undersea with SpongeBob and his friends (and that evil Plankton, too..)!

‘SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride’ is a hilariously entertaining, interactive attraction sending guests through seafloor scenes brought to life through vibrant sets, special effects, animatronics, and vivid integrated projections, fully submersing riders in the nautical nonsense of SpongeBob SquarePants.

Designed and produced by Sally Dark Rides, this marks the third installation of the interactive dark ride.

For more information:

Sally Dark Rides: https://www.sallydarkrides.com

Nickelodeon Play! Tersane Istanbul: https://www.nickelodeonplayistanbul.com

Shop SpongeBob: https://www.paramountshop.com/pages/spongebobsquarepants

Watch the SpongeBob SquarePants Universe, including Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years and The Patrick Star Show on Nickelodeon and Paramount+! Try it at ParamountPlus.com.

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Listen to The SpongeBob Musical here!

CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!

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More Nick: Paramount and Nickelodeon Announce Launch of 'SpongeBob SquarePants: Operation Sea Change', A New Global Ocean Conservation and Sustainability Initiative!

SpongeBob Big Guy Pants Okay.

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Yummy Dino Buddies Joins 'PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie' to Help Rescue Dinnertime

Yummy^® Dino Buddies^® Joins PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie™ to Help Rescue Dinnertime

Seven dinosaur shapes. One pup-tastic movie. A little more fun at dinnertime.

Plus, enter to win a private movie screening for up to 20 family and friends and a PAW Patrol^® character meet-and-greet.

SALISBURY, MD – August 12, 2026 – The rescue mission starts at dinnertime. Yummy^® Dino Buddies^® is teaming up with Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon Movies and Spin Master Entertainment’s PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie to bring the big-screen adventure home.

Specially marked packages of Yummy Dino Buddies Original Dinosaur-Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets are now available with PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie packaging. Inside are Yummy's seven classic dinosaur shapes, made with 100% all-natural, white meat chicken raised with no antibiotics ever, so parents can feel great bringing a little extra movie magic to mealtime.

"PAW Patrol has always been about helping families save the day," said Erika Welk, Director of Marketing for Yummy. "We know parents are looking for meals that kids are excited to eat and they can feel good serving. That's what makes this partnership such a natural fit. By pairing kids' favorite rescue pups with our signature dinosaur-shaped nuggets, we're bringing a little more adventure to dinnertime and helping families create more fun around the table."

Yummy Dino Buddies have 10 grams of protein and 650 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids per serving and are made with no artificial ingredients, flavors, colors or preservatives.

The Yummy Dino Buddies x PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Sweepstakes

To celebrate the film's release, Yummy Dino Buddies is also giving fans a chance to win one of three private premiere experiences of PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie for up to 20 guests, featuring a PAW Patrol character meet-and-greet before the show.

Fans can enter and learn more about the sweepstakes, which is open until September 10, 2026, at https://yummydinobuddies.com/Pawpatrol.

Full contest details and official rules can be found here.

Answer the Call – While Supplies Last

Yummy Dino Buddies x PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie specially marked packages are available nationwide at leading retailers, including Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Target and Publix while supplies last.

For more information, visit the Yummy Dino Buddies website and follow @dinobuddies_official on Instagram for exclusive content, giveaway reminders and more.

PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie comes to theatres August 14. The PAW Patrol series is produced by Spin Master Entertainment, airs on Nickelodeon and streams on Paramount+.

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About Perdue Farms: We’re a fourth-generation, family-owned, U.S. food and agriculture company. Through our belief in responsible food and agriculture, we are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services. Perdue Foods consists of a premium protein portfolio, including our flagship PERDUE® brand, Niman Ranch®, Coleman Natural®, Pasturebird®, and Yummy®, as well as our pet brands, Full Moon® and Spot Farms®, and is available through various channels including retail, foodservice, club stores and our direct-to-consumer website, PerdueFarms.com. Perdue AgriBusiness is a leading merchandiser, processor, and exporter of agricultural products and the largest U.S. manufacturer of specialty, organic, and non-GMO oils. It also ranks as one of the largest suppliers of organic feed ingredients in the world. Now in our company’s second century, we never use drugs for growth promotion in raising poultry and livestock, and we are actively advancing our animal welfare programs. Our brands are leaders in no-antibiotics-ever and in USDA-certified organic proteins. Learn more at Corporate.PerdueFarms.com.

Perdue Yummy Paw Patrol^® Sweepstakes. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous U.S./D.C., age 18+ (19+ AL/NE, 21+ MS). Void outside the 48 contiguous U.S./D.C. and where prohibited. Starts 9:00 a.m. ET on 08/10/26; ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 09/10/26. Three (3) prizes available. Total ARV of all prizes: $4,500. Winners notified on or about 09/14/26. Sponsor: Perdue Foods, LLC.

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After their ship gets caught in a mysterious storm, the PAW Patrol pups crash land on an uncharted tropical island filled with dinosaurs. They meet Rex, a pup who has been stranded on the island for years and has become an expert in all things dino-related. When the PAW Patrol's archrival, Mayor Humdinger, begins recklessly mining in hopes of exploiting the island for its natural resources, he inadvertently causes a huge, dormant volcano to erupt. The PAW Patrol pups are thrown into a series of high-stakes, dino-sized rescues bigger than anything they've done before, as they must stop Humdinger before everything on the island goes extinct.

Check out full episodes of PAW Patrol on Nickelodeon and Paramount+!

For more information on PAW Patrol, visit: http://www.pawpatrol.com

PAW Patrol fans can stream full PAW Patrol episodes and movies, including The Mighty Movie, on Paramount+. Try it FREE today at ParamountPlus.com.

Shop all things PAW Patrol on the official Paramount Shop.

Add NickALive! to Google Preferred Sources.

Subscribe to the official Rubble & Crew YouTube channel!: https://www.youtube.com/@RubbleOfficial

More Nick: Jennifer Hudson and Fortune Feimster Join 'PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie' Cast; Mckenna Grace to Reprise Her Lead-Role as Skye!

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'PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie' Kids Meal Toys Roar Into Burger King

The PAW Patrol is set to bound back onto the big screen in their brand new film, PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, in theaters from Friday, August 14, and to build excitement ahead of the film’s Aug. 14 release, Burger King is bringing the Paw Patrol crew to restaurants nationwide in its newest kids’ meal!

Courtesy of Burger King

The Burger King Paw Patrol King Jr. Kids’ Meal includes one of six collectible Paw Patrol toys doing their best action-ready poses. The toys include the original crime-fighting pups, Skye, Chase, Marshall, and Rubble. Plus, two newer characters, Rhubarb the T-Rex and Rex, who are both making their first big-screen debuts.

In addition to the toys, each King Jr. Kids’ Meal comes with a variety of satisfying food options. Guests can choose from one of three King Jr. Kids’ Meals. Options include 4-piece Crown Nuggets, 6-piece Crown Nuggets, and Hamburger. All meals are served with an Honest Apple Juice and Mott's applesauce.

The Paw Patrol King Jr. Kids’ Meal is available now at participating locations nationwide across the U.S., but only for a limited time and while supplies last. So if you’re already planning to see the movie, why not make it a full afternoon and swing by the drive-thru, too? It’ll be a day the show’s fans won’t soon forget.

It's currently unknown whether Burger King's latest collaboration with Nickelodeon and Paramount will launch internationally.

For those unfamiliar with the new movie, the PAW Patrol pups crash-land on a mysterious island and encounter Rex. After living on the dino-filled island for years, Rex is a dino expert. He helps the pups foil Mayor Humdinger’s devious mining plan.

Based on Burger King’s imagery, these PAW Patrol toys are simple collectibles. Unlike the 2023 collaboration for PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, which offered interactive elements, these new toys are just characters.

At the same time, fans can use their imagination to create epic adventures with these collectible characters. For example, Rhubarb the T-Rex can stomp across a plate of BK Crown Nuggets. Sometimes, the best kids’ meal toys are the ones that allow people to create their own adventure.

Chase is a German shepherd puppy and police dog. He wears a blue uniform and has been described as a "natural leader." | Courtesy of Burger King

Marshall is a dalmatian puppy and fire pup. He wears a red uniform and is incredibly fast. | Courtesy of Burger King

Skye is a cockapoo and an air rescue pup. She wears a pink uniform and is a skilled pilot. | Courtesy of Burger King

Rubble is an English bulldog pup who helps with construction. He wears a yellow uniform and has a heart of gold. | Courtesy of Burger King

Rex is a Bernese mountain dog who lives on Dino Island. He wears a light blue uniform, is a dinosaur expert, and uses a wheelchair. | Courtesy of Burger King

Rhubarb is a red baby dinosaur. | Courtesy of Burger King

Check out full episodes of PAW Patrol on Nickelodeon and Paramount+!

For more information on PAW Patrol, visit: http://www.pawpatrol.com

PAW Patrol fans can stream full PAW Patrol episodes and movies, including The Mighty Movie, on Paramount+. Try it FREE today at ParamountPlus.com.

Shop all things PAW Patrol on the official Paramount Shop.

Add NickALive! to Google Preferred Sources.

Subscribe to the official Rubble & Crew YouTube channel!: https://www.youtube.com/@RubbleOfficial

More Nick: Jennifer Hudson and Fortune Feimster Join 'PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie' Cast; Mckenna Grace to Reprise Her Lead-Role as Skye!

Originally published: August 01, 2026.

Original sources: The Providence Journal, Allrecipes, FlickDirect.

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 'Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds' Pack Available Now

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES PACK IS AVAILABLE NOW

July 28, 2026

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pack is out today! Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello burst onto the track in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Hop into the Pizzafire Van and race through the streets of New York City!

 

Available Content*

• New Racers: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo
• New Machine: Pizzafire Van
• New Course:  New York City
• New Music: (available via Jukebox)
• New York City: Intro
• New York City
• New York City: Final Lap
• Additional sounds, decals, and emotes

*The game must be updated to the latest version to use downloadable content

 

How to Obtain**

• If you own the Digital Deluxe Edition or Season Pass:
• Launch the game to access the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pack content. (You must clear the tutorial first.)

• If you own the Standard Edition:
• Purchase the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pack from your platform’s store page or in-game. (Please follow the appropriate steps in the main menu.)

**For more details, please check your respective platform’s store page.

 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Festival

To celebrate the release of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pack, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds be holding the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Festival this weekend!

• Period: July 30, 2026 (Th) 7:00 PM EST – August 2, 2026 (Sun) 6:59 PM EDT

Earn Festival Points during the event period to unlock exclusive items!***

***Gadgets obtainable in the Festival may be distributed in future live updates.

***Festival rewards may become available through other means in the future.

***Please note: deleting your save data will also delete Festival rewards, which cannot be re-earned.

© 2026 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pack Launch Trailer | Sonic the Hedgehog

Cowabunga! Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello burst onto the track in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Hop into the Pizzafire Van and race through the streets of New York City!

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Festival kicks off July 30th.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is available now: http://RaceCrossWorlds.com

Buy TMNT merch on the OFFICIAL Paramount Shop: https://www.paramountshop.com/pages/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles

Stream the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe, including Mutant Mayhem on Paramount+! Try it at ParamountPlus.com!

Stream Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie on Netflix!

Add NickALive! to Google Preferred Sources.

Subscribe to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles OFFICIAL YouTube channel - the ultimate home for all things TMNT! Here you’ll find Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello’s best moments from all your favorite TMNT series. Join the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in their fight against evil, and be the first to get notified of exclusive original content you won’t find anywhere else! https://at.nick.com/TMNTSubscribe

More Nick: Paramount Set to Turtle-Power Up ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ IP With New YouTube Show, Mattel Line, Books and Restaurants!

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Playmates Toys Loses Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles License | Update: NECA Also Reportedly Loses TMNT License

In a shell-shocking development, Playmates Toys has revealed that they are losing the license to produce merchandise based on Nickelodeon's iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.

In a recent filing with The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, Playmates has revealed that, as the long-time producer of consumer products inspired by TMNT, the company had been in negotiations with Paramount (under Viacom Media Networks) to renew their license for the right to design, manufacture, distribute and sell the products of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles since October 2025, but the company has now been formally notified by Paramount that the license agreement will not be renewed upon expiry on Thursday 31 December 2026.  As a result, the rights of Playmates to sell the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles products shall cease on 31 December 2026, while the right to dispose its inventories of any TMNT products already manufactured will cease 90 days thereafter pursuant to the license agreement.  

In the same filing, Playmates also revealed that, based on sales information, the revenue from sales of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles products represented approximately 8%, 13%, 77%, 47% and 36% of the consolidated revenue of Playmates Toys Limited and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2021, 31 December 2022, 31 December 2023, 31 December 2024 and for the six months ended 30 June 2025, respectively.

Update (7/23/2026): It appears that NECA has also lost the license to produce Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures:

Neca liked this post on Instagram https://t.co/BW4cUWpS5z pic.twitter.com/NgrEjINRKM

— Todd (@ToddManyNumbers) July 23, 2026

Update (5/13/2026): Since the original post, Paramount has announced Mattel as the new global license holder for the TMNT brand, however, in a new development, Playmates has hired law firm Reeves & Weiss LLP to "protect" their brand:

Decades to build a beloved brand. Our job: protect it. 

We're proud to share that Playmates Toys Inc. – the licensee of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Franchise and the designer, developer and manufacturer of nearly all TMNT action figures for almost four decades –  has asked Reeves & Weiss to defend the company and safeguard the legacy and value of a brand that has shaped generations. 

It's a privilege to be entrusted with work of this magnitude on behalf of an enterprise with such a storied history of bringing joy to generations of fans.

More to follow. We're honored to be in the fight.

Stream the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe, including Mutant Mayhem on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

Stream Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie on Netflix!

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Subscribe to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles OFFICIAL YouTube channel - the ultimate home for all things TMNT! Here you’ll find Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello’s best moments from all your favorite TMNT series. Join the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in their fight against evil, and be the first to get notified of exclusive original content you won’t find anywhere else! https://at.nick.com/TMNTSubscribe

More Nick: Paramount Launches ‘World of TMNT’ Hub!

Originally published: December 24, 2025.

Original source: @preterniadotcom; H/T: Sandler's Handlings; Additional source: @TokuAANN.

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Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream | 2026 Showreel | American Dream

American Dream Nickelodeon Universe | American Dream Channel

The world of Nickelodeon awaits you at Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream!

The largest indoor theme park, Nickelodeon Universe features one-of-a kind rides, and experiences that can be enjoyed by anyone from kids to thrill-seekers! Character appearances, numerous kids-friendly rides, record-breaking roller coasters and more.

Find out more at https://www.americandream.com/venue/nickelodeon-universe

Welcome To The American Dream | American Dream Channel

Nickelodeon Universe Nonstop | American Dream Channel

American Dream Dream Big | American Dream Channel

American Dream Dream Bigger | American Dream Channel

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Universe Opens New 'Avatar: The Last Airbender Ride at Mall of America!

Originally published: May 23, 2026.

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'Invader Zim' Publishing Rights Acquired by BOOM! Studios, Who Promises Classic Stories and New Original Content

Invader Zim officially returns later this year.

Image Credit: BOOM! Studios/Nickelodeon

BOOM! Studios has acquired the publishing rights for Invader Zim, and it has plans to "bring classic stories, long-sought-after collections, and brand-new original content to readers beginning later this year," IGN reports.

While details regarding creative teams, release formats, and exclusive editions will be revealed in the "coming months," fans can expect to see out favorite Irken once again be joined by GIR, Dib, and Gaz in these older stories and "entirely new invasions, conspiracies, and catastrophically ridiculous adventures."

“Few properties have maintained the passionate, enduring fanbase that Invader Zim has,” teased Bryce Carlson, VP, Business Development & Special Projects, Random House Worlds, in a statement. “We have exciting plans to bring beloved out of print material back onto shelves, and BOOM! is going to usher in a new era of DOOM! with brand-new stories that expand the strange and chaotic world fans know and love. The new invasion has begun. You’ve been warned...”

Invader Zim was created by comic book writer and cartoonist Jhonen Vasquez for Nickelodeon, and its original TV run lasted from only 2001 to 2002. It was canceled during its second season, and six episodes from that season went unreleased until they appeared on DVD in 2004 and on the Nicktoons Network in 2006.

The series has since become a cult classic, and it not only had a sequel comic run and a Netflix film called Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus, but also three large-scale InvaderCONs that brought fans from around the world to one spot to celebrate their love of this property.

BOOM! Studios is also known for Keanu Reeves' BRZRKR, Something Is Killing the Children, and Lumberjanes, as well as projects featuring the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Dune, The Expanse, and Garfield properties, with their graphic novel series, HexVet, created by Sam Davies, being adapted into the Nickelodeon animated series, HexVets & Magic Pets.

Oni Press published comics based on the show from 2015 to 2021, which Vasquez penned several issues of, along with original series writer Eric Trueheart. Previous comics based on Nickelodeon cartoons released by BOOM! consist of Rugrats and Rocko’s Modern Life (both published from 2017 to 2019).

Scroll down to see early artwork from BOOM! Studios' new line of Invader Zim comics.

Image Credit: BOOM! Studios/Nickelodeon

Image Credit: BOOM! Studios/Nickelodeon

Image Credit: BOOM! Studios/Nickelodeon

Image Credit: BOOM! Studios/Nickelodeon

Update (8/25): A few weeks ago, BOOM! Studios announced the good news that it was reviving the Invader Zim franchise for a new line of comic books, and reprinting some of the best from its past. It was a welcome surprise for many since the original animated series ended some time ago, as did the previous comics. But it was even more of a surprise for its creator, Jhonen Vasquez.

"Sorta like you all out there, I learned of the existence of new Zim stories when the announcement went out," Vasquez wrote on Instagram. The cartoonist said that he had been told a company was looking into reprinting the older Invader Zim comics, but he wasn't told that any new comics were being created - and he seems a bit insulted that he wasn't looped in.

"If you're confused by the announcement's mention of Zim being in an 'Irken Chrysalis', you're not alone," Vasquez writes. "What the hell is an Irken chrysalis? That's not a thing! So yeah. I have no involvement in any of the comics, nor was I told they were going to be happening so I was never offered a chance to throw my voice into the mix in some way."

Invader Zim was created by Vasquez back in the '90s at the request of Nickelodeon for a possible animated series, with Nickelodeon paying him for the work and, from our understanding, ownership over the whole thing. Despite Vasquez not owning or controlling Invader Zim since its inception, Vasquez is accustomed (as many creators would be) to being its primary voice and to being asked to be involved in any future Invader Zim projects.

Vasquez said that when Invader Zim comics were being published by Oni Press in 2015 - 2021, he was consulted heavily and even asked if he'd be okay with them even attempting it.  This, according to Vasquez, wasn't that.

"So of course it's weird and uneasy for me to see something so personal to me rise of its own power without my hand up the puppet-hole in this age of everything becoming 'content,'" Vasquez does admit that he knew this would be a possibility since he sold Invader Zim to Nickelodeon... but it still stings.

"But you'd have to be special kind of oblivious to not understand why it still sucks to not have control over something you see as 'yours.'"

So what happened? BOOM! Studios' Invader Zim comics writer Jim Zub has chimed in, saying he was surprised Vasquez wasn't looped in on the development of the series. 

" I was told the 'Invader Zim team' would be approving our material, but found out after the fact that it wasn’t Jhonen, Eric Truehart or anyone originally involved in the show’s production," Zub writes on his newsletter/blog, Zub Tales, presumably saying it was BOOM! Studios that told him this. Zub explained, “I was told the ‘Invader Zim team’ would be approving our material, but found out after the fact that it wasn’t Jhonen, Eric Trueheart or anyone originally involved in the show’s production. Approvals have gone through a Paramount licensing team who I’m sure mean well, but also don’t have any personal stake in Zim’s creative vision or future.”

“I understand how crappy that would feel, even if it’s legally allowed,” wrote Zub about Vasquez not being involved in the process.

As for what might happen next, Zub wrote, “So now I’m in a strange spot. I’m incredibly proud of the work artist Dax Gordine and I have done on this new Invader Zim comic. It’s been put together with lots of love for the source material, but not in a slavish way that just repeats the same gags and doesn’t offer any surprises. Dax’s visual storytelling starts strong and gets snappier each issue. We produced it with what we thought was enthusiastic support from the original team, but that was not the case and now we know. No matter what happens next, I want to be as open and honest about that so there’s no confusion.”

Plus, Zub stated that the Boom editorial team has now reached out to Vasquez. Zub wrote, “BOOM’s editorial team has assured me they’ve reached out to Jhonen and believe this can all get sorted out. I hope that’s true, but if not I’ll need to evaluate what to do next. Whatever happens from here, I deeply appreciate your support and understanding.”

When BOOM! Studios' Invader Zim comics were announced, the company's VP of business development and special projects, Bryce Carlson, said their plan was to "usher in a new era of DOOM! with brand-new stories that expand the strange and chaotic world fans know and love. The new invasion has begun. You've been warned..."

Vasquez concluded on Instagram, “At the end of the day this isn’t the route I would have taken but I hope the artists are having a good time and can pay their bills (comics be rough, man!) [...].”

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More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: June 29, 2026.

Additional sources: The Beat (II), Popverse; H/T: X/Twitter.

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