Fairy House Festival FAQ & Guide
September 28th and 29th, 2024
at The Nature Museum, Grafton, Vermont
From 10- 4 both Saturday and Sunday
Please purchase tickets ahead of time online to guarantee your spot.
Tickets at the gate may be limited depending on attendance and parking capacity.
Tickets go on sale in August
The museum's largest event, the Fairy House Festival is held annually during the last weekend of September. We are grateful that year after year we see so many familiar faces of attendees returning to experience the magic again. Of course, we are thrilled to welcome first-timers as well!
We've pulled together the most common questions we receive from newcomers to this happy weekend. Please feel encouraged to contact us should you have any other questions. Thank you in advance for your interest and energy going into this special weekend.
Common Questions
"Is this event open to everyone or is it just for kids?"
The Fairy House Festival is enjoyed by people of all ages. Young and old are welcome to enjoy this creative, artistic and imaginative event and discover the inherent magic of nature and spend time within it!
“Do people come in costume?”
Each year we are delighted with the magical outfits created by both children and adults. We have wings and magical things in our gift shop during the event for inspiration as well.
"Where is the Festival, and where is best place to park on the day of the festival?"
The event takes place on the grounds of The Nature Museum in the center of Grafton, Vermont. Parking is available in the lot across the street from The Nature Museum, at the Grafton Elementary School, at the Windham Foundation, and along the roadsides throughout the village of Grafton. There will be signs and attendants to assist. View a Google Map of the area >
"What is the refund policy if I am not able to attend or the weather isn't lovely?"
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit natural history museum, The Nature Museum depends solely on the generosity of its supporters and funds raised throughout the year through community events like the Fairy House Festival. With this consideration in mind, we do not issue refunds.
“Are all of the activities and crafts free?”
Some activities such as the various options in the craft tent and the Fairy House Building Station do require a token to participate. Each child is given one token upon entry. Additional tokens can be purchased at the gift shop for $1 each.
"Are pets allowed?"
Due to the concentration of visitors and small children, we do not allow pets to accompany guests at the Fairy House Festival. However, service animals are permitted.
"Will there be food available?"
There will be food for sale from local vendors and food trucks, but visitors are welcome to pack a picnic. Pack along your reusable water bottle to fill up at The Nature Museum.
"How long is the trail?"
The Fairy House Trail is approximately ½ a mile and crosses a field and uneven forest terrain. Be prepared for some mud if there’s been rain in the days before the event.
"Is there room for me to maneuver along the forest path with a stroller?
Following the Fairy House Festival trail in its entirety is an adventure on a trail through the woods and not suitable for most strollers and wheelchairs. However, the beginning of the trail is mostly even, barrier free, with a gentle slope leading up to the forest. From this section of the Fairy House Trail, there will be many Fairy Houses viewable. Once in the forest, the trail is more uneven. There are two stone staircases with approximately 10 steps where strollers/walkers must be carried.
Further notes on accessibility:
There is an accessible area of the Fairy House Village along a flat gravel path across from the museum with several fairy houses for viewing. This path leads from the upper Windham Foundation parking lot down to the lower Windham Foundation Maintenance parking lot. Several fairy houses along the parking lot trail, food, face painting, gardens, and arts and crafts are wheelchair accessible.
We have a handicapped-accessible port-a-potty outdoors. The first floor of the Museum does have a ramp entrance on the side.
“What is your COVID policy for this event?”
The Nature Museum’s Covid-19 protocols follow guidance from the CDC, based on community-level data. We will monitor and adjust as needed for guidance around this outdoor event. See our full policy here.