A group of people standing behind a fence near a pond with sheep and a dog, in front of a large, two-story house with beige and wooden siding, multiple windows, and an American flag, surrounded by trees.
Smiling man and woman holding potted plants at an outdoor market under a canopy, with many people and small buildings in the background.
A group of people, including children and seniors, standing outdoors at an event, with trees and a building in the background. The photo is taken from behind a fence, possibly during a fair or festival.
Group of people participating in a maple syrup boiling demonstration at an outdoor event under a white canopy tent, with trees and a building in the background.

Photos courtesy of David J. Murray/ClearEyePhoto.com

Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens and Baby Animals

May 9-10, 2026, 10 AM-4 PM

Celebrate spring and Mother’s Day weekend at Strawbery Banke with Springfest. Meet baby animals and their moms, watch sheep shearing and oxen at work, and explore hands-on gardening activities across the Museum’s historic waterfront.

Discover the stories that shaped the nation through New England’s agricultural traditions, from honey extraction to heirloom gardens in bloom. Browse the historic plant sale, perfect for bringing a piece of Springfest home.

One ticket, two days of fun. Plan your weekend now!

All Springfest activities are included with admission, along with access to tour the Museum’s historic houses, gardens, and landscapes.

New for 2026!

  • Red, White, and Bloom! A patriotic spring theme celebrating America’s 250th with flowers, gardens, and heritage traditions across the Museum grounds.

  • Portsmouth Orange Cake Bake-Off (Sunday): Local bakeries put their spin on a classic 19th-century New Hampshire orange cake.

  • New food offerings: Additional food trucks, including festive mocktails for Mom.

  • Double the fun: One ticket includes both days of Springfest.

Springfest admission also includes access to the Museum’s historic houses and gardens.
Tickets are valid for both days of the event!

MEMBERS
Members get early access to tickets and up to 50% off, depending on their membership level. The number of discounted tickets also varies by membership level.

  • Adults (18+): $12.50

  • Children (ages 3-17): $6.25

  • Children (under 3): free, ticket required

NONMEMBERS
Experience Springfest at Strawbery Banke Museum. Your ticket also includes access to the Museum’s historic houses and historic landscapes.

  • Adults (18+): $25

  • Children (ages 3-17): $12.50

  • Children (under 3): free, ticket required

  • Family (2 Adults & Children): $62.50

Illustrated map of Springfest with numbered points indicating various activities and locations, including food trucks, animal exhibits, craft stations, science centers, and live demonstrations at a fair or festival.

Plan Your Visit

Make the most of your Springfest visit! Click below to view the Springfest map and schedule of activities. All attendees will receive a printed copy at check-in. Springfest tickets include access to the Museum’s historic houses and gardens.

View Map & Schedule
Young goat with brown, white, and black fur standing on straw in a farm enclosure, looking directly at the camera.
A black and white baby goat lying on straw in a barn.

Nigerian Dwarf Goat

Jacob Sheep

Close-up side view of a black rabbit with gray fur around the face, resting in a wooden enclosure with a wire mesh in the foreground.

Silver Fox Rabbit

  • Chianina Steer
    Howard Welch,
    Hidden Stream Farm (Lebanon, ME)

  • Heritage Breed Poultry
    Sourced from Heritage Hatcheries

  • Jacob Sheep
    Amanda St. Peter,
    Jacob Fleece Farm (Gray, ME)

  • Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs
    Brandmoore Farm (Rollinsford, NH)

Heritage Breed Animals

Get up close with rare heritage breeds that played a vital role in New England’s agricultural past.
For the safety of the animals, petting is not permitted—but selfies and photos are encouraged!

  • Shetland Sheep
    Christine Becker
    Hygge Meadow Farm (Lebanon, ME)

  • Silver Fox Rabbits
    Ella Morgan,
    What Farm (Berwick, ME)

  • Teeswater Sheep
    Scrutinize This! (Farmington, NH)

A red vintage truck with a farm logo on the door, parked on green grass under blooming trees, with families and children nearby at a farm event.
Three women look at an older woman sitting in a chair, who is demonstrating spinning with a spinning wheel in a cozy room with wooden floors and a large window.

DeMeritt Hill Farm

A young boy with ginger hair and a colorful animal print sweater sitting behind a table at a backyard bird gift booth, smiling and looking to the side. The booth has books about backyard birds and bird-related merchandise, with a large banner overhead reading 'Backyard Bird Gifts'.

Nancy Cook, Textile and Fiber Arts Expert

Perch + Petal by Bell Farm

Springfest Participants: A Growing Celebration of Gardens, Creativity & Community

This list is still growing—check back often to see who’s joining the fun!

Black and white logo for the New Hampshire SPCA featuring illustrations of a horse, a cat, a dog, and a rabbit, with the text "New Hampshire SPCA" and "Est. 1872."

NEW! Meet adoptable animals from the New Hampshire SPCA at Springfest! Stop by to spend time with dogs and rabbits, learn more about adoption, and maybe meet your newest family member.

  • Saturday, May 9, 10 AM-4 PM – Meet adoptable dogs

  • Saturday, May 9, 1 PM to 4 PM – Meet adoptable rabbits

  • Sunday, May 10, 10 AM to 4 PM – Meet alumni dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that parking at Strawbery Banke is limited. During Springfest, the Museum lot is reserved for visitors with handicap-accessible placards only and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking information can be found under ‘Logistics and Parking.’ Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Springfest is a celebration of heritage-breed baby animals, historic gardens, and landscapes, exploring their roles in New England history. Guests can enjoy live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and guided tours.

  • Yes! Guests can explore at their own pace, visiting exhibits, demonstrations, and activities in any order.

  • Yes, Springfest features live demonstrations, including sheep shearing, sheepdog trials, oxen at work, and honey extraction. Check the schedule for specific times during your visit.

  • Yes, museum staff, volunteers, and interpreters will be available to share insights about the animals, gardens, and historical connections.

  • Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on outdoor paths and uneven terrain.

TICKETS AND RESERVATIONS:

  • Yes, members of Strawbery Banke Museum receive discounted admission. Additional discount details may be found on the museum’s website.

  • Library passes from participating libraries in Strawbery Banke’s Library Membership program can be used for admission to Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens and Baby Animals.

    Patrons with a valid pass do not need to reserve tickets online. To check pass availability, please contact your local library. On the day of your visit, bring a copy of the pass and present it at the entrance for complimentary admission.

  • Tickets are available online at Strawbery Banke Museum’s website or at the entrance during the event.

  • Your ticket is valid for both days of the event. Please feel free to attend on either Saturday or Sunday—no advance notice is required.

  • Springfest tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are transferrable to another party. Simply, give the paper ticket or forward the e-ticket to whomever will be attending the event.

  • Strawbery Banke Museum uses Altru as a ticketing platform. The fastest way to find your tickets is to search your inbox for an email from “Strawbery Banke Museum.” Your tickets are available as a link in the email. If for some reason you did not receive your tickets via email, please contact Strawbery Banke via kschmelzer@sbmuseum.org or 603.473.4814

  • Digital or printed tickets are accepted.

  • If you are experiencing problems ordering tickets, please contact:

    Krysten Schmelzer
    Ticketing and Communications Coordinator
    kschmelzer@sbmuseum.org
    603.473.4814

LOGISTICS AND PARKING:

  • There is NO ON-SITE PARKING for the Springfest as it is reserved for those with handicap-accessible plates or hangtags only.

    Visitors are encouraged to try nearby off-site parking options including Portsmouth's two parking garages:

    Hanover Street Parking Garage

    Foundry Place Parking Garage

  • Springfest has designated extreme weather dates (May 17-18). Please check the Museum’s website or social media for updates.

  • Most guests spend about 2 hours exploring Springfest, though you are welcome to stay for the entire event.

  • No, you can arrive any time during event hours, but certain activities and demonstrations may be scheduled at specific times.

  • Yes, accessible pathways and seating areas are available. Please contact the museum in advance for specific accommodations.

CONCESSIONS & PHOTOGRAPHY

  • During Springfest, snacks and other refreshments are available for purchase.

    Please note that food and beverages are prohibited in the Museum's exhibit spaces and furnished houses, ensuring the preservation of these historic areas.

  • Photography and videography for personal use is permitted during Springfest. However, Strawbery Banke reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and withdraw permission to photograph and/or film on its premises or reproduce photographs of objects in the collections. 

    Flash photography is not permitted inside any of the historic houses.

    Commercial, special photography, and filming arrangements MUST obtain prior approval from the Museum before any photography or filming can occur. Click here to learn more about how to submit a project request.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:

  • Dogs and other pets are not permitted on the Museum grounds when the Museum is open for special events such as Springfest.

    Service dogs, as defined by the ADA, are welcome.

  • For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, the following items are prohibited at Springfest:

    • Weapons of any kind

    • Open flames, including cigarettes, cigars, and other smoking materials

    We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone.

  • The support of numerous volunteers is critical to the success of Springfest. A variety of opportunities are available. For more information, visit StrawberyBanke.org/volunteer.

  • Yes, the plant sale features heirloom plants grown in the museum’s gardens, giving you the chance to bring a piece of history home.

  • Guided tours and demonstrations during Springfest will highlight the Museum’s nationally recognized gardens and their preparation for summer.

Springfest is presented in part by

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