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 at Strawbery Banke with Springfest! Meet lambs and other baby animals and their moms, while learning about their roles in historic New England farming. Watch live demonstrations including oxen at work, traditional sheep shearing, sheepdog trials, and honey extraction.
Families can enjoy hands-on activities like gardening and seed-saving, explore the Museum’s nationally recognized gardens through tours and demonstrations, and browse the plant sale featuring varieties grown in the historic gardens.
New for 2026!
Red, White, & Bloom!
This year’s theme celebrates America’s 250th anniversary.Two Days of Fun
Tickets are valid for both days of the event.Portsmouth Orange Cake Bake-Off (Sunday)
Local bakeries present their takes on the classic 19th-century New Hampshire orange cake in honor of the nation’s 250th.
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
Nigerian Dwarf Goat
Jacob Sheep
Silver Fox Rabbit
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!
Jacob Sheep
Amanda St. Peter,
Jacob Fleece Farm (Gray, ME)Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Larissa Mullen,
Tiny Hill Farm (Milton Mills, NH)Oberhasli Goats
Claire Eckert,
See To It Farm (Plymouth, NH)Sheepdog Trials
Barbara Eriksson,
Blue Rock Dog Training (Orange, MA)
Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs
Gentile Homestead Farm (Fitzwilliam, NH)Heritage Breed Poultry
Sourced from Heritage HatcheriesHolstein Oxen at Work
Howard Welch,
Hidden Stream Farm (Lebanon, ME)
Sheep Shearing
Alex Meissner,
Chinook Trail Farm (Tamworth, NH)Shetland Sheep
Christine Becker
Hygge Meadow Farm (Lebanon, ME)Silver Fox Rabbits
Ella Morgan,
What Farm (Berwick, ME)Teeswater Sheep
Scruton Farm (Farmington, NH)
DeMeritt Hill Farm
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!
Nancy Cook, Textile and Fiber Arts Expert
Portsmouth Historical Society (Sunday only)
Sea Level Rise Project (Sunday only)
The Nature Conservancy (Sunday only)
Frequently Asked Questions
We kindly ask for your understanding that our parking lot is limited in size and is reserved during Sprinfest for attendees with handicap accessible placards only. Additional parking information can be found under ‘Logistics and Parking.’ Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
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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.
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Yes! Guests can explore at their own pace, visiting exhibits, demonstrations, and activities in any order.
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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.
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Yes, museum staff, volunteers, and interpreters will be available to share insights about the animals, gardens, and historical connections.
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Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on outdoor paths and uneven terrain.
TICKETS AND RESERVATIONS:
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Yes, members of Strawbery Banke Museum receive discounted admission. Additional discount details may be found on the museum’s website.
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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.
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Tickets are available online at Strawbery Banke Museum’s website or at the entrance during the event.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Digital or printed tickets are accepted.
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If you are experiencing problems ordering tickets, please contact:
Krysten Schmelzer
Ticketing and Communications Coordinator
kschmelzer@sbmuseum.org
603.473.4814
LOGISTICS AND PARKING:
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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:
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Springfest has designated extreme weather dates (May 17-18). Please check the Museum’s website or social media for updates.
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Most guests spend about 2 hours exploring Springfest, though you are welcome to stay for the entire event.
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No, you can arrive any time during event hours, but certain activities and demonstrations may be scheduled at specific times.
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Yes, accessible pathways and seating areas are available. Please contact the museum in advance for specific accommodations.
CONCESSIONS & PHOTOGRAPHY
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Yes, the plant sale features heirloom plants grown in the museum’s gardens, giving you the chance to bring a piece of history home.
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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
