Member ticket sales begin on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at noon - Check your email for a special link to purchase tickets. Are you a current member but didn’t receive your email? Contact membership@sbmuseum.org.

Public ticket sales begin on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 10 AM.

Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens and Baby Animals

May 10-11, 2025, 10 AM-4 PM
Extreme weather dates: May 17-18, 2025, 10 AM-4 PM

Celebrate spring at Strawbery Banke with heritage-breed baby animals, heirloom gardens, and historic landscapes! Meet lambs, calves, and other baby animals—and their moms—while discovering their vital roles in farming history. Explore the connection between animals, horticulture, and the lives of New Englanders past and present.

Enjoy live demonstrations, including oxen at work, traditional sheep shearing, sheepdog trials, and honey extraction. Families can join in hands-on activities like gardening and seed-saving, creating lasting memories together.

Discover how the Museum prepares its nationally recognized gardens for summer through guided tours and demonstrations. Don’t miss the chance to bring a piece of history home from the plant sale, featuring the very plants showcased in the historic gardens!

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
Children (ages 3-17): $6
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+): $24
Children (ages 3-17): $12
Children (under 3): free, ticket required

Frequently Asked Questions

We ask for your understanding that our parking lot is limited in size and parking is on a first-come, first-serve 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.
Yes, library pass holders can reserve tickets. Please follow the instructions provided on the library pass or contact the museum for assistance.
Tickets are available online at Strawbery Banke Museum’s website or at the entrance during the event.
Strawbery Banke Museum is happy to accommodate ticket transfer requests within a 24 hour grace period of the purchase, subject to availability. During this time, we will work with you to adjust your ticket date or time slot at no additional charge.
Ticket transfer requests made after the 24-hour window will incur a $7 fee per ticket. Requests are subject to availability.
For ticket order errors, contact Sarah Regan, Visitor Services Coordinator, at sregan@sbmuseum.org or 603.241.1644.
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 sregan@sbmuseum.org or 603.241.1644
Digital or printed tickets are accepted.
If you are experiencing problems ordering tickets, please contact Sarah Regan, Visitor Services Coordinator, at sregan@sbmuseum.org or 603.241.1644.

LOGISTICS AND PARKING:

Please note that Strawbery Banke’s main parking lot at 14 Hancock Street is very limited. If the lot is full, 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/volunteers.
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.