Adkins Arboretum’s Enchanted Fairyfest is Oct. 12

Bring your wands, wings and magical costumes for a day of fantasy at Adkins Arboretum! Celebrating fancy and fun in the forest, Fairyfest returns to the Arboretum on Sat., Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year’s Fairyfest offers more outdoor magic than ever. Enjoy braiding the maypole with Mid Shore Dance Company and following a trail of fairy houses along the Arboretum’s enchanted forest paths. Feel the wind in your wings on the meadow pirate ship and sword fight with a scoundrel. Kick up your feet in the maypole dance, try your hand at magical games and take a break for a spellbinding craft. The beloved event also includes live entertainment by Mid Shore Dance Academy, Allegro Academy Singers, the Chestertown Ukulele Club and Summati Dance Troupe.

Unicorn rides with Snapdragon Stables, delicious offerings from Beltway Bistro and Blue Monkey Street Tacos food trucks and treats from Night Kitchen Coffee and Bakery will be available for sale. Don’t forget your camera for photo ops at the driftwood entrance arch by Terry Bohner (The Art of Nature) and Garrett Dickel (Bartlett Tree) and the Gnome Sweet Home decorated by Chesapeake Blooms.

Leading up to this exciting day, all are invited to build their own fairy dwellings for The Great Fairy House Challenge. Entries will be displayed on the forest paths in the week before Fairyfest and will be eligible for awards and prizes in the categories of Golden Fairy, Most Magical, Simply Spellbinding and Enchanted Excellence. An entry form and guidelines are available at adkinsarboretum.org.

Fairyfest is $10 per person for ages 3 and up for members, $12 for those ages 3 and up for nonmembers and free for children ages 2 and under. Admission is capped at 400, so early registration is highly recommended at adkinsarboretum.org or by calling 410-634-2847, ext. 0. In case of rain, Fairyfest will be rescheduled for Sun., Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fairyfest is generously sponsored in part by the Maryland State Arts Council. For more information, visit adkinsarboretum.org or call 410-634-2847, ext. 100.