Strawbery Banke Museum Announces Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens and Baby Animals
Strawbery Banke recently announced the reimagining of its spring event, Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke. This year, the event will evolve into Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens and Baby Animals, taking place May 10-11, 2025 (with May 17-18, 2025, serving as extreme weather dates). The new program will expand the Museum’s nearly 10-acre campus, offering a unique celebration of baby animals, heritage breeds, heirloom plants, and historic landscapes. Tickets are available via StrawberyBanke.org/springfest.
Since its debut in 2016, Baby Animals has captivated visitors with its showcase of rare, heritage-breed animals and the Museum’s commitment to history and sustainability. However, as attendance has declined and costs have risen, thoughtful discussions with staff and key partners have led to a fresh approach that blends the best of the past with exciting new elements for 2025.
“We are excited to introduce Springfest as the start of a new beloved spring tradition,” said Linnea Grim, President and CEO, Thomas W. Haas Endowed Chair. “This reimagined event builds on our Museum’s legacy of celebrating both heritage and innovation, allowing us to highlight our historic landscapes while continuing to showcase the animals and traditions that make our region unique.”
Springfest will feature:
• Heritage-breed animals: Meet rare breeds of poultry, rabbits, goats, sheep, and oxen, and learn about their vital roles in traditional New England farming.
• Animal demonstrations: Experience sheepdog trials, sheep shearing, and oxen at work, showcasing skills that have sustained generations.
• Traditional crafts: Watch honey extraction, weaving, and drop spinning demonstrations, reflecting New England’s rich cultural heritage.
• Hands-on activities: Participate in gardening, pot a plant to take home, and explore historic horticultural practices.
• Heirloom plant sale: Purchase plants from the Museum’s historic gardens to bring a piece of history to your garden.
“Springfest is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to connect with the land, the animals, and the people who have shaped our history,” said James Connally, Director of Events. “We’ve created an experience where families can enjoy both educational and fun activities together while discovering how plants, animals, and people have always worked together to cultivate the region.”
Peter Cook, Guest Curator of Springfest and former Guest Curator of Baby Animals, will continue to play a central role in the event’s success.
“I’m excited to continue my involvement in this new chapter,” said Cook. “This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the deep connections between agriculture, landscape, and community—connections that are just as relevant today as they were centuries ago.”
Similar to Baby Animals, some of the animals at Springfest represent breeds with a population of fewer than 300. Petting the animals is not allowed for the health and safety of the animals and people.
Tickets cost $24 for adults, $12 for children (ages 5-17), and are free for children 5 and under, or a family ticket of $60 is available. Strawbery Banke members receive free or discounted tickets based on membership level.
For more information about Springfest and tickets, visit StrawberyBanke.org.