Installations in Progress… Join the Waitlist!
Thanks to our friends with the Austin Parks Foundation and Westlake Highschool, we exceeded the number of plots along our trail. To be added to the waitlist, please email info@zbgconservancy.org with the main contact’s email and phone number. If any spots open up, we will contact people on the waitlist in the order requests are received. Please respond within 48 hours to claim your spot, or we will offer it to the next person.
The Woodland Faerie Trail is making its grand return to Zilker Botanical Garden with over 140 faerie homes on display this year!
All are welcome to the grand celebration of the Woodland Faerie Trail on May 10th and step into a world of wonder! Wear your wings and enjoy a magical morning filled with sweet treats, whimsical entertainment, and of course… faeries!
Volunteers! We are looking for fae friendly volunteers to join us for a day of community engagement and whimsical faerie fun! Volunteers will support this event by leading themed activities and welcoming guests throughout the garden.
Grand Opening Celebration!
Mark your calendars! The Woodland Faerie Trail officially opens to the public on:
📅 May 10th with a Grand Celebration from 10 AM – 2 PM
🌞 The trail will remain open for exploration and wonder through July 12th.
Faerie Architects! Please print or make a digital copy of the above Architect Badge and keep a record of your visits to the Garden. Faerie Architects are allowed one adult assistant during their stewardship visits. Assistant Youth Architects are welcome at no cost! Architects may visit their property all summer for maintenance and we would like the opportunity to highlight our most assiduous Faerie Home Keepers.
Know Before You Go
Woodland Faerie Trail Grand Opening activities will be in the Oak Grove from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Concessions by Fairy Freeze: Shaved Ice
✨ 10:00 AM – 2 :00 PM Activities Include:
🧚 Tree Cookie Decorating
🧚 Flower Crown Making
🧚 Mini Fairy House Take Home Kits
🧚 Fairy Trail Guided Tours
🧚 Backyard Fairies Story Walks in the Children’s Garden
🧚 Flight of the Faeries Creative Movement Classes
🧚 Faerie House Competition
🧚 Faerie Planter Workshop
🧚 Collect Miniatures and Trinkets for Your Garden at Home
✨ 11 :00 AM –1:00 PM Faeries in the Garden!
Fairies from Gothess Jasmine & Sir Beau Elliot, Just Add Magic, and Once Upon a Party will be arriving to join garden guests for photo opportunities, live entertainment, and nature-based activities.
Flight of the Faeries Movement Class
This faerie-themed creative movement class encourages balance, strength, and self-expression. Children will explore dance and Pilates-inspired concepts through guided improvisation, coordination exercises, and interactive music. Beginners are welcome—and wings are encouraged!
This program is designed for children ages 4 to 10. While parents are welcome to observe, the class is intended for child participants only. Parents must remain on-site and accompany their children during their visit to the Garden. We recommend bringing: Sun Protection & Water Bottle
Date and Times
These 45-minute classes will be held in the Oak Grove on Saturday, May 10 at 10:00–10:45 AM and 12:00–12:45 PM.
🏆Faerie Home Contest
Trail visitors can vote for their favorite homes! The contest features three categories for our magical architects, with voting from May 10 – July 11. Winners will be announced at the Closing Celebration on July 12 and will receive a free faerie home plot for next year and a Zilker Botanical Garden Family Membership for one year!
Categories:
✨ Best Use of Natural Materials – For homes that harmoniously blend with nature
✨ Most Whimsical Design – Celebrating creativity, magic, and playfulness
✨ People’s Choice Award – Listen to your heart and vote for your favorite!
✨ Important Reminder for Faerie Architects: Before you let your imagination take flight, please review the Faerie Home Guidelines to ensure your creation is safe, sustainable, and ready to weather the summer sun.
2024 Community Competition Winners
About the Woodland Faerie Trail
Each summer, the Woodland Faeries return to Zilker Botanical Garden to vacation in Austin, TX. Families, school groups, and individuals within the community build tiny homes in preparation for the arrival of these fae folk. Each home is built with natural materials that will withstand the summer heat and be on display off the Oak Grove, along the winding Woodland Faerie Trail throughout the season. We ask that visitors do not disturb these homes in order to provide a safe and respectful atmosphere for the faeries.
Past Woodland Faerie Trail Homes
