The Woodland Faerie Trail is now fully booked!
To join the waitlist, please email info@zbgconservancy.org with your name and email address.
A cherished community event, the Woodland Faerie Trail engages the imagination of adults and children alike. Each summer, the Garden hosts faerie homes made by the community as well as workshops and faerie-themed activities.
Woodland Faerie Trail Guidelines:
Before registering, please be sure you can commit to both installation and reclamation dates. The Fae rely on you!
Installation Dates:
Saturday, April 25 – Friday, May 8
- Entry: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Please be cleaned up and ready to leave by garden close at 5:00 PM.
Trail Opens: Saturday, May 9, Opening celebration from 10 AM – 2 PM
Trail Closes: Saturday, July 18, Closing Celebration & Reclaim Day: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Reclaim Your Faerie Home: Saturday, July 18 – Saturday, July 25
✨All faerie homes must be removed by July 25. Please help us keep the Zilker Botanical Garden magical by practicing Leave No Trace. ✨
Plot Assignment and Installation Commitment
Each architect is assigned a specific plot after registration (you will receive a separate email with your plot number). Please install your faerie home only in your assigned plot. ✨ Plots are not first-come, first-served.
To ensure the trail is full and magical for all visitors:
- If you are unable to install your faerie home, please notify us as soon as possible so we may offer your plot to another participant on the waitlist.
- If a faerie home is not installed by May 8, the plot may be released to an architect on the waitlist.
Building Your Faerie Home
Faerie homes should embody magic! The Fae adore:
- Creative, unique designs using local and found materials
- Any shape or size up to 4 ft. x 4 ft.
- Durability to withstand wind, rain, and Texas summer heat
- Respect for flora & fauna – no harming plants or wildlife
- A stable base (wood, tree cookies, etc.), well-hidden or blended into the surroundings
🚫 Avoid: Political or offensive messages/themes, business promotion
The Fae reserve the right to decline or remove homes that don’t meet these guidelines. See full list of recommended and forbidden materials by downloading the full Guidelines PDF here!
Housekeeping: Care & Maintenance
Faerie homes may be affected by wind, rain, sun, and mischievous visitors (both human and magical). You are encouraged to maintain your home throughout the summer.
Homes left unattended and in disrepair may be whisked away. Please build your faerie homes to last through a Texas summer outdoors!
✨ Free Garden Entry for Maintenance throughout the summer – email info@zbgconservancy.org, or let the gate know you are here to maintain your faerie home.
Faerie Home Contest
Architects are invited to participate in a friendly competition! Winners receive a free faerie plot for next year and a Zilker Botanical Garden membership for one year. Voting Period: May 9 – July 17
Competition 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!
Closing Celebration & Reclamation
Closing Celebration:
Saturday, July 18, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This is the primary day to reclaim your Faerie home. The winners of the Community Competition will be announced at this event as well – come root for your favorite Faerie home and show your support!
⭐ Faerie wings & dress-up encouraged!
Reclamation Window:
July 18 – July 25
🌿 Please take everything you brought into the garden back with you
🌱 Give your faerie home a new life! Consider transforming it into:
- A pollinator habitat
- An insect hotel
- A magical feature in your own garden
🚩Any faerie homes not reclaimed by July 25 cannot remain in the Garden. Thank you for helping us care for the space by taking everything you bring back home with you. 🚩
Featured Faerie Houses
Designed by Last Year’s Winning Architects!
