Long Island Fairy Festival: What's new at the magical fest in 2026

You don’t have to wait for your tooth to fall out to meet the Tooth Fairy. She’ll be a returning guest at the fourth annual Fairy Festival at the Sands Point Preserve on May 2.

The Tooth Fairy will be joined by countless other fairies, gnomes and trolls to lead nature-based activities to welcome spring. For families and friends of all ages, there will be many new opportunities to find magic in unexpected places.

In addition to finding everything from fairies on stilts in the woods to North Country fiddlers, there will be new events for adults. 

Visitors can meet with a forest ranger who will lead sessions on how to survive in nature. Adults can chat with author Erica Rose about how to find their inner fairy. New York Miss Teen USA and author Ginger Ragaishis will present inspirational talks.

"I’ve been trying to spin things a little bit differently this year, to bring the experience to a broader audience," Linda Nutter, Fairy Festival director, says. "People stereotypically hear the phrase fairy festival and think it’s an event for toddler girls. But it’s really a day in nature for everybody."

Though it’s certainly not required, Nutter says, "I would say about half the people who come to the festival dress up with all kinds of things — wands, wings, boys carry swords." If you arrive without a wand, you can make one on the spot.

Here’s a roundup of festivities that will be offered during and after the fair. Give yourself one point for each part you think you might attend. Then, add up your points, and read your personal fairy festival rating.

FIND FAIRIES EVERYWHERE

In the woods and across the grounds, meet and take photos with fairies. You’ll see one who performs magic tricks and another on stilts. Say hello to a celestial fairy. A new fairy, author Elena Schietinger, will sit in a story circle and read her storybook, "Where The Lost Blankies Go."

Wander down winding paths filled with mini fairy houses made with items only found in nature. You can also create your own fairy house.. Make a wish with fairies at a wishing well and meet the Tooth Fairy in her own bedroom instead of yours. If you’d like to meet these fairies, plus more, give yourself one point.

MUSIC GROUPS AND HULA HOOPS

Follow your ears and you’ll discover mythical music groups. Three female vocalists known as "Maidens of Myth" will be singing, dancing and playing acoustic instruments at the festival for the first time. You’ll find a fairy harpist in the woods. A trio of fiddlers playing melodies from Norway, Ireland and Finland will rotate with the Irish pub band  The Brooklyn Bards . Music also accompanies interactive dances around a maypole. Try a hula hoop jam as well. If you imagine you’d join some of these activities, give yourself one point.

NATURE DAY IN A NON-FAIRY WAY

For those who would prefer to welcome the spring while doing hands-on nature activities, gather around a campsite in the woods. During this new, all-day event, ranger Mike Evans will help participants of all ages learn nature survival skills such as shelter building, fire making, knot tying and navigation techniques. If this event is your style, give yourself one point.

ADULT AND TEEN FAIRY SCENE

Rose will present spiritual talks for adults on how to connect with your "fairy guide" and make your dreams come true. It’s about believing in your inner magic. Ragaishiswill host talks and lead activities with visitors that are based on her book about hidden disabilities which include medical or mental health issues. Her underlying theme is: no matter who you are, you can lean into your strengths. That’s your magic. If one or both activities float your boat, give yourself one point.

VENDORS GALORE AND MORE

People of all ages can paint together on one large community art canvas. Folks can also step inside a gallery filled with magical creatures created by Long Island artists. Search for a mermaid and trolls under a bridge. Visit the vendor market filled with fairy and magical-creature-related merchandise. If you think you’ll join in, give yourself one point.

BUY FAIRY BREAD NEARBY BEFORE OR AFTER

Before or after the festival, you’ll find fairylike magic in one more unexpected place. Drive for about 20 minutes to The Sweet Tooth Booth in Glen Cove. It’s a new, outdoor cookie stand where you can buy freshly home-baked "Fairy Bread." Heather Thorman-Fiorita, owner and New York State registered cottage baker, creates an innovative variety of shelf-stable baked goods. "Fairy Bread originated in Australia, and I created my own spin. It’s a plain sourdough loaf  with rainbow sprinkles," she says.

Toast a slice, spread butter on top and take a bite. It will be fairy music in your mouth. If you’d make a stop at this cookie stand, give yourself one point. (The Sweet Tooth Booth: 121 Frost Pond Rd., Glen Cove; Instagram: the_sweet_tooth_booth; order online in advance or pay in person with cash or app; fairy bread price: $12 per loaf)

HERE’S YOUR FAIRY RATING

Add up your points.

• 1-2 points: You have great pixie potential. Pixies are selective about what they favor.
• 3-4 points: Your appreciation for fairy diversity suggests you might be growing wings.
• 5-6 points: If Tinker Bell decides to give private tours to Neverland, you’ll be at the top of her list.