Starting Wednesday, April 20, don’t be surprised when you hear a stampede of little feet and a rustle of gossamer wings in the Downtown Noblesville area.
That’s because Nickel Plate Arts’ “Welcome to Fairyville” is back for the 10th year. From April 20 to 23, artists and hobbyists are expected to display dozens of fairy houses on the Fairy Trail along the Riverwalk and around the historic courthouse square in Noblesville’s Cultural Arts District. Many downtown merchants will paint fairy doors on their buildings symbolizing fairy-themed specials to usher magic inside.
Whimsical events have been planned all throughout the Downtown Noblesville area, including an outdoor fairy fashion show, fairy tea parties, and live body painting. The trail will include opportunities to explore and be inspired by the natural world, thanks to the help of the Noblesville Tree Board, Noblesville Parks, and Hamilton County Soil and Water.
Nickel Plate Arts’ Executive Director Ailithir McGill explained how new features of Welcome to Fairyville will inspire more wonder in celebration of this 10th anniversary.
McGill
“Our tiny fairies are coming back in a big way! Not only do we have more interactive family experiences planned than ever before, but we’re adding some special features for grownup fairies, too!” McGill said. “We’re calling our adult-oriented offerings ‘Fairyville After Dark.’ They will take place during the evening of Friday, April 22, concurrently with our family-friendly events, and will include acrobatic and fire performances, a body painting demonstration, and adult beverages available at various locations along the trail. For kids and families, there will be plenty of drop-in craft activities, plus special events like the Fairy Fashion Show, Mad Hatter Tea Parties, face painting, and more! Fairy-lovers who come on Friday night or Saturday will have the chance to shop fairy and nature-themed vendors and meet real-life fairies, too!”
“Welcome to Fairyville” is a perennial family-favorite activity, and Downtown Noblesville partners enjoy getting in on the fairy merriment. Dozens of artists and merchants come together to bring the event to life. Each day of the four-day event is a little different, so participants are encouraged to check the day’s schedule online or pick up a map with a schedule of events at Nickel Plate Arts.
The excitement will peak during the Fairy Friday reception at Nickel Plate Arts from 6 to 9 p.m. and continue throughout Saturday, with musicians, vendors, and real-life fairies wandering along the trail.
At this year’s event, fairy-lovers can:
- Search for fairy houses and fairy doors along the trail, while exploring and learning about nature.
- Make your own fairy house, pick up craft kits, shop for handmade fairy wings and gifts, enjoy child-friendly art exhibits, savor the sounds of live music performances Friday night and Saturday, or watch a glass-blowing demo on Saturday all at Nickel Plate Arts.
- Meet real-life fairies (courtesy of the Belfry Theatre), trolls and other fae Friday night and Saturday.
- Join Lil Bloomers for face painting from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day or sign up for a Fairy Toadstool Fashion Show on Friday night and Saturday that any child can enter.
- Buy a ticket for a performance of The House at Pooh Corner, Saturday at 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.
- Paint pottery at Kiln Creations, or sign up for a fairy clay house project at 6 p.m. on Friday night, a fairy resin art project at 6 p.m. on Saturday, or a unicorn party from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
- Reserve a time to create crafts or pick up a craft kit at Caravan Classes or register for the Mad Hatter Tea Parties on Saturday at 1:30 or 4 p.m.
- Stop in at Gal’s Guide to the Galaxy to peruse fairy-themed books and engagement activities.
- Paint your own kindness rocks and enjoy art demonstrations at Hamilton County Artists’ Association on Saturday.
- Unwind during Fairy Yoga in Seminary Park at 11 a.m. on Thursday and Saturday mornings.
- Bring their baby or toddler to a Happy Babies and Tots class to explore features of the natural world at 10 a.m. on Thursday and Saturday mornings.
- Sip Fairy Lemonade at Noble Coffee.
- Nibble on fairy wand churros or sip fairy cocktails (ages 21 and over only) at Texy Mexy.
- Enjoy fairy-themed cocktails at Primeval Brewing (ages 21 and over only).
- Shop from fairy-themed vendors, including Papa Smurf Concessions, Glass Utopia, Emma Hopkins Wool, Full Moon Creations, jewelry makers, wood carvers, and many other artists.
- … and much more!
Please note some events have fees or require advanced registration. Visit nickelplatearts.org/fairyville for registration information.
There is still time to participate in the Fairy Home Show, which is a contest for fairy house builders (a.k.a. Fairy Architects) of all ages. Fairy houses must be made from mostly biodegradable materials and small enough to be moved by one person to be displayed along the trail.
Prizes include cash, craft supplies, gift cards, and the eternal gratitude of Noblesville’s fairy population. Fairy Architects must apply by the end of the day on Friday, April 15 and houses have to be delivered to Nickel Plate Arts on Monday, April 18. Applications are available at nickelplatearts.org/fairyville and any prospective fairy architects with questions are encouraged to call (317) 452-3690.
“This is truly the most magical event of the year, and we are delighted that so many of our local partners have gotten into the fairy spirit: we so hope that you’ll join in on the fun, too!” McGill said. “Event details are still falling into place, so stay tuned to our website and social media for news about the latest activities!”
Whether you choose to skip, walk, fly or frolic along the Fairy Trail, Nickel Plate Arts is looking forward to welcoming any and all guests. For more information, go to nickelplatearts.org/fairyville.