2026 UPDATE

The Fairy House Tour will not take place in 2026

Please read a message from the Friends of the South End


The Friends of the South End (FOSE) regrets to announce that our fairytale chapter has come to a close. From its humble beginnings in the pocket gardens of Portsmouth, NH, the Fairy House Tour grew into a world-class celebration of creativity, magical building, and community spirit for over 25 years.

We are so grateful to the thousands of visitors who donned fairy wings and gnome hats and eagerly explored the grounds of the Stawbery Banke Museum, John Langdon House, and Prescott Park year after year. Your participation has enabled FOSE to reinvest more than $375,000 into our local schools and event partner organizations.

To our FOSE members, dedicated volunteers, and the countless artists who proved that "if you build it, they will come" - THANK YOU for making the fairy House Tour a treasured memory for so many generations.

Fairy House Tour

Fairy House Tour this fall!

The Portsmouth Fairy House Tour is the world's largest and features over 200 handcrafted fairy houses of all shapes, sizes and designs. This fall, come see all these enchanting houses on display on the grounds of the Strawbery Banke Museum and the Governor John Langdon House. This beloved annual family-friendly outdoor event will also feature fairy-inspired performances by The Players' Ring, Safe Haven Ballet and New Hampshire Theatre Project throughout the weekend. More fun, food, and family activities than you ever imagined!

Fairy House Tour

Thank you to our sponsors

Presented by Friends of the South End (FOSE) for the benefit of local schools and nonprofits

Portsmouth NH

About FOSE

The Friends of the South End (FOSE) is a nonprofit corporation located in Portsmouth, NH. FOSE's mission is to foster a cooperative, neighborly spirit and to encourage the preservation of the south end's historic character. We disseminate information about important developments in the city and strive to enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood. Membership is open to others who share the goals of the organization. FOSE sponsors several events throughout the year, including the Fairy House Tour each fall.

The proceeds from this long-standing collaborative community event benefit our local schools and participating nonprofit partners. According to FOSE co-president, Mary Thomas, "Since the Fairy House Tour began over 20 years ago, FOSE has reinvested over $350,000 in these important South End organizations and in the Portsmouth community as a whole, which has really amplified the magic of this special, all-ages event."

Members and volunteers are welcome to join FOSE in its efforts. For more information or to become a member, please visit www.friendsofthesouthend.org

Magic is in the air — fairywear welcome!