An outdoor whimsical enchanted evening event, celebrating wings and wonder.
Sunday, July 26
4:00 – 9:00 pm
Tenafly Nature Center
313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ 07670
As twilight settles over the forest, Tenafly Nature Center transforms into a glowing, storybook world. Fireflies & Faeries invites guests of all ages to wander a softly illuminated woodland trail filled with whimsical faerie houses created by local artists, magical surprises around every bend, and moments of pure delight.
Follow a 1/3-mile enchanted path through the preserve as you discover sparkling creations, meet enchanting fae folk, and enjoy sweet, shimmering treats along the way. With laughter in the air, fireflies lighting the night, and imagination running free, this beloved evening event is a celebration of creativity, nature, and community, and this year promises to be bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever.
We can’t wait to welcome you for an unforgettable night of wonder.
Select faerie houses will be available for purchase.
Ticket Info:
- Members: $8
- Non-members: $12
Interested in volunteering at this event?
Interested in being one of the Faerie Artists for the event?
All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Event is rain or shine. Dress appropriately; the program will take place indoors and outdoors.
Space is limited, pre-registration is required, and fees are per person. Children under 2 are free.
*additional fees may apply
The Parking Lot will be closed for this event.
Event parking is available in downtown Tenafly at the Borough Hall/Public Library parking lot (100 Riveredge Rd), with free shuttle transportation to/from the event available from 3:45 pm – 9:30 pm.
Limited parking will be available along Hudson Ave. but guests will need to be able to walk on a steep incline to arrive at TNC.
Thank You to the 2025 Sponsors and Vendors
Step into a world of wonder, and help us bring the forest to life.
Tenafly Nature Center invites artists of all ages, businesses, and community organizations to take part in our beloved summer evening event, Fireflies & Faeries. We’re seeking lighted faerie houses and faerie-themed artwork to transform the Red Trail into a glowing, magical experience for visitors as dusk falls.
Last year’s event sold out with over 500 attendees. This year, with no attendance cap, we anticipate welcoming double the number of guests, making this an exceptional opportunity to showcase your creativity to a large and enthusiastic audience. Select works may also be offered for sale.
If you register and but are unable to attend the exhibit, please notify us as soon as possible at development@TenaflyNC.org.
- Be part of a whimsical, well-loved community tradition
- Display your work in a storybook forest setting enjoyed by hundreds of visitors, possibly over a thousand, visitors
- Promote your art, business, or organization in a unique setting
- Option to sell your work and extend its display at the Tenafly Public Library
- Open to all ages and experience levels
Creating & Sharing
- Artwork must be faerie-themed and include battery-operated, non-flammable lighting
- Artists are encouraged to share progress photos on Instagram and tag @tenaflynature
- By Monday, July 20, artists must email development@TenaflyNC.org with:
- A photo of the completed piece
- The title of the artwork
- Pricing information, if the piece is available for sale
- Failure to submit these materials by the deadline may result in cancellation of registration
Event Day Schedule
Sunday, July 26 (Rain Date: Sunday, August 2)
2:30 – 3:30 pm: Artist check-in and setup
- Complete a name tag with contact and pricing information (if applicable)
- A photograph will be taken of each piece at check-in
4:00 – 9:00 pm: Fireflies & Faeries event open to the public
8:30 – 9:30 pm: Artist cleanup and artwork removal
- All pieces must be fully removed by 9:30 pm
- All artists pay a $10 participation fee
- Includes event admission for the artist and one guest (a $20 value based on general admission pricing)
- Register online: https://tncnj.org/event-6520295
- Registration fees are non-refundable
- If your concept requires approval, decisions will be made within one week of application submission
- If you register but are unable to attend, please notify
development@TenaflyNC.org as soon as possible
- There are no size limitations, however prior approval is required if:
- Your piece exceeds 12” x 12” x 12”, or
- Your artwork must be hung instead of placed on the ground
- To protect the preserve, artwork may NOT include:
- Glitter (in any form)
- Balloons
- Fragile or easily breakable glass
- Non-native seeds
- Living animals
- Open flames
- Youth artists may use store-bought items if they are creatively altered
- Artists are responsible for securing their own installations
- Tenafly Nature Center and the Tenafly Public Library are not liable for damage or loss
- The Faerie Trail will take place along the Red Trail, a 1/3-mile dirt path through the preserve
- Please note: the trail is not wheelchair accessible
- Artists are responsible for transporting, installing, and removing their own artwork
Artists may choose to extend the magic by displaying their work at the
Tenafly Public Library (100 Riveredge Rd, Tenafly, NJ 07670)
- Drop-off during normal business hours:
- Monday, August 3
- Artwork will be displayed through August 28
- Unsold pieces must be picked up August 29 – 31
- QR codes will be used to facilitate sales
- After the event, TNC will post photos of all faerie houses online, including pricing for works available for purchase
- Artists may set their own prices
- TNC will promote artwork both onsite and online
- A 10% commission supports Tenafly Nature Center’s mission
- The event will take place rain or shine on Sunday, July 26
- Light mist, fog, or light rain will not postpone the event
- The event will only be postponed in the case of dangerous weather, such as lightning
- If postponed, the rain date will be Sunday, August 2
- Special add-ons, vendors, and programming on the rain date are subject to change
- Updates will be shared via email, the TNC website, Facebook, and Instagram
Leading up to the event, keep an eye out for faerie house–building workshops and creative programs offered by Tenafly Nature Center and Tenafly Public Library, perfect for inspiration or hands-on help bringing your magical ideas to life.
Artists are responsible for obtaining their own business or personal liability insurance. By participating, individuals waive any and all claims against Tenafly Nature Center, the Tenafly Public Library, and venue partners.
Failure to follow any of the above rules/regulations will result in removal from the event. Rules are subject to change.
Join us for an enchanting, family-friendly evening filled with wings, wonder, and the magical world of faeries, all in support of Tenafly Nature Center, consider becoming a sponsor or by hosting a food truck, retail booth, or tabling exhibit to help bring this whimsical event to life!
Please register by Friday, July 10, 2026.
Proceeds from this special event will help TNC continue to carry out its mission and grow to meet the rising needs of our community and beyond.
PARTICIPATION BENEFITS
- Access to an estimated 250+ attendees
- Recognition in all event marketing collateral
COST & PERMITS
- $30 entry fee + 10% of total sales* (minimum donation)
- *No fee for non profit orgs
- *10% discount for Tenafly Chamber of Commerce Members
- $300 cancellation (if less than 30 days prior to event)
- Must have all required NJ vendor permits
EVENT INFO & PROMOTION
- Vendors will provide their own equipment. No electricity or running water is available. Limited Wi-Fi.
- Trucks will be located in TNC parking lot and are expected to stay for the full duration of the event.
- Vendors to promote Nature Day and tag Tenafly Nature Center in at least one social media post prior to and on day-of event.
Proceeds support Tenafly Nature Center’s mission and help us grow to meet the needs of our community and beyond.
Tenafly Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 22-0019117). All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
For questions, please email Development@TenaflyNC.org
