Hill-Stead’s 2019 May Market

The May Market is one of the Farmington Valley’s finest and longest-running springtime celebrations returns to Hill-Stead Museum on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 10am – 4pm.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Artisan Exhibitors

May Market will host over 65 select “home, garden and gourmet” exhibitors in a spacious festival tent on the West Lawn and throughout the historic buildings and grounds. Browse a beautiful collection of hand-crafted artisan products including apparel, soaps, ceramics, jewelry and accessories, textiles, garden ornaments, linens, original artwork, specialty salad dressings, honey and much more. Gardeners in particular will delight in the carefully curated collection of specialty plants and shrubs on offer.

• Hops & Vines, a Tasting at May Market

Your May Market admission includes free tastings with a brewery, winery, and distillery! This event, nestled in Hill-Stead’s blooming Sunken Garden, is brought to us by Hill-Stead’s Impressionists Council, a group of young philanthropists who share a love of art and culture. Drinks will also be for sale by our friends at The Wise Old Dog & Off the Wagon Events and The Liquorist MD.

• The Hill-Steaders’ Perennials, Artwork, Treasures and Treats

The museum’s Hill-Steaders volunteers will offer their much-anticipated selection of fine unique perennials sourced from leading local nurseries, Hill-Stead’s own Sunken Garden, and gardening friends. Treasure hunters should be sure to visit volunteer-curated Theodate’s Gallery to browse donated artwork and to enjoy a large selection of donated linens, glassware, gardening books, jewelry and more at Theodate’s Attic. Visit the Monet’s Express tables to enjoy amazing sweets and treats.

• Family Time

Enjoy a full schedule of children’s activities from 11am – 3pm both days, including free Mother’s Day gift-making at Hill-Stead’s Education Station, self guided scavenger hunts, a visit with Hill-Stead’s lambs and kid-friendly food. May Market admission is free for children 17 and under.

• Demonstrations

Learn something new at demonstrations and workshops throughout the weekend. Get tips on dessert decorating from Sweet Equations, observe a floral arrangement instructional by Eddy Farm, learn about native plants at booth-side talks, see a chalk paint demo by Thomas Mach Interiors, and enjoy a tour of a new parterre land art project lead by artist Bob Chaplin.

• Amazing Food

Seasonal Catering, Chet’s Italian Ice, the Farmington Farm Truck, Monet’s Express, and an exciting variety of exhibitors selling specialty tea, olive oil, exquisite baked goods, artisan cheese, and more will delight the gourmand in you. Hill-Stead is pleased to once again welcome Seasonal Catering of Milford, CT this year, whose chef, Jim Calkins, will anchor festival food offerings with a fabulous farm-to-table menu.

• Inside the Museum

Tour the museum at your leisure, taking in the beauty of Hill-Stead’s French Impressionist masterpieces. The weekend’s special Open House format will allow you to linger over famous paintings by Monet, Manet, Degas, Whistler and Mary Cassatt. Art lovers and experts alike will delight in seeing these incredible paintings in their beautifully appointed, historic setting.

• A Benefit Event

May Market helps to support the museum’s 152 acres of beautiful gardens, grounds and trails. May Market earned Yankee Magazine’s “Editor’s Choice – Top 20 Event” recognition in 2014 and 2015.

• Tickets

Two-day admission tickets are $15 online or $20 at the gate. (Children under 18 are FREE).