Most Unlikely Music and Art Venue

Typically, adults are only admitted to Children’s Fairyland if they’re accompanying kids. But occasional nighttime events give grown-ups the rare opportunity to take over the storybook-themed amusement park. For example, last fall’s Magic Lantern event featured video art installations and live music curated by Fairyland staff, plus local food trucks. The reflection of colorful videos on the 1950s storybook sculptures — dragons, mushrooms, and Willie the big blue whale, to name a few — transformed them into surrealist art pieces. Meanwhile, adults sipped wine and beer inside The Jolly Roger Pirate Ship, and gathered on the lawn to watch local experimental bands on the outdoor stage. It was all the wonder and weirdness of Fairyland, but with alcohol and without the kids.