Wells Reserve at Laudholm

Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival

Always the weekend after Labor Day

This juried event brings 120+ exhibitors and thousands of shoppers to our beautiful seaside location every September.

About the Festival

Nanney Kennedy and her wools

The Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival is held in Wells, Maine, every September on the weekend after Labor Day. This prestigious event brings many of New England's finest exhibitors, selected by jury, to display their wares for thousands of browsers. Music and local food round out the 2-day festival.

Upcoming Shows

September 12-13, 2020

September 11-12, 2021

September 10-11, 2022 (#35)

How to Apply

  • Application materials were posted January 30, 2020. Online applications are preferred.
  • Review helpful information.
  • The application deadline is March 20, 2020.
  • Late applications will be accepted (with payment of a $25 late fee) if received by March 27, 2020.
  • Application fees are non-refundable.
  • Notifications will be made in writing by April 17, 2020. Please refrain from contacting us about the status of your application until after that date.

Apply Online (goes live February 1, 2020)

We prefer electronic submissions through Juried Art Services. Online applications save you time and money. They also make the jurying process easier for our volunteers.

Visit Juried Art Services

Download an Application

We accept mailed applications for a higher application fee. We recommend you review the information below and our Helpful Information & Tips sheet.

Download Application

If you sell food or health & beauty products, please use the Specialty Vendor application form.

Download "Specialty" Application

If you choose to submit a paper application, we recommend making a copy for your records before mailing it in.

Annual Timeline

We are always looking for new and exciting works to keep the festival fresh. Whether you are a returning artist or applying for the first time, this is our timeline.

  1. January: Applications available
  2. March: Jury makes selections (accepted and alternates)
  3. Applicants notified of jury decisions
  4. May: Commitment/payment due from accepted artists
  5. August: Final detail letter mailed to participating artists
  6. Weekend after Labor Day: Friday set-up, Saturday and Sunday show

Why This Festival?

  • The ambience is professional vitality and country warmth
  • More than 4,000 attendees over 2 days 
  • Since 1988 — One of the longest-running juried craft festivals in Maine 
  • A short drive from the Kennebunks and Ogunquit on Southern Maine's "gold coast" 
  • Professional buyers from Portland, Portsmouth, Boston, and New York 
  • Low application fee

Jurying Criteria

  • Nature Theme — The world of nature is a unifying theme, though crafts that are not conducive to reflecting the theme will not be automatically excluded
  • Quality — Workmanship should be exemplary. The applicant should be the primary creator.
  • Originality — Unique design and technique
  • Booth Setup — An attractive display with multi-level presentation, floor-length table coverings, screening from neighboring booths, and a sign with the artist or business name

Useful Tips

  • Q&A: Why was I not accepted?

Sign up for our Artisan's Alert

We'll send important announcements a few times each year.

2020 Crafts Festival

Get details on this year's festival

View Event on Calendar