Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival
Always the weekend after Labor Day
This juried event brings 130 exhibitors and thousands of shoppers to our beautiful seaside venue.
The Laudholm campus of the Wells Reserve is a picture-perfect spot for a gathering of outstanding artisans and craftspeople. It's a welcoming place with friendly people and room to roam.
About the Festival
The Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival is held in Wells, Maine, 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 9-10, 2023 (35th)
September 7-8, 2024
How to Apply
The application window for the 2023 Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival is closed. All invited exhibitors and alternates will be selected from those who applied by the March 30 deadline.
For Prospective Exhibitors
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.
- January: Applications available in the middle of the month
- March: Deadline for entries
- March/April: Jury selects invited/alternate exhibitors; all applicants notified of results
- May/June: Commitment/payment due from accepted artists
- August: Final detail letter mailed to participating artists
- Weekend after Labor Day: Friday set-up, Saturday and Sunday show
Why This Festival?
- The ambience is professional vitality and country warmth
- Often 5,000 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?
- Check out a brochure from a previous event: 2022 Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival
Sign up for our Artisan's Alert
We'll send important announcements a few times each year.