Wells Reserve at Laudholm

Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival

Always the weekend after Labor Day

This juried event brings 125+ exhibitors and thousands of shoppers to our beautiful seaside venue.

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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

Nanney Kennedy and her wools

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 (36th)

How to Apply

The 2022 event was a success. Application materials for the 2023 Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival will be posted here in January.

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.

  1. January: Applications available in the middle of the month
  2. March: Jury makes selections (accepted and alternates)
  3. April: 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
  • Nearly 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

Sign up for our Artisan's Alert

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