Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival
Always the weekend after Labor Day
This juried event brings 120+ exhibitors and thousands of shoppers to our beautiful seaside venue.
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.
We are proceeding toward our 2021 event with cautious optimism. We expect to know by early summer whether it is safe to encourage a gathering at the Wells Reserve on the weekend after Labor Day.
Upcoming Shows
September 11-12, 2021
September 10-11, 2022
September 9-10, 2023
How to Apply
When we canceled the 2020 event, we elected to carry over accepted and waitlist exhibitors to the 2021 event. We do not anticipate soliciting any new applications this year.
Exhibitor Preview 2021
To mark the occasion of our 2020 Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival, we created a listing of exhibitors who would have been at the event. This two-part "index" now serves as a preview to the 2021 event.
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
- March: Jury makes selections (accepted and alternates)
- April: Applicants notified of jury decisions
- May: 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
- 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.