There was an issue validating your request. Please try again later.

Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival

Always the weekend after Labor Day

This juried event brings 140+ exhibitors and thousands of shoppers to our beautiful seaside venue.

CF 2024

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 6-7, 2025
September 12-13, 2026
September 11-12, 2027

Now Accepting Applications for the 37th Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival

How to Apply

  • View prospectus.
  • Application window: January 21, 2025 to March 21, 2025. Online applications are preferred: Apply online.
  • Application deadline: March 21, 2025
  • Late applications will be accepted (with payment of a $50 late fee) if postmarked on or before March 28, 2025.
  • Application fees are non-refundable.
  • Notifications by April 4, 2025. Please refrain from contacting us about the status of your application until after that date.

Apply Online

Mailed Applications

We prefer electronic submissions through Juried Art Services. We do accept mailed applications for a higher application fee. Please email Tracy Kay (tkay@laudholm.org) for application materials.

Request Paper Application 

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: Deadline for entries 
  3. March/April: Jury selects invited/alternate exhibitors; all applicants notified of results
  4. May/June: 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
  • 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

CF 24 Drone

Sign up for our Artisan's Alert

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

Our 36th Crafts Festival

Read a wrap up of our record-breaking 2024 event! 

View on the Blog