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.
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 12-13, 2026
September 11-12, 2027
Almost time to apply for the 38th Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival!
How to Apply
The application window for the 2026 Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival opens January 26. Application details will be posted here then. Please note, this year we have switched from Juried Art Services to ZAPPlication for our application platform.
- Application window: January 26, 2026 to March 22, 2026. Online applications are preferred: Application coming soon.
- Application deadline: March 22, 2026
- Late applications will be accepted (with payment of a $50 late fee) if postmarked on or before March 29, 2026.
- Application fees are non-refundable.
- Notifications by April 10, 2026. Please refrain from contacting us about the status of your application until after that date.
Mailed Applications
We prefer electronic submissions through Zapplications. We do accept mailed applications for a higher application fee. Please email Tracy Kay (tkay@laudholm.org) for application materials.
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 toward the end 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 the brochure from last year's event: 2024 Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival
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!