Welcome to Grand Lake Stream, Maine, and the 26th Annual Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival!
A celebration of Grand Lake Stream’s natural beauty and unique cultural heritage, the festival brings together artists, artisans, and craftsmen to display and demonstrate their works, musicians to perform and entertain, and families and friends from near and far to enjoy all of this in a magical setting just off the beaten path.
The quaint village of Grand Lake Stream is nestled in the woods of Washington County, Maine, about ten miles off Route One, which runs along the Canadian border. Eastern Maine’s commercial center, the city of Bangor, is about a two hour drive away. The Grand Lake Stream Area has a long history of catering to those desiring outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, canoeing, hiking, birding, wildlife watching, photography, and the winter sports of cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Although lumbering, the tanbark industry, and mills have historically played a major role in supporting the towns of Grand Lake Stream and nearby Princeton, the abundant wilderness and many pristine lakes and streams created the perfect setting for lodges, inns, and sporting camps dating back to the 1800s…and many still to be found today! The outdoor experiences in this unspoiled corner of Maine are incomparable and keep folks coming back year after year to escape from the stresses of their busy lives and enjoy the lost art of relaxation!
FOLK ART
Browse the unique creations of more than 60 folk artists and craftsmen. Watch as many demonstrate their talents! Shop for traditional and contemporary folk art and handcrafts in a wide variety of mediums. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts instruction all day long!
MUSIC
Enjoy live performances on stage all weekend by Maine’s premier American roots, Celtic, Bluegrass, Folk and Jazz musicians. Local favorites, The Grand Lake Stream Strummin’ Wildcats, will delight the crowd each day. You won’t want to miss it!
CULTURE
Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Grand Lake Stream, with canoe-building displays and historical photos in our Remembrance Tent. Browse the gorgeous displays of handmade quilts from the talented members of the St. Croix International Quilters Guild, including many antique and heirloom pieces.
FOOD
Satisfy your cravings in the food tent, with something for everyone’s tastes! Local vendors will tempt you with downeast favorites like lobster rolls and smoked salmon; traditional burgers, hot dogs and fried chicken; authentic Cajun gumbo and ice cream sundaes!
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1 week ago
Today, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom!
4 weeks ago
We send this message along with a heavy heart. Following the Governor's orders last week, gatherings of more than 50 people in the state have been prohibited through the end of August. We assure all of our supporters, exhibitors and musicians, both near and far, that we plan to be back on July 24 & 25, 2021, to celebrate the arts and culture of our most special place in downeast Maine. In the words of festival organizers Bill and Cathy Shamel, “We genuinely think of all of you as family and we will miss our time together this summer more than words can convey. Our weekend with you is the highlight of our year. Please be safe.”
We will miss this this year but we will be ready for 2021 wonderful people to work with and enjoy!❤
Sorry to hear but smart and best decision. Looking forward to getting to 2021 and the Folk Art Festival then, Thank you Bill and Cathy for all you do in our little town, Take care have safe and healthy summer.
I will surely miss this event, its been the highlight of my staycation for almost as long as the festival has been around. We’ll be up there just the same, unless GLL doesn’t open as well. Stay safe ❤️
The love is for you, Cathy and Bill and all my fellow vendors and musicians, whom I will miss.
One of my favorite pleasures in Grand Lake Stream.
I will miss everyone, all the attendees and the crafters. Many have become special friends.
Until next year, stay safe and healthy.. 😷
We were there last summer and the summer before. A wonderful time. Hoping that all will go well for 2021.
So sorry to hear this. We are looking forward to next year. All of our best to you both!
So sad! This is THE highlight of the year for our quilt group!!
So sorry Cathy and Bill, vendors and musicians, and all who come to enjoy this summer highlight.
So very sorry to hear this news. 2021 will be extra special.
Always love the fair - but love Grand Lake and Lakers anyway!!
My favorite summer event! So sad!
So sorry, will miss it but do understand! 2021
Sorry to hear this, but good decision.
So sorry. The boys were looking forward to working with you all again this year.
Very sad news
Maeryn is sad, as well. 💕
Too bad, was looking forward to this.
Another one bites the dust.
😞
1 month ago
To all of our festival friends, supporters, and exhibitors, as we navigate the uncertainties of the these challenging times, we know you're all wondering if there will indeed be a festival this summer. Our crystal ball is still a bit fuzzy, but we are hopeful and continuing with our plans at this point. There will come a time in the near future when a decision must be made. We will watch as things unfold over the next few weeks and make our decision with the best interests and safety of all in mind. It would do everyone good to listen to some wonderful music and enjoy the unique creations of our talented folk artists and crafters, all in what we consider the most beautiful spot in downeast Maine. We sincerely hope the world and our country will be healthy enough on July 25 & 26 to make that all possible.
Same here
I can certainly appreciate the difficulty of a decision like this. Waiting to see what develops seems like a good approach.
Best wishes to us all.
Absolutely hope it happens but if it cant maybe online? Would hate to see the artists lose out!
Well...I guess I really hope it can happen!...Sorry for the error.
I was just wondering the same thing today! Wait and see...
Fingers crossed!
