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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4 weeks ago
We would like to send out a BIG congratulations to our teen workers who are graduating from high school this year. You've been a huge help at the festival for many years and we thank you. We'll miss you this summer and hope that your college and future plans will allow you to join us again. We are so happy for you and proud of you all!
These young people are a credit to themselves and their parents. Best wishes on your future education and life plans.
We were all part of their growing up process . Best wishes for their bright futures!
Congratulations to all of you
what a great bunch of kids, I will miss them this summer...best wishes and come back to see us at GLS Festival 2021.
These guys are great! Best wishes on your bright futures.
1 month ago
Today, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom!
2 months 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!❤
Vote Janet out!
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 ❤️
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.. 😷
So sorry to hear this. We are looking forward to next year. All of our best to you both!
We were there last summer and the summer before. A wonderful time. Hoping that all will go well for 2021.
So very sorry to hear this news. 2021 will be extra special.
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.
The love is for you, Cathy and Bill and all my fellow vendors and musicians, whom I will miss.
So sorry, will miss it but do understand! 2021
Always love the fair - but love Grand Lake and Lakers anyway!!
My favorite summer event! So sad!
So sorry. The boys were looking forward to working with you all again this year.
Sorry to hear this, but good decision.
Maeryn is sad, as well. 💕
Very sad news
Too bad, was looking forward to this.
Another one bites the dust.
😞
