Lowell Folk Festival: 22 Years of Folk, Food, and Fun!
So you want to know …
When is the Lowell Folk Festival?
July 25-27-2008 this year. The Festival is held the last full weekend of July annually.
Where is the Festival held?
At six stages and other locations throughout downtown Lowell,
Massachusetts
(View Festival Site Map)
What is the history of the Festival?
Following the success of hosting the National Folk Festival in Lowell
for three years, 1987-1989, the producing partners and community continued
the excitement with the Lowell Folk Festival in 1990. With hundreds of
thousands of visitors attending annually, the experience is ever-changing.
The four producing partners: The City of Lowell, the Lowell Festival
Foundation, Lowell National Historical Park, and the National Council
for the Traditional Arts, have continued organizing and presenting the
Festival annually during the last full weekend in July. The National Folk Festival
started in 1934 in St. Louis, MO. Since 1989, the National Folk Festival
has continued to migrate around the country to Johnstown, PA; Chattanooga,
TN; Dayton, OH; East Lansing, MI; Bangor, ME; and is now being hosted
in Richmond, VA.
What's the Festival like?
Most of Downtown Lowell becomes Festival grounds for the three days of the Festival. With six performance stages, some folks settle in for an afternoon or evening at one stage. Others move around to according to the schedule to experience the various venues, performances, and audiences. There are sunny and shaded stages, and there will be smiling faces all around. With a Family Activities Area, Crafts Demonstrations, savory ethnic foods, and so much more, everyone enjoys it “their way”.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend?
The performances and activities within the Festival are FREE. Food, beverage, and merchandise sales are available throughout the Festival.
What is the Festival Schedule?
Friday evening: Kicking off with a dance parade at 6:00, the concerts are at Boarding House Park Stage and the Tsongas Arena Dance Stage from 7-10 pm
Saturday: From noon to 6pm on 6 stages, and from 7-10pm on two stages
Sunday: from noon to 7pm at 6 stages.
View the full schedule by venue
Who's coming to this year's festival?
Each year the Festival hosts diverse performers from all over the country and the world.
See the list of performers and access their biographies.
I am a traditional or ethnic musician. How can I sign up to be a
performer?
If you’re a traditional or
ethnic musician and would like to be considered for future festivals click here to
view more information about performing at the Lowell Folk Festival.
How can I volunteer to work for the Festival?
Your assistance would be greatly appreciated at the Festival.
Click here for more information.
How can I get more involved?
Several ways in addition to volunteering …
The Festival is always accepting additional sponsors.
Click here for more information.
If you'd like to donate to the Festival, click here.
… and thank you for your support!
Should I bring my kids?
The Lowell Folk Festival is attended by kids of
all ages. In addition to the fantastic music throughout the Festival,
there is a crafts demonstration area, a family activities area, Destination
Lowell venue showcase, and much more. The whole family will have a great
time!
What's the weather like?
Massachusetts in late July can bring lots of different weather, and of course we're keeping our fingers crossed for sunshine and cool breezes. However, to be realistic the temperatures average in the mid-80's, and the sun can be intense ... so hats, sunscreen, and water are valuable for your comfort. There is also the chance of a sudden thunderstorm - venue changes will be announced from the stages.
Should I Attend Rain or Shine?
The Festival carries on, whatever the July weather brings. Venue changes are announced from the stage when necessary.
What should I bring?
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat.
• Blanket or towel to sit upon in the grassy amphitheatre. You may bring low lawn chairs, but please be considerate of those sitting around you.
• If you're blocking someone's view, we'll ask you to move.
• A sweater, sweatshirt, or windbreaker, for the evening concert.
• Friends and Neighbors.
• A picnic lunch if you like. (See ‘Is there food?’ below.)
• Extra spending money, for a souvenir t-shirt, CD, and raffle tickets for a chance to win an exciting raffle prize!
Is the Festival Accessible?
All Festival venues are accessible for wheelchairs. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available at the National Park Visitor Center, Boott Cotton Mills Museum, Downes (John Street) Parking Garage. Sign language interpreters are part of the performance at the Boarding House Park Stage.
Are Pets a Part of the Festival?
The Festival is a busy place, and the setting is not the best for pets. However, if you must bring your dog, it must be licensed and leashed, comfortable with active crowds, cleaned up after, and please have water available regularly.
How do I get there?
The Festival is easily accessable by car or public
transportation.
Click here for directions by car or train.
Is there food?
Absolutely! Some folks come long distances especially because of the amazing variety of ethnic foods available from non-profit organization vendors throughout the Festival. From African to Filipino there are tastes from around the world and good ol’ American fare as well.
Click here for information about food sales at the Festival.
Can I stay nearby?
There are plenty of places to stay in and around Lowell.
Contact the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitor Bureau.
View our Places to Stay page.
Is First Aid Available?
There are marked first aid stations throughout the Festival venues.
Where Can I Park?
Many downtown streets are closed to accommodate Festival activities. Parking is available at City of Lowell garages for $10/car.
Click here to view a map of Lowell’s parking garages.
Can I Dance?
Dancing is encouraged throughout the Festival, particularly at the Dance Pavilion.
Where Can I Get Information while at the Festival?
Information booths with friendly Lowell Ambassadors are situated around Downtown Lowell and would be glad to provide you with information once you arrive at the Festival.
Who is
the contact for information about vending during the Festival?
Commercial vending is restricted
during the Festival. If you are a commercial vendor who would like information
about permits during the Festival, please contact Andy St. Onge, Special
Event Coordinator, City of Lowell, at 978-970-4257 or by email at AStonge@ci.lowell.ma.us.
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