Lowell Folk Festival

The largest free folk festival in the nation, with continuous music on six outdoor stages, takes place July 27-29, 2012 in downtown Lowell, Massachusetts. A partial lineup of performers, representing folk, bluegrass, gospel, world music, dance and more, appears below. The festival takes place on six different stages in historic downtown Lowell.

A family friendly event, the Lowell Folk Festival has presented an international array of folk music, ethnic foods, craftspeople and artisans, as well as kid’s activities to enthusiastic New England audiences every summer for over 25 years. Canal boat and trolley rides are also available this weekend.

Lowell Folk Festival 2010 Compilation

For more information, including, full artist bios, audio samples, maps and complete schedules, visit lowellfolkfestival.org.

Among the more than 20 plus artists performing this year are:
1. The Claire Lynch Band - bluegrass
2. Lunasa - Irish
3. Magic Slim & The Teardrops - blues
4. Oliver “Tuku” Mtukutzi - Tuku music from Zimbabwe
5. The Ethel Caffie-Austin Singers - gospel
6. Michael Winograd & the Klezmer Orchestra International – klezmer
7. Hula Halao „o Keiialoil - hula kahiko
8. JP Harris & the Tough Choices – honky tonk
The festival will kick off on Friday evening at 6:30pm with a flag raising ceremony and parade starting at City Hall Plaza. All are welcome to participate in the parade to signal the opening of the weekend’s
festivities. The Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce has signed on as a producing partner of the Lowell Folk Festival this year. Danielle Bergeron, President and CEO said:

"The Greater Lowell Chamber is thrilled to be added as a Lowell Folk Festival partner. As a Lowellian, born and raised, I've attended the Folk Festival since it's inception and in more recent years, volunteered at the Festival. It's truly an honor to contribute to one of Lowell's brightest stars!"

The Chamber brings its extensive connections to the Lowell area business community and marketing strength to the table.
The Lowell Folk Festival is presented by Lowell National Historical Park, Lowell Festival Foundation, the
National Council for the Traditional Arts, the City of Lowell, the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and
Visitors Bureau, and the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce.

When: 
July 27-29, 2012 Check the complete schedule online at lowellfolkfestival.org
Phone: 
978-275-1705
Appleton Farms offers great farm-based Vacation Week Programs for kids ages 5-11

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

The Legacies of Long Hill: House & Garden Tour

Tour the Gardens at the Trustees of Reservations Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts!
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to join our expert guides for a tour around Long Hill’s stunning Sedgwick Gardens and learn more about the special plants. Step inside the beauty and layered history of Long Hill with a guided tour of its breathtaking gardens and historic house. Once the...
10:30 am to 12:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: Castle Neck Hike in the Dunes

Hiking the Dunes at the Crane Wildlife refuge with the Trustees of Reservations.
You may be familiar with Crane Beach, but have you ever visited the dune trails? The dunes of Castle Neck are a much less explored world unto themselves. They offer one of the most accessible dune landscapes in New England and trails that provide a firsthand look into the delicate and ever-changing...
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum
Join in on Sundays at 2:30 for STEAM Club for ages 5-11. Each week participants will explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our NSCM staff! Every STEAM club session will see your kids participating in hands-on activities while exploring a new topic. Space is limited, please...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Monday, May 25

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Tuesday, May 26

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

Kids can meet the barnyard animals and hear a story at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts.
Bring your little ones to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh story hour. We will read books about animals and nature, maybe sing a song or two, then head up to the carriage barn to visit our Nubian goats, Angora rabbits and see what other animals are out and about on the farm. We will engage in...
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Wednesday, May 27

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Stargazing at Mendel Observatory

Mendel Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night
The Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night (weather permitting) starting at dusk or 7:30 pm, whichever is later.  When special astronomical events of interest occur (total lunar eclipses, etc.) the Obs
7:00 pm