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 in Ipswich Massachusetts offers farm-based Summer Programs for kids ages 5-15

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

Parker River NWR Beach Cleanup

Come help with coastal debris and other trash at the beaches of Parker River Wildlife Refuge
Come help clean the beach at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge! The annual spring beach cleanup, hosted by the Friends of Parker River, is on Sunday March 30. Drop in Lot 1 any time between 9am - 3pm to get a trash bag and assignment. No need to sign up in advance, just show up! Stay for as...
9:00 am to 3:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: King Tide Hike

Come learn about how the moon isonly part of the king tide puzzle at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts
This high tide is royalty! Here’s your chance to see the king….tide that is. Join us for a hike to learn about extreme high tides, known as king tides, which are happening more often due to environmental change. These extreme tides have a variety of impacts on coastal infrastructure, including...
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: Family Winter Wildlife Walk

Come explore the dunes on Castle Neck and Crane Beach in Ipswich Massachusetts to learn about winter wildlife.
A CraneOutdoors Family Winter Wildlife Walk will take you on a stroll through the Crane Beach dunes while learning about the plants and animals that call this special place home. You may be familiar with Crane Beach, but have you ever visited the dune trails? The dunes of Castle Neck are a much...
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Monday, March 31

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

Pajama Story Time at Danvers Public Library

Kids are invited to the pajama time book reading at the Public Library in Danvers Massachusetts.
Wear your jammies and join us for some stories and rhymes! Ages 0-7 with a parent or caregiver.
6:30 pm to 7:00 pm

Tuesday, April 1

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

Music Together - Tuesday in Marblehead

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® of Salem classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45...
10:00 am to 10:45 am

Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

Kids can meet the barnyard animals and hear a story at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts.
Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows and rabbits, and find a spot to play under a shady tree in our...
10:30 am to 11:30 am

STEM Club at MPL

Stem Club for kids in grades 3-6 at the public library in Manchester Public Library
Have some fun and learn a little science too at STEM Club! This group meets every third Thursday from 4-5 and is for grades 4-6. 
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Pajama Story Time at Manchester Public Library

Kids are invited to the pajama time book reading at the Public Library in Manchester by the Sea Massachusetts.
Join Miss Audrey for a cozy pajama storytime and craft the first Thursday of every month from 6-7. This program is for kids ages 4 and up and their families. 
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Chess Club at Salem Public Library

Salem Public Library hosts a weekly chess club for all ages on Tuesday evenings.
Salem Public Library the library is hosting weekly chess nights where players of all ages can play and learn from each other.  Whether you're new to the game or a veteran player, all skill levels welcome, and basic instruction
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Wednesday, April 2

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

Music Together - Wednesday

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
9:30 am to 11:15 am