This festival runs all over Lowell, all weekend, so feel free to check it out on your own any time during the weekend. There will, however, be a group of us going on Sunday, as all the acts play each day, so there's no missing anything. The ethnic food, the diversity of the music, it's all excellent. Please RSVP if you want to meet up, and we'll set a meeting time/place and exchange contact information.

Returning to downtown Lowell for the 22nd summer, the FREE Lowell Folk Festival brings a proud history of traditional folk music, ethnic foods, and crafts demonstrations that attract visitors from across the country.

Each year, the Festival transforms downtown Lowell for three days – that’s the last full weekend in July. Six music stages are prominently placed across the city, offering varied settings and styles of performances.

MUSIC
Among the musical genres lined up for 2008 are: Jamaican ska, Quebecois music & dance, Dominincan musica de guitarra, and zydeco!  If you’re looking for a rollicking dance music stage, don’t miss the Dutton Street Dance Pavilion. Take in more intimate performances at the Lee Street, Market Street, or St. Anne’s Performance Stages. Looking to soak up the sun while an expansive stage spreads out in front? Then head to the JFK Plaza Stage or Boarding House Park.

ETHNIC FOODS
Lowell’s cultural diversity can be experienced as flavors from the numerous ethnic food sellers at three areas of the Festival. It might be Armenian loshkebab, Pilipino turon (banana roll), Jamaican beef patty, or one of so many other menu items at the Dutton St. Dance Pavilion, JFK Stage, or Boarding House Park areas. The groups preparing these specialties are Lowell-area cultural organizations who return their Festival profits to support their community activities.

CRAFTS
Traditional crafters along Lucy Larcom Park invite exploration of New England’s history as they execute exquisite designs large and small. It may be a wooden boat, a hooked rug, or Native American regalia being created before you.  Enjoy the shaded walk along the Merrimack Canal as you move from tent to tent to discover what this year’s Festival crafters are demonstrating.

This and much more fun and adventure awaits at the Lowell Folk Festival. The Festival producing partners, along with the numerous community partners, sponsors, and a dedicated corps of volunteers invite you to enjoy a world of cultural diversity!!