For the past several days, Downtown Lowell has been buzzing getting ready for the weekend… tents are popping up, wayfinding maps are making their way to all the major street corners and intersections, Lowell National Historical Park and City of Lowell employees lining the streets setting things up and making sure Lowell has its best face on for the Lowell Folk Festival!

The weather is supposed to be incredible (may I venture to say a Chamber of Commerce weekend as far as forecast is concerned?!) so nothing should be stopping you from spending your weekend in Downtown Lowell!

Here are some tips and useful information to help you plan your weekend.

I also encourage you to check out the Lowell Folk Festival’s website and social media accounts. They are loaded with info!

Street Closures

July 24th

• Arcand Drive (Merrimack Street to Father Morissette Blvd.) – 6am

July 26th

• French Street (John Street to Kirk Street) – 6am
• French Street (Kirk Street to Archand Drive) – 11am
• Market Street (Dutton Street to Palmer Street) – 10am
• Paige Street – 2pm
• Kirk Street – 2pm
• Lee Street – 2pm
• John Street – 2pm
• Merrimack Street – 2pm
• Central Street – 2pm
• Palmer Street – 2pm
• Middle Street – 2pm
• Shattuck Street – 2pm

Parking Information

The following garages will charge $20 for parking:

• George Ayotte Garage – 11 Post Office Square
• Joseph Downes Garage – 75 John Street
• HCID Garage – 350 Dutton Street
• Leo Roy Garage – 100 Market Street

The following garages will charge $15 for Parking:

• Lower Locks Garage – 90 Warren Street
• Davidson Lot – Davidson Street
• Edward Early Garage – 135 Middlesex Street

You can find additional parking information here.

Tips and To-Do’s

• Plan Your Schedule: Review the festival schedule in advance and plan which performances and activities you want to attend. This helps maximize your experience and ensures you don’t miss your favorite acts. Here’s the map! 
• Dress for the Weekend: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you will be walking and standing for long periods. The weather is supposed to be beautiful and sunny so be sure to wear sunscreen and bring a hat and sunglasses.
• Pack Essentials: Bring water, sunscreen and a blanket or chair for comfortable seating. Chairs are waiting for you at most stages if you get there early but plan on bringing a comfortable chair if you’ll be spending a lot of time at Boarding House Park!
• Stay Informed: Follow the festival’s social media channels for real-time updates, announcements, and any changes to the schedule (Facebook, X, Instagram).
• Come Hungry: Between the global foods (info below), local businesses and ‘carnival foods’ on John Street, you are guaranteed to find something for everyone in your party over the course of the weekend. A great hack I’ve seen throughout the years is to bring your own take out containers to bring food home to enjoy for the next several days and I’ve even heard of people freezing pierogis to enjoy a taste of the festival for weeks and months to come!
• Listen to Incredible Music: There will be traditional folk music filling the air in Downtown Lowell from gospel to blues to Polish polka and literally everything in between. Check out the full schedule here and learn more about the artists here.
• Check out the Experience Lowell Arts Market: This tented area located in the Enterprise Bank parking lot on Middle Street boasts Lowell-practicing artists, makers, and cultural organizations so visitors and Lowell residents can experience everything that Lowell’s arts and culture community has to offer. Remember to bring your wallet – there’s sure to be something you’ll want to purchase for yourself and/or someone else! And check out the exhibitors in advance on Mosaic Lowell‘s social media (Facebook and Instagram).
• Catch the Street Performers: The festival has enhanced its portfolio of street performers this year to include everything from freestyle dance and mariachi to The Yo-Yo Guy! Check out the full listing here and be sure to check them out on Merrimack & Central Streets.
• Bring the Kids: Aside from great music, ice cream and fresh squeezed lemonade and street performers, there’s also a kids’ area on Shattuck Street with activities including box hockey (a Lowell tradition!).
• Admire the Window Art: The Downtown Window Art project began in 2022 as a way to bring temporary, small-scale art to Downtown Lowell in advance of the Folk Festival. Now in the third year running, you can vote and be entered to win a $250 Shop Local Visa Gift Card courtesy of Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce. Find all the details here.
• Explore Local Businesses: Take some time to visit local businesses and eateries. Many will have extended seating, sidewalk sales and live acoustic music. Help support the local economy and get a flavor for what our Downtown has to offer. Check out Mosaic Lowell’s map to filter businesses according to food & drinks, stores and more!
• Help Keep Folk Free!: The Lowell Folk Festival is free to attend, but it is not free to produce. It costs over $1 million each year. When you are at the festival put some money in the buckets of the Bucket Brigade volunteers and rock some beads to show everyone that you support the festival! And make a donation online!

More on the Global Foods… because let’s face it, many of us are here for the food!

(Click here for the menus)

Boarding House Park

• Greek – Hellenic American Academy PTA
• Filipino – Iskwelahang Pilipino
• Hispanic – Lowell Latin Catholic Community
• Jamaican / Indian – The Seed
• Middle Eastern – St. George Antiochian Church
• Laotian – Wat Lao Mixayaram

Dance Pavilion

• Southeast Asian – Buddhachak
• Mixed African – Christ Jubilee International Ministries
• Liberian – Emmanuel Temple of Hope
• Brazilian – FEALMA
• Burmese – Saydanar Community Development Center
• Cameroonian – DBA Acha Foundation, Inc.
• Greek – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
• Jamaican / Indian – The Seed

Market Street

• Armenian – Armenian Relief Society
• Polish * – Lowell Polish Cultural Committee * Saturday only
• Laotian – Wat Buddhabhavana
• Hispanic – Hope Dove

As you prepare for this year’s Lowell Folk Festival, keep these tips and tricks in mind! From sampling the diverse array of food to enjoying the eclectic mix of performers, there’s something for everyone at this vibrant celebration of culture and community.

Remember to stay hydrated, plan your schedule in advance, and take the time to explore the rich history and welcoming spirit of Lowell.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned festival-goer, the Lowell Folk Festival promises a weekend of unforgettable moments and new discoveries. So gather your friends, pack your essentials, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of this beloved tradition!