The New York State Sheep & Wool Festival turns Rhinebeck into a lively hub for fiber artists, animal lovers, and curious day-trippers each fall.
In 2026, the festival returns October 17–18 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, a season-defining Hudson Valley event that’s equal parts tradition, creativity, and hands-on fun. If you’re coming from Kingston, Rhinebeck, or points beyond, use this guide to plan your day at the festival and make the most of your visit.
What’s Unique About the Sheep & Wool Festival?
Forget the idea that it’s just about yarn shopping. This festival brings crowds for its sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas, with demonstrations, parades, and conversations led by local farmers. Each year, the festival offers:
- Dozens of fiber breeds to meet and photograph
- Breed talks and animal shows
- Wool, fleece, and fiber shopping directly from New York and regional farms
- Fiber arts demonstrations, author signings, and workshops
- Cooking demos and fresh food from local vendors
- Interactive activities for all ages
The vibes are friendly, if you’re an experienced knitter or just along for the spectacle. The event is rain or shine and draws a mix of passionate crafters, families, and day-trippers eager for a memorable autumn experience.
Don’t Miss These Festival Highlights
Among all the exhibits and demonstrations, a few programs reliably stand out. The Fleece Sale is a must for fiber artists: find raw wool, mohair, and alpaca fleeces, as well as advice from the region’s farmers.
Saturday features the Big Llama/Alpaca Parade, a walkabout that gets kids and casual festival-goers up close to dressed-up animals, often with post-parade meet-and-greet moments. Animal lovers can also check out breed-specific meetups, angora goat shows, and the festival’s selfie-friendly animal zones.
Throughout the weekend, look for hands-on fiber arts demonstrations like felting, weaving, and spinning. There are competitions, too, on Sunday, the festival traditionally hosts a fashion show creating wearable art from wool. View the schedule straight from organizers at the official festival schedule.
Before You Go: Tickets and Festival Essentials
Admission for 2026 is $15 plus online convenience fee in advance, or $18 at the gate; tickets are needed for anyone twelve or older, and each is valid for one day.
Presale tickets can be secured through the festival’s ticket portal. Workshops include a weekend pass. On-site parking is available, and you can come and go the same day with valid credentials.
For answers about accessibility or visitor logistics, see the festival FAQ.
Pairing Your Festival Weekend with a Stop in Kingston
Planning a festival day trip from Kingston, NY? Domes Dispensary is conveniently located at 268 Forest Hill Drive with order-ahead options and hours most nights until 9 pm.
For adults 21+, discreet edibles, THC beverages, and similar items are easy to take along on a weekend adventure, just remember that New York law doesn’t permit cannabis use at public festivals or fairgrounds.
Kingston also makes a convenient jump-off for exploring dining, shopping, and other things to do near the festival before heading home.
However you spend your festival weekend, Rhinebeck’s Sheep & Wool Festival offers a genuine slice of Hudson Valley fall. Pair the energy of fairgrounds with local stops in Kingston to round out an easy, memorable trip.
