It’s that time of year again: the 21st annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival returns to Idaho’s scenic valley from October 4–8. Based in Ketchum, the festival celebrates shepherding traditions, wool crafts and the seasonal migration of flocks as local herds move to winter pasture. The program centers on the Trailing of the Sheep Parade — an authentic, historic trailing down Ketchum’s Main Street — where woolly sheep are guided through town alongside wooden sheep wagons, musicians and dancers. The parade captures the living agricultural heritage of the region and gives visitors a rare chance to witness traditional livestock movement in a community setting.
Beyond the parade, the festival offers professional sheepdog trials that showcase the skill and partnership between handlers and their dogs as they herd sheep through timed courses. The Folklife Fair brings together master artisans and cultural performers for demonstrations and hands-on activities: sheep shearing, spinning and weaving, textile arts and a juried arts-and-crafts show featuring handmade items in wool, alpaca and wool blends. Attendees can also browse a quilting exhibit, enjoy live music, and find family-friendly activities and displays designed for children.
Festival programming includes an array of workshops and classes suited to a wide range of interests and skill levels. Culinary events highlight farm-to-table dinners and chef-led lamb cooking sessions that showcase local ingredients and seasonal preparations. Fiber-focused classes include Tibetan spindle instruction, Turkish drop spindle workshops, tapestry beading and weaving, felting sessions, and traditional Japanese shibori dyeing techniques. Photography workshops and guided picnics around the valley provide opportunities to explore the landscape and capture festival moments, while craft courses offer practical instruction for people wanting to develop new fiber arts skills.
Performances at the Folklife Fair reflect the region’s diverse cultural influences. This year’s lineup features The Boise Highlanders with bagpipes, drummers and dancers; Peruvian musicians and dancers presenting Andean music and dance; the Oinkari Basque Dancers celebrating Basque heritage through traditional choreography; and the Siumni Polish Highlanders of North America performing folk music and dance from Poland’s Tatra Mountains. These performances, alongside local artists, create a lively atmosphere that blends cross-cultural traditions with local mountain culture.
Venues around the Wood River Valley host festival events and workshops, including the Wood River Sustainability Center, Sawtooth Botanical Garden and Warfield Distillery & Brewery. Each site contributes a unique setting for demonstrations, classes and social gatherings, allowing visitors to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities in comfortable, accessible spaces. Farmers, fiber artists and community organizations often participate, providing opportunities to learn about local agriculture, sustainable practices and the role of sheep in the valley’s landscape and economy.
The Trailing of the Sheep Festival is designed to appeal to a broad audience: families seeking engaging outdoor activities, fiber artists and craft enthusiasts, food lovers interested in regional cuisine, and anyone curious about traditional shepherding and rural life. The festival emphasizes hands-on experiences, the preservation of cultural practices, and community connection. With a mix of performances, educational demonstrations and interactive workshops, the event offers both entertainment and meaningful cultural exchange.
Whether you’re attending to watch the parade, take a workshop, taste locally produced lamb dishes or meet artisans at the Folklife Fair, the Trailing of the Sheep Festival provides a rich program that celebrates the valley’s agricultural heritage and living traditions. The combination of historic spectacle, skilled demonstrations, and diverse cultural programming makes the festival a notable autumn event for visitors and residents alike.