Trailing of the Sheep Festival 2023 – ID
October 4 - October 8
Our Mission
To gather, celebrate, present, and preserve the history and cultures of sheepherding in Idaho and the West.
Be a part of another year of stories as we meet our mission to gather, present and preserve the history and culture of sheep ranching and herding in Idaho and the West.
Proud to be ranked as “One of the Top Ten Fall Festivals in the World” by msn.com
Tickets On Sale July 1st!
Be sure to register early as many of our events sell out quickly!
Click Here for Festival Schedule
EVENTS
- Big Sheep Parade
- Folklife Fair
- Lamb Fest
- Sheep Ranching Q&A with Idaho Ranchers & Friends
- Sheepdog Trials
- Sheep Reads
- Experiences
- Exhibits
- Happy Trails Closing Party
Sheep Ranching Q&A with Idaho Ranchers & Friends
Friday, October 6, 2023
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Community Library, 415 Spruce Avenue, Ketchum
FREE!
Folklife Fair
Saturday, October 7, 2023
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Roberta McKercher Park, Hailey
FREE!
The popular and authentic Sheep Folklife Fair provides a full day of things to see, hear and do for all ages! Demonstrations of sheep shearing, displays of sheep wagons, Kids’ Fluff crafts, spinning and weaving demonstrations by artisans, music and dancing by traditional performers, great food and beverages, and over 80 vendors selling their unique art and crafts will be featured.
Lamb Fest at the Folklife Fair
Saturday, October 7, 2023
11:00am-4:00pm
Roberta McKercher Park, Hailey
Enjoy delicious and creative American Lamb dishes prepared by local chefs and restaurants. This event benefits the Trailing of the Sheep Festival with unique American Lamb specials. Beer, wine, water and soft drinks also available for purchase. Choose your favorite restaurant when you arrive at the Fair and get in line for your choice of the day!
Championship Sheepdog Trials
October 6 & 7, 2023 – 9:00am-5:00pm
October 8, 2023 – 9:00am – 2:00pm
2400 Buttercup Road
Hailey, Idaho 83333
$7.00 Entrance Fee – Children under 5 are free!
(Please bring cash to pay for your entry! Thank you!)
Leashed dogs are permitted at the Trials. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. Coolers are not permitted.
Big Sheep Parade
Trailing of the Sheep Parade
with Faulkner Land and Livestock Sheep
Sunday, October 8, 2023
12:00 Noon
Main Street, Ketchum
FREE!
(NO DOGS PLEASE)
Join an authentic trailing of the sheep down Ketchum’s Main Street as part of their annual migration to winter pastures. A band of 1,500 sheep parade down Main Street with sheep ranching family members and herders headed south. The parade includes historic sheep wagons and participants from the Folklife Fair, each identified by sign-bearing dancers from the Footlight Dance Centre. Blessing the flock this year is The Rev. Kathleen Bean, Associate Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Ketchum. After the parade passes, you are invited to walk with the families herding the animals to their resting place south of town.
Happy Trails!
Festival Closing Party
Sunday, October 8, 2023
10:00am – 3:00pm
Ketchum Town Square
FREE!
Once in the Sun Valley/Ketchum area, visitors can benefit from the around town Bus Service offered by Mountain Rides, which also makes several daily trips from Sun Valley/Ketchum to Hailey and Bellevue.
The Trailing of the Sheep Festival is proud to partner with Mountain Rides public transportation during this year’s Festival. Mountain Rides will operate their normal Valley Route connecting Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley, which can be found here Valley Route – Monday – Friday – Mountain Rides and here Valley Route – Saturday, Sunday & Holidays – Mountain Rides. They will make a special stop into the Folklife Fair at McKercher Park in Hailey on Saturday. Currently, it is free to ride the bus Valley-wide.
