It’s time to talk about Trailing of the Sheep.
USA Today readers have voted it one of the country’s top 10 fall festivals, and once you have stood on Main Street watching a thousand sheep flow through town behind their herders and dogs, you will understand why. This is not a festival you watch from the sidelines: it is a full, one-of-a-kind Sun Valley weekend of sheepdog trials, lamb feasts for foodies, wool crafts for the artsy, lots of live music, vibrant fall foliage, and a small-town atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
Here is a full weekend itinerary, festival events plus the best of Sun Valley in between, so you can plan every hour, from hiking Adams Gulch and stargazing from home to catching one of the most unique cultural parades in the USA.
Wednesday, October 7: The warm-up
Afternoon
If you’re lucky enough to snag a long weekend, the Festival Welcome Center at The Argyros opens at noon on Wednesday, followed by an afternoon of Cooking with Lamb Classes at the St. Charles Church in Hailey with Chef Sydney Liepshutz and Chef Paul Brown.
Evening
The highlight of the event, the annual Farm to Table dinners are sold out all nights, but you can join the waitlist through the Trailing of the Sheep website. It won’t be hard to find a great alternative! You’ll find irresistible lamb specials at most local restaurants all week that’ll leave you booking for next year’s event before you leave town! Check out our Dining Guide to Ketchum & Sun Valley and book in advance!
Thursday, October 8
Morning
If you are up early, sneak in a hike or mountain bike ride on the Adams Gulch trails just outside Ketchum before the day gets going – the fall colors are popping! Wool Fest Workshops run throughout the day at various Ketchum and Hailey locations, with dozens of fiber-arts classes to choose from. Browse the classes here. At 10:30 am, you’ll have another opportunity to join the Cooking with Lamb Classes with Chef Chris Kastner and Chef William McCormick!
Afternoon
At 1 pm, cheese lovers must catch the Cheese-making Class with fromager Kendall Russell and there’s a later 3PM afternoon slot for a Cooking with Lamb Class with Chef Mary Clare Griffin.
Evening
You’re on the Farm to Table dinner waitlist but perhaps try your luck for a table at the Pioneer Saloon, a classic Western saloon fondly known as The Pio. Bar opens 3:30PM. They say, “if you haven’t been to the Pioneer Saloon, you haven’t been to Ketchum.”
Friday, October 9
Morning
For breakfast, try Konditorei in Sun Valley Village or the Kneadery in downtown Ketchum, then head to the day’s headline event: the National Point Qualifying Sheepdog Trials. Running all day from 9AM to 5PM, this is a must-see! It’s fascinating to watch the talented border collies read a flock, respond to a whistle and guide stubborn sheep through the course, with photo opportunities at every turn. There is food from the Gooding Basque Association, beverages and a market with more than 30 vendors, so bring lawn chairs and settle in (leashed dogs are welcome).
Afternoon
Chef Kathleen Bean leads a Cooking with Lamb Class from 12:30 to 2 pm, followed by a Sheep Ranching Q&A at the Community Library in Ketchum from 2:30 to 4 pm, where you can ask local ranchers anything.
Only checking in today, or just not in the mood for the Q&A? Use the window to explore downtown Ketchum’s shops and galleries instead – the Gold Mine is famous thrift store and a worthy stop on your Sun Valley itinerary
Sheepdog Trials not your thing? The Wool Fest Workshops are running all day or take the opportunity to get outdoors in nature – one of the best reasons to visit Sun Valley. Head out on a hike close to town, explore the 30-mile bike path (paved and perfect for kids), take a scenic drive for some fall foliage leaf-peeping, or simply settle in slowly to your Sun Valley vacation rental.
Evening
This is a not to be missed event! At 4:30 pm, For the Love of Lamb brings lamb to downtown Ketchum’s restaurants, so you can taste your way through town. End the day at 7 pm with an evening of storytelling at the Sheep Tales Gathering at the Argyros Performing Arts Center, or book a table downtown instead: Pioneer, Sawtooth Club, Enoteca and Fiamma Grill are all local favorites.
Saturday, October 10
Morning
If you golf, Saturday morning is the time before heading over to the Sheepdog Trials or the free Folklife Fair at Roberta McKercher Park in Hailey. If the crafts still have your attention, more Wool Fest Workshops run throughout the day.
The Folklife Fair and Lamb Fest is a must-do on your Trailing of the Sheep itinerary – the fair features 80+ vendors (lots of wool!), food and beverage trucks, live music and dance celebrating the cultures and traditions that built the valley’s sheep industry, and the ultimate lamb fest so arrive hungry!
Afternoon
Between the Sheepdog Trials and the Folklife Fair, take the time to discover the town of Hailey! The kids will love adventuring at Hop Porter Park or strolling along the river at Lions Park Preserve, there’s plenty of quaint local stores for pre-Christmas shopping, or plan an epic afternoon of flyfishing at Silver Creek Preserve – only 17 miles from Hailey.
Evening
As the light fades, finish the day with a Molly in the Mineshaft Concert at The Argyros at 7:30 pm. Traveling with kids? Head to happy hour at the Village Station in Sun Valley followed by an evening of ice skating or bowling at the Sun Valley Lodge.
Sunday, October 11
Morning
Sunday is the grand finale, and it is worth an early start, especially with fall colors popping across the valley this time of year. The Sheepdog Trials runs its final day from 9AM to 2PM or settle in for the free History of Sheepherding in the Wood River Valley talk at the Limelight Hotel from 9:30 to 11AM. Looking for the fun side? Head to the Happy Trails Closing Party in Ketchum Town Square with food, drinks, vendors and live music by Cindy & Gary Braun playing favorites from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s.
Right in the middle of it all, at noon, the Big Sheep Parade comes down Main Street: flocks, herders, dogs, and musicians and dancers from the Folklife Fair, all moving through the center of town together. Find a spot along the curb and watch it unfold.
Afternoon
After the parade, the Happy Trails Closing Party continues with the Kim Stocking Band taking center stage in Town Square, a Wood River Valley staple for 29 years known for blending country, rock and folk from Alison Krauss to Tom Petty. The perfect send-off to a perfect weekend!
Please note: All tickets may be purchased on the Trailing of the Sheep website.
Where to Stay in Sun Valley
Whether it’s stargazing from your deck after a big day on Main Street, slow mornings with the family before the next event, or simply making memories together in the mountains, where you stay is as much a part of your Trailing of the Sheep weekend as the festival itself.
Downtown Ketchum: Stay within walking distance of the Festival Center and Main Street Events
Sun Valley Village: Stay only a short walk or bike ride to the main events. Our Sun Valley vacation rentals include a Resort Recreation Pass for access to the outdoor heated pool, plus hotel rates on golf and horse rides!
Elkhorn Village: Stay near the Elkhorn golf course to mix some leisurely tee times with your sheep events. Our Elkhorn Village vacation rentals include an amenity pass for discounted golf rates. The pools are closed for the season!
Hailey: Hailey is the closest base to the Sheepdog Trials, the Folklife Fair and Lamb Fest, and is only a short drive or free shuttle ride to the main events in downtown Ketchum.
Wherever you choose to stay, Michael’s Vacation Rentals offer a clean, comfortable and convenient home away from home with a local team on standby to make your Trailing of the Sheep experience one to remember.
Plan Your Visit
Discover the best places to stay for Trailing of the Sheep 2026 by booking directly today!
