Everything You Need to Know About Trailing of the Sheep in Sun Valley

October 7 – October 11, 2026

Have you ever seen 1,500 sheep take over a town? Now’s your chance! Mark your calendar for one of the Best Fall Festivals in the US – the 30th Annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Sun Valley, Idaho, from October 7 – 11, 2026.  

Sheep filling up a street downtown with crowds watching.

For over a century, sheep have journeyed through the Wood River Valley, traveling from their high mountain pastures to their winter homes in the south. What once may have been a quirky inconvenience for locals has now transformed into a beloved celebration. The Trailing of the Sheep Festival is ranked as one of the “Best Fall Festivals in the US” by USA Today and has also been named one of the “Top 7 Fun Fall Festivals” by National Geographic and “One of the Top Ten Fall Festivals in the World” by msn.com. 

From savoring mouth-watering lamb dishes and learning wool crafts to witnessing lively traditional dance, music, and thrilling sheep-dog trials, the Trailing of the Sheep Festival immerses you in the rich history of sheep ranching and shepherding in Idaho. The sheepdog trials have become a highlight in their own right — a USBCHA-sanctioned, national qualifying event that draws top handlers and dogs from around the country.

Visit www.trailingofthesheep.org for a full schedule of events. 

Unit for rent with ski mountain not far away in the background.

With Sun Valley’s streets glowing under a canopy of golden aspens, there’s no better time to visit! Whether you’re coming for the sheep or simply to soak in the beauty of fall in Sun Valley, Michael’s Vacation Rentals offers a perfect range of Sun Valley vacation rentals. From cozy condos to spacious family homes, our Sun Valley vacation rentals provide the ideal base for your fall adventures. The festival is free to attend and grows more popular every year, so if you’re planning an October trip, now’s the time to book – lodging sold out last year.

Book your stay with us and be part of one of the best fall festivals in the country!