Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival Returns April 2026

This blog post dives into the Annual Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival in North Haven—a treasured celebration of the state’s fiber arts roots. We’ll take a look at what you can expect on festival day, from lively demonstrations to hands-on workshops.

Communities from all over Connecticut—think New Haven, Hartford, Old Saybrook, and Norwalk—gather to honor sheep farming, spinning, dyeing, and other fiber crafts. It’s a real coming-together of the state’s creative and agricultural spirit.

Find Your Ideal Getaway in Connecticut
Explore top-rated stays with no booking fees and instant confirmation. Your dream trip starts here!
Start Exploring Now

Annual Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival Returns to North Haven

The festival happens at 209 Washington Ave. in North Haven, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $10, and kids under 12 get in free.

Parking’s on the house, but you’ll need to leave pets at home. This year marks the 117th festival since its start in 1909—Connecticut’s sheep farming and fiber traditions have some serious staying power, reaching from coastal towns like New London and Old Saybrook to inland spots such as Hartford, Danbury, and Waterbury.

What to Expect on Festival Day

You’ll find live demonstrations that blend old-school craft with new techniques—sheep shearing and sheepdog herding are always crowd-pleasers. There are workshops too, covering wool prep, quality checks, and a bunch of fiber arts techniques.

If you’re curious about how spinning really works, check out the spinning demos and sessions on caring for your spinning wheel. Both newbies and longtime spinners can pick up tips to improve their gear.

Kids can jump into a youth program that introduces them to fiber crafts. The festival really feels like a family snapshot of Connecticut’s agricultural and artisan scenes.

Live demonstrations of sheep shearing and sheepdog herding
Workshops on wool preparation, quality assessment, and fiber arts techniques
Spinning demonstrations and wheel maintenance sessions
Youth educational programs to spark early interest in fiber crafts
A marketplace featuring local artisans, hand-dyed yarns, spinning wheels, looms, and other fiber products
Pre-registered fleeces showcased in Barn 10 for viewing and purchase

A Connecticut-Focused Festival Experience

People travel from all corners of the state to soak in Connecticut’s fiber heritage. Besides North Haven, the festival pulls in folks from New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, Waterbury, and Danbury.

You’ll spot farming and craft fans from Essex and Old Saybrook too. Towns like New London, Mystic, and Groton add to the network of producers and crafters, while Hartford and Litchfield serve as regional hubs for markets and workshops.

The event puts a spotlight on sustainable fiber practices. It’s all about connecting producers, from small Connecticut farms to urban fiber studios in Stamford and Bridgeport.

Vendor Highlights and Fleeces

The festival’s marketplace really brings Connecticut’s fiber economy together. You can browse hand-dyed yarns, spinning wheels, looms, and all sorts of other fiber goods made by local artisans.

This year, Barn 10 will showcase and sell pre-registered fleeces—a rare chance to buy high-quality fiber straight from the source. Whether you’re a hobby spinner from Milford or a pro from Guilford, you’ll probably find something to get excited about at nearly every booth.

Practical Details for Visitors

Plan your trip to North Haven for a full day of fiber education and hands-on experiences. The festival draws folks from all over Connecticut—places like New Haven, Hartford, New London, Essex, Old Saybrook, Mystic, Norwalk, Stamford, Danbury, Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Litchfield.

You’ll find local producers and plenty of fellow fiber enthusiasts. It’s really a celebration of Connecticut’s rural roots mixing with urban creativity—a thread running from seasonal sheep farming to handcrafted textiles all over the state.

Admission: $10 | Free for children under 12
Parking: Free
Pets: Not allowed
Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Rain or Shine: Yes, the show goes on

Want a Connecticut day trip that’s got a bit of everything—agriculture, craft, and a friendly crowd? This festival feels like the perfect excuse to check out the state’s fiber arts scene, whether you’re coming from North Haven or somewhere farther out like New Haven, Hartford, Old Saybrook, Essex, Mystic, or wherever you call home.

Bring your friends or family. You might just leave with a bag full of inspiration—or maybe a new project you didn’t see coming.

Here is the source article for this story: CT Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival returns in April. ‘Rich heritage of sheep farming and fiber arts’

Discover Your Perfect Stay in Connecticut
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now