Get ready for a vibrant celebration of Wyoming’s rich sheep and wool heritage at the 3rd Annual Wyoming Sheep & Wool Festival, hosted by the Wyoming Wool Growers Association (WWGA). Mark your calendars for July 11–13, 2025, at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Buffalo, WY, where fiber artists, ranchers, and community members will come together for a weekend of education, creativity, and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned spinner, a curious beginner, or simply eager to explore Wyoming’s sheep industry, this festival has something for everyone.
A Weekend Packed with Fiber-Filled Fun
The Wyoming Sheep & Wool Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates the state’s deep-rooted sheep and wool traditions while fostering connections among producers, artisans, and enthusiasts. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect in 2025:
Festival Highlights
Vendor Fair: Browse a diverse array of booths featuring local wool, yarns, roving, and fiber art supplies. Vendors will showcase everything from hand-dyed fibers to sheep pelts and wool-based products like creams and lotions. Some vendors will offer live demonstrations, including spinning and rug hooking, so you can see the craft in action.
Educational Workshops: Dive into the science and art of wool with sessions led by University of Wyoming Extension and the Wyoming Wool Initiative. Learn about wool quality assessment, sustainable grazing practices, and innovative ways to market lamb and wool products. Hands-on workshops, like the wool evaluation session, offer practical skills for fiber enthusiasts.
Sheep Trail Tours: Experience Wyoming’s sheep industry up close with guided tours of working sheep ranches and trails. Follow modern sheepherders as they move flocks to summer grazing grounds, and learn about the history and culture of sheepherding in the Bighorn Mountains.
Sheepdog Trials: Watch skilled dogs and handlers compete in the Basque Ball Sheepdog Trial, a thrilling showcase of teamwork and tradition. Open to the public, this event runs all day Saturday, July 12, 2025.
Art & Woolcraft Show: Admire stunning fiber creations, from intricate weavings to hand-knit garments. Enter your own work to compete for awards, with winners announced at the Saturday evening dinner.
Sheepherders Come Bye Awards Dinner: Savor a delicious lamb feast (featuring lamb donated by Jones Sheep Co.) on Saturday, July 12, at 6 p.m. The WWGA and Wyoming Wool Initiative will present awards to producers, artists, and supporters. Tickets are $25 and required for entry—grab yours at wyomingsheepandwoolfestival.com. Afterward, dance the night away at a free concert featuring live music from Tris Munsick & the Innocents (8–10 p.m.).
Historical Sheepherder Panel: On Saturday at 6:30 p.m., join a multi-generational panel of Wyoming sheepherders as they share stories of the industry’s past, present, and future. Held in the Exhibit Hall, this event is free and pairs perfectly with a Basque-style lamb dinner.
Why Attend?
The festival is more than just a celebration—it’s a chance to connect with Wyoming’s sheep and wool community, learn new skills, and support local producers. As Alison Crane, WWGA Executive Director, notes, “What makes this festival special is how it brings together ranchers, fiber artists, and the community to celebrate Wyoming’s vibrant sheep industry.” Wyoming is one of North America’s top sheep and wool producers, and this event shines a spotlight on its contributions to the state’s economy and culture.
Event Details
When: July 11–13, 2025
Where: Johnson County Fairgrounds, Buffalo, WY
Admission: Free for most events (except the ticketed Sheepherders Come Bye Awards Dinner)
Contact: Reach out to Alison Crane at (307) 265-5250 or Heather Jones at (307) 864-4058 for more information.
Website: Visit wyomingsheepandwoolfestival.com for the full schedule, vendor list, and registration details.
Join Us in 2025!
Whether you’re a fiber artist, a sheep industry supporter, or simply curious about Wyoming’s woolly heritage, the 2025 Wyoming Sheep & Wool Festival promises a weekend of learning, creativity, and community. Bring your family, try your hand at wool judging, or dance under the Wyoming stars. We can’t wait to see you in Buffalo!
For the latest updates, vendor details, and ticket information, visit wyomingsheepandwoolfestival.com. Let’s celebrate the sheep and wool that make Wyoming special!
Sources: Wyoming Sheep & Wool Festival website, Wyoming Wool Growers Association, University of Wyoming Extension