The 26th annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival takes place October 5-9, 2022. It happens to be the Wood River Valley’s most unique heritage event. And it culminates in a sheep parade down Ketchum’s Main Street, which has made the festival world-famous. A celebrated fall event in Sun Valley, Idaho, the Festival attracts visitors from across the globe. Unique to Basque heritage, Idaho’s Basque community hails ancestors who migrated from Spain’s Basque region to many areas in the West. Of course, this includes the Wood River Valley, which celebrates its sheep ranchers and herders at this festival.

Significantly, the Festival preserves the stories and rich history of sheep ranching and herding. For 2022, the Trailing of the Sheep Festival offers an array of events, many of which are accessible to all—primarily free. Enjoy Farm to Table Dinners with lamb from local ranchers, Cooking with Lamb classes, Wool Fest classes, the Sheep Tales Gathering storytelling event featuring women in ranching, a National Point Qualifying Sheepdog Trials, authentic Sheep Folklife Fair, Q&A with Idaho Ranchers, and the iconic and exciting Big Sheep Parade, which are the highlights throughout the weekend.

Moreover, the Festival celebrates the rich cultures of the past and present. It is entertaining and educates everyone who attends about food and fiber production. However, it is these livelihoods that have sustained local economies for generations. There’s nothing like watching the Oinkari Basque Dancers, Peruvian Dancers and Musicians, and a massive sheep herd trail down Main Street.

Most important, events and happenings take place throughout the Valley. Visit trailingofthesheep.org for a schedule of happenings and locations, especially where to enjoy Idaho lamb and wine pairing. At the center of town, the Sun Valley Wine Company is steps from events and the Big Sheep Parade. So stop by, enjoy a glass of wine, and celebrate this weekend with friends, locals, and visitors!