Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival
Set against the backdrop of competitive sheep herding, experience demonstrations, a vendor market, and a celebration of agriculture, heritage, and community. This longstanding event in Kingston showcases the skill and partnership between sheep dogs and their handlers.
The Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival returns to Grass Creek Park for another weekend of fun for everyone. As the largest sheep dog trial in North America, the festival includes the competitive sport of trialing, as well as family and pet-friendly activities like sheep shearing, agility shows, spinning and weaving, and a vendor village. Presented by the Kingston Sheep Dog Trials with support from the City of Kingston.
When and where?
- Friday, Aug. 7 and Saturday, Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At Grass Creek Park , located in Kingston East (2991 Highway 2).
Admission
- $10 per person, per day or $25 for all three days.
- Kids 12 and under are free.
- Cash and card accepted at the gate.
Activities
Note: All times are subject to change.
Sheep dog trials qualifying competition
Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Double lift final
Watch the top dogs compete for the title! Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Vendor village
Find various wares for purchase for both dogs and their owners. Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Local food vendors
- Smoke N' Barrell
- JoJo's
- JP Weirdoughs
- Squeezy’s Lemonade
- Gino’s Street Eats
- The Sheep Dog Grill
Sheep shearing demonstrations
Watch the art of sheep shearing, hourly on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Canadian Raptor Conservancy sponsored by Hampton Inn
Get up close and personal with Canada's various species of birds of prey! Three shows daily under the Picnic Shelter at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.
Absolute agility dog agility shows
Coordinated canines show off their skills. Three shows daily at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m
Face painting
Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Kingston handloom weavers and spinners
Spinning and weaving educational displays and demonstrations. Come see the beautiful art that goes into making woolen masterpieces!
- Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sheep to shawl competition
- Starting Saturday at 9 a.m., watch local guilds race to complete a beautiful shawl before the clock runs out!
- Judging of the finished shawls takes place at 3 p.m.
- Thank you to the sponsors who help make this possible: Cornerstone Fibres, Karberry Farms, Purlin J's Yarn Emporium, Sassy Yarns, The Sweet Sheep Company, and What's Weft.
Sheep to shawl auction
All finished shawls will be put on live auction, starting Sunday at noon! Be there for your chance to take home a prize-winning piece.
Getting there
Grass Creek Park is located in Kingston East (2991 Highway 2).
Parking
Free parking is available on-site, but space is limited. If accessible parking is required, please ask for assistance from the event volunteers upon your arrival.
What to bring
- Bring a lawn chair
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunshade, if you have one. Additional shade tents are available on a first come, first served basis.
- Dogs are welcome but please keep your pet on a leash.
Accessibility information
- Accessible parking is available.
- Accessible public washrooms are available on-site.
- Most activities will take place on the grass.
Weather
This event happens rain or shine. The event will only be cancelled if it becomes unsafe to be outside. Some activities may need to stop temporarily if it is raining but will restart when conditions allow.
More information
For more information, visit the Kingston Sheep Dog Trials website.
The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.
