Trailing of the Sheep Festival is one thing you can only experience in Idaho. In case you didn’t know, this annual event celebrates the arts, history, and culture of sheep ranching in the state. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind festival and it all culminates with an event known as the Big Sheep Parade. Watch as more than 1,000 sheep make their way down Main Street as part of their annual migration — it’s an amazing sight to see! Here’s what you need to know about this year’s running of the sheep Idaho!

Be a part of something truly special when you attend this year's Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Ketchum, Idaho Oct. 2-6, 2024.
Rickmouser45, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Now in its 28th year, the festival is a jubilant celebration that's not to be missed!
Started from humble beginnings, the festival's mission is to gather, present, and preserve the history and culture of sheep ranching in Idaho.
Trailing of the Sheep Festival/Facebook
The festival is an exciting and educational experience in which children and adults alike can engage with rich cultures of the past and the present.
One of the unique festivals in Idaho has definitely made a name for itself.
Rickmouser45, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
It's been recognized as one of the best fall festivals in the world by the likes of National Geographic, Travel Channel, USA Today, and MSN.

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The highlight of the festival is, of course, the Big Sheep Parade.
Trailing of the Sheep Festival/Facebook
Boy, is it an amazing sight! Taking place on the last day of the festival on Main Street in Ketchum, visitors will witness 1,500 sheep marching down the street with sheep ranching family members and herders.
The parade is all part of the sheep's annual migration to winter pastures.
Trailing of the Sheep Festival/Facebook
The event also includes sheep wagons, sign-bearing dancers, and a pipe band. Bring your camera because this is a sight you'll want to preserve forever!
The festival boasts a plethora of events leading up to the parade.
Trailing of the Sheep Festival/Facebook
Indulge in delicious lamb-centric cuisine, dance at the Folklife Fair, and partake in classes and workshops at Wool Fest. There's so much to see and do, you won't even know where to start.
Many of the Idaho festival's events require a ticket, which can be purchased online ahead of time.
Trailing of the Sheep Festival/Facebook

Trailing of the Sheep Festival offers more information on the website. Have you attended this unique tradition before? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! This is one event that every Idahoan should experience at least once.

While you’re there, visit the Sun Valley Lodge home of famous writer Ernest Hemingway. And stay nearby in a cozy Vrbo.

Many People Don’t Know Ernest Hemingway Made This Small Town In Idaho His Home

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Festivals In Idaho

Carolyn Harmon | April 23, 2024

What are some of the best festivals in Idaho?

  • Spud Day Festival (Shelley): Since 1927 this festival has brought exciting pageants, a parade, a pancake breakfast, and a Spud Run. Folks gather on the third Saturday of every September to honor the state's pride and joy.
  • Lava Hot Springs Fire and Ice Winterfest (Lava Hot Springs): Every year on the first full weekend of February folks gather in the land of natural spring-fed hot pools. Enjoy the Beer Garden, a Chili-Cookoff, and the Children's Water Carnival takes place in an indoor pool.
  • Red Chair Lavender Festival (Eagle): The warmth of summer brings this annual celebration full of lavender-themed crafts, vendors, farm animals to love, and lavender-themed foods and drinks.
  • Mac and Cheese Festival (Coeur d’Alene): America's favorite comfort food is celebrated in surprising ways during this January event. Local chefs compete for the Golden Noodle Award! Taste the goodness paired with some of the best beer around.
  • Savor Idaho (Boise): Held at the Idaho Botanical Garden, during Idaho Wine and Cider Month in June, you can sip from more than 30 wineries and cideries from around the state. Enjoy a walk through the lovely garden, visit local exhibitors, and eat something delicious from the food trucks.

What are some of the best state parks in Idaho?

  • Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park (Moscow): Visit a park full of history here and enjoy views of the Palouse Divide. Hike the multiuse trails through rich, cedar forests, and pitch your tent at one of the secluded campsites.
  • Heyburn State Park (Plummer): Another historic park, this one was created in 1908, making it the oldest park in the Pacific Northwest. You can appreciate the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps who built many buildings within the park in the 1930s.
  • Thousand Springs State Park (Hagerman): This pretty park is divided into six units where you can explore the Oregon Trail, picnic at Malad Gorge, and fish at Billingsley Creek.

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