Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces

08/06/2026

It’s a wrap… and they certainly flocked on up! 🐑❤️

The Festival of the Fleeces Committee estimates this was the biggest crowd ever seen at the Festival, and possibly our most successful event to date!

And what a weekend it was! We welcomed more than 100 stallholders, over 50 parade entrants, and thousands of visitors who came to enjoy a full family day of entertainment, including a fantastic performance by our very own Merriwa Physie Group.

Friday night’s Opening Night was a sell out, brilliantly hosted by the fabulous Sean Murphy, while Sunday’s Wool Shed Tour was another great success. A huge thank you to the Cassilis locals who shared the stories of their wonderful main street and to the Cassilis Hotel for providing a first-class breakfast.

None of this would be possible without our volunteers. More than 55 people stepped forward on Saturday alone, contributing over 200 hours of volunteer time. A special thank you goes to St Heliers’ incredible MOPS team for their support throughout the day.

We would also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the father/son duo, Bain and James Shenstone, for capturing so many wonderful moments throughout the weekend. Your photographs help preserve the memories of this special event for years to come.

A heartfelt thank you must also go to our sponsors. Your support helps make this event possible each year and allows us to continue bringing this wonderful festival to our community. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in Merriwa, its people and its future.

To Merriwa and the surrounds thank you. Your support, enthusiasm and community spirit are the reason we work all year to bring this event to life. Seeing the streets full, the businesses buzzing and so many smiling faces makes every hour worthwhile.

From all of us on the Festival Committee, thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, stallholders, entertainers, parade entrants and visitors. Most of all, thank you for showing up and making the Festival of the Fleeces what it is.

Until next year! 🐑✨

05/06/2026

🐑🎉 Today’s the Day ! 🎉🐑

The streets of Merriwa are ready and in just a few hours the town will come alive for the Festival of the Fleeces Grand Parade!

Grab a spot along the main street, cheer on the sheep in red socks and soak up the atmosphere that makes this one of the biggest and best days on the Merriwa calendar.

While you’re in town, make a day of it! Wander through the market stalls, check out the shearing demonstrations, working dogs, quilt exhibition, vintage vehicles, live entertainment, delicious food and everything else the festival has to offer.

The town is buzzing and we can’t wait to welcome everyone! ❤️

04/06/2026

It’s not all about the Festival… well, maybe it is but while the Festival is on, Merriwa likes to show off a little. And why not?

There’s plenty happening around town across the weekend, so make sure you take a wander and support some of our local favourites.

⛳ Sunday: Merriwa Golf Club is hosting a 2 Person Ambrose or should we say, a Lambrose ….. with a leg of lamb up for grabs!

🚒 Saturday: The local Fire Station will be holding its Open Day, so pop in and check it out.

💐 Saturday: After you’ve visited the Quilt Exhibition, wander just across the road to the beautiful Anglican Church and enjoy their floral display.

It’s the perfect weekend to explore, support local, and see Merriwa at its best.

04/06/2026

🎆 FIREWORKS ANNOUNCEMENT 🎆
Join us at approximately 6.30pm on Saturday 6th June as the night sky lights up with our spectacular fireworks display. Gather the family, rug up warm and enjoy a brilliant show to finish off a fantastic day of festival fun.

A friendly reminder to pet owners, while we think fireworks are beautiful, many of our furry friends don’t agree. Please take a moment to ensure your pets are safe, secure and comfortable before the display begins. Bringing them indoors or settling them somewhere warm and familiar can make all the difference.

📸 A big shout out to Archie C Photography for this stunning image.

03/06/2026

⬇️⬇️

🐑 This is sheep in red socks country! 🐑

Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces 2026 kicks off this Friday!

Get ready for a weekend filled with unique experiences, joy, and a true blue celebration of the agricultural traditions that helped shape Merriwa’s spirit.

🗓️ Happening on June 5, 6 & 7. This years theme is “Nothing Equals Wool” ✨🐑

Festival highlights include:
🐑 The iconic Running of the Sheep and shearing demonstrations
🎊 Grand parade and live music
🐕 Marlene Brewer and Hudson from ABC’s Muster Dogs, yard dog trials and dog high jump
🍔 Vibrant entertainment, market stalls & street food
✅ Free rides for the kids
🎆 Fireworks and so much more!

The Festival of the Fleeces is more than just fun and your attendance helps support wonderful local causes such as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the Merriwa and District Volunteer Rescue Squad. 🚁👩‍🚒

👉 Check out the full programme: https://festivalofthefleeces.com.au/full-programme/

03/06/2026

🐏🐏🐏

02/06/2026

We’re counting sheep, but not because we’re trying to sleep… Festival weekend is nearly here! 🐑🎉

This weekend, Merriwa comes alive as the Festival of the Fleeces takes over. 🎉🎉

🎶 Friday Night Opening Night kicks off the celebrations with live music, great food, raffles, auctions and plenty of fun to get the weekend started. Get your tickets ⬇️
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1546220

🎉 Saturday, the big one! The streets will be packed for the Grand Parade before a full day of market stalls, shearing demonstrations, working dogs, wool displays, live entertainment, kids’ activities, fireworks and so much more.

Sunday, sit back, relax and enjoy the Wool Shed Tour, visiting historic properties and experiencing a side of the area that few get to see. Tickets available here ⬇️
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1582547

Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or returning for another year, there’s no better time to be in Merriwa.

Tickets, event times and everything you need to plan your weekend can be found on our website https://festivalofthefleeces.com.au/

31/05/2026

🎉 It’s bunting time! 🎉

The Festival of the Fleeces would like to give a huge shout-out to Megan from RM Property & Livestock for her incredible work each year coordinating and creating the bunting that helps bring Merriwa to life for festival time.

Today we caught Jeremy from Hopkins Butchery, along with Kriston and Kyron, hard at work “raising the flag” or should we say, raising the bunting! 🐑❤️

It’s a massive effort and one of the many things that helps create the wonderful festival atmosphere throughout town. A big thank you to everyone who lends a hand behind the scenes to make Merriwa look its very best ahead of the Festival of the Fleeces!

30/05/2026

🐾 The Yard Dog Competition is now open for entries! 🐾

Think your dog has what it takes?

This fast-paced competition puts working dogs through their paces with challenging yard work that tests speed, agility, flexibility and determination. It’s a true test of a dog’s ability and willingness to get the job done.

There are great cash prizes up for grabs, along with True Blue Dog Food prizes and Shop Local gift cards. Plus, the winners will earn some serious bragging rights for the next 12 months!

Complete your entry form here:
https://festivalofthefleeces.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ENTRY-Form-2026.pdf

Start time is 8:00am sharp for the judge’s briefing. Spaces are limited, so don’t leave your entry too late.

Come along, put your dog to the test, enjoy a great day out and see how your best mate stacks up against some of the region’s finest working dogs.

Full competition details will be provided upon registration. Contact details can be found on the True Blue Entry Form.

29/05/2026

🎉🎉

Next stop 🛑
We’re off to the Fleece Festival at Merriwa 5-7 th June.

It’s been wonderful to catch up with so many Muster Dogs fans and those that adore Hudson 💜 🐾

It’s a jam packed event starting with a Dinner Friday night. Hudson and I will be in attendance and I’ll do the speaking lol.

Saturday has so much to offer and you can find all the details here Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces

We would love you to come say hi ! We’ll be at the dog trial and available for a Meet and greet 👋