For those with a baaaah-d case of fall fever, New York has plenty of ways to celebrate the season, from colorful foliage and apple orchards to cozy small towns and festive fall events. But if you’re looking for something a little more unusual, there’s one Hudson Valley escape where the main attraction happens to be hundreds of very fluffy guests.
Every fall, Rhinebeck hosts the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival, a massive two-day celebration that brings sheep, fiber artists, makers, vendors, and thousands of visitors to the Hudson Valley. Along with plenty of adorable farm animals, the festival features handmade goods, local food, demonstrations, competitions, and everything you could possibly want to know about wool.
🐑 What to Know: New York State Sheep & Wool Festival
Think of it as the ultimate county fair meets a giant, cozy maker’s market.
The festival brings together hundreds of independent yarn dyers, fiber artisans, shepherds, and weavers under giant barns at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. You’ll find live stock judging, spinning demonstrations, author meet-and-greets, and an annual Fleece Show & Sale where raw wool from across the region is judged and sold.
Beyond the crafts, it’s a full-on Hudson Valley autumn festival. You can sip fresh local cider, grab legendary festival food, watch herding dog demonstrations, and join in on the legendary sweater-spotting—craft enthusiasts travel from all over wearing their most impressive handmade knits!
✅ Know Before You Go
- 📅 Dates: Saturday, October 17 & Sunday, October 18, 2026 (Pre-festival workshops run Oct 15–16)
- ⏰ Hours: Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- 📍 Location: Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6636 Route 9, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
- 🎟️ Tickets: 15onlinepre-sale(18 at the gate); kids 11 and under enter FREE! (Note: Workshop registration includes entry tickets!)
🚙 How to Get There from NYC
Getting up to Rhinebeck from New York City is an easy autumn trip, whether you are driving up the river or taking the train.
- By Train (Easiest & Most Scenic): Catch the Amtrak from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station directly to Rhinecliff (RHI) station. The ride takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes along the gorgeous Hudson River. From the Rhinecliff station, it’s a quick 10-minute rideshare or taxi to the fairgrounds. (Tip: Book Amtrak tickets early, as train seats sell out fast on Sheep & Wool weekend!)
- By Metro-North: Take the Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal to Poughkeepsie. From Poughkeepsie station, the fairgrounds are about a 25-minute Uber, Lyft, or local taxi drive north up Route 9.
- By Car: Drive north via the Taconic State Parkway (Exit for Route 199 West toward Rhinebeck) or take the I-87 (NY State Thruway) to Exit 19 (Kingston) and cross the Rhinecliff Bridge onto Route 9G/Route 9. Expect about a 2-hour drive from Manhattan, though you’ll want to budget extra time for classic Hudson Valley autumn traffic as you get near Rhinebeck.