While we humans are focused on spring cleaning once the season rolls around, sheep are focused on getting their much-needed spring trims, and NYC’s only sheep shearing festival is returning to Queens County Farm Museum this weekend on Sunday, May 18th! The event gives New Yorkers the unique opportunity to be immersed in life on the farm, no baa-baashop required.
According to Queens County Farm Museum’s website, the process of shearing sheep dates back to 10,000 years ago when sheep were first domesticated. Being their wool grows continuously, shearing is important for a sheep’s long-term health, comfort, safety, and overall well-being. If sheep weren’t shorn they’d risk overheating, skin conditions, and mobility issues–we can barely survive summer on a subway platform in shorts and tanks, imagine going through the whole summer in a heavy wool coat?!
And no, shearing does not hurt the sheep!
At the event you’ll see more than just the sheep getting their new ‘do–you’ll also get to learn about the cycle of wool processing and join QCFM educators as they showcase spinning, natural dyeing, weaving, knitting, and crochet. And you can even shop a selection of Queens Farm’s very own yarn to try knitting for yourself!
New this year will be the Animal Adventure walking tour with QCFM farmers, and you’ll also be able to groove to live music, hop on a hayride, partake in a free scavenger hunt, and enjoy local food and drink vendors that will keep you coming baaack for more.
David Hughes, the executive director of Queens County Farm Museum, stated:
The Sheep Shearing Festival is a joyful reminder of the rhythms of farm life. From live shearing demonstrations to spinning, natural dyeing, and weaving, this event connects visitors to the agricultural traditions that have shaped our past and continue to inspire our future.
Grounds are open to the public at no charge for the sheep shearing festival, but for $20 you’ll unlock five fun, hands-on activities with the centuries-old farm and museum’s Activity Passport. Activities include but aren’t limited to DIY Tea Magic, Clay Creations: Pinch Pot Edition, Yarn Gnomes & Their Secret Lives, and Butterfly Whimsy.
📍 Queens County Farm Museum – 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy
🗓 Sunday, May 18th
⏰ 10am – 5pm
🐑 Shearing demonstrations take place at 11am, 12pm, 2pm, & 3pm