Sheep Dog Trials Festival

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. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 9 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At Grass Creek Park, 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

Parking

Free parking is available on-site, but space is limited. If accessible parking is required, please ask for assistance from the parking staff upon your arrival. 

Activities

Please 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.

Local food vendors

• Smoke N' Barrell
• Scoops
• JoJo's
• Mio Gelato
• JP Weirdoughs

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 Holiday Inn Waterfront

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
  • Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Come see the beautiful art that goes into making woolen masterpieces!
• 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 2 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.

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 restrooms 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 after conditions allow.