September 18, 2025

9/27: NRV Sheep & Goat Festival

9/27: NRV Sheep & Goat Festival 2 It’s the 5th annual G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) Sheep and Goat Festival! Free Community Event! Come join the fun at the 5th annual New River Valley Sheep & Goat Festival. There’s something for everyone!

Watch modern and old-timey hand shearing, goat milking, working dog demos, live music, professional artisans, play the Spinning Wheel of Prizes, take a buggy ride. Kids can Help Bo Peep find her lost pesky purple sheep, enjoy the petting zoo, strawbale maze, pumpkin painting and take a ride on the barrel train. Be entertained at story time as “Goats in Coats” will be read by local author, Michelle Cook (a free book will be given to children while supply lasts).

You won’t want to miss the livestock display barn featuring over 30 breeds of sheep and goats! There’s a starter flock auction for those looking to get into the industry or wanting to add their flock. Farmers will be on hand to speak about their operations and answer questions. Enjoy browsing artisan booths with handmade items of angora wool, felted wares, knitting, paintings, hand-made jewelry, a fleece sale, and back by popular demand, beginner felting classes.

Lunch and snack opportunities aplenty; everything from gyros, burgers, beer brats, sliders, homemade donuts and a variety of sheep and goat cheeses! Iron Heart winery will offer wine and cheese pairings. American Lamb Road Show will have lamb cooking demonstrations.

This event highlights more than 575 members of the New River Valley Sheep and Goat Association representing 250 farms. Located at the New River Valley Fairgrounds, the rolling hills are a beautiful backdrop for the festival. There’s plenty of parking! Rain? No problem. We’ve plenty of space to put us under roof!

The festival began five years ago as a way for the New River Valley Sheep and Goat Association to give back to the community and familiarize people with this farming industry. Every year the donations from our faithful sponsors keep this event free for the public. We invite you to come and be part of the best festival (we think) in the New River Valley and beyond.

Last year’s festival: