The information below will be updated as entertainers and events are confirmed. Please call back to check for updates.
Events in green are held at the Showground.
Saturday (6h June) - ALL DAY events
Woolley Lane (8am to 3pm Sat)
Check out Woolley Lane. You’ll see that not all wool comes from Merinos. There’s plenty of other breeds to supply one of the worlds must sustainable and enduring fibres. Have a chat to the dedicated farmers who are raising these breeds.
Market Stalls (8am to 3pm Sat)
On Saturday the main street and surrounding area comes alive with rides, market stalls, street entertainers and much more
Quilt Exhibition and Sale (9am to 3.30pm Sat)
Quilters from the Hunter Valley (and beyond) will exhibit their creations at the School of Arts Hall. Entry is free but a donation at the door is greatly accepted.
The Soup Kitchen (9am to 3.30pm Sat)
You won’t have to wait for lunch for some delicious food.
Enjoy some slices and patty cakes for morning and afternooon tea or pop in to the School of Arts Hall Soup Kitchen for a cup of piping hot soup. Old fashioned pea and ham, silky smooth pumpkin, hearty chicken and vegetable or the timeless tomato soup, the Soup Kitchen will warm your heart and soul.
Kid’s Amusement Rides (8am to 3pm Sat)
Bring the kids along for free rides on the merry go round, large dual lane slide, the cactus saloon obstacle, the crayon jumping castle, and laughing clowns. Grab a coffee while the kids enjoy the rides.
Dinosaurs, snakes, fossils and more (8am to 3pm Sat)
Just Dream Productions brings a hands-on experience with reptiles and snakes you can touch! There’s dinosaurs you can have your photo taken with and fossils you can dig for! Just Dream Productions will give you an experience you won’t forget.
Sheep Dog Demonstrations (8am to 3pm Sat)
These intermittent demonstrations will help you understand what the trainer and dog are doing when the hard work begins. You’ll have time to ask questions and you may even get an insight into your own “four-legged mate” and realise what makes them tick.
Shearing Demonstrations (8am to 3pm Sat)
What would a celebration of wool be without shearing demonstrations? Presented by De Waal Shearing, these are true professionals with sheep in hand and shears at the ready. Don’t miss this incredibly skilled work as the shearer goes about their business.
Window Displays (8am to 3pm Sat)
Each year the shopfront businesses celebrate the Festival of the Fleeces by decorating their windows. But these are no ordinary window displays. This is a highly competitive time in Merriwa as the shopfront businesses vie for first prize in the Window Display Competition. Remember to check them out.
City of Maitland Pipe and Drums (10am to 2pm Sat)
The City of Maitland Pipes and Drums is a staple at the festival. Bringing up the rear of the parade, the band will break away and take up a position on the street to continue playing.
Yard Dog Trials – At the Showgrounds (8.30am to 3pm-ish)
In this fast-paced competition you’ll see working dogs put through their paces with “yard work” Yard work is different to the mustering that’s done out in the paddock. Once the sheep are mustered and in the yard the dogs have to keep the sheep moving along races, push them up onto trucks or utes, or into smaller pens.
Do you have a working dog and do you want to compete Download our 2026 True Blue Yard Dog Competition form and submit your entry.
Vintage Car Display – At the Showgrounds and outside the School of Arts Hall (10am to 2pm)
The Vintage Car Display will be at the Showgrounds from 10am to 2pm.
Around town – At the Fire Station (Sat from 8.30am)
In Merriwa the local Fire Station holds its open day to coincide with the Festival of the Fleeces. Just at the end of the market stalls, on the eastern end of the Festival you will find the Fire Station. Pop on in and say “hey” during Festival of the Fleeces! They would love to see all your friendly faces.
Around town – Holy Trinity Anglican Church (Sat from 10.00am)
Don’t miss the wonderful floral displays and artwork at the beautiful Holy Trinity Anglican Church Merriwa. Doors are open between 10am and 4pm (but closed for one hour between 12 noon and 1pm for the parade). The floral displays and artwork are the work of the local community.
Discover the history of the church and explore points of interest around the Church and Church yard.
Saturday (7th June) - SCHEDULED events
Merriwa Physie Group (Sat)
Physie (physical culture) fuses dance styles such as jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, aerobic dance and even yoga! Set to fun, upbeat, pop music, you will love the innovative choreography that showcases our local stars. See our local Merriwa Physie Group perform in the street on Saturday morning.
Fairy La La Land (10AM, 2PM and 4PM* Sat)
This is mesmerising entertainment for the children from the famous Fairy La La Land! Magic, song, dance, puppetry and comedy.
The 10am and 2pm show are held in Apex Park, Vennacher St (just 20 metres from the main festivities).
*The 4pm show will be held at the Showgrounds.
Grand Parade (and Running of the Sheep) (12noon Sat)
The grand parade makes its way along Bettington Street, led by the famous running of the sheep.
Face Painting (between Fairy La La Land Shows Sat)
Fairy La La Land will be doing face painting for the children (of course mum or dad may want to wind back the years too).
Face painting is available between Fairy La La Land shows.
Dog High Jump (1pm Sat)
The Dog High Jump is sure to entertain. Don’t miss this event to see the heights that can be reached!
Live music by Kyda Trio – At the Showgrounds (4.30pm Sat)
When the sun sets the Showgrounds start rocking and the after-dark entertainment gets cracking. Don’t miss the fabulous sounds of Kyda Trio featuring Dario Portolan, Kylie Spelde and John-Glen Dwyer.
Lolly Scramble – At the Showgrounds (6pm Sat)
When the lollies start to fly, the kids are right behind. Let the moment of mayhem prevail and the dental bills build up. As many lollies as the kids can collect, they can eat!
Whip Cracking – At the Showgrounds (5pm Sat)
Now we think Merriwa is the whip cracking capital of Australia but we’re sure there’s some people out there who’ll give us a run for our money. Watch as the real professionals demonstrate this art or join in the competition There are some cracking good prizes available. BYO whip if you have one. Safety goggles supplied.
Fireworks – At the Showgrounds (6.30pm Sat)
A spectacular display of fireworks from Kaboom! This starts at the Showground when the sun goes down. What a great way to start closing out the day.