Head to the Upper Hunter for the long weekend and experience country life and the running of sheep. Merriwa’s Festival of the Fleeces runs annually on the June long weekend and in 2026, it runs from Friday 5 June to Sunday 7 June with lots of activities on Saturday.
For more than 30 years, the festival has proudly celebrated the rich history of agriculture and sheep farming in Merriwa. This year’s theme is “Nothing Equals Wool!”
Originally held at the historical Brindley Park wool shed, the Festival is now held in and around the Main Street of Merriwa and features the Grand Parade, led by the famous Running of the Sheep in their red socks, held on Saturday 6 June at noon.
The festival is a fun family-friendly event with markets stalls, street entertainers, amusement rides, a sheep yard dog competition, vintage car displays, and more.
The event starts on Friday night with an opening night event at the Merriwa RSL and continues until Sunday morning’s Wool Shed Tour.
Friday Night Opening Night
Sponsored by Bengalla, the Opening Night on June 5, 2026, at the Merriwa RSL Auditorium offers an evening of live music, food, drinks, and prizes. The event features special guest Marlene Brewer, a favorite from ABC’s Muster Dogs, alongside exciting auctions and raffles. Bookings are required, tickets cost $15 per person.
Saturday Events (Main Street & Around Town – Merriwa)
- Woolley Lane
- Market Stalls
- Kids Amusement Rides
- Dinosaurs, snakes, fossils and more by Just Dream Productions
- Sheep Dog Demonstrations
- Shearing Demonstrations
- Window Displays
- Quilt Exhibition and sale
- The Soup Kitchen
- Grand Parade
- City of Maitland Pipe & Drums
- Merriwa Physie Group
- Fairy La La Land Shows
- Face Painting
- Dog High Jump
- Fire Station Open Day
- Holy Trinity Anglican Church floral and artwork display
- Quilt Exhibition
Saturday Events (The Showground – Merriwa)
- Yard Dog Trials
- Vintage Car Display
- Live Music by Kyda Trio
- Whip Cracking
- Lolly Scramble
- Fireworks
Sunday Wool Shed Tour
This historic woolshed tour takes guests on a small coach to exclusive local properties outside Cassilis and Merriwa on June 6, featuring breakfast, guided tours, and insights from local farmers. Departing from the Merriwa RSL at 7am and returning around 1pm, the trip includes visits to the Dalkeith and Gundibri woolsheds alongside a walking tour of historic Cassilis. Bookings are required, tickets cost $85 per person.
For more information, visit the Festival of the Fleeces website.
While you’re in the Merriwa area, check out what else can you see in our article about the Merriwa and Denman area. It’s a great opportunity to show the kids country vistas, talk about mining and agriculture, and stop in some unique places along the way.
Do you want more ideas for regional day trips? Check out our article The Best Day Trips From Newcastle to Enjoy With Your Family. It will give you lots of ideas for a fun family day out.