Sheepshearing Festival returns with music, crafts and new biergarten

Spring in Waltham once again brings the return of a longstanding local tradition: the annual Sheepshearing Festival at Gore Place.

The 39th annual festival will take place Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the historic estate at 52 Gore St. The event draws hundreds of visitors each year to celebrate traditional skills, fiber arts and seasonal farm practices — highlighted by live sheep shearing demonstrations.

Hosted on the grounds of the 18th-century mansion, the festival will feature more than 100 craft and fiber artists, along with a full day of live music, dance performances and family-friendly activities.

Returning performers include The Revels and David Coffin, who will lead sing-alongs at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Additional entertainment will include the Royal Scottish Dancers, the Colonial Dancers of the Lincoln Minute Men, the Commonwealth Morris Men, The Almost Grown Ups and The Ruth and Ben String Band.

New this year, Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. will host a biergarten on site, joining a range of food and drink vendors.

Visitors can also explore interactive activities, including a sticker machine in the activity tent featuring sheep-themed designs.

General admission is $25 (purchase in advance here), while children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult. Discounted $5 tickets are available through the Card-to-Culture program. Admission is free for Gore Place members.

Parking is available at 41 Seyon St., with a free shuttle running to the festival grounds. Limited accessible parking is available on site for vehicles with state-issued placards or plates.

Organizers note that while service animals are permitted, pets are not allowed. The event grounds include ADA-compliant portable restrooms, though much of the terrain consists of grass and gravel paths.