Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festival schedule, and are there any timed performances?
The Festival is from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. You can view the all-day schedule of events in addition to any timed performances on our 2026 Festival Map. To see a list of all performers, vendors, crafters, and historic re-enactors, please view our Vendors and Performers page.
How do I see the shearing?
Shearing takes place all day throughout the Festival behind our barns. The exact timing can vary depending on how many animals are being shorn.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed at the Festival for the safety of our Farm animals. Service dogs, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are allowed at the Festival.
Does the Sheepshearing Festival take place rain or shine?
Yes, our Festival takes place rain or shine. Dress for the weather and join us!
Where can I park?
Visitor parking at the Sheepshearing Festival will be free and off-site at a nearby parking lot coordinated by Gore Place, within walking distance. There will be free shuttles running during the Festival to take visitors to and from the parking lot. The parking shuttle stops at the lot. The last shuttle departs from Gore Place at 5:00 p.m. The shuttle stops at both the Waltham Street and Gore Street ticket gates at Gore Place.
Festival parking lot:
41 Seyon Street in Waltham
Free accessible parking for visitors with disabilities:
Free accessible parking for vehicles with state-issued HP placards/plates is located at 52 Gore Street, Waltham.
What are other transit options to the Festival?
Public transit options:
Gore Place is on multiple MBTA routes. Visit our Directions and Parking page to learn more.
Bicycling:
Gore Place has bicycle racks located near the Carriage House parking lot at 52 Gore Street, Waltham.
Does the Sheesphearing Festival happen every spring at Gore Place?
Yes! The annual Sheepshearing Festival at Gore Place has been a New England spring tradition since 1987. Each April, 5000 adults and as many children spend a day at Gore Place to view traditional sheep shearing of our heritage Leicester Longwool sheep and partake in heritage artisan crafts.
What is shearing?
Shearing is the yearly process of cutting off a sheep’s wool fleece. In New England, adult sheep are typically shorn in the spring, when they no longer need their warm wool fleeces to protect them from winter conditions. Shearing is necessary to protect the health of the animal. Shearing does not hurt the animal; it’s just like getting a haircut. We feature blade shearing at the Festival, which is shearing done using a traditional, non-electric hand tool. Shearing is a difficult and physically demanding job and something of a lost art, with a dwindling number of experienced shearers traveling to farms across New England each spring to shear their flocks
What makes the sheep at Gore Place different?
Gore Place’s working farm is home to a flock of Leicester Longwool sheep (Leicester is pronounced ‘lester’), a rare and historic breed developed in the 1700s in England. Their coarse, curly, and lustrous long-staple wool is favored by many hand spinners for its durability and strength.
What is the best way to receive Festival updates for this year, and future Sheepshearing Festivals?
The best way to stay "in-the-know" is by joining our e-mail list! Sign up here.
I have another question. How can I contact Gore Place?
The best way to get in touch with us is by sending us a message on our contact form.
Information About Accessibility and Accessibility FAQs
Is there accessible parking at the Festival?
Yes. We provide accessible parking spaces for vehicles with state-issued HP parking plates or placards. There are van-accessible spaces and standard spaces. These spaces are located in our on-site parking lot near the north entrance to the Festival on Gore Street, Waltham, MA. To park in an accessible parking space, enter the Festival at the north entrance on Gore Street in Waltham (the entrance will be labeled with signs) and a parking attendant will direct you. These parking spaces are only available to cars with state-issued HP parking plates or placards. All other cars must park in our satellite parking lots near the estate. We will provide shuttle buses from the satellite parking lots to the Festival and one shuttle bus has a wheelchair-accessible lift.
I use a mobility device. What is the terrain like at the Festival?
The Festival takes place on our 50-acre estate. Most activities are located outdoors with many activities underneath tents. The terrain is mainly lawns with some pathways paved with small gravel. The terrain of the estate varies from relatively flat to a sloping hill.
Are there accessible restrooms at the Festival?
Yes. We provide ADA-compliant portable restrooms. We also provide soap-and-water wash facilities for hand washing. There are no changing tables inside the portable restrooms.
Is there anywhere to sit at the Festival?
Yes. Limited seating is available in the Music Tent and near food trucks on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that these seats will fill up during musical performance times and at lunchtime. Visitors are welcome to bring their own portable chairs.
Can I bring a stroller to the Festival?
Yes. Strollers are welcome at all Festival activities, except inside our historic 1806 Mansion. Please park your stroller outside the Mansion before going inside. Jogging strollers work best on the terrain of the estate.
I have another question. How can I contact Gore Place?
Contact us online at our contact form.
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