Dear knitters and lovers of wool, the 40th Southern Illinois Sheep & Craft Festival is back! On April 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the incredible Monroe County Fairgrounds in Waterloo, Illinois, this festival offers a full immersion into the world of wool crafts and sheep traditions.
Suitable for everyone, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts, the festival features four practical classes: spinning with a manual wheel, dry felting, and basic knitting and crochet workshops. From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Lamb Lunch will welcome you with a rich menu of local sheep products, provided by our talented young organizers.
In addition to the workshops, you can enjoy demonstrations of herding dog skills and youth judging contests. Kids will be well taken care of with specially designed games for them. And for budding buyers, a wool and knitting products sale will offer creative ideas and inspiration.
So whether you’re a passionate wool advocate or a curious novice, the Southern Illinois Sheep & Craft Festival is the perfect place to discover and share the art of wool.
Practical information — Southern Illinois Sheep & Craft Festival
- Location : Waterloo
- 2026 dates : 2026-04-11
- Program : demonstrations
- Since : 1987
- Official website : www.mcsheepproducers.com
Getting to Waterloo
By bus
- 4th Street at Library
- 4th Street at Main
- 4th Street at Main
About Southern Illinois Sheep & Craft Festival
The Historic District of Waterloo, in the heart of Waterloo, Illinois, includes 271 buildings, of which 182 contribute to its historical character. The district’s center focuses around the town square, surrounded by housing on three sides, and the Monroe County Courthouse. The main commercial area of the city is located on two adjacent blocks of Main Street. The residential houses in the area are primarily local adaptations of Federal and German Cottage styles, created by the city’s German immigrants in the 19th century.
Source : Wikipedia
Things to see on site near Waterloo
- World War One Doughboy
Where to eat near Waterloo
- Ja Bowl Asian Express — 101 North Market Street 62298 Waterloo
- Tequila Mexican Restaurant — 835 North Market Street 62298 Waterloo
- Family Kitchen — 106 Plaza Drive 62298 Waterloo
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