 Images from Maine fiber farms and artists, left to right, top to bottom: Hilltop Handspun natural yarn and pink hydrangea and yarn sign; Pearl the Columbia sheep at Rockin' Sheep Farm, Underhill Farm loom-woven textile, Hamilton Farm fleece pelts, Sherlock the alpaca from Northern Solstice Alpaca , Yellow flowers drying for future dyeing at Versicolor, Starboard Farm yarn skeins on Maine's Downeast coastline.
Fall is upon us, and there’s no better way to explore this season and get ready for the next than by visiting your local sheep, alpaca, and rabbit farms, plus meet artists and makers who craft with fiber!
A dozen sites across Maine will welcome visitors to learn more about local fiber production.
Learn how farmers care for fiber animals and crops, get a behind-the-scenes look at textile production, processing, yarns, knitting, felting and fiber arts. Many host sites will have demonstrations and activities. Plus, if you're a fiber enthusiast looking for something special for your project, or if you seek a locally made good to keep you cozy in the changing season, you'll find plenty of choices at every site!
This annual event happens in October. Participating sites choose their dates – generally the first or second, or both the first and second weekends in October. View the listings for sites, dates and more information.
Contact the business, or view listing descriptions for schedule:
Open one day:
Open two days:
- Northern Solsice Alpaca, Unity – Open Saturday October 7, and Sunday, October 8, 2023
- Versicolor, South China – Open Sunday, October 8, and Monday, October 9, 2023
- A Wrinkle in Thyme Farm, Sumner – Open Saturday October 7, and Monday October 9, 2023
Open three days, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday October 7 through 9, 2023:
- We recommend checking local listings before you head out. Most sites represent Maine’s fibershed, which means they are working farms and smaller businesses manufacturing and crafting products for depending on their seasonal tasks.
- Each location is different and may update schedules and activities as the event date nears.
- Check back for updates, and find more details about activities that host sites publish on the Real Maine event calendar.
- If you’re new to fiber production in Maine, we encourage you to read about Maine’s fibershed, and the ways you can support it year-round
Autumn is an especially meaningful time of year to appreciate Maine's farms and the landscapes that are critical to their success. If you're looking for more ways to celebrate local, here are some suggestions:
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