Dia Duit (Hello) from Boorowa!
Boorowaβs Irish Woolfest is a major event for NSW and a highlight on the Hilltops Regionβs Spring calendar. Occurring every October long weekend, experience our country town from Friday 2 October β Sunday 4 October 2026.
The βRunning of the Sheepβ and the main festivities will be held on Sunday 4 October and we would love for you to join us.
See you in Boorowa, for this yearβs Boorowa Irish Woolfest, youβd be sheepish to miss it!
HIGHLIGHTS
ALL WEEKEND
FRINGE EVENTS
Alongside the main festivities, our local community welcomes you to visit fringe events across Boorowa with the Annual Charity Art Sale & Exhibition, Quick Shear and other competitions, youth evening and so much more.
SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER 2026
COMPETITION HOUR
Think you’ve got the gift of the gab? Put your Irish Accent to the test or take on a Guinness Pie Challenge for prizes and bragging rights. Keep an eye on the festival program for competition times.
SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER 2026
STREET PARADE + RUNNING OF THE SHEEP
Experience the heart of Boorowa and festival with our iconic Street Parade with the Running of the Sheep as we celebrate our local pride with an abundance of creativity.
SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER 2026
FESTIVAL MARKETS
Discover an amazing array of market stalls stocking fresh local produce, handmade goods, fun sheep-inspired gifts and festival merch.
HEADLINING ENTERTAINMENT
DOUBLE SHOT MAGGIE
Double Shot Maggie are back again, bringing their high-energy take on Irish music to Woolfest. Hailing from Geelong and Melbourne, the lively ensemble blends traditional tunes with a healthy dose of punk attitude, getting crowds singing, dancing and raising a pint. Greg Chadwick, Lucy Riddett, Luke Hill, Gary Lowe and Paddy O’Callaghan areΒ ready to bring another raucous Woolfest celebration to the stage.
JOSIE LAVER
Boorowa local Josie Laver is making her mark on the Australian country music scene with a sound shaped by life on her family farm. After putting music aside to pursue professional showjumping, Josie returned home, swapped her saddles for a guitar and began writing the songs that would become her debut album. Her heartfelt songs of love, heartbreak and rural life bring a genuine homegrown voice to the Woolfest stage.
BOOROWA’S IRISH WOOLFEST
This is a celebration of country community, wool, farming and rural life in the heart of Boorowa. Bringing together locals and visitors alike, Woolfest showcases the rich history of the wool industry through market stalls, live entertainment, sheep and shearing displays, food, family activities and more. Itβs a weekend that highlights the people, stories and traditions that make regional Australia so special.
HISTORY
From little things, big things grow..
Boorowa is world renowned for its fine Merino wool. Creating a Wool Week event in the late 1990βs seemed like a great way to showcase the beautiful wool from the region. A whole week was dedicated to this event with wool shows, wool workshops, shearing displays and much more all around the town.
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
Southwest Fuel
Ballinaclash Wine & Fruit
The Bakery Boorowa
Tracey’s Hair Salon
MA Steel Young | Yass
Donohoe’s Estate
Delaney Civil
Boorowa Tyre Service
Young Eyes Optometry
Rotary Club of Boorowa
Powderley’s Pumping & Irrigation Services Pty Ltd
Stonehaven Furniture & Building Supplies
Advantage Pharmacy Boorowa
Boorowa Central School
Birds, Bees & Me
The Ned Ryan Motel
Corkhill’s Engineering
Rite Switch Electrical
FOLLOW US – @boorowa.irish.woolfest
Follow along on Instagram for festival updates, announcements and all the excitement leading up to the iconic Running of the Sheep on the main day, Sunday 4 October 2026.
DISCOVER THE HILLTOPS REGION
Looking to make the most of your visit? From local eateries and cosy stays to events happening across the region, the Hilltops Region website has everything you need to plan your perfect getaway.