The 2026 Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival returns to Grass Creek Park from Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9, bringing three days of world-class competition and family entertainment.
The annual event showcases the centuries-old skill of sheep herding, as some of North America's top handlers and border collies compete for top honours. Festival chair Amanda Milliken says the trials demonstrate the remarkable teamwork between dog and handler as they guide sheep through a challenging course.
What began on a private farm in the former Pittsburgh Township evolved into a public event during the township's 1988 bicentennial celebrations. Today, the festival attracts about 7,000 visitors annually and has earned an international reputation for its high level of competition.
There will be plenty of activities in addition to the dog trials. Milliken gives us a teaser.
Visitors can enjoy a vendor village, dog-related exhibits, food vendors, sheep shearing demonstrations, agility dog shows, face painting and other family-friendly activities.
More information is available at Kingstonsheepdogtrials.ca. You can hear our complete interview with Milliken below.
Story by Brian Turner
