The much-loved Karoo Winter Wool Festival returns to Dwarsvlei Farm in Middelburg, Eastern Cape from 3 – 4 July 2026 for its fifth edition, celebrating South Africa’s rich wool heritage, natural fibres, and the unmistakable charm of the Karoo. What began as an initiative by Middelburg’s tourism committee to attract visitors and support local small businesses has evolved into a nationally recognised festival dedicated to the wool industry in South Africa, drawing visitors from across the country each year.
“Middelburg sits centrally in the Karoo, an area of the country that has a large number of wool producing farms. Therefore, when originally proposed, we wanted to celebrate wool and educate people around the importance of understanding the source of the fibres we use and wear. We also wanted to promote the Karoo and Middelburg. This culminated in the launch of the Karoo Winter Wool Festival,” says festival organiser Sarah van Lingen.
Karoo Winter Wool Festival brings together players from across the wool ecosystem. From sheep farmers to designers, visitors will experience the full value chain of the fibre. Attendees can expect live demonstrations of shearing, spinning, weaving and wool handling set on a working farm.
Most activities of the Karoo Winter Wool Festival take place on Dwarsvlei Farm. Image: Juane-Viljoen
The festival aims to bridge the gap between wool producers and consumers, addressing a longstanding disconnect within the value chain. “There is a disconnect between the farmer, the industry and the final product. We would often come across farmers who have no idea what becomes of their wool. They were totally disconnected from the final product. We wanted to reconnect the industry, tear down the barriers and tell the entire story of wool, from the farm to the final design,” says Sarah van Lingen.
The organisers have curated a dynamic programme of public events on Friday, 3 July and Saturday, 4 July at Dwarsvlei farm.
Friday, 3 July: Industry, design and community
The Natural Fibre Market takes place throughout the duration of the festival and showcases one of South Africa’s largest collections of wool and natural fibre productions. Brands and makers such as Luminousware, Gerber & Co, Adele’s Mohair, Quenti Alpaca, Helderstroom Alpacas and many more will be showcasing the beauty and versatility of natural fibres from across the country.
Wool World presents Karoo Kraal an exhibition curated by Viviers Studio and Hoven presents a fashion and design space celebrating innovation in natural fibres. “Set within the conceptual landscape of the Karoo, in a working sheep shearing shed, the project reimagines the traditional kraal. The kraal is both a fenced enclosure for treasured animals and a reference to traditional homestead systems,” says Lezanne Viviers of Viviers Studio.“The ‘Karoo Kraal’ is a metaphor for belonging and safety. It also reflects the interdependence and co-creation between Mother Nature, her animals and humanity,” adds Lezanne.
A highlight of the festival is the National Wool Growers’ Association Boerepraatjies programme. The discussions aim to engage farmers and industry leaders on the future of wool production, from global trends to sustainability and technological advancements.
- The morning session, “What’s Real and What’s Trending?” features News 24 investigative journalist Pieter du Toit, CEO of Agri SA Johann Kotze and co-founder and MD of Food for Mzansi Ivor Price who will unpack current trends and credibility in the agricultural sector.
- The afternoon session explores innovation in the sector. The panel include Johan Coetzee, Dr Glen Taylor, Professor JW Swanepoel, Deon Saayman and Frikkie Fouche who will examine how technology is shaping the future of wool farming.
Ivili Loboya natural fibre vendor. Image: Juane Viljoen
Wool world. Images: Dicker and Dane
The Source of Storytelling brings together a panel of recognised designers for a conversation about the experiences with natural fibres in their respective practices.
The day’s programme ends with the much-love Kampvuur Kuier, where festival goers gather around the fire for live music under the Karoo night sky.
Saturday 4 July: Family, food and celebration
Saturday promises a full day of experiences for visitors of all ages. The Family Veld Walk/Run invites participants to explore the unique Karoo landscape on foot while raising funds for the Emmanuel Children’s Home.
The BKB Jeugskou – a highlight of the Karoo Winter Wool Festival – offers children an opportunity to learn about Karoo livestock and the importance of caring for and respecting animals.
The Karoo Good News Programme will celebrate positive stories emerging from the region. Dr Johan van Rooyen will present a case study highlighting successful partnerships with small-scale cattle farmers, while Professor Bruce Rubige will share insights from his groundbreaking work at Karoo Origins, the palaeontological exhibition centre in Graaff-Reinet.
Food lovers can look forward to potjiekos demonstrations by Chef Ollie, a nationally renowned chef who brings Karoo flavours to life through slow cooking and engaging storytelling centred on local ingredients.
Cor Uys explains the production of wool. Image: Juane Viljoen
Students watch speaker programme. Image: Juane Viljoen
Workshops and community initiatives
The 2026 festival offers a diverse and engaging workshop programme that runs throughout the duration of the festival. The series of hands-on experiences range from weaving, felting, knitting, natural dyeing, working with raw fleece, lanolin-based skincare creation, and décor arranging using wool and winter blooms.
The festival is proud to host the Knit a Square initiative encouraging participants to knit beanies, scarves or squares that will be donated to people in need across the Karoo.
A classer throws a fleece for a crowd of festival goers. Image: Juane Viljoen
Additional festival events
Karoo Winter Wool Festival begins with the Gala Dinner and Prize-Giving ceremony on Thursday 2 July at the near-by Rusoord Farm. This invitation-only event celebrates excellence in the wool industry and recognises outstanding achievements across key categories.
Plan your visit
- The full programme, including workshop bookings and additional details, is available on website here.
- Tickets can be purchased online via Quicket here