What Is the Kings County Fiber Festival?
The Kings County Fiber Festival is one of the most celebrated textile and fiber arts events on the West Coast. It brings together makers, crafters, dyers, spinners, weavers, and knitting enthusiasts for a full day of creativity and community. The 2026 edition takes place on October 10, 2026, and it promises to be the most exciting gathering yet.
Whether you are a seasoned fiber artist or someone who simply loves handmade goods, this festival has something for you. Additionally, it serves as a wonderful opportunity to meet local artisans and discover unique, handcrafted products you cannot find anywhere else. Therefore, marking October 10 on your calendar is a great idea if you care about craft, quality, and community.
Festival Date, Time, and Location
The Kings County Fiber Festival 2026 will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Doors open at 9:00 AM and the event runs until 5:00 PM. The festival takes place at the Kings County Fairgrounds, a spacious and accessible venue with ample parking.
The fairgrounds offer both indoor and outdoor spaces, so attendees can enjoy the event rain or shine. However, October in Kings County can bring cool breezes, so layering up is a smart choice. The venue is also accessible by public transit, with shuttle services running from the nearest transit hub throughout the day.
Full Day Schedule
Planning your visit in advance will help you make the most of the day. Below is the official schedule for October 10, 2026.
| Time | Event |
| 9:00 AM | Festival Gates Open |
| 9:30 AM | Opening Ceremony and Welcome Address |
| 10:00 AM | Morning Classes Begin (Session 1) |
| 11:00 AM | Vendor Hall Grand Opening |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch Break and Live Music |
| 1:00 PM | Afternoon Classes Begin (Session 2) |
| 2:00 PM | Spinning and Weaving Demonstrations |
| 3:00 PM | Fleece to Shawl Competition Finale |
| 4:00 PM | Raffle Drawings and Prize Announcements |
| 4:30 PM | Community Knit-Along on the Main Stage |
| 5:00 PM | Festival Closes |
This schedule gives you a clear picture of the day. Therefore, arriving early is highly recommended so you can browse the vendor hall before it gets busy.
Vendor Hall: Who Will Be There?
The vendor hall is the heart of the Kings County Fiber Festival. This year, over 60 vendors will fill the space with hand-dyed yarns, locally sourced fleece, spinning wheels, weaving looms, knitting patterns, and handmade accessories.
Here are some of the vendor categories you can expect:
- Local indie dyers offering one-of-a-kind colorways
- Sheep and alpaca farms selling raw and processed fleece
- Yarn shops with exclusive festival colorways
- Tool and equipment sellers featuring spinning and weaving gear
- Pattern designers with both print and digital options
- Sustainable and eco-friendly textile suppliers
- Fiber arts book vendors and publishers
Many vendors offer festival-only discounts. However, popular items sell out quickly, so arriving early gives you the best selection. Additionally, several vendors accept pre-orders through their websites ahead of the event.
Classes and Workshops
One of the biggest draws of the festival is its lineup of educational workshops. These hands-on sessions are taught by experienced instructors and cover a wide range of fiber arts techniques. Sessions are divided into two blocks: morning (Session 1) and afternoon (Session 2).
Morning Classes (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
| Class Title | Instructor | Skill Level | Duration |
| Introduction to Drop Spindle Spinning | Maria Hendricks | Beginner | 90 min |
| Natural Dyeing with Local Plants | Tom Osei | All Levels | 90 min |
| Rigid Heddle Weaving Basics | Carla Vega | Beginner | 90 min |
| Colorwork Knitting Techniques | June Nakamura | Intermediate | 90 min |
Afternoon Classes (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
| Class Title | Instructor | Skill Level | Duration |
| Advanced Tapestry Weaving | Diane Owens | Advanced | 90 min |
| Felting for Home Decor | Sam Brewer | All Levels | 90 min |
| Sock Knitting from the Toe Up | Lin Patel | Intermediate | 90 min |
| Fiber Art Journaling | Mia Torres | All Levels | 90 min |
Class sizes are small and fill up fast. Therefore, pre-registration through the festival website is strongly encouraged. Most workshops include all materials, but each class listing notes exactly what to bring.
Tickets: Prices and How to Buy
Attending the Kings County Fiber Festival is straightforward. General admission tickets are available online or at the door.
| Ticket Type | Price | Notes |
| General Admission (Adult) | $15 | Includes full vendor and demo access |
| General Admission (Youth 12 and under) | Free | Must be accompanied by an adult |
| Senior (65+) | $10 | Valid ID required at entry |
| Workshop Add-On | $25 – $45 per class | Pre-registration required |
| VIP Early Bird Pass | $35 | Entry at 8:30 AM, tote bag included |
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Kings County Fiber Festival website. Additionally, a limited number of tickets will be available at the gate on the day of the event. However, VIP and early bird passes are only available online and will not be sold at the door.
Group discounts are also available for fiber guilds and knitting circles. Groups of 10 or more receive 20 percent off general admission tickets when booked together in advance.
Competitions and Special Events
The festival features several competitions that are free to enter and fun to watch. The most anticipated event is the Fleece to Shawl Competition, where teams race to clean, card, spin, and weave raw fleece into a finished shawl within a single day. The results are judged at 3:00 PM, and winners receive cash prizes and hand-dyed yarn bundles.
Other competitions include:
- Best in Skein: A yarn beauty contest for handspun entries
- Junior Maker Challenge: Open to crafters aged 13 to 18
- Creative Fiber Photography Contest: Submit photos before October 5 online
Additionally, the festival hosts a community knit-along on the main stage at 4:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of skill level. Bring your current knitting project and enjoy a relaxed group session before the day wraps up.
Food, Drinks, and Amenities
Staying fueled is easy at the Kings County Fiber Festival. A variety of food trucks will be parked outside the main hall, offering everything from breakfast burritos and grilled sandwiches to sweet treats and hot drinks. Additionally, a coffee cart operates inside the vendor hall from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Inside the fairgrounds, you will also find:
- Clean restrooms with accessible facilities
- Nursing and rest areas for families
- Water refill stations throughout the venue
- A coat check and bag storage area
- Free Wi-Fi in the main hall
Therefore, there is no need to leave the grounds during the day. Everything is designed to keep you comfortable and focused on enjoying the event.
Things to Do Near the Festival
If you are traveling from out of town, Kings County has plenty to offer before and after the festival. October 10 is a great day to explore the area.
Here are a few local highlights worth visiting:
- Kings Canyon National Park: About an hour’s drive, ideal for a morning hike before the festival opens.
- Downtown Hanford: A charming historic district with cafes, antique shops, and local restaurants.
- Hanford Carnegie Museum: Free to visit and full of local history displays.
- Lemoore Naval Air Station Open House (if scheduled): Check local listings closer to the date.
- Local Farmers Markets: Several weekly markets run on Saturday mornings within a short drive.
Many hotels and bed-and-breakfast options are available in Hanford and the surrounding area. However, rooms near the fairgrounds book up quickly in October, so reserving your accommodation early is wise.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
If this is your first time at the Kings County Fiber Festival, a little preparation goes a long way.
- Bring cash for vendors who do not accept cards.
- Wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking and standing for hours.
- Bring a tote bag or rolling cart for your purchases.
- Pre-register for classes before they sell out.
- Arrive by 9:00 AM to get a parking spot close to the entrance.
- Follow the festival’s social media pages for last-minute updates.
- Check the weather forecast the night before and dress in layers.
Additionally, the festival has a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask vendors questions, introduce yourself to fellow makers, or join conversations at the demonstrations.
Conclusion
The Kings County Fiber Festival 2026 on October 10 is an event that truly has it all. From a packed schedule and expert-led workshops to an exciting vendor hall and fun competitions, every hour of the day is filled with something worth experiencing. Whether you come for the yarn, the learning, the community, or all three, you are sure to leave inspired.
Plan ahead by booking your tickets and workshop spots early. Additionally, take time to explore what Kings County has to offer beyond the festival grounds. With the right preparation, October 10, 2026 can be a genuinely memorable day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kings County Fiber Festival family-friendly?
Yes, the festival welcomes attendees of all ages. Children 12 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult. There are also activities suitable for young makers, including the Junior Maker Challenge for teens.
Can I bring my dog to the festival?
Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed in the outdoor areas of the fairgrounds. However, pets are not permitted inside the vendor hall or workshop rooms for safety and hygiene reasons.
Are there accessible facilities for people with disabilities?
The Kings County Fairgrounds is fully accessible, with ramps, wide aisles, accessible restrooms, and designated parking close to the entrance. Contact the festival organizers in advance if you need additional accommodations.
What is the refund policy for workshop tickets?
Workshop registrations are refundable up to 14 days before the event. After September 26, 2026, registrations become non-refundable but may be transferred to another attendee.
Is there parking available at the venue?
Yes, free parking is available on-site at the Kings County Fairgrounds. Overflow parking is also available nearby with a free shuttle service running throughout the day.
