SOLDIER HOLLOW CLASSIC SHEEPDOG CHAMPIONSHIP & FESTIVAL
Returning - May 23-26, 2025
Memorial Day Weekend
8am - 4pm Daily

Competition & Festival

Join us as a Sponsor for 2025!!

Click here for Opportunities!

Frequently Asked Questions!

Due to the nature of this event and the large crowds, spectator animals are not allowed.  Only animals involved in the Sheepdog Competition, animal-based demonstrations, and service animals will be allowed access into the event. Should spectators arrive at the event with their animals, and it is not a leashed service animal, they will need to take their animals home prior to entering the event.

ADA Parking is available close to the entrance to the event, in a paved parking area. A paved path into the event for access to bleacher and ADA seating space for the competition, ADA toilets, dining tents and vendor shopping is available. Those needing assistance in/out of the event can utilize the complimentary Golf Cart Shuttles available at Will Call in the outer parking area, and the Shuttle Tent near the dining tents.

We have lots of delicious food and beverage vendors at the event and we urge you to support them.  For specific needs, you may bring your own, but NO ALCOHOL can be brought into the venue.  There is a Beer Garden at the Event.

Oh, so many – each event day from 9am until 4pm!  There is a Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Hula Hoops and Corn Hole toss. Children also love the Bagpipes (Sat, Sun and Mon), all of the animal and bird demonstrations, including Earthwings Raptors, sheep herding and shearing, agility and carting, duck herding and the Rival K-9 and Police dogs that occur daily.  Check out the Festival/Vendor Page and Schedule to find more information.

The Sheepdog Trials and Championship (Monday) begin daily at 8am and run until approximately 5pm. Demos and activities begin at 9am, and all Vendors open by 10am. Breakfast daily at 7:30am by Lyf Country Kitchen! The Trial Run Orders (to be published by mid-April) will show the approximate time when each Handler/Dog team runs, and you may click on the ‘Schedule’ page above in the menu (once posted) to see the formal Event (Competition and Festival) daily schedule. 

Great question – and the answer is yes to both!  There are bleachers, and there is a limited area where you can bring your own chair and umbrella – first come, first served.  We ask that you please be respectful with any umbrella or small tent, and not to block other spectator’s views. All items must be removed at the end of each event day, and may not be left overnight. Thank you!

There is some space where a shade shelter can be pitched on the east end of the competition field, but it is limited space and on a first come, first served basis.  We ask that you please be respectful with any umbrella or small tent, and not to block other spectator’s views. All items must be removed at the end of each event day, and may not be left overnight. Thank you!

First, read ‘Can I bring a shade shelter’ and ‘Are there chairs and/or bleachers – should I bring my own?’ (Yes, you can!) Dress for the weather, and BRING WATER AND SUNSCREEN for sure  . .  . wear good walking shoes so that you can enjoy the entire event, and bring a hat and sunglasses. Binoculars are not necessary as you have a great view of the entire hill from anywhere you sit, but they do give you a close up view of what goes on at the top when the dog first introduces itself to the sheep. Oh, and bring a camera!

YES!  This is a great way to support the event, and receive some great benefits!  Hurry – sponsorships are limited to two sponsorships per dog. You can see a list of all the Dog and Handler teams by clicking the “Sponsor a Dog” button on the top of the home page. 

Only their availability!  However, sponsorships purchased after May 5 will not be reflected in the Event Program.  They will be announced when your dog runs and will also be posted on this website in the Run Order along with your dog. Check out the benefits that come with a dog sponsorship by clicking on the ‘Sponsor a Dog’ button at the top of the home page.

There is information about each handler and dog (including their picture!) on the ‘Sponsor a Dog’ page. General information about Border Collies and the Competition can be found on the ‘Border Collies’ page and ‘Competition’ page.

Absolutely.  Contact our Festival Manager, Judy by email: judy@soldierhollowclassic.com!  More information and an email button can be found on the ‘About Us’ page.

Tickets sold online are discounted from the tickets sold at the gate. Online tickets are available up until 07:59 for each event day. After 07:59 on a specific event day, tickets for that event day must be purchased at the gate. Click on the ‘Buy Tickets’ button on the home page to purchase advance discounted tickets. Tickets at the gate must be purchased with a credit or debit card only – no cash sales.

Most vendors accept credit/debit cards, but you may want to bring some cash.  There may be an ATM on site. Ticket purchases made at the gate must be done with a credit or debit card only – no cash purchases for tickets.

Parking is included in the price of the tickets, and is self-served, and on a first come first served basis.

Absolutely, and tickets must be purchased with a credit or debit card only – no cash sales for tickets.

The Event carries on, rain or shine! Tickets purchased for Friday are discounted so may only be used for Friday. Advance tickets purchased for Sat, Sun and Monday can be used on any 2024 event day. Once you enter the event and your ticket is scanned, the ticket is ‘used’ – and that is your day!  There are no refunds for weather – BUT – the dogs run great in the rain!