If there is one thing the global yarn community does better than almost anyone, it is showing up for each other. Whether it's sharing knitting needles and crochet hooks, tutorials or tips, patterns and creativity, the crafting world is united. And nothing reminded us of that quite like World Knit in Public Day. The crowd of enthusiastic knitters and crocheters showing up in public spaces all over the world all celebrating creativity is exactly what inspired this list. The fiber arts calendar in 2026 is packed with festivals, markets, and gatherings where makers come together. Here is your KnitPro guide to the best of them.
Why Attend a Festival at All?
There is nothing quite like being surrounded by thousands of people who love what you love. Yarn festivals are hub where knitters and crocheters gather, where you discover indie dyers and inspiring hand-dyed yarns you would never find online, test knitting needles and crochet hook brands in person, attend workshops that level up your skills, and connect with makers who inspire you, connect with you and help you have fun. If you have never been to one, 2026 is the year to change that.
We haven't overlooked the spring festivities, including the exciting h+h Cologne and h+h Americas, they've simply wrapped up. So instead, let's look ahead to the events still coming up on the calendar.
Summer 2026
Summer Wool Festival 2026
Where? Redborne School in Ampthill near Bedford, United Kingdom
Dates - 25th & 26th July 2026
Website - https://summerwoolfestival.co.uk/
With 100+ exhibitors, hands-on workshops, street food, free guild demos, accessible venue, and plenty of free parking, this is a celebrated favourite among knitters, crocheters, and fibre-craft lovers nationwide.
Great Tennessee Yarn Tour
Where? - Tennessee, USA
Dates - Throughout August 2026
Website - https://www.greattennesseeyarntour.com/
Running in a unique month-long format, this tour lets you visit indie yarn shops across the state at your own pace. A great way to explore a region while supporting the local makers behind it. Exciting colorways, soft yarn skeins and endless creativity.
Wollcraft Festival
Where? Das Wollfestival für die Metrolpolregion Rhein-Neckar Worms, Germany
Dates - August 22 to 23, 2026
Website -https://wollcraft-festival.de/en/wollcraft-festival-english/
This one is ideal if you want focused shopping and real conversation with indie dyers. This is the most accessible place to see the colorways in person and talk about everything yarn. Book your tickets online ahead of time.
Autumn 2026
Crochet Adventure in Ireland and Scotland
Dates - September 12 to 21, 2026
Website - https://www.craftours.com/tourcat/2026-tours/
This ten-day tour, hosted by Creative Crochet Corner, blends crochet, culture, and landscape across Ireland and Scotland. Past trips have included visits to working wool mills, putting the whole fiber-to-fabric journey in sharp relief, alongside historic sites, cozy evening gatherings, and coastal scenery. It is currently marked sold out, so keep an eye on the Craftours website for next availability.
Yarndale
Where? Skipton, Yorkshire, England
Dates - September 26 to 27, 2026
Website - yarndale.co.uk
One of the most warmly community-minded outdoor festivals you will find anywhere. Think bunting, beautiful yarn, and a crowd that genuinely wants to welcome you.
Shetland Wool Week
Where? Shetland, Scotland
Dates - September 25 to October 4, 2026
Website - shetlandwoolweek.com
A celebration of Shetland wool, centuries of knitting tradition, and a community that takes its craft seriously. The setting alone is worth the journey.
DFW Fiber Fest
Where? Irving Convention Center, Irving, Texas
Dates - September 17 to 20, 2026
Website -https://dfwfiberfest.org/
Known especially for its teaching program, with nationally recognized instructors and a class catalog running from absolute beginner to advanced construction. If you are coming to learn rather than just shop, DFW punches above its weight. The vendor floor is solid too, but the classroom is the real draw, so book the moment registration opens.
Knit Italia, Finale Ligure, Italy
Where? Finale Ligure, Liguria, Italy
Dates - October 2 to 4, 2026
Website - https://knititalia.com/
A coastal festival held at the Complesso Conventuale di Santa Caterina. Stunning setting, warm vibe, and a community that keeps growing year after year. A stunning vacation with your favorite crafts, it’s the event to attend.
The Knitting and Stitching Show now Knit + Stitch
Knit + Stitch London (Alexandra Palace): 8th - 11th October 2026.
Knit + Stitch Northern Ireland (Eikon Exhibition Centre): 12th - 15th November 2026.
Knit + Stitch Harrogate (Convention Centre): 19th - 22nd November 2026
Website - theknittingandstitchingshow.com
Rebranded as Knit+ Stitch with the familiar crafting love, it is One of the few UK events where knitting, crochet, embroidery, and needlecraft genuinely share equal floor space. Bringing together hundreds of crafting workshops, demonstrations and even curated Textile Art galleries. It is the UK's largest multi-craft autumn event and a must-attend for anyone with a crafty bone in their body!
At Harrogate, the festival is just in time for pre-winter stash building. It tends to feel more relaxed than the London show, with a smaller footprint that is easier to navigate. Harrogate is a beautiful spa town, and pairing.
Rhinebeck, New York State Sheep and Wool Festival, USA
Where? Dutchess County Fairgrounds 6550 Spring Brook Ave., Rhinebeck, New York, USA
Dates - October 17 to 18, 2026
Website - sheepandwool.com
For many knitters, Rhinebeck is a pilgrimage, the most happening event in the yarn world. Over 30,000 attendees, 300 vendors, workshops, and one of the most beloved gatherings in fiber arts. From kids to adults, there’s a lot of fiber fun including fiber competitions, auctions and lots of fun. Book workshops early, as the most popular sessions sell out months in advance.
Winter 2026
Barcelona Knits:
Where? Barcelona, Spain
Dates - November 14 to 15, 2026
Website -barcelonaknits.com
Yarn and tapas in one of Europe's most vibrant cities. November in Barcelona is mild, the tourist crowds have thinned, and the festival draws an international mix of knitters, crocheters and fiber artists who made the trip specifically for this. Workshop sign-up opens separately and earlier than general admission, so check the site ahead of time if classes are your priority.
L'Aiguille en Fête:
Where? Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris, France.
Dates - November 18 to 22, 2026
Website - laiguille-enfetes.com
The premier French needle crafts event, held at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Five days of creativity in one of the world's great cities and a bucket-list stop for serious makers. a major DIY and creative hobby event at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center. Sewing, embroidery, knitting, or patchwork: this space celebrates all facets of the art of crafting, from traditional techniques to contemporary practices.
Munich Knits:
Where? Munich, Germany
Dates - November 27 to 29, 2026
Website - munichknits.de
Perfectly timed alongside the festive season, this cozy winter marketplace has a loyal following. The kind of event you attend once and immediately start planning your return.
Yarn lovers, designers, makers, and artisans come together for an unforgettable weekend. Discover premium hand-dyed yarns, inspiring workshops, expert demonstrations, and a vibrant marketplace. Celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and community while exploring the latest trends and techniques in knitting, crochet, and fibre arts.
Local Yarn Crawls and Winter Craft Markets, November to December 2026, Global
Winter yarn crawls pop up in cities worldwide through the end of the year. Many indie yarn stores coordinate regional crawls where participants visit local shops and collect prizes along the way. Search for one in your city. They are among the most low-key and welcoming events you will find all year.
Before You Go:
- Carry your favorite KnitPro knitting needles or crochet hooks. You can also just pack an interchangeable circular knitting needle set or a crochet hook so that you can have multiple options in one place.
- Bring an extra tote bag.
- Set a yarn budget before you arrive.
- Photograph the labels you love but cannot buy on the day.
- Book workshops early at bigger events, since the good ones go fast.
- If you are traveling internationally, check customs rules for. Most countries allow them in carry-on luggage, but it does vary.
At KnitPro, our focus has always been on encouraging and celebrating creativity wherever it happens, whether that is a quiet evening at home or a festival hall packed with thousands of fellow makers. The global knitting and crochet community is one of the most open and generous you will ever find, and every event on this list is proof of that. We hope to see you at one of them.
Also Read: Knitwear and Crochet Trends for 2026
KnitPro created this guide to celebrate the crafting community and support makers in finding their people. We do not formally endorse or have an official affiliation with any of the third-party events listed above, including World Knit in Public Day. We simply believe that when makers come together, something special happens.
