It all started when neighbors would come to watch sheep shearing at Kelsey Creek Farm in Bellevue. Each spring, more and more people started showing up to watch the little farm in the city perform this annual farm task. Eventually, so many people were coming to watch that, just over 30 years ago, the farm turned Sheep Shearing into an annual community event.
And now, this free community event on April 25, 2026 draws crowds of up to 4,500, as families flock to get a taste of farm life in an urban setting. After all, supervisor Annamarie Solomonson points out, where else can you experience a slice of country life around the Seattle area without driving out to the country?
(Image courtesy Kelsey Creek Farm)
The Event
Sheep Shearing at Kelsey Creek Farm is so much more than just watching sheep get shorn; it’s a spring farm festival of sorts. Food vendors, the 4-H club, pony and tractor rides, bee demonstrations, and various community information and resources are among the activities available at the event. Additionally, families can see other farm animals on display, play at the playground, or walk around the trails on the expansive, 150-acre property.
Each half-hour, a different sheep is shorn on a small viewing platform near the Education Barn. Amphitheater-style seating allows the community to observe the process. Up to 300 people can watch the sheep being sheared at a time, and experts are on hand to answer questions and educate the community.
Kelsey Creek Farm has five sheep that live on the farm. In order to have ample sheep shearing viewing opportunities, they bring in 15 sheep from other farms for the event.
(Image courtesy Kelsey Creek Farm)
The Farm
Located east of Downtown Bellevue, Kelsey Creek Farm was originally a dairy farm in the 30s and 40s, then a hobby farm throughout the 40s, 50s, and 60s. In 1968, the City of Bellevue purchased the farm, and in 1972, the park was opened to the community. For over 50 years, community members have been coming to the farm to learn, explore, and enjoy the walking and hiking trails.
It’s a timeless place, Solomonson explains. While some things change over time (like a new playground, new animals, new programming), the core of the farm stays the same, providing opportunities for the community to view farm life “up close and personal,” Solomonson said.
Open seven days a week (after all, animal care doesn’t take a day off!), community members can view the animals between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. You can pet most animals, though make sure you follow all precautions listed on signage around the farm to keep you and the animals safe.
Other events hosted at the farm throughout the year include a fall Farm Fair, Trick-or-Treating with Animals at Halloween-time (think animals in costume!), and Holiday Barn Lighting in December.
(Image courtesy Kelsey Creek Farm)
Need to Know
Sheep Shearing is held on the last Saturday of April from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – this year it’s on April 25. While the event is free, some of the activities do require payment. On the day of the event, parking is not available at Kelsey Creek Farm (except for accessibility accommodations), but free neighborhood street parking is available near the farm. There are also shuttles running from nearby Wilburton Park and Ride and Bannerwood Sports Park. Check out the event website for more details.
