SHELBURNE — Fabric of Life’s biggest event of the year, Barnfest, will return on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Featuring local weavers, artisans, blacksmiths and more, Barnfest showcases residents’ way of life before the Industrial Revolution, and gives attendees a chance to try their hand at the various trades and watch demonstrations from professionals. The event will begin at noon at Fabric of Life’s homestead at 80 Bassett Road.
“Our mission is to preserve traditional skills and foster community, and this event is a culmination of those goals,” said Sara Davis, Fabric of Life’s marketing and programs coordinator. “It should be a good day.”
Workshops will focus on tool sharpening, fiddle music and paper folding. Demonstrations will include dogs herding ducks, hand shearing Icelandic sheep, needle felting and quilting. Attendees will also get a chance to take a look at a Shelburne fire truck and see how the department hoses down flaming houses.
“It was a really popular activity last year so we are bringing it back,” Davis said. “Kids will get the chance to hose down a wooden house with the Fire Department.”
Fabric of Life staff have been hosting barn parties for more than 30 years, but Barnfest officially became part of the organization’s programming 14 years ago, Davis said. The event has grown over the years. Last year, Barnfest welcomed approximately 500 visitors.
“It’s a pretty big event for a small property at the end of Bassett Road,” Davis joked.
Other displays and activities will include a sawmill, glass blowing, vintage clothing, yodeling and children’s games. Davis said Barnfest provides a great opportunity to take a break from technology and reconnect with family, friends, and the trades and skills people of the past would pursue.
“There’s no screens at Barnfest,” Davis said. “Everything is hands-on, interactive and engaging.”
New this year, Fabric of Life is partnering with Stone Soup Cafe of Greenfield for the community dinner. Dinner tickets cost $10 to $25. Attendees can enjoy a meal while participating in a Beatles music sing-along.
“[Stone Soup Cafe does] great things in Greenfield, and the event had grown to where our staff needed help coordinating the food for the community dinner,” Davis said. “We hit a point where we needed help and it seemed like a good opportunity to collaborate with them.”
After dinner, Davis said, people are welcome to spend the evening in the barn listening to music and contra dancing. Performers will include the Romaniacs, Carrie and Michael Kline presenting Appalachian folk songs, the Conical Cacophony brass band, Lydia Ievins, Steve Howland, Roger Tincknell and Van Kaynor.
Fabric of Life is suggesting attendees donate $10. Davis added that while all humans are welcome, attendees should leave their dogs at home.
For more information, visit fabric-of-life.org/barnfest-2025.
