We like to think of Spin Off Autumn Retreat (SOAR) as a true spinner’s paradise. Picture a room full of people who share your love of fiber, learning side by side with some of the most respected spinners and teachers around. For five wonderful days, you'll be together in a beautiful setting—making new friends, building skills, creating memories, and of course, spinning! That's what this annual retreat is all about.
SOAR is such a cherished event that it has become a bucket-list item for many spinnners, and a highlight of fall for spinners who return year after year. One attendee who has been to more SOAR events than anyone else shared this in this earlier post:
The venue for SOAR has changed over the years, but the quality and depth of teaching has always been excellent. The sharing by teachers and fellow students alike has made me a more confident teacher who’s able to solve problems. If you have never been to a SOAR event, you should add it to the top of your bucket list.
Left: Tom Knisely demonstrates how to dress a distaff using long line flax fiber. Right: Students spin flax roving to be used in a linen weaving project.
For more than 40 years, SOAR has been a beloved institution, gathering far-flung spinners every fall. Like many long-running events, it can mean something different for each attendee. It can be a chance to see friends each year or an opportunity to learn from instructors from around the world. It can also be an escape and a great shopping experience. Whether you’ve been to 15, 20, or even 30 of the past SOAR events, or you’ve been longing to see for yourself what all the fuss is about, here are a few details to keep in mind:
Event dates: The SOAR 2026 event will be held in York, Pennsylvania, from October 11–16, 2026. So, be sure to save those dates and join us for five days of spinning, special evening events, and a lot of fun.
Tickets: Please visit the website for the most up-to-date information.
- Pre-sale for past SOAR attendees starts at 10 am MT on Wednesday, January 7
- Current All Access subscribers get early access at 9 am on Thursday, January 8
- General tickets go on sale for everyone at 10 am MT on Thursday, January 8
Note: When class selections open in May, selections open in the order tickets are purchased. That means the earlier you are on the list, the more class choices you’ll have, so don’t delay!
We’ve already announced some of this year’s instructors and general information at SpinOffRetreat.com. The SOAR team will announce class topics in March 2026, so stay tuned for more!
Maggie Casey teaches spinning on a wheel at the 2021 SOAR event at the Colorado Chautauqua in Boulder, Colorado. Photo by Matt Graves
The Ultimate Spinning Retreat
If you’ve never been to a SOAR event before, here’s what it’s like in a nutshell:
- A retreat-style event where you can expand your skills and deepen your passion for spinning.
- A five-day reprieve from everyday life to spend with like-minded fiber lovers.
- A place to learn from some of the most outstanding spinning teachers and fiber artists in the world.
- A time to connect with fiber friends.
- All this and more in a comfortable, accessible location.
Expand your skills and learn from some of the world’s most outstanding spinning teachers and fiber artists. Join us in 2026 and deepen your passion for fiber alongside a warm, spirited community of fellow fiber enthusiasts! Don’t delay—tickets go on sale to everyone starting January 8. Please visit the website for more information, including this year’s instructors.