- What are the biggest quilt shows in 2026?
- The five biggest US quilt shows in 2026 are: Houston International Quilt Festival (November 12–15, the largest in the world), AQS QuiltWeek Paducah (April 22–25), QuiltCon (February 19–22 in Raleigh, NC), Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (July 11 in Oregon), and Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza (September 17–20). Plus four AQS regional shows in Daytona, Hartford, Grand Rapids, and Columbus.
- When should I book hotels for 2026 quilt shows?
- Major show cities sell out hotels months in advance. For AQS Paducah (April), book by January. For QuiltCon (February), book the moment the city is announced (usually the previous summer). For Houston (November), book by August. The closer to the convention center, the earlier rooms go. Look for show-rate blocks the show organizer publishes — those are usually cheaper than rack rates.
- When does class registration open for major 2026 shows?
- Class registration for AQS QuiltWeek shows opens 3–4 months before each event. QuiltCon registration opens the previous October. Houston Festival registration opens in July or August for the November show. Watch each show's website and email list. Marquee instructor classes often sell out in the first hour.
- Can I attend a major US quilt show without taking classes?
- Yes — most major show admission tickets include access to the exhibit floor, vendor mall, and the juried quilt show without requiring class registration. Classes are paid separately. Many quilters attend without taking any classes, focusing on the juried show, vendor shopping, and social time.
- Are there free quilt shows in 2026?
- Yes. The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show in Oregon (July 11, 2026) has free admission to its outdoor display — only the optional VIP preview and the preceding Quilters' Affair workshop week cost money. Many state guild shows charge $5–10 admission or nothing. The major commercial shows (Houston, Paducah, QuiltCon, AQS regionals, Mancuso) all charge multi-day admission, typically $15–25 per day.