Major National Show
AQS QuiltWeek Paducah
The longest-running major quilt show in America — Paducah is the spiritual home of the AQS and a bucket-list trip for serious quilters.
AQS QuiltWeek in Paducah, Kentucky is the flagship event of the American Quilter's Society and the longest continuously-running major quilt show in the United States. Held every spring since 1985, Paducah draws quilters from all 50 states and over 30 countries for four days of judged shows, workshops, and shopping. The city itself is one of America's primary quilting destinations — home to the National Quilt Museum, Hancock's of Paducah (one of the largest online quilt shops), and a downtown built around the quilting community.
If you've never been to Paducah for QuiltWeek, put it on your bucket list. The downtown overflows with quilters during show week; restaurants book out months ahead; every shop has fabric stacked to the ceiling.
What to expect at Paducah
- 1400+ juried quilts on display with $120,000+ in cash awards
- 2200+ classes and workshops with major teachers
- 3Vendor mall with 200+ booths — fabric, tools, machines, longarms
- 4Trips to the National Quilt Museum (a five-minute walk away)
- 5AQS Authors' Day with quilt book signings
- 6Lectures, runway shows, and special exhibits
History of Paducah
The American Quilter's Society was founded in Paducah in 1984 by Bill and Meredith Schroeder, who envisioned a national organization dedicated to quilters. The first AQS quilt show launched in 1985 with about 300 quilts; by the 2010s it regularly featured 400+ juried entries and drew 30,000+ visitors per show week. Paducah itself was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2013, largely on the strength of its quilting community.
Follow Paducah on social
Quilters attending and posting about Paducah use these hashtags on Instagram and elsewhere:
Frequently asked questions
When is AQS QuiltWeek Paducah in 2026?+
AQS QuiltWeek Paducah 2026 runs April 22 through April 25, 2026, in Paducah, Kentucky at Schroeder Expo Center.
Where is AQS QuiltWeek Paducah held?+
AQS QuiltWeek Paducah is held in Paducah, Kentucky at the Schroeder Expo Center.
Who organizes AQS QuiltWeek Paducah?+
AQS QuiltWeek Paducah is organized by American Quilter's Society (https://www.americanquilter.com). The show has run annually since 1985.
How big is AQS QuiltWeek Paducah?+
AQS QuiltWeek Paducah draws approximately 30,000+ attendees annually. It is one of the major national US quilt shows.
What's the history of AQS QuiltWeek Paducah?+
The American Quilter's Society was founded in Paducah in 1984 by Bill and Meredith Schroeder, who envisioned a national organization dedicated to quilters. The first AQS quilt show launched in 1985 with about 300 quilts; by the 2010s it regularly featured 400+ juried entries and drew 30,000+ visitors per show week. Paducah itself was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2013, largely on the strength of its quilting community.
Other quilt shows you might consider
QuiltCon
Raleigh, NC · Feb 19
The premier modern quilting convention — bold solids, negative space, and the cutting edge of contemporary patchwork.
Houston International Quilt Festival
Houston, TX · Nov 19
The largest quilt show in the world — 1,000+ vendor booths, thousands of quilts, 50,000+ attendees.
Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show
Sisters, OR · Jul 11
The largest outdoor quilt show in the world — 1,300+ quilts displayed across the buildings of downtown Sisters, Oregon, for one Saturday in July.
AQS QuiltWeek Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL · Feb 18
AQS's winter show — escape the cold and quilt by the beach.
Plan your full quilting year
See every major US quilt show in 2026, plus quilt-along calendars, swap schedules, and shop hops.