The Minnesota Quilt Show unveiled its new name along with the new MQ logo for the 2023 show but the history of the show reaches back to 1979. The first show sponsored by Minnesota Quilters was held in St. Paul in January 1979. The annual show is now held every year in mid-June. The Minnesota Quilt Show is a regional show, drawing visitors from the upper Midwest and beyond. The show is open to the public; we enjoy sharing the art of quilting with others!

What to expect at our show?

Given that there is a lot to see and do at our show, you'll want to do some planning. There are ample quilts to see, workshops to take, and vendors to visit. You can register ahead of time so you can sign up for workshops and lectures or you can buy lecture tickets at the door when you buy a daily admission ticket. Signing up for a chartered bus is an option as well. If you are staying overnight, watch for the reduced rates available at local hotels for the Minnesota Quilters block. Attendance is around 3500 - 4000.

Quilts!

You can enter your quilt in the Judged competition. We employ judges from the National Association of Certified Quilt Judges who will give you constructive feedback about your quilt. Entry is open to all and is not juried. Another option is to enter in the Non-Judged Exhibit or if you are 18 or younger, in our Youth Exhibit. Each year we have a challenge exhibit that you can enter. Special Exhibits are always a highlight as we bring in local and national exhibits.

Learning Opportunities

You will also have the opportunity to learn more about quilting techniques. We offer dozens of half-day and full-day workshops from local and nationally known faculty. Lectures are also highlighted as well as The Learning Stage where vendors share their tips. Interested in teaching? Please apply here.

Shopping

Shopping is a highlight for many attendees. If you are looking for a new machine, this is the best place to test drive a variety of options. Of course, other vendors will be offering fabric, patterns, notions, and more! We typically have 60 - 100 vendors.

Connecting

Giving you opportunities to connect with other quilters is an important goal for our show. We offer a Connect Table so you can find out about other guilds in the region. Social events, including a banquet and Sewcial Lounge, lend themselves to meeting others.

Our MQ Town Square area at the show features MQ Merchandise, Quilting for Others (where you get to do some sewing for charity), Minnesota Quilt Project (learn about vintage quilts), and the Quilt Auction. We also feature our Quilter of the Year.

Quilter of the Year

Each year, the Board of Directors chooses a Quilter of the Year. That person is celebrated at The Minnesota Quilt Show. For more information and to nominate someone, visit the QOTY page.

Scholarship

Are you a beginner quilter? We would love to support you through our scholarship. The winner gets free registration for the show plus a free workshop and other show benefits. Fill out the application form and send it in by October 1, 2024.

Exhibiting your work

Prepping your quilt for exhibit? Use these directions for adding a hanging sleeve so it will work with our hanging system.