Your Quilt Could Be the Star of the Show in 2026!

Have you ever dreamed of seeing your quilt hanging in a national show? The 2026 AQS Quilt Contest season is your chance to share your work with quilters from around the world. With contests at five incredible QuiltWeek locations, there’s a place (and a category) for everyone:

Daytona Beach • New England • Paducah • Grand Rapids • Lancaster

Here’s what’s new and exciting this year, and where your next quilt might just shine:

First-Time Entry Category

Featured at the 2026 Spring Shows: Daytona Beach, New England & Paducah

New to contests? Start here! This category is made just for you. It's a welcoming space for quilters submitting to an AQS contest for the very first time.

Miniature Quilts – Now in Two Shows!

Featured at Paducah & Lancaster

Small but mighty! These quilts may be tiny in size, but they’re packed with precision and creativity. Whether you’ve entered before or not, it’s the perfect way to try something new.

Modern Quilts – Now in Every Contest!

Modern makers, this one’s for you! Bold lines, clean shapes, lots of negative space—we’re celebrating modern design across all five 2026 shows.

The Ultimate Guild Challenge

Featured at Grand Rapids

Time to rally your guild! Submit your group’s quilt challenge and see it featured at QuiltWeek Grand Rapids. It’s creative. It’s collaborative. And it’s always a crowd favorite.

More Ways to Share Your Work

In addition to contest entries, there are even more opportunities to be part of AQS in 2026:

Quilt Art Engagement Calendar
Your quilt could be featured in the 2027 AQS calendar—a full year of inspiration!

No entry fee. All submissions are juried.

2026 Call for Quilts: Stars, Stripes & Stitches
Submissions open July 4, 2025

This juried special exhibit celebrates America and travels to all five QuiltWeek shows.

No entry fee. Juried exhibit. Travels to all 2026 shows.

AQS Creativity Challenge: America the Beautiful
Submissions open July 4, 2025

Part of the U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration! Share your artistic interpretation of “America the Beautiful.”

No entry fee. Juried exhibit. Travels to all 2026 shows.

Ready to Jump In?

You’ll find everything you need—contest rules, important dates, and submission links—on our website. So pick a category, mark your calendar, and start stitching. We can’t wait to celebrate your work in 2026!

Visit the AQS Quilt Contest Page to learn more!