QUILT SHOW

Columbus, OH

September 23–26, 2026

VENUE

Greater Columbus Convention Center

400 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Get Directions

HOURS

Wed., Sept. 23–Fri., Sept. 25 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 26 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

START PLANNING NOW!

Workshops, Lectures, Special Events, and Multi-Day Tickets:
AQS Member-Only Registration Opens: 6/3/2025 at 9 a.m. CDT
– General Registration Opens: 6/17/2025 at 9 a.m. CDT
Online Registration Closes: 9/8/2025 at 4 p.m. CDT

Online Registration Closed, Purchase Admission & Classes at the Show

Get Ready, Columbus! AQS QuiltWeek is Coming to Town!

The American Quilter's Society (AQS) is stitching a path straight to the heart of Ohio, and we're bringing AQS QuiltWeek with us!

Mark your calendars now for September 23–26, 2026, as we transform the Greater Columbus Convention Center into a four-day celebration of quilting. Think color, patterns, and inspiration that you can only find when thousands of passionate quilters gather together.

What to Expect at AQS QuiltWeek – Columbus

Quilt Show

  • Quilt/Special Exhibits: Walk through exhibits showcasing the absolute best in traditional and modern quilting. Prepare to have your breath taken away by masterpieces from renowned quilt artists and the popular AQS award-winning international competition.
  • Skill-Building Workshops & Lectures: Sharpen your needles and your knowledge with a fantastic lineup of hands-on quilt technique workshops taught by expert instructors. The AQS Lecture Hall hosts daily Lunch & Learn sessions and engaging lectures.
  • The Ultimate Vendor Mall: Explore a massive Expo floor overflowing with fabric, notions, machines, books, and all the specialized supplies you need to fuel your next creative project.
  • Exclusive Events: Including the VIP Tour, All-Star Review, Game Night, and Make & Take Madness.
  • Quilt Appraisals: Certified Quilt Appraisers will be available for walk-in appraisals on Thursday and Friday.

START PLANNING NOW!

Save the Date:

  • Instructor Announcements: April 2026
  • Workshops, Lectures, Special Events, and Multi-Day Tickets:
    AQS Member-Only Registration Opens: 6/9/2026 at 9 a.m. CDT
    – General Registration Opens: 6/23/2026 at 9 a.m. CDT
    Online Registration Closes: 9/21/2026 at 4 p.m. CDT
  • Quilt Contest: Learn more at go.americanquilter.com/contests, submissions close 5/21/2026
  • Vendor Registration: Vendor Registration for 2026 AQS Shows is open. Interested new vendors can complete a Vendor Application at any time. More Information >

Quilt Show Admission

AQS Show Admission Prices – Four-Day Shows

SHOW ADMISSION

1-Day: $12.00 Member / $15.00 Non-Member
2-Day*: $21.00 Member / $27.00 Non-Member
Multi-Day*: $28.00 Member / $35.00 Non-Member

*A one time only $5 processing fee per person is charged with each initial registration

DISCOUNTS

• Children 12 and under, FREE ADMISSION with adult
• Ages 13–18, $5.00
• Military, $2.00 discount at the door with military ID
Click here for group rate

Quilt Show

Columbus, Ohio

Discover Downtown Columbus

Beyond the inspiring exhibits of QuiltWeek, Downtown Columbus is a destination rich with art, culture, and relaxation, making it the perfect getaway for every quilter. Frame your trip around more than just fabric: explore the city's impressive artistic heart, starting with the Columbus Museum of Art and the famously unique Topiary Park.

Continue Reading >

AQS LANCASTER QUILT SHOW INSTRUCTORS

Susan K. Cleveland
Susan K. Cleveland

Pam Damour
Pam Damour

Beth Helfter
Beth Helfter

Michelle Renee Hiatt
Michelle Renee Hiatt

Joyce Hughes
Joyce Hughes

Lauren Jackson
Lauren Jackson

Judi Kirk
Judi Kirk

Nancy Mahoney 
Nancy Mahoney 

Chris Marchini
Chris Marchini

Linda M. Poole
Linda M. Poole

Bob Purcell
Bob Purcell

Jane Sassaman
Jane Sassaman

Christa Watson
Christa Watson

Lynn Wheatley
Lynn Wheatley

Margaret Willingham
Margaret Willingham


Quilt Show Workshop

Connect Through Creativity

Participate in hands-on workshops and enjoy engaging lectures and special events with the quilting industry’s top instructors.

Vendor Registration

Vendor Registration for all 2026 AQS Shows is open. Interested new vendors can complete a Vendor Application at any time.

Quilt Show Vendor


Discover Downtown Columbus: Your Creative Home for AQS QuiltWeek 2026

Fuel your creativity with a visit to the North Market, a bustling food hall offering a delicious tapestry of local flavors, or venture to the nearby Short North Arts District and historic German Village for charming boutiques and one-of-a-kind finds. For relaxation after a full day, take a beautiful, calming stroll along the Scioto Mile, a stunning riverfront park system, or unwind at the Columbus Commons, a vibrant green space often featuring a free carousel ride. Downtown Columbus offers the ideal blend of inspiration, heritage, and modern urban charm to complement your AQS QuiltWeek experience.

 

Getting around Columbus

  • John Glenn International Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown, and traveling between the airport and downtown is easy, with a variety of options available. Answers to any questions regarding transportation can be found at the Welcome Center in baggage claim.
  • Columbus offers safe and walkable districts for all visitors. From the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the headquarters hotel, attendees are across the street from hundreds of local galleries, shops, dining, and nightlife in the Short North Arts District. Just a couple of streets down, visitors can find quick-service dining at the North Market and numerous sports and entertainment venues in the Arena District.

More Information > 

Travel and Transportation

  • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) has been named one of the best airports for passenger experience, earning the 2020 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for Best Airport by Size and Region. John Glenn International is dedicated to making the airport experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.
    – Currently, more than 150+ daily flights depart CMH to 50+ destinations nonstop, and 100% of CMH's energy supply is from renewable resources.

Parking

Goodale Parking Garage – located across from Hall D (just steps away from the show)
GPS: 66 E Goodale St, Columbus, OH, 43215

SPECIAL QUILT EXHIBITS

On the Silk Road by Chevy ChaseON THE SILK ROAD by Barbara Korengold
Hana Kasane-Flower Layering IV by Akemi SugiyamaHANA KASANE-FLOWER LAYERING IV by Akemi Sugiyama
Enchanted by Dawn SidenENCHANTED by Dawn Siden & Joyce Grafe

AQS Medallion Inspirations Collection Special Exhibit

Discover the artistry of Medallion Quilts in the AQS Medallion Inspirations Collection Special Exhibit, sponsored by Electric Quilt! Featuring 20 exquisite quilts selected from the AQS 2025 Call for Quilts, this exhibit celebrates the timeless beauty, creativity, and craftsmanship of the Medallion style. Each quilt, with its striking central motif and intricate borders, is a testament to the diverse talents of quilters from across the country. Visitors will be inspired by the variety of designs and techniques that breathe new life into a beloved quilting style. Join us for an inspirational experience that honors both the tradition and innovation found in today’s quilting community.

Electric Quilt

Valerie BothellValerie Bothell
Kathy Seaman ShawKathy Seaman Shaw
Tricia PattersonTricia Patterson

AQS Creativity Challenge: My Dream ____Cabana (You Fill in the Fun!)

Escape to your dream getaway! This AQS special exhibit, sponsored by WonderFil, showcases a collection of quilts inspired by the idea of the dream cabana. From cozy sewing spaces to vibrant gardens, serene mountain retreats, wintry wonderlands, and tranquil fishing spots, these quilts capture the essence of relaxation and personal paradise.

WonderFil Specialty Threads

CELLULAR STRUCTURE VI (STACK OF SIX) by Sue BennerCELLULAR STRUCTURE VI (STACK OF SIX) by Sue Benner
FRIENDSHIP FLOWER by Cathy EricksonFRIENDSHIP FLOWER by Cathy Erickson
SLOW MOTION by Sonia GrasvikSLOW MOTION by Sonia Grasvik

Beyond Tradition: Abstract Quilts from the National Quilt Museum

See the evolution of abstract quilt artistry,1985-2022

This exhibit is on loan from the National Quilt Museum, Paducah, KY.  It shines a spotlight on the captivating world of abstract quilts. This selection  invites visitors to explore a dynamic period of artistic innovation, tracing the evolution of abstract quilt artistry from 1985 to 2022. Unlike traditional quilts that often adhere to recognizable patterns or pictorial representations, abstract quilts liberate form, color, and texture, prioritizing the emotional and intellectual impact over literal depiction. These works challenge conventional notions of quilting, pushing the boundaries of the medium to create visually compelling compositions that evoke feeling, movement, and complex ideas..

National Quilt Museum

We invite you to become a Friend of NQM. Click here for more information.

Michelle PophalMichelle Pophal
Karen CoatesKaren Coates
Kathy NausleyENCHANTED by Dawn Siden

Cherrywood Challenge: Poppy - Petal & Seed

This year's challenge invited quilters from around the world to capture the beauty and poignant symbolism of the poppy flower. The poppy, a vibrant red bloom, holds a special place in history as a symbol of remembrance for those who served and sacrificed during World War I. Soldiers on the Western Front often encountered fields of poppies, and the flower became a poignant reminder of the war's impact.

The challenge encouraged quilters to interpret the poppy's symbolism using a limited palette of eight Cherrywood's hand-dyed fabrics. Explore a world of color and texture as you wander through the exhibit, marveling at the diverse techniques and embellishments employed by the quiltmakers. From traditional piecing to modern applique, each quilt offers a unique perspective on the poppy's enduring symbolism.

Cyndi AndersonCyndi Anderson
Mary AsmusMary Asmus
Ruth McCormickRuth McCormick

Name That Tune by Art Quilt Guild - Oakland

Get ready to hum along! Members of the Art Quilt Guild-Oakland, Michigan present Name That Tune, a vibrant exhibit of 18" x 18" quilts inspired by music. From the playful melodies of children's songs, the dramatic scores of Broadway musicals, and the electrifying energy of rock 'n' roll, these quilts offer unique visual interpretations of beloved tunes. Each quilt offers a unique visual interpretation of its chosen tune, showcasing the versatility of fiber art.

TURKISH TREASURES by Pat HollyTURKISH TREASURES by Pat Holly
PAISLEY PEACOCK by Pat HollyPAISLEY PEACOCK by Pat Holly
THE BEATLES QUILT by Pat Holly & Sue NickelsTHE BEATLES QUILT by Pat Holly & Sue Nickels

Two of Us: Quilts by Pat Holly and Sue Nickels

Discover the collaborative artistry of Pat Holly and Sue Nickels. For decades, sisters Pat Holly and Sue Nickels have shared a passion for quilting. This exhibit features 29 stunning quilts, including their award-winning collaborative works and individual masterpieces, such as Pat’s extraordinary miniature quilts. Renowned for their innovative use of machine techniques, their quilts showcase exceptional artistry in machine piecing, appliqué, and quilting.

Enhance your experience with interactive QR codes on each quilt tag, providing access to exclusive videos where Sue and Pat share insights into their creative process and the unique features of each quilt.

BERNINA


Quilt Show Lodging

Hilton Columbus Downtown

Hilton Columbus Downtown

402 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 484-8600

AQS Rate: $209 per night (+Taxes)

  • Available for nights between Tuesday, September 22, and Saturday, September 27, 2026

  • Must book your room through the American Quilter’s Society Hotel Block to receive the discounted rate.

Group Code: AQS
Must Book: August 23, 2026

Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus-Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown

501 N High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 559-2000

AQS Rate: $179 per night (+Taxes)

  • Available for nights between Monday, September 21, and Saturday, September 27, 2026

  • Must book your room through the American Quilter’s Society Hotel Block to receive the discounted rate.

Must Book: August 31, 2026

Red Roof PLUS+ Hotel in Downtown Columbus, OH

Red Roof Plus+

111 E Nationwide Blvd
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 385-1171

AQS Rate: $129 per night (+Taxes)

  • Available for nights between Monday, September 21, and Saturday, September 27, 2026

  • Must book your room through the American Quilter’s Society Hotel Block to receive the discounted rate.

Must Book: August 31, 2026

Reservations may be made by calling the hotel direct at: (614) 224-6539 

Ask for the American Quilters Society-2026 AQS QuiltWeek group

SCOOTERS/WHEELCHAIRS

If you (or an attendee) need a wheelchair, please contact Greater Columbus Convention Center Public Safety directly at (614) 827-2547. A member of the Public Safety Department will bring the wheelchair to you. The Columbus Convention Center will ask you to exchange a photo ID for the wheelchair, which will be returned to you when you are done using the wheelchair.

Greater Columbus Convention Center also rents electric scooters through their Pride Ride program. You can reserve a scooter by calling 614-827-2531 and paying by credit card. For more information visit: Columbus Center Guest Services

Please note that advanced reservations are encouraged for scooters and/or wheelchairs.

Charities

K9 Quilt of Honor

K9 QUILT OF HONOR, Booth #1620

Law enforcement and military war dogs are honored through the K9 Quilts of Honor® program. Quilts are presented to the K9 handlers in honor of their dog’s services in our communities and country after a lifetime of service when the K9 retires or dies in the line of duty. Stop by the K9 Quilts of Honor booth for more information about this program.

Quilts of Valor

QUILTS OF VALOR, BOOTH #1524

Stop at the Quilts of Valor booth to learn more about the Quilts of Valor Foundation, whose mission is to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

Sit N Sew

SIT N SEW, BOOTH #1521

This year, AQS, Red Rose Quilters Guild, and quilters attending the show will be making for quilts to be donated to local charities throughout the Lancaster County area (Bethany Slavic Church, Domestic Violence Services, Faith, Food, Fellowship, Gentiva Hospice, Good Samaritan Services, Lancaster Field of Hope, New Person Ministries, Off the Streets, and Transitional Living Center). Sewing machines, irons, and all materials are provided. We can make a difference by sewing for charity at the show!

Quilt Appraisals

AQS Certified Quilt Appraisers will appraise new or antique quilts for insurance replacement or fair market values.

No appointment is necessary, but you can contact Michelle Thompson at 270-898-7903, ext. 132 or michelle.thompson@americanquilter.com to schedule a day and time.

ll walk-in appraisals will be held on Thursday, September 11th and Friday, September 12th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Appraisal Fee: $99 per quilt, payable prior to the appraisal. Check in at the AQS Information Center inside the Exhibit Hall.

While You’re Waiting…

Take a look at the 2024 Lancaster Quilt Contest Winners on AQSBlog.

AN ANGEL WATCHING OVER EWE by Janet Stone
2024 AQS QuiltWeek - Lancaster
Best of Show Award

AN ANGEL WATCHING OVER EWE by Janet Stone

FOLLOW ALONG ON SOCIAL FOR UPDATES AND TIPS
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Thank You to Our Sponsors

National Brand Partners

AccuQuilt     BERNINA

Show Sponsors

AccuQuilt    BERNINA  Brother Handi Quilter     Husqvarna/Viking      Innova     Janome    MartelliPFAFFQuilters SelectQuilters Solutions