The first ever Calgary Quilt Festival will be held at the 

Garrison Curling Club, 2288 47 Ave SW Calgary on May 28-29, 2027.

Plans are starting to come together!  We are working hard behind the scenes to bring you Calgary's best quilt show ever.  More information will be added here as it is confirmed - stay tuned by checking this website, and by joining our newsletter list (sign up below).

Registration for the 2027 Calgary Quilt Festival will begin December 1, 2026.  

EXHIBITION CATEGORIES

Here are the categories we have chosen for the 2027 Festival.  They are designed to be inclusive and general - YOUR quilt will fit in here somewhere.  Remember it's not all about technical prowess - we want to hear your stories and see your colour choices and designs.

1.  TRADITIONAL - Bed or wall sized with gridded blocks, using any piecing or applique technique, with hand or machine quilting.  

2.  MODERN/CONTEMPORAY  - Bed or wall sized, can be functional but with a strong visual of modern aesthetics: asymmetry, creative use of negative space, improvisation, solid, bold colours, high contrast, minimalist or minimalism. 

3.  ART - Wall sized quilts with emphasis on design rather than function; visual focus can be abstract, pictorial, humanist, animal, landscape or mixed media.   Can include embellishments at maker's risk.  

4.  SUSTAINABLE/REPURPOSED  - Projects made from up-cycled fabrics such as, but not limited to:  jeans, t-shirts, vintage linens, sheets, tablecloths, etc.  Can use any technique.  

5. NOVEL/3-DIMENSIONAL - Wearable or home decor items including, but not limited to: bags, purses, jackets, vests, cushions, table runners, placemats, toys, etc.  Can use any technique but must meet General Requirements, see below. 

6. COLLABORATIVE - Made by 4 or more participants including the quilting.  Can use any category 1 thru 4.  

7.  NOVICE - Less than 3 years quilting experience.  Can use any category 1 thru 5. 

8.  BUDDING ARTIST - Under 18 years of age.  Can use any category 1 thru 5.  

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. All quilts must have 3 layers – top, batting & backing and must be joined together by a quilting technique either by the maker or a third party with credit acknowledged.  (This includes the Novel/3-Dimensional category) 

2. Patterns can be original by the maker or commercial with credit acknowledged.  

3. Any embellishments are at the risk of the maker and must be securely attached.  (The CQFA will not be responsible for any lost or damaged embellishments). 

4. Maximum size:  length 84 inches & width 96 inches.  Minimum size:  60 inches on the perimeter. 

5. Quilts should have been completed after January 2024. 

6. Curators may not accept every entry submitted and reserve the right to move entries to another category as deemed appropriate. 

7. Any quilts displaying negative, vulgar or racist words or symbols will not be accepted. 

8. Delivery and pick up of entries is the responsibility of the participant on specified days and hours only.  We cannot accept mailed-in quilts.

9. All quilt registration will be done online.  There will be a nominal registration fee, and we will be asking for an upload of one photograph of the complete quilt.

LET'S TALK ABOUT CURATION

We would genuinely love to display every quilt that is submitted. Unfortunately, our exhibition space is limited - we have room for about 300 quilts, plus some vendors.  We could accept the first 300 quilts entered, but that leaves out the deadline-loving procrastinators, and may not create as varied as show as we would like.  We could rent the BMO Centre, but that's not in our budget this year.  We have chosen to "curate" the show to create a diverse, engaging, and visually inspiring exhibition that celebrates the breadth and creativity of our quilting community.

Unlike a juried quilt show, quilts will not be judged. Instead, independent curators will review all entries anonymously and select quilts that, together, showcase a wide range.  They'll be looking for a variety of skill levels, techniques, styles, colours, and stories within each exhibition category. The goal is not to determine which quilts are "best," but to present a collection that includes the full spectrum of quilters in Calgary and area.

We also understand the concerns that submitting a quilt to a show can be intimidating, and not being selected would be disappointing. Every quilt - yes, even yours - is a piece of art that tells a story.  It represents time, creativity, and personal accomplishment.  Each submission will be treated with respect and appreciation. Selections will be made by considering how each quilt contributes to the overall exhibition.  A quilt's absence from the exhibition is not a reflection of its quality or value. So please, enter, and share your quilted stories with us!

Our hope is that quilters will see the Calgary Quilt Festival as an opportunity to be part of something bigger—a celebration that inspires visitors, encourages creativity, and helps build a vibrant annual event for years to come.  We want the Calgary Quilt Festival to truly reflect and support the quilting community we all care about.

And yes, if you quilters enter 600 or 800 quilts this year, maybe we'll call the BMO Centre back and book it for 2028... we know you're out there and ready for a quilt party!  

We'll see you (and your quilts) at the Garrison Curling Club in May 2027!