2009 International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas – Get Your Tickets

My wife and I moved into our first house over the weekend, so forgive me if the writing feels a bit lethargic. I wanted something low-key. I wanted to keep the rip-roaring action to a minimum. Then I found the 2009 International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas. Yeah, I think I nailed it.

Scoff not! The 2009 International Quilt Festival is arguably the largest quilt-themed event in the entire world, bringing in a robust crowd of nearly 60,000 people every year. And they’re not all locals. Professional and amateur quilters from around the country turn out to put their best work up for the International Quilt Association Judged Show. Hundreds of quilts compete for the coveted Handi Quilter® Best of Show Award worth $10,000 and a whole lot of bragging rights.

Those who miss the top prize can still win big with another $90,000 up for grabs by way of major awards, festival picks and category prizes. You can still sign up to show, so don’t miss that chance.

The International Quilt Festival is more than a competition. Dubbed the “World’s Fair of Quilts”, the Festival also includes a humongous 4-day exhibition.

The massive show floor of the George R. Brown Convention Center will be wall-to-wall packed with over 1,100 vendor booths and more than 2,000 quilts, dolls and fabric art pieces. If that’s still not enough, make sure to attend one or more of the 400+ classes, lectures and hands-on teaching sessions. Class and special events start on October 12, and enrollment is required, so go ahead and sign up and arrive early.

The Festival itself is open to public admission, no advanced tickets required (though you’re welcome to buy them off the site). Daily adult admission is $10 or you may purchase a full pass for $35. Class enrollment badges function as admission, so no reason to double dip.

The 2009 International Quilt Festival will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. Ample self-parking available. Festivities run from October 12-18, exhibition dates from October 14 (preview night) – 15. You can learn more at their Web site. I recommend scrolling down the list to the item that reads “General Information Postcard”.

For downtown Houston hotels near the George R. Brown Convention Center, the Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown makes an easy choice. The hotel is an official Festival hotel and offers a shuttle to/from the Convention Center. No parking hassles for you!

Have fun!

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