AQC Quilt Show Melbourne 2026: a Must-See Event for Craft Lovers
Every year, the Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC) transforms Melbourne’s iconic Royal Exhibition Building into a hub of creativity, inspiration, and community for quilting enthusiasts.
Whether you’re an avid quilter or simply appreciate fine craftsmanship, this quilt show in Melbourne offers something for everyone. With its accessibility, engaging displays, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s an unmissable outing for anyone looking for a unique experience.
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When is the AQC Quilt Show Melbourne 2026?
The AQC Quilt Convention is scheduled for 9 – 12 April, 2026, daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
What to Expect at AQC
If you’re wondering, What is AQC?, it’s the premier event for quilt and craft lovers in Australia!
Event Highlights:
- Quilt Show: The Quilt Show is the centrepiece of the convention, showcasing a stunning collection of quilts from Australia and around the world. The annual AQC Challenge is always a highlight, and this year’s theme, On the Map, promises to deliver even more breathtaking creations that blur the line between craft and art.
- Expo: For those looking to shop or learn, AQC Melbourne’s expo brings together quilting retailers from far and wide. You’ll find everything from fabrics, patterns, sewing machines, and quilting supplies.
- Classes and Workshops: AQC also features workshops and classes led by world-class quilting tutors, catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned quilters.
Terrie’s Experience
Attending the Australian Quilt Convention with my daughter was an absolute joy—something I’m already looking forward to doing again next year. Held at the stunning Royal Exhibition Building, it was the perfect setting to showcase what I can only describe as true masterpieces.
The entire ground floor was filled with vibrant stalls—fabrics, threads, sewing machines, and all the tools and accessories you could possibly need. And then there were the quilts! Row after row of them, in every style and size imaginable. Some were traditional, others followed creative themes like “Ocean” or “Map It.” A few were so detailed they looked three-dimensional. It felt like walking through a gallery of textile art.
What struck me most was the variety of techniques and styles, with entries from all over Australia. I’m not a quilter myself, but I was still completely inspired and in awe of the talent on display. One quilt that really caught my eye was a striking piece called Siren’s Temptation—a mermaid design that was absolutely captivating.
The layout of the event made it easy to navigate, with wide aisles perfect for wheelchairs or those using mobility aids. There were also several seating areas dotted throughout, which made it easy to take a break and soak it all in. Two on-site cafés offered tasty, café-style meals—ideal for a relaxed lunch or tea break.
Getting there was simple too. I took the train into the city, then hopped on a tram to Parliament Station. From there, it was just a short stroll to the venue. I found it helpful to mark the route using the free City Map available from the Information Centre—it made everything very straightforward.
All in all, a wonderful day out. If you’ve never been, keep an eye out for next year’s event—it’s well worth the visit, whether you’re a quilter or simply someone who appreciates beautiful craftsmanship.
– Terrie
Practical Information for the Melbourne Quilt Show 2026
Dates: 9th – 12th April 2026
Times: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
Location: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens, Melbourne
Single Day Passes (Early Bird prices available until 4 March 2026!):
- Adult: $25 at the door, $24 early bird
- Seniors: $24 at the door, $22 early bird
- Age or Disability Pensioners: $23 at the door, $21 early bird
- Children (5-16 years): $12 at the door, $10 early bird
Multi-Day Passes (Early Bird prices available until 4 March 2026):
- 2-Day Pass: $44 at the door, $42 early bird
- 3-Day Pass: $59 at the door, $56 early bird
- 4-Day Pass: $72 at the door, $69 early bird
Group/Bulk Buy:
- Adult (minimum of 10 tickets, online only): $20 per person
- School Groups (minimum of 10 tickets, online only): $10 per person
- Family (2 adults & 2 children): $55 at the door, $53 early bird
Tickets include access to all quilt displays, the expo, and demonstrations. If you’re booking workshops or classes, your entry ticket will be included in the package.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access with ramps and lifts for ease of movement.
- Accessible toilets available throughout the venue.
- Spacious walkways, allowing for comfortable browsing without crowding.
- Plenty of seating areas to rest and recharge during your visit.
- Staff on hand to assist visitors with additional needs.
- Disability parking spaces close to the building for those driving.
- A straightforward journey for visitors travelling from regional areas like Geelong.
The Royal Exhibition Building’s layout and facilities make it easy to navigate, and its proximity to public transport makes it simple to reach. For those travelling from regional Victoria, like Terrie, a train ride adds an extra layer of adventure to the day.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a quilter, a craft enthusiast, or just curious, the AGC Quilt Show Melbourne is a fantastic way to spend a day immersed in creativity. Enjoy this opportunity to connect with others, support local artisans, and appreciate the artistry of quilting.
Why not make a day of it? Explore the quilts, shop for unique finds, and enjoy a delicious meal—all while soaking in the historic charm of the Royal Exhibition Building. The AQC Melbourne experience awaits you—we’ll see you there!
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