The 18th Annual Atlanta Quilt Festival is underway at the Southwest Arts Center in South Fulton and continues through September 5, 2026.

Atlanta Quilt Festival: What To Know

This long-running celebration of textile art highlights African American quilting traditions alongside traditional, modern, and art quilts, drawing makers and visitors for exhibits, workshops, lectures, and community events. Not to mention, it’s one of the top festivals in Atlanta.

Dates, Location & Hours

  • Dates: July 31 – September 5, 2026
  • Location: Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, South Fulton, GA 30331
  • Viewing hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (hours begin August 1)

The festival features a juried exhibition of more than 100 quilts. It emphasizes the preservation and promotion of African American quilting and other textile arts while welcoming work across styles. A standout special exhibit, “Music Moves Movements,” explores the deep ties between music, song, and social justice movements—from spirituals to freedom anthems—through original quilt works.

Workshops, Classes & Events

Beyond the gallery displays, the festival offers a full slate of hands-on classes, master classes, lectures, and trunk shows. Offerings span beginner to advanced levels and include topics such as:

  • Beginning quilting and free-motion quilting
  • Bag making and hand embroidery
  • Paper piecing (including a Niemeyer-method master class)
  • Kawandi slow-stitching in the Siddi tradition
  • Silk painting, T-shirt quilts, pixel quilts, and Instagram for quilters
  • An “AI Meets Quilting” class that introduces generative tools for design inspiration

Many classes include materials guidance, continental breakfast or lunch, and separate ticket fees (typically in the $40–$65 range depending on the session). Check the official schedule for exact dates, times, and availability, as sessions continue on weekends and select weekdays through early September.

Why It Matters

Founded and sustained as a space that honors quilting as both craft and cultural storytelling, the Atlanta Quilt Festival has grown into an 18-year tradition. It provides a welcoming platform for established artists and newcomers alike while spotlighting the historical and contemporary significance of African American textile traditions. Recent coverage has highlighted its role in community connection and creative expression.

Admission and class ticket details can vary; the most current information, RSVPs, and purchases are available on the official website, atlantaquiltfestival.com. The Southwest Arts Center is located in South Fulton, making the festival an accessible metro Atlanta destination for a day (or multiple visits) of art, learning, and inspiration.

Whether you’re a longtime quilter, a curious beginner, or simply looking for a meaningful cultural outing this summer, the Atlanta Quilt Festival offers a rich, multi-week experience that runs through the first weekend of September.

Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.

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