Experience one of Iowa’s most anticipated quilting events — the Airing of the Quilts — a spectacular, county-wide celebration of fiber art held only once a year in beautiful Madison County.
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Winterset and the surrounding countryside transform into a quilt lover’s paradise. Quilts will cascade from the porticos of the historic Madison County Courthouse, while quilt turnings on beds placed on all four sides of the courthouse allow visitors to view stunning works up close. Outdoor displays continue throughout town, at two of Madison County’s iconic covered bridges, and at Monumental Park, creating unforgettable photo opportunities and creative inspiration at every stop.
This year’s event features both public outdoor displays and ticketed indoor quilt exhibits. Ticket holders will gain access to at least ten indoor display locations throughout the county, with the list of venues continuing to grow. These curated spaces will showcase quilts from guilds across the state of Iowa, along with special collection exhibits. Past featured collections have included quilts from Modern Quilt Con and Kalona’s Historical Collection, and we hope to welcome them again in 2026.
And the experience doesn’t stop there — local wineries and the cidery will also host quilt displays, making this truly a county-wide affair blending art, community, and Iowa hospitality.
Registered ticket holders will start the event at the Iowa Quilt Museum to pick up a map of all quilt locations and event details, as well as admission into the current exhibit which will be In Flanders Fields The Poppies Grow: Cherrywood Quilt Challenge and Quilts of Valor Quilts
Also happening during the Festival:
The Covered Bridge Quilters, Madison County’s local quilt guild, will hold their annual quilt show on Friday and Saturday during Festival week. This is a separate event with separate tickets, offering even more beautiful quilts and local talent to explore.
Ticket Options:
To make planning easy, we offer three ticket choices:
• Airing of the Quilts Ticket – Includes access to the Iowa Quilt Museum, Airing of the Quilts indoor exhibits and all public outdoor displays.
• Airing + Covered Bridge Quilters Show Ticket – Includes admission to the Airing of the Quilts indoor exhibits and the Covered Bridge Quilters annual show and the Iowa Quilt Museum.
• Premium Ticket – Includes admission into the Iowa Quilt Museum, to the Airing of the Quilts, the Covered Bridge Quilters Show, plus a festival goodie bag filled with special treats and surprises.
Whether you’re strolling downtown, driving the scenic backroads to covered bridges, or exploring indoor exhibits, the Airing of the Quilts offers endless inspiration for quilters and quilt lovers alike.
