Do I need a ticket to attend?

Check Reiman Gardens’ event page for ticketing details and any timed-entry requirements for March 20–22; some shows use reservations to manage capacity.

Can I purchase quilts at the show?

Yes—vendor booths and some exhibitors sell quilts and textile goods; always ask about shipping and return policies before paying.

Is the show family-friendly?

Yes; the exhibition is suitable for families though younger children should be supervised near hanging textiles and displays.

Are photographs allowed?

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but avoid flash on textiles and follow any posted restrictions from organizers or exhibitors.

Is the venue accessible?

Reiman Gardens aims to be accessible; check the official event page for specific accessibility services and entrance details.

Will there be demonstrations or classes?

Vendor demonstrations are common; consult the event schedule for any announced demos or hands-on sessions during the three-day show.

Stitched in Bloom: Reiman Gardens 2026 Quilt Show in Ames, Iowa

Come spring 2026, Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa, becomes a gallery of stitched color when the March Quilt Show opens March 20–22. The show pairs traditional Midwestern quilting with the Gardens’ floral-inspired atmosphere, turning aisleways into corridors of pattern and petals. Visitors move between hanging quilts and live plant displays, reading labels about technique, scale and story while sunlight through greenhouse glass or overhead skylights lights fabric textures. The exhibition showcases competitive quilts entered by regional makers alongside vendor booths offering hand-dyed textiles, notions, and small-scale art. Expect a range of techniques: patchwork and piecing, appliqué, hand and machine quilting, modern minimalism, and experimental mixed-media pieces that incorporate embroidery and botanical prints. Prize categories reward craftsmanship and narrative, and quiet corners let you study stitching, thread choices, and quilting motifs up close. What makes this show special is how textile art and horticulture speak to each other. Quilts hang backlit against curated plantings and floral installations, so color theory and pattern read differently than in a white-cube gallery. For makers, the venue offers natural backdrops to test botanical dye results and plant-inspired palettes; for fans, it’s a chance to see how quilts interact with living color and scale. Logistics are straightforward: the show runs three days, with vendor shopping, judged entries, and public viewing. The layout is visitor-friendly for photographers and shoppers; aisles allow safe spacing for detailed inspection of seams and quilting lines. The show is family-friendly and accessible to casual admirers as well as serious collectors. Local quilters often travel from across the Midwest to compete, making the event a pulse point for regional quilting traditions and contemporary studio practice. Educational labels and vendor demonstrations help novice stitchers learn new motifs and sourcing strategies. The marketplace tends to include small-batch dyers, pattern designers, and restoration specialists who can advise on proper storage and care. Whether you’re a collector searching for a standout wall quilt, a sewer chasing new techniques, or a weekend traveler looking to pair an afternoon of exhibitions with a stroll through garden beds, the Reiman Gardens Quilt Show delivers a focused, sensory-rich experience. Bring a notebook for vendor contacts, comfortable shoes for the floors, and a discerning eye for color; the show rewards slow looking and conversation with makers. Parking and accessibility vary with weekend crowds; check Reiman Gardens' event page for updated visitor hours and any timed-entry tickets. The vendor area often accepts credit and card vendors may offer mail-order for large pieces. If you plan to buy a quilt, ask about shipping and archival framing options from restorers at the show. For stitchers, bring a fabric sample or color swatch to compare with exhibited palettes and vendor fabrics for better match decisions ahead.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2–3 hours.

Fitness level

Minimal physical fitness required; expect standing and slow walking for a few hours

Wildlife

songbirds
butterflies

History

The show highlights Midwestern quilting traditions by bringing makers from across the region to compete and exhibit contemporary work.

Conservation

Vendors often promote sustainable fibers and reuse practices; bring reusable bags and consider shipping large purchases to reduce single-trip transport.

Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa offers year-round horticultural displays, seasonal events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities that engage families, students, and garden enthusiasts. The facility hosts a variety of public experiences including speaker series, guided and self-guided tours, hands-on youth day camps, and specialized workshops such as dried floral wreath making and floral design. Signature experiences include the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing — open daily and featuring up to 800 live butterflies from around 80 species — plus seasonal highlights like Butterfly Blizzard and Nature at NIGHT. Reiman Gardens programs combine accessible outdoor activities with instructional series and community-focused nights. Regular offerings include Nature with Nathan, a six-part entomology speaker series; Rovers at Reiman dog-friendly evenings; Garden Flow six-week gentle stretching sessions; Nature Journaling workshops; and members-only Wednesday walking club access. Community events range from Autumn Equinox Gothic Soiree (ages 18+) to Trivia Nights, Maker Nights, and seasonal forest bathing walks. Volunteer roles support Spirits in the Gardens (October 10–12), Pumpkin Prep, Butterfly Wing docent training, seasonal gardening and displays, and group volunteer opportunities. Reiman Gardens also offers admissions options, guided tours for youth and adults, and special previews like RG Express and Bonsai Show Member Preview. All program descriptions, schedules, and registration details are published by Reiman Gardens; visitors should consult official listings for dates, age requirements, and availability. Members' Wednesday Walking Club meets Wednesday mornings and provides access to the Butterfly Wing and Conservatory beginning at 9:00 AM, offering a quieter visit and the chance to see horticulturalists at work.

Base locationAmes, Iowa

Tours offered31+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace

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