The Airing of the Quilts – A Hamilton, Missouri Tradition

Each summer, the quiet town of Hamilton, Missouri transforms into a vibrant outdoor art gallery, as colorful quilts drape across porches, hang from storefronts, and line the streets for one of the community’s most beloved traditions—the Airing of the Quilts. This annual event draws quilt lovers, history enthusiasts, and curious visitors from across the Midwest to celebrate the artistry, heritage, and community spirit that quilting represents.

airiing of the quilts in Hamilton Missouri

A Tradition Rooted in History

The Airing of the Quilts is not just an event—it’s a nod to history. Generations ago, families would take their quilts out of storage in the spring to freshen them after long winters, airing them in the sunshine and showing them proudly to neighbors. What began as a practical task became a social tradition, and today it has grown into a full-scale community celebration that honors both the craft and the culture of quilting.

In Hamilton—the town famously known as the “Quilting Capital of the World”—the tradition has found the perfect home. Surrounded by quilt shops, a vibrant quilting community, and the Missouri Quilt Museum, the Airing of the Quilts now serves as both a showcase of artistic talent and a reminder of the town’s deep connection to quilting heritage.

quilts being aired at the Hamilton Missouri farmers market

We’d love to showcase your photos from the Airing of the Quilts here on the Explore Hamilton Missouri website and social media. If you have a beautiful quilt and story to share with us please scroll down this page and show us!

The Airing of the Quilts Event Details for 2025

This year’s Airing of the Quilts will take place on Friday, August 15th, and Saturday, August 16th, 2025, with activities running from 10 AM to 4 PM each day.

Where to Start: The event begins at the Missouri Quilt Museum (300 East Bird Street, Hamilton, MO), where visitors can purchase a $15 wristband. This includes a detailed map of participating venues and access to indoor displays throughout town. Outdoor quilt displays along porches and storefronts are free to view.
How Many Quilts: More than 1,000 quilts will be featured across Hamilton, creating an unforgettable display of color, texture, and design.
Venues: Along with downtown Hamilton, quilts will be displayed at churches, community buildings, shops, and the Missouri Quilt Museum itself. Each venue offers its own unique perspective on quilting, from historic heirlooms to modern masterpieces.

quilts outdoors for the airing of the quilts in Hamilton MO

What You’ll See

Visitors can expect to experience quilting like never before.

Outdoor Displays: Streets become galleries as quilts are carefully hung along porches, storefronts, and fences. This open-air setup makes Hamilton feel alive with color, as every turn reveals a new masterpiece.
Indoor Exhibits: With a wristband, guests can step inside participating venues to explore curated quilt collections, historic displays, and exhibits that showcase quilting through different eras and styles.
Missouri Quilt Museum: The museum serves as the hub of the event, offering permanent exhibits, rotating shows, and educational displays that tell the story of quilting in America. It’s a must-see stop during the Airing of the Quilts.

beautiful quilts on display in Hamilton Missouri

Why You Should Go

The Airing of the Quilts is more than just a quilt show—it’s an experience that blends history, art, and community.

A Visual Feast: With more than 1,000 quilts on display, you’ll be surrounded by stunning patterns, colors, and craftsmanship at every turn.
Cultural Heritage: Learn about the history of quilting, from its humble beginnings as a household necessity to its role as an art form and storytelling medium.
Support a Local Cause: Ticket sales and event proceeds support the Missouri Quilt Museum, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving quilt history and educating future generations.
Family-Friendly: The event is welcoming to all ages, making it a great way for families to enjoy Hamilton together.
Small-Town Charm: Explore downtown Hamilton, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the hospitality that small-town Missouri is known for.

A Festival Atmosphere

The Airing of the Quilts is more than just quilts. The weekend brings a festival-like atmosphere to Hamilton, with bustling sidewalks, visitors from across the country, and the energy of community pride. Many shops extend their hours, local restaurants see full tables, and families gather to take part in the celebration.

It’s a unique way to experience Hamilton—whether you’re a seasoned quilter, a first-time visitor, or a local who loves seeing the town shine.

Plan Your Visit

Dates: Friday, August 15 & Saturday, August 16, 2025

Times: 10 AM – 4 PM both days
Location: Downtown Hamilton, MO + Missouri Quilt Museum (300 East Bird St)
Tickets: $15 wristband required for indoor venues; outdoor displays are free
Parking: Free public parking available around downtown and at designated event lots

If you’re traveling from out of town, consider arriving early and staying overnight. Hamilton offers charming bed & breakfasts, short-term rentals, and is just a short drive from nearby towns with additional lodging options.

quilts on display outside at Susies She Shed in Hamilton Missouri

Make the Most of Your Trip

While you’re in Hamilton for the Airing of the Quilts, don’t miss the opportunity to explore:

Missouri Star Quilt Company: Famous worldwide, with over a dozen themed quilt shops downtown.
Missouri Quilt Museum: Featuring exhibits that showcase quilts through history and across cultures.
Local Dining: From cozy diners to family-owned restaurants, Hamilton offers plenty of options for refueling between quilt stops.
Nearby Attractions: Enjoy small-town Missouri charm by visiting local parks, antique shops, and historic sites in Caldwell County.

A Celebration of Community & Craft

The Airing of the Quilts is more than an event—it’s a tradition that connects the past to the present. It celebrates not only the quilts themselves but the people behind them—the makers, the families who cherish them, and the community that proudly shares them.

Each quilt tells a story, and when displayed together across the town of Hamilton, they weave a larger narrative about tradition, creativity, and the strength of community.

Whether you’re an avid quilter, a lover of folk art, or simply someone who enjoys small-town festivals, the Airing of the Quilts in Hamilton, Missouri is an event you won’t want to miss.

📸 Mark your calendars for August 15–16, 2025. Come experience Hamilton at its most colorful, welcoming, and inspiring—one quilt at a time.

✨ Calling All Quilters & Photographers! ✨

We’d love to showcase your photos from the Airing of the Quilts on the Explore Hamilton Missouri website and social media.

By sharing your photos with us, you’re giving permission for them to be published online to help celebrate and promote this wonderful Hamilton tradition. We’ll be sure to give you credit whenever your photo is used (example: “Photo courtesy of Jane Doe”).

👉 To participate, please add your photos , or post them here in the comments with your name so we can properly credit you.

Thank you for helping us highlight the beauty of Hamilton, Missouri and the quilts that make our town shine!

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