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Have many of you ever been to the International quilt show in Houston, TX? Which days have the biggest crowds? Does anyone have other inside information or tips about attending the show for the first time? I know it's huge and requires a lot of walking. Thanks for your help!
I went last year on Friday. It wasn't all I expected it to be. But, I would suggest hitting the vendors' booths first. By the afternoon, they're really crowded. It was so frustrating that you couldn't even get into some of them. I can't imagine being there on a weekend.
I've gone the last two years. Friday is the best day, get there when it opens. I wouldn't even think of going on Saturday or Thursday (the first day). Vendors booths first. Take your lunch, it's expensive! Spend the money instead to valet park, trying to find a place can be a pain and a long walk. The first year was fantastic, my second year was a bit of a disappointment but can't put my finger on it. There didn't seem to be the excitement mine or the shows I'm not sure. Wear comfy shoes.
If you're in town for a while, I like going to the preview night on Wednesday - for a $10 ticket you go for about 3 hours on Wed night, and then one additional day. Last year, because of my schedule, I went Wed night, and Saturday all day - it was manageable even on Saturday - and I agree, vendors booths first - buy the festival guide for $1 - it really helps to write down booths you want to return to - and, go early to buy your tickets,or mail order prior - lines are long, and people really queue up / are squeezed together to get in when the doors open. I like going, just for ideas, and shopping - you can spend a lot, quickly, though! Later, the exhibits are wonderful. If you're there to take classes, also, you can go into the vendor/exhibit area free, any day. Let us know your impressions, if you go!
Haven't been yet, but would love to go.
Some information I found on it. Hope it coincides with what others find out about it.
International Quilt Festival
Houston 2012
November 1-4, 2012
George R. Brown Convention Center
Houston, Texas
Hours:
Wed., Oct 31 (Preview Night): 7-10 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 1-Sat., Nov. 3: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 4: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ticket prices:
$12 daily adult
$10 seniors & students
Children 10 and under free.
$12 Preview Night (includes one free additional day)
$42 Full Show Pass (includes Preview Night)
http://www.quilts.com/home/shows/vie...e=FallFestival
Thanks for all the helpful info. I appreciate it. Is Preview Night usually very crowded?
I have been several years, although not the last seven as I moved away from Houston. The quilt show is big, really big. You need to be able to walk around the place for hours, so if you can't walk well anymore, take something that will allow you not to have to, although there are tables and chairs in the eating area. It is said to be the biggest show in the world, and I am sure it is true. It is truely International as quilters come from around the globe. I used to take off a day from work, so I guess that was a Friday, but believe you me, it was crowded then because everyone thinks it isn't going to be so crowded then. I think the last day would be the least crowded. I would take money, but not for food, for the things you can buy from the vendors. Never will you find the selection of fabric anywhere else. I had asked once before if MSQC would be represented there this year, but no one from MSQC responded.
My guild went and had a wonderful time. The day of closing go to the booths for that is when you have great deals. Wear very comfortable shoes and clothes . Yes it might be crowded but they come back invigorated. Don't carry a large handbag ,if you stay awhile that can get really heavy and I hear take lots of cash.((said with a smile))
Thanks again for the additional info about the quilt festival. My husband and I just got back from a week long vacation at Disney World. We went to all 4 parks, and we walked for miles on those days. Our feet were tired and sore, but we had a great time. Already expecting to do the same at the quilt show. I did learn from our Disney trip that a small back pack worked great for me. Carrying a purse can be tiresome for your back. But the backpack didn't bother me at all. From everyones comments, the food is expensive. What kind of food do they have at the quilt show? Are there any other food places close by? I really appreciate the helpful information. I first heard about the quilt show when I worked at a fabric store about 25 years ago. Looking forward to going!
Found a FB page for them..
http://www.facebook.com/QuiltFestival
Preview night is crowded - you might see a queue around the block waiting to get in! But I went to preview night last year, and at one booth, found some coordinated fabrics they were selling at a deep discount - when I came back a later day, those deep discount fabrics were gone - so you MIGHT find some great deals on preview night. ... Another thing I like about preview night (since I usually just go preview night and one additional day) if you see something you REALLY like, but it's pricey, you can go home/hotel and research it online to see if it's really the best price at the quilt show, before you take the plunge and buy it.
BTW, they often have great deals on sewing machines. etc, and they do sell the basically-new machines they've been using in their classes during the show, at a discount - in case you're looking! All the top name sewing machine mfg are there with LOTS of machines. I think it's an exciting show!