Steeped in Great Smoky Mountain history and Appalachian culture, A Mountain Quiltfest in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a fantastic annual event (going on 27 years) that brings the traditional art of quilting to locals and visitors in the area. Held in early spring (usually March) at the LeConte Center and typically lasting 4 days, it’s important to plan your stay ahead of time so you don’t miss out on the spectacular quilting show that features the work of quiltmakers from around the country plus fun workshops for experienced and amateur quilters. And of course, there will be plenty of vendors to check out while you’re there! If you love quilts, homemade goods, or just want to experience something that’s special to Pigeon Forge on your spring vacation, stop by A Mountain Quiltfest, currently planned for March 5-8 in 2021.
The Pigeon Forge Quilt Show
Quilters at A Smoky Mountain Quiltfest can compete in more than a dozen categories for tens of 1,000s of dollars in cash and prizes! It’s FREE to compete in the Quiltfest and FREE to attend the show, so it’s a budget-friendly Pigeon Forge activity for a day out. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to practice and showcase your quilting skills if you choose to participate. Quilters from all over the country will show their work and creativity, competing in many categories.
Potential Quilting Competition Categories
- Large Professional
- Small Professional
- Large Hand Quilted
- Small Hand Quilted
- Large Pieced
- Medium Pieced
- Small Pieced
- Large Applique
- Small Applique
- Large Mixed Techniques
- Small Mixed Techniques
- Art/Innovative
- Extra Large Quilted by Another
- Large Quilted by Another
- Small Quilted by Another
- Youth (ages 17 & under)
- Large Themed Quilt
- Small Themed Quilt
- Embroidery
If you want to enter the Pigeon Forge quilt show, you can download a quilt entry form and read the guidelines for the quilt show online. The competition is open to all skill levels, from beginners to quilt masters! If you’re just getting started in quilting, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more and really challenge yourself. And with the work of quilters from across the country gathered together, you’ll probably find some inspiration for your own work.
If you’re a seasoned quilter, you’ll still find a challenge at this awesome Pigeon Forge event. If you’ve had “quilter’s block,” you’ll get some new, fresh ideas for future quilts, table runners, and more! And best of all, you’ll get to spend some time with 100s of others who share a common interest. You can talk about techniques, discuss new designs, and enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains while you’re here!
Quiltfest Workshops
Along with showcasing the incredible quilts, this Pigeon Forge event offers guests the chance to take quilting classes and workshops. They range from beginner level to master courses for experienced quilters, and in the past, more than 80 classes have been offered.
Potential Quilting Classes
- 19th Century Pineapple
- 25 Yard Dash
- 3D Fabric Lotus Blossom
- Border Tips & Tricks
- Bow Twist
- Braided Quick Step Quilt
- Country Threads
- Dessert Time
- Doo-roo-mah-gey 3D Folded Coat Quilt
- Down Home Drunkards Path
- Finishing Techniques
- Fire Island Fiesta — 3 fabrics and 1 pin
- Freehand Quilting
- Free Motion Machine Embroidery
- Hooked Rug Class
- In The Pines
- Kansas Trouble Quilts — Moda and Beyond (lecture and dinner)
- Longarm Road Show
- Mastering Quilt Marking
- New York Beauty Simplified
- No Mark Celtic Interlaces
- No Patience Block
- No-Sew Tumbling Block
- Orion’s Star
- Out of the Box
- Quilt As Desired — Q & A
- Shading & Blending with Thread
- Skinny Mini Bargello
- Southwest Sunset
- String Piece Techniques
- Sweet Potato Quilts 101
- Tea Time Placements
- The Basics of Heirloom Machine Quilting
- The Self Mitered Log Cabin
- White River Rafting
- Windmills on the Plains
Class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and classes are open to all. The workshops often fill up quickly, so be sure to register early to get a spot. A Smoky Mountain Quiltfest even goes beyond quilting, with courses offered in fixing antiques, table runners, and more. You can drive or walk between class sites, but the Pigeon Forge Trolley is probably the best way to get around.
A Mountain Quiltfest Venue
LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge
2986 Teaster Lane
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865.453.8574
Quilting in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
If you can’t make it to A Mountain Quiltfest, there’s still an opportunity to chat with local quilters, see their work, and bring home handmade quilts — in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. As the largest group of independent artisans in the nation, this neighboring community in Gatlinburg (nestled along an 8-mile loop) not only features top-notch quilts but also a vast array of handcrafted works, including wood carvings, statues, glass-blown ornaments, jewelry, soaps, clothing, moccasins, brooms, pottery, decorations, Christmas goods, and oh-so-much more! There are also a few shops in downtown Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg that offer gorgeous quilts.
Quilt Shops in the Arts & Crafts Community
- Apple Annie’s/The Kitchen Cupboard
- Holloway’s Country Home
- Li’l Bit of Gatlinburg
- Mountain Stitches by Susan
- The Smoky Mountain Mercantile (DIY quilt puzzles)
Quilt Shops Downtown
- Lid’l Dolly’s Factory Store (Pigeon Forge)
- Smoky Mountain Decor (Pigeon Forge)
- The Cherry Pit Quilt Shop (Sevierville)
- The Maples’ Tree (Gatlinburg)
- The Pattern Hutch (Pigeon Forge)
Where to Stay
When attending A Mountain Quiltfest, you’ll need a comfy and cozy place to stay. Pigeon Forge TN Cabins has 450+ cabin rentals ranging from cozy 1-2 bedrooms to spacious large group lodges, all offering a variety of amenities to meet any need. A handful have handicap features, many are pet friendly, and all offer a great escape from the hectic pace of life. Some even have locally made quilts decorating the walls!
Take a break from chores, bills, and work, and unwind at your cabin rental in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains! Bring along all your quilting friends to stay in an awesome cabin with loads of entertainment or just enjoy a quiet weekend on your own in one of our perfectly sized cottages.
Cabin Amenities
- Mountain/river/wooded/city views
- Big screen TVs
- Private indoor pool
- Rocking chairs on spacious decks
- Screened-in porches
- Hot tubs with TVs mounted above them
- Indoor jetted/garden tubs
- Comfortable king-size & queen-size beds
- Wood-burning/gas/electric fireplaces
- Private home theater
- Game tables & arcade units
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Washer/dryer units
- High speed Wi-Fi
- Charcoal/gas grill
- Porch swings
Be sure to check out our blog for even more fantastic events in the Smokies. Year-round, Pigeon Forge offers events for all, from food festivals and holiday parades to kids’ activities and seasonal celebrations!