21st Annual

Cherokee National Holiday Quilt Show

About the Event

The Cherokee National Holiday Quilt Show features quilts, wall hangings, purses, clothing and all forms of handmade quilting art. See the hand quilted patterns, machine quilted designs, youth quilting projects and baby quilts on display. Quilters will also show off their paper pieced, applique and mixed technique quilts, plus other miscellaneous items.

All quilters are welcome to participate!

Important Dates

For more information, see the registration packet.
Registration Closes:
Thursday, August 20, 2026
at 11:59 PM
Quilt Delivery:

Entries will be received on Wednesday, September 2, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chota Conference Center. Each quilt is registered and numbered separately for maximum security.

Quilt Pickup:

Pick up will start on Sunday, September 6 at 4 p.m. at the Chota Conference Center. Exhibitors must collect their items or arrange for someone to collect them. Entry receipts must be presented at the time of pickup.

Categories & Awards

Show Categories:
  • 100: Cherokee National Holiday Theme
  • 200: Hand Pieced & Hand Quilted
  • 300: Hand Pieced & Machine Quilted
  • 400: Machine Pieced & Hand Quilted
  • 500: Machine Pieced & Machine Quilted
  • 600: Mixed Technique
  • 700: Specialty Technique
  • 800: T-Shirt
  • 900: Embroidered 75% with Piece Work
  • 1000: Appliqued 75% with Piece Work
  • 1100: Paper Pieced
  • 1200: Baby Quilt
  • 1300: Youth Quilt (Ages 17 & Under)
  • 1400: Youth Quilt (Ages 12 & Under)
  • 1500: Youth Quilt (Ages 13 – 17)
  • 1600: Wall Hanging
  • 1700: Ribbon Skirt, Ribbon Shirt, Tear Dress
  • 1800: Miscellaneous
The following ribbons will be awarded:
  • Viewer’s Choice
  • Cherokee National Holiday Themed Entry
  • Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation’s Choice
  • Deputy Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation’s Choice
  • First Lady of the Cherokee Nation’s Choice
  • Maco Warner’s Choice
  • First Daughter of the Cherokee Nation’s Choice
  • World Traveler (outside of the U.S. that travels the farthest distance)
  • 1st, 2nd and 3rd placement awards for all categories

Divisions

Eligibility & Rules

All participants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • Preference will be given to citizens of the Cherokee Nation, but it is not required
  • Entry forms must be completed and received by the registration deadline
  • Event staff reserves the right to refuse and assumes no liability for entries that require special handling
  • All entries must be 100% complete, clean, and free of pet hair, odor, and smoke, and in good condition
  • A label with the entrant’s name, address, phone number, and name of quilt should be pinned to the lower right back corner of each piece
  • Event staff reserves the right to move entries to correct categories as deemed necessary
  • All entries must remain on exhibit for the duration of the show and will not be released until all quilts have been dismantled
  • Three entries are allowed per category, but they must be numbered 1-3 in case there is not enough space to display all three entries
  • One entry form is required per item
  • Items previously entered in a Cherokee National Holiday Quilt Show will not be accepted
  • No tacked quilts
  • No food, drink or smoking will be allowed in the exhibit area
  • All items entered must have been made in the last five years, from July 2021 through July 2026
Holiday Annual Theme
  • Entries must reflect the official Cherokee National Holiday annual theme
  • Entries must not exceed 30″ x 42″ in size

Environmentally Friendly Reservation

Supporting Our Commitment

Osiyo, as good stewards of our Earth, the Cherokee Nation is committed to creating a more environmentally friendly reservation. In 2024, Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner signed an Executive Order to limit the use of single-use plastics, and we took the first steps toward implementing this initiative.

Now, in its third year, we are continuing to build on this commitment by further reducing plastic waste at the Cherokee National Holiday. This year, the use of plastic and Styrofoam containers remains prohibited as part of your vendor contract. This specifically includes food serving containers, utensils, cups, and beverages sold in plastic bottles.

We appreciate the progress made and ask for your continued support in using alternative, eco-friendly packaging such as biodegradable containers, paper products, and reusable materials. By working together, we can strengthen our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our events and promote a more sustainable approach to food and beverage service. We thank you for your cooperation and for being part of this important initiative. We look forward to another successful and environmentally responsible Cherokee National Holiday.

Event Details

Registration Deadline
Thursday, August 20 at 11:59 PM
Friday
 – Sunday
September 4
 – September 6

Registration Open

Online registration available now through 
August 20
 at 11:59 PM. 

Watch Now

Cherokee National Holiday Quilt Show

Join in the celebration of Cherokee National Holiday. Watch this year’s events live or check out recordings from the past.

Continue the celebration all year by rewatching livestreamed events from past Cherokee National Holidays.

Schedule of Events

Sep

4

Cherokee National Holiday Quilt Show

Friday
September 4
12:00 PM
 – 8:00 PM

Cherokee Casino Tahlequah, Chota Center Rooms 2 & 3

Sep

5

Cherokee National Holiday Quilt Show

Saturday
September 5
9:00 AM
 – 5:00 PM

Cherokee Casino Tahlequah, Chota Center Rooms 2 & 3

Sep

6

Cherokee National Holiday Quilt Show

Sunday
September 6
10:00 AM
 – 3:00 PM

Cherokee Casino Tahlequah, Chota Center Rooms 2 & 3