The mission of California Crafts is to provide, through fair and equitable competition, a California State Fair exhibit of the finest examples of crafts being done in the state.
All California residents, 18 and over, are eligible to enter the Crafts Completion and showcase their crafts at the California State Fair.
The Needle and Fiber Arts guide includes quilting and the special contests. All items entered in the Fiber Arts divisions will be accepted for judging.
Cal Expo is proud to be hosting the 2025 Summer X Games in August 2025. Your entries should reflect the various events in X Games such as Skateboarding, BMX, Freestyle Motocross, Skiing, Snowboarding, or any other action sports. Entries can be in any medium such as Fiber & Needle Crafts, Quilt, or Handcraft.
Check the guide for full instructions on how to enter. Guidebooks are updated regularly until June, so make sure to continue checking back!
2026 Fiber & Needles Crafts Guide *Coming Soon*
2026 Handcrafts Guide *Coming Soon*
Step by Step Online Instructions How to Enter *Coming Soon*
2026 Competitive Programs Shipping Form *Coming Soon*
2026 Demonstrator Information *Coming Soon*
2026 Demonstration Application *Coming Soon*
2026 California State Fair Art Docent Program *Coming Soon*
2026 Docent Handbook *Coming Soon*
2026 Art Docent Sign Up *Coming Soon*
Fiber & Needle Crafts Awards
Best Of Show………………………………………..$100 and Golden Bear Trophy
Best Of Division …………………………………….Rosette and $50
1st Place………………………………………………Ribbon and $40
2nd Place……………………………………………..Ribbon and $30
3rd Place ……………………………………………..Ribbon and $20
Honorable Mention…………………………………..Ribbon
Quilt Awards
Best Of Show………………………………………….$100 and a Golden Bear Trophy
Best Of Division ………………………………………Rosette and $50
1st Place………………………………………………..Ribbon and $60
2nd Place……………………………………………….Ribbon and $50
3rd Place………………………………………………..Ribbon and $40
Honorable Mention…………………………………….Ribbon
Handcraft Awards
Best Of Show……………………………………………$100 and Golden Bear Trophy
Best Of Division ………………………………………..Rosette and $50
1st Place………………………………………………….Ribbon and $40
2nd Place ………………………………………………..Ribbon and $30
3rd Place …………………………………………………Ribbon and $20
Honorable Mention………………………………………Ribbon
Special Contest Department Awards
Best Of Division …………………………………………Rosette and $50
1st Place…………………………………………………..Ribbon and $40
2nd Place………………………………………………….Ribbon and $30
3rd Place ………………………………………………….Ribbon and $20
Honorable Mention……………………………………….Ribbon
A special thank you to our competition prize donors. We appreciate your support.
In Memory of Dorothy Killian Painter: $500 Awarded to an Entry in all Quilt Categories of the family’s choice
| Dates | Details |
|---|---|
| February 7, 2025 | Entries open registration online |
| May 15, 2025 | Entries close online at 11:59 pm & entry fees must be paid |
| May 23, 2025 | Preliminary acceptance notification email by 6 pm |
| May 30, 2025 | Shipped entries due |
| May 30 – 31, 2025 | Hand Deliver entries between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| June 6, 2025 | Non-Displayed Entries notification email by 6:00 pm |
| June 13 – 14, 2025 | Pick up of non-displayed entries 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| July 11, 2025 | Exhibition Opens. Award results posted online |
| July 13, 2025 | Awards Ceremony |
| August 1 – 2, 2025 | Pick up exhibits 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| August 1, 2025 | Begin returning shipped items |
Please see the guide for a full list of divisions and classes.
Join the Crafts Competition newsletter list to get updates on this competition.
You’ll receive competition announcements and reminders.
