Cal Expo

Crafts Competition

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.

*Competition will reopen February of 2027* 

Crafts Competition

For 2025 The Special Contest

Action Sports

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.

How To Enter

Guides

Check the guide for full instructions on how to enter. Guidebooks are updated regularly until June, so make sure to continue checking back!

2027 Guides *Coming Soon*

2027 California State Fair General Rules *Coming Soon*

2026 Fiber & Needles Crafts Guide

2026 Handcrafts Guide

2026 California State Fair General Rules

Step by Step Online Instructions How to Enter

2026 Drop-off Information

2026 Upcoming Pick-Up Information 

Award Ceremony Schedule

Coming Soon…

July 25,2026 10:00am-1:30 pm Cal Expo Building C

  • 10:00am: Doors open for Artist
  • 10:15am: General Admission Entry
  • 10:30am: Welcoming of Craft and Student Showcase
  • 11:00am: Student Showcase Award Ceremony Begins
  • 11:45am: Intermission
  • 12:00 pm: Craft Award Ceremony Begins
  • 1:00 pm: Ceremony Ends & Community Mingle Begins
  • 1:30pm: End of Event 

Demonstrators

Coming Soon…

Awards & Prizes

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

Contact

California Crafts Coordinator

Phone: (916)­642-2210

creativearts@calexpo.com

Prize Donors

To become a donor for the 2027 California State Photography Competition and donate a prize to the winners of the competition or to become a sponsor and contribute to the overall function of the program please contact us at the information listed above.

2027 Competition Dates

Coming Soon…

Dates Details
January 29, 2026 Entries Open
May 8, 2026 Entries Close at 4:30 pm
May 29-30, 2026 Entry Drop Off
July 17, 2026 Placings Announced
July 17, 2026 Exhibition Opens
July 25, 2026 Awards Ceremony
August 2, 2026 Exhibition Closes
August 7-8, 2026 Pick up Artworks; Awards Ceremony begins at 10:30 am

Divisions & Classes

Please see the guide for a full list of divisions and classes.

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