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*
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
2026 California State Fair General Rules
Step by Step Online Instructions How to Enter
2026 Drop-off Information
2026 Upcoming Pick-Up Information
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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Please see the guide for a full list of divisions and classes.
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