BRISBANE CRAFT & QUILT FAIR RETURNS WITH FOUR DAYS OF CREATIVITY, COLOUR AND HANDS-ON MAKING

Guest artist Jake Henzler (@boy_knits_world), the Queensland Quilt Show, new Cake, Bake & Decorate feature and free Under 30s tickets headline the 2026 event

Brisbane’s biggest celebration of creativity returns this October, with the Brisbane Craft & Quilt Fair taking over the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank, from 14–17 October 2026.

Run annually by Expertise Events, the Fair will bring together thousands of makers, hobbyists and creative enthusiasts for four days of inspiration, learning, shopping and hands-on experiences spanning quilting, sewing, embroidery, knitting, crochet, jewellery making, woodcraft, cake decorating and more.

This year’s program expands beyond traditional craft with a host of new experiences, including Cake, Bake & Decorate, the interactive Craft Bar, an expanded Studio Workshops program and internationally recognised Australian artist and knitting designer Jake Henzler, better known to craft communities around the world as Boy Knits World.

Visitors can also explore the spectacular Queensland Quilt Show, featuring 600 incredible quilts, shop for the latest products, tools and materials from specialist exhibitors across Australia, see the newest sewing technology in action and try their hand at a range of creative disciplines.

Expertise Events’ Jess Kent said the 2026 Fair had been designed to appeal to everyone from lifelong makers to people looking to try something creative for the first time.

“Craft is constantly evolving, and this year’s Brisbane Craft & Quilt Fair really reflects the incredible breadth of creativity happening across Australia,” Kent said.

“Whether you’ve been quilting for decades, have just picked up your first pair of knitting needles, want to try pottery or resin or simply love discovering beautiful handmade work, there’s something here to inspire you.

“We also want to make creative hobbies accessible to a new generation, which is why we’re again offering free entry for an Under 30 guest when attending with an eligible Adult or Concession ticket holder.”

Meet Boy Knits World

One of the highlights of this year’s Fair will be guest artist Jake Henzler, whose distinctive knitted cityscapes and architectural designs have earned him an international following.

Working under the name Boy Knits World, Henzler has been practising and exhibiting internationally since 2006, creating works using yarn and needlecraft techniques that range from knitted landscapes and cityscapes to heirloom motifs and original characters.

His best-known pieces transform historic building façades into intricate, tactile knitted artworks, blending influences from folk art, architecture and popular culture with highly detailed colourwork techniques.

Brisbane visitors will have the opportunity to discover Henzler’s remarkable approach to knitting and see how traditional textile techniques can be transformed into contemporary works of art.

New for 2026: Cake, Bake & Decorate

The Fair is also expanding into the world of edible creativity with the launch of Cake, Bake & Decorate, a dedicated feature celebrating cake decorating and sugar art.

The new area will showcase the creativity, precision and artistry behind decorative baking, giving visitors the opportunity to discover new techniques, ideas and inspiration from this increasingly popular creative category.

Get Hands-On at the Craft Bar and Studio Workshops

Visitors who prefer to make rather than simply admire will have plenty of opportunities to get involved.

The Craft Bar will provide a free, interactive creative space where visitors can sit down, try something new and enjoy the social side of making, while the Studio Workshops Program will offer hands-on sessions across an expanded range of contemporary crafts.

For 2026, workshop experiences will include pottery creation and painting, leather engraving, working with resin, and ceramic and fabric painting.

The program will sit alongside popular Fair favourites including Make & Takes, seminars, demonstrations and the Knitters Lounge, where fibre lovers can gather, work on their own projects and connect with fellow makers.

Queensland’s Quilting Talent Takes Centre Stage

At the heart of the event will be the Queensland Quilt Show, celebrating the creativity, technical skill and artistry of the state’s quilting community.

Visitors will be able to explore an impressive collection of quilts, from traditional techniques to contemporary textile art, while drawing inspiration from some of Queensland’s most accomplished makers.

Across the wider show floor, leading sewing machine brands and specialist retailers will demonstrate the latest technology, products and tools, while exhibitors from around Australia will offer everything from fabrics, yarns and patterns to equipment, accessories and unique handmade supplies.

Bring an Under 30 for Free

In a move designed to introduce more young people to the world of making, the Brisbane Craft & Quilt Fair is offering free entry for an Under 30 guest when attending with an eligible Adult 1-Day or Concession ticket holder.

Adult or Concession ticket buyers purchasing online can select “I would like to book an Under 30’s Ticket” during the booking process and provide the guest’s details.

The complimentary Under 30 ticket can then be collected from the Craft & Quilt Fair Help Desk at the event, with photo identification required.

Whether visitors come to learn a new skill, stock up on supplies, meet fellow makers, discover emerging trends or simply spend a day immersed in creativity, the Brisbane Craft & Quilt Fair offers something for makers of every age and experience level.

EVENT DETAILS

Brisbane Craft & Quilt Fair 2026
Dates: Wednesday 14 – Saturday 17 October 2026
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank
Tickets: Available online at craftfair.com.au/brisbane
Under 30s: Free Under 30 ticket available with an eligible Adult 1-Day or Concession online ticket. Photo ID required for collection.