Nonprofit
Volunteer at The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show! Sept. 10-12 at Alliant Energy Center
Details
Description
The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show is an annual three-day event held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin, that showcases the artistry and incredible talent of quilters. Co-presented by PBS Wisconsin and Nancy Zieman Productions, the event carries on the legacy of the late Nancy Zieman, a lifelong learner and educator at heart who made sewing and quilting approachable for everyone.
With hundreds of educational sessions all facilitated by leading quilt educators, a vendor mall covering 100,000 square feet, and a prestigious 10-category quilt contest and exhibition, it’s PBS Wisconsin's most significant community engagement and fundraising event, attracting over 18,000 attendees nationwide.
But we can't do it alone! We rely on the dedication of over 500 volunteers to bring this incredible event to life. Your contribution is invaluable in setting up exhibits, welcoming guests, selling tickets, assisting presenters, and monitoring the quilt displays. Whether you give a few hours or take on multiple shifts throughout the show, your contribution makes a meaningful impact by advancing our mission, enriching our local communities, and supporting both the preservation and evolution of quilting artistry.
Volunteer Perks:
- Enjoy complimentary admission and parking on the day(s) you volunteer
- Take time to explore the show and experience hundreds of beautiful quilts on display
- Refresh and recharge with light snacks and beverages before or after your shift
- Make a meaningful impact by supporting PBS Wisconsin’s programming and community outreach initiatives
To volunteer for The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, please sign up on the Quilt Show website by selecting "Volunteer" from the menu options: https://quiltshow.com/
Location
Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall
Directions
The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show takes place at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, Wis. If you’re coming from out of town, take the Beltline (Hwy. 12/18) and exit at either John Nolen Drive or Rimrock Road*. Follow the signs to the Alliant Center. For additional driving directions and a map go the show's website, www.quiltshow.com. From the homepage, click “Plan Your Visit.”
*Please note on Saturday, there will be a highway exit closure for the Ironman Race. DO NOT use the RIMROCK exit (#262) from Hwy12/18 (the Beltline). Use the John Nolen Dr. Exit (#263) on Saturday. More info can be found in the FAQ section of the "Contact Us" portion of the show's website.
Madison Metro Transit bus service has stops along John Nolen Drive, Olin Avenue and Rimrock Road. As of August 2025, Routes G, O and 65 are the closest bus routes to the Alliant Energy Center. The City of Madison Metro Transit schedules are subject to change. To plan your trip by bus, click Routes & Schedules at www.cityofmadison.com/metro.
Parking: You will receive a parking pass for each day you volunteer unless you are scheduled to work on Wednesday, before the event. Parking on Wednesday will be free during your shift and a pass is not required. Accessible parking is located in front of the Exhibition Hall and in the back of the building near the administrative offices.
How to Volunteer for This Opportunity
To volunteer for The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, please sign up on the Quilt Show website by selecting "Volunteer" from the menu options which will take you to the sign-up page: https://quiltshow.com/
A tutorial video on how to create a volunteer account with PBS Wisconsin and sign up to volunteer can be found at the following link: https://mediaspace.wisc.edu/media/PBS+WI+Volunteering/1_301k8w4z
