St. Jacobs, May 10, 2025 – Prepare to immerse yourself in the world of quilts and textile art as WEFTFest proudly presents its 3rd annual Fibre Arts Festival. From May 15th to 19th, 2025, fibre enthusiasts, artisans and the community at large are invited to experience five days of inspiration, education and celebration at this one-of-a-kind festival.
WEFTFest is a vibrant celebration of fibre arts, weaving together the rich tapestry of creativity and craftsmanship in our community. Continuing the legacy of the 25-year-old Quilt and Fibre Art Festival, each year local quilts are showcased along with the many talented fibre artists from the area. Visitors are welcome to learn about local guilds, vote on their favourite quilt and explore the diverse group of artists who sell supplies, art and their unique fashion designs.
Visitors will be able to get refreshments in the Tea Room or help finish our quilt puzzle before they attend one of the 2 presentations offered each day by local artisans. This year we are pleased to welcome Rob Cooper, a local photographer, who will be set up to take professional photographs of your quilt.
The entire event is held at St. George Banquet Hall, at 665 King St. N., Waterloo, 7 minutes from the Village of St. Jacobs.
The FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT this year is the Quilt of Belonging.
A must see for all, this collaborative textile art piece spans 120 feet and is a collection of 263 blocks, each made by an Indigenous or immigrant to Canada. Completed at the turn of the millennium, it was discovered that Canada has an immigrant from every country in the world. It is truly a place for all.
The Quilt of Belonging recognizes Canada’s diversity and celebrates our common humanity while promoting harmony and compassion among people. Take the opportunity to see this Canadian national treasure and to “find your block” before it launches on tour again.
Whether you’re a seasoned expert or simply curious about this vibrant medium, WEFTFest offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Visit WEFTFest.ca for more information.
The festival launches with the Artistic Apparel Fashion Show Opening Event on the evening of May 15th.
Experience the creativity and innovation of local designers at this unique Fashion Show, curated by Gemini Model Agency. The evening includes a 3-course dinner, a silent auction of local fibre art creations, advance shopping with the Fibre Art vendors and a sneak peek of the Quilt of Belonging. Tickets are on sale until noon on Monday, May 12th.
“We are thrilled to host WEFTFest for its third year of celebrating the incredible artistry and creativity found within the world of fibre arts,” said Jax Rula, Artistic Director of WEFTFest and fellow fibre artist. “With the support of our sponsors and partners, we are excited to offer attendees an unforgettable experience filled with inspiration, education, and community.”
“Being able to display the Quilt of Belonging at our festival is a true honour. It is an important national treasure that everyone needs to see. This is not your typical quilt! It tells the story of Canada’s cultural mosaic through textiles,” said Adrienne Carter, CEO for Three Sisters Cultural Centre.
WEFTFest is made possible thanks to the generous support of all levels of government, including the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Experience Ontario, the Township of Woolwich and the Cities of Waterloo and Kitchener.
Our presenting partner Len’s Mill Stores has supported the festival for the past 3 years, along with our hotel partner, Hampton Inn & Suits by Hilton in the Market District. This year we are thrilled to receive support from our media partner 96.7 CHYM FM, along with AMJ Campbell, Sun Life and Remax Twin City.
We are excited to partner with Waterloo Central Railway, the Mennonite Story and Elmira Wagon Rides as we offer $5 off the entry fee for ticket holders from these attractions.
Brentwood Livery is providing a free shuttle service on Saturday, May 17th from 10 am to 5 pm. It will run every half hour from the TriSisters Art House in St. Jacobs to WEFTFest. The shuttle will allow tourists to explore both WEFTFest and the Village without having to find or lose their parking space in the Village!
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
St. George Banquet Hall, 665 King St. N., Waterloo
May 15th, 12 noon to 4 pm
School Day
Free entry for School groups to view the Quilt of Belonging.
May 15th, 6 pm to 10 pm
Opening Event
Artistic Apparel Fashion Show, Sale and Silent Auction Ticketed Event, includes dinner
May 16th to 19th, 10 am to 5 pm
Quilt Display, Vendors, Speakers & Demos, Tea Room and Quilt of Belonging
Entry Fee is $15
May 17th, 10 am to 5 pm
Brentwood Livery Free Shuttle – runs every half hour from TriSisters Art House in St. Jacobs to WEFTfest.
About Three Sisters Cultural Centre:
The Three Sisters Cultural Centre, based in the TriSisters Art House in St. Jacobs, is a social profit organization dedicated to supporting and providing opportunities for the professional advancement of artists. This work is achieved by hosting two major art events each year, WEFTfest is held on the third week of May and the Kissing Bridge Art Show is hosted on the third week of October.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jax Rula Artistic Director
Three Sisters Cultural Centre & TriSisters Art House
226-771-9057 jax@threesisterscentre.ca
