National Beanie Exhibition and Competition - Sporting Headgear

Each year a theme is chosen and we encourage beanie makers to be inspired by the theme. These beanies must be original pieces and artistically presented. These beanies are formally exhibited in one of Araluen Art Centre’s major Galleries and are hung on individual stands or plinths to highlight each work. Everyone is encouraged to have a go and let their imagination go wild, explore different textiles and techniques.

All the beanies entered are judged in the competition, according to category. The winners receive a cash prize and handmade trophy.

Beanie Makers may enter 1 or 2 beanies (at least 1 of the beanies must be for sale). We also accept teacosies.

There is an entry fee per beanie and a 50% commission taken from the sale price if the beanie sells.

Beanies must have individual swing tags and entry forms and must be received by the end of May. Winners are announced on this website and on Facebook.

Beanie Central is where over 6500 handmade beanies come together in one outrageous informal display in 2024. They hang from the ceilings and pile up on the tables. All beanies here must be for sale. The general public arrive en masse to see your works, try them on, fight each other for their favourite and walk away with armfuls of fabulous headgear! Beanies here range from the ‘boring bloke’s beanie’, children’s beanies to glamorous embroidered or felted sculptural pieces. You can also enter teacosies and hanks of handspun yarn.

Prices range from $5-$120 (you price your own work) You may enter up to 10 beanies (or a combination of beanies, teacosies and handspun yarn up to 10 in total) per person (unless you volunteer 10 hours of your time then you can enter 50 beanies or combos of teacisies, beanies and handspun yarn).

If you can make it to the festival and Volunteer you may enter up to 50 beanies.

There is no entry fee, but we do take a 30% commission from the price you put on your beanie. You need to fill out an entry form, and place individual Beanie Central swing-tags (which we will post to you) on each beanie. Beanies need to be in Alice Springs by 31  May 2024.

Please read the entry forms closely.