*What are the dates of MAQ?
MAQ will be held June 5 – 7, 2026 with arrival on June 4th after 3pm.
*Where will MAQ be held?
On the Campus of Gettysburg College
*What kind of classes are offered?
The board members of MAQ receive instructor proposals for the upcoming year. They carefully go through the potential classes available and choose the schedule for retreat. When possible, a wide variety of classes are offered so that everyone can find the right fit for them. Past classes have consisted of foundation paper piecing, quilting on long arm machines, fabric dyeing, applique, hand sewing/quilting, shoe making, fabric painting, collages, English paper piecing, and soooo much more!
Maybe you have seen a video on social media and wanted to give it a try. This is the perfect time to do it. We encourage you to try a “new technique” or a “new way” of doing something. This is an educational retreat and we want you to learn!
*Where can I purchase a retreat T-Shirt?
All information about purchasing the 2026 MAQ Retreat T-Shirts can be found here.
Orders for the T-Shirts will open closer to the event. Watch for more information in our newsletter and on social media.
Registration for Classes
*When does registration open?
Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 10:00 am
Registering early in the registration window is advised as many classes will fill to capacity.
*When does registration close?
May 3, 2026 at 10:00 am
*If I need to cancel, do I get a full refund?
Membership Dues are non refundable. Everyone that pays membership dues will receive a membership card.
The MAQ Board makes a commitment to Gettysburg College and to our Instructors, therefore a tiered refund policy will be in place.
March 2-April 2 Class Fees, Meals & Housing will be refunded.
April 3-May 3 Meals & Housing will be refunded.
*No Refunds will be processed After May 3, unless a class is cancelled by MAQ.
*If I need to cancel, am I able to transfer my registration to another quilter?
Yes, but class changes and accommodation changes are not permitted.
*I registered for a class but it was cancelled. Why did that happen and what do I do?
Instructors must have an agreed upon number of registered students. If the class does not have enough participants, the instructor and students are contacted that the class will be dropped. Someone from the MAQ board will contact the students to attempt to find an alternate class.
Housing & Accommodations
*What do I need to pack to stay in on-campus housing?
Towels & Sheets are NOT provided. All beds on campus are twin extra long. The beds and pillows that are in each room provide minimal comfort. Bringing a mattress topper, your own pillow, and a pretty quilt for your bed will likely make your stay more enjoyable.
Attendees will room in “dorm” style housing. Please keep this in mind when packing. Gettysburg students have left for the summer and their rooms are emptied and cleaned. Some attendees bring the bare essentials, while others bring everything but the kitchen sink! It is strictly up to you when deciding what to pack.
Your classes may have machines, patterns, kits, etc. provided or you may be responsible for bringing items with you. For your ease, you may choose to pack items in a small suitcase with wheels or something like it.
*What are Porters?
Porters are teens from one of the local churches. We enlist their help in exchange for a donation to fundraising for mission trips, etc. We have been lucky to have these porters to help attendees carry luggage and supplies to and from dorms and classes. A complete schedule of when they are working will be included in your registration packet. You are not required but a tip is always appreciated by them.
Meals
*What meals are available on campus?
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are available in the campus dining hall, served cafeteria style. Please note that there is not a coffee shop on campus that is open before or after the dining hall hours. If you would like to have coffee, tea, or snacks, please come prepared. All dorm rooms have access to a refrigerator and a microwave. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated by the dining staff. Please communicate your needs to the board during registration, so we can let them know what to expect.
College Dining Halls nationwide have adopted a no tray policy. This policy is based on research related to rapid weight gain by first year college students and minimizing food waste. If you feel that you need a tray to navigate the dining hall lines, we suggest that you bring a small tray along with you.
Parking & Transportation
*Where is accessible parking?
There are a limited number of accessible parking spaces available in each lot. You must display a disability placard to use an accessible parking spot. Please also display your college parking pass.
*Is parking free?
In most cases, parking is free.
You will receive a parking pass that allows you to park in any student parking area. There are several large parking lots throughout the college. There are also a few parking spaces near certain dorms.
You also have the option of parking on any of the streets that are in and around the college. If you choose “on-street” parking, you are responsible for payment. There is a pay-by-phone system. Follow the instructions on posted signs for payment. Please note that on-street parking is controlled by Gettysburg Borough, not the college. Parking tickets are issued regularly to vehicles that have not paid or time has expired.
*Is there parking near my room?
There are parking lots throughout the campus, however it is not guaranteed that parking will be available immediately adjacent to each classroom or dorm. Some dorms have parking just outside the room. There are not enough spaces for everyone, in every room, to park in front of their room. If you are sharing a room with someone that you did not travel with, we strongly suggest parking one car in one of the larger parking lots and utilizing one parking space near your room. Additionally, if you are planning on unloading your vehicle and walking the rest of the weekend, please consider moving your vehicle to one of the large lots nearby. This will free up parking for those that prefer/need to drive daily.
*I’m commuting/driving in each day, where should I park?
Upon check in, you will receive a map that contains parking and building locations. You will then be able to find the parking lot that will make the most sense based on where your classes will be located.
Prior to Retreat
*What should I do in preparation for the weekend?
>>>Once you have registered, your information will be given to your instructor(s). They will reach out prior to the retreat with any supply lists or instructions. Some instructors have kits or patterns that are available in addition to the class fee. Prepare your supplies prior to arrival.
>>>MAQ retreat attendees have the option to participate in our Lottery Block raffle. See the details on the Lottery Block page. Start making those blocks!
>>>PLEASE keep in mind, this is a college campus. College students usually walk or bike from dorms to classes. There is a lot of walking from your dorm to your class and back to your dorm. You also have a walk to the dining hall for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Build up your endurance and prepare to get some extra steps in!
If you are unable to walk long distances, consider bringing or renting a mobility device. The college and MAQ do not have rentals available. Some rental companies will make arrangements with you to deliver and pick up a rental.
>>>Help us be sustainable and make your own neck-wallet to hold your badge and room key. Please note that this is a Free Pattern from By Annie. You will need to add this pattern to your cart and check out to receive the pattern, but there is no cost for the pattern. If you’d rather not make a neck wallet, they are available for purchase in most departments stores or dollar stores.
Arrival to Retreat
*What do I do/where do I go when I arrive on Thursday?
Gettysburg College webpage and online map is available here.
Every year we reserve a few parking spaces directly in front of the College Union Building (CUB) ballroom doors. It is approachable on West Lincoln Avenue. Please park in one of the spaces and come in to register. You will be given your registration packet, parking pass and key to your room (if staying in dorms). After registering, move your vehicle to student parking so that others may register.
Take the time to unload your vehicle and take your belongings to your room. If there is an issue with your accommodations, please let us know immediately. We will do our best to correct the issue with the help of the college.
Most of the instructors will be in their classrooms on registration day. You are welcome to go to your Friday class and leave your supplies (sewing machine, fabrics, notions, etc.). Any other supplies for Saturday or Sunday may be moved into your dorm room or you may leave them in your vehicle.
After settling into your room and reading through your registration packet, walk over to the dining center for dinner. Posted times for each meal will be in your registration packet. The times are strictly adhered to by the facility. If you registered and indicated that you needed menu adjustments, please inquire when scanning your card.
Once dinner and desserts are eaten, please proceed to the CUB ballroom. There will be vendors with merchandise to purchase and a free table (feel free to bring items to give away). The nightly program will have information, show and tells, speakers, and of course, door prizes! It is not mandatory to attend the program but we would love to have you. Some attendees prefer to use the time to relax, run errands, or explore.