THE AMERICAN KUMIHIMO SOCIETY PRESENTS

THE AKS GATHERING 2026

September 23 – 26

Minneapolis/St.Paul, Minnesota
The “Twin Cities”

Hosted at the Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport
3800 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
952.854.2100
FREE SHUTTLE FROM/TO MSP AIRPORT
FREE SHUTTLE TO/FROM THE MALL OF AMERICA

…

PAID MEMBER REGISTRATION BEGINS At Noon Eastern Time
Saturday APRIL 18th, 2026

GUEST MEMBER REGISTRATION BEGINS at Noon Eastern Time
Saturday APRIL 25th, 2026

REGISTRATION ENDS July 31, 2026   EXTENDED TO August 16, 2026

NOTE: You must be registered with AKS either as a Paid Member or FREE Guest Member to sign up and attend the AKS Gathering 2026 .
Signing up is quick and easy.

JUST ANNOUNCED !!

AKS Mini GATHERING 2026 – Online Program

Registration starts Aug 1st, 2026

CLICK HERE for more information

General Information:

Four days of classes with 12 great instructors ~ 4 international:  3 from Japan and one from Canada.
Classes will be both 6-hour and 3-hour formats offering a variety of topics and techniques for our wide range of braiders: Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Makiko Tada will be offering a 2-day Master Class immediately before the AKS Gathering 2026.

Braiding techniques will be taught on Disc, Square Plate, Octoplate and Marudai and will be fiber-only, beaded braids to wire and more.

Other activities include:

Special 10-year anniversary celebrations!

In addition to the ever-popular Lanyard Challenge, this year we’re offering another design challenge! Specially curated 10th Anniversary themed fiber and bead kumihimo kits are available for purchase. Kits will be mailed by August 1, 2026, giving participants plenty of time to create an original design to be judged at the event — with exciting prizes to be awarded!   CLICK HERE FOR RULES
CLICK TO PURCHASE: Fiber Kit  /  Bead Kit

 

Social gatherings!

Vendor Marketplace!

Free demos!

Silent auction and raffle!

Of course ~ shopping at the Mall of America (Minnesota has ZERO sales tax on clothing!!) 

Class Information:

For detailed class description including project photographs and instructor interview, click the buttons below.

Wednesday classes:  2:00pm to 5:00pm
Thursday/Friday classes 9:30 am to 5:30 pm — Lunch will be provided from 12:30 to 2:30
Saturday classes 8:30 am to 11:30 — Box lunch will be provided

We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary needs

Registration:

FOR PAID MEMBERS registration for the AKS Gathering 2026 is scheduled to open at
noon eastern on Saturday, April 18th, 2026.

For GUEST MEMBERS, registration will open at noon eastern on Saturday, April 25th, 2026.

Class sizes are limited; REGISTER EARLY to get your first choices!

REGISTRATION ENDS July 31, 2026   EXTENDED TO August 16, 2026

AKS Gathering 2026 Cost and Scholarship:

Cost:

The fee for the AKS Gathering 2026 is $575. This fee includes four days of classes and lunch on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Scholarships:

Two Scholarships will be awarded to AKS Paid Members in good standing (AKS Member for at least the last 18
months). The fund will pay for registration (4 days of classes*) plus an additional $500 to be used for travel and other expenses. The scholarships are not based on financial need but are designed to act as an educational grant to increase opportunities for our members to learn new kumihimo skills.
Recipients of the scholarship will be asked to write a short article about their experience to be included in a newsletter or Gathering Threads.

*Kit fees and supplies not included

Application Deadline April 15th 2026
Recipients will be announced by April 17th 2026.

Logistics:

Hotel: 

Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport
3800 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
952.854.2100

Main Website: Hilton Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport
Click here for discounted rooms for this event:  Hilton AKS Room Reservation
  • AKS has secured a block of guest rooms (Sept 23rd – 25th) for $125.00 per night plus tax and fees.
    • Standard rate will apply to additional nights.
  • Discounted rooms are in limited supply. Reservations must be made by Friday, August 21, 2026 
    • Cancellations must be made prior to September 11, 2026
  • Reservation must be made, modified, or cancelled via the link above.

Transportation: 

  • FREE shuttle from and to MSP Airport.
  • FREE shuttle to and from the Mall of America upon request.
  • FREE daily and overnight parking.

Restaurant and Amenities Information:

  • The Hilton has one on-site restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. Lunch will be provided on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
  • The Mall of America has many dining options. Many other choices with food delivery services.
  • AKS will provide a list of nearby restaurants upon check in.
  • The Hilton has an indoor pool and fitness center.
  • 100% smoke free hotel.

AKS Gathering 2026 FAQs and Cancellation Policy

Other Questions???

Send your questions to gathering@amksoc.org