The short answer: at an alpaca show, breeders bring their best animals and fleeces to be judged on conformation and fiber quality. In the Southeast, the best-known show weekend takes place in February in Concord, North Carolina, near Charlotte. It began as the SEAA's Southern Select and is now held as the Carolina shows. Visitors are welcome, and it is one of the easiest ways to see hundreds of alpacas in one place.
The February shows in Concord, NC
For years the Southeastern Alpaca Association hosted the Southern Select Alpaca Show, an AOA-certified halter show presented by M & M Alpaca Farm of North Carolina, on the third weekend in February at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center in Concord. It was paired with the Carolina Alpaca Celebration to make two shows in one weekend at the same venue, with educational seminars, workshops and vendors of everything alpaca alongside the competition.
The February tradition in Concord continues. The Alpaca Owners Association's show calendar lists the Carolina Alpaca Celebration in February 2023 and the Carolina Alpaca Parade in February 2025, both sponsored by the Carolina Alpaca Owners & Breeders (CABO). For the next dates, check the CABO show page or the AOA show calendar.
How an alpaca show works
- Halter classes. Alpacas are led into the ring by their handlers and judged on conformation and fleece, in classes split by breed (Huacaya or Suri), sex, age and color.
- Fleece shows. Shorn fleeces are judged on fineness, density, uniformity and handle, either as walking fleeces brought to the show or as mail-in entries.
- Championships. Class winners compete for color and breed championships, and judges may also name their favorites.
- Special classes. Many shows add classes such as bred-and-owned and small breeder, so newer farms can compete fairly.
Want to understand what judges look for in fleece? Our guide to alpaca wool explains microns, fineness grades and why some fiber feels softer than others.
Visiting a show
Shows are great days out for anyone curious about alpacas. You can watch the judging, talk to breeders from across the region, shop for yarn and alpaca goods, and ask every question you have about owning them. Admission to many alpaca shows is free; check the show's own page before you go. If you are thinking of buying, a show is the best place to compare farms; follow up with our directory of Southeast farms.
Entering your alpacas
AOA-certified shows require registered alpacas, a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection dated no more than 30 days before the last day of the show, microchip identification and a BVDV test. Read our guide to transporting alpacas for the paperwork and travel tips, and get the entry packet from the show organizer early.
Fair-judging rules
The AOA Show System Handbook keeps judging impartial. In short, an exhibitor may not personally show an alpaca in front of a judge who is a co-owner, family member, domestic or business partner, employer or employee, or with whom the exhibitor has bought, sold or bred alpacas in the previous nine months. In that case another handler can show an eligible alpaca for them. Similar rules apply to fleece entries. Always check the current handbook, as rules are updated.