You can spend as little or as much as you like, but the show in Houston is so worth the admission price. If you stay away from the vendors and just look at quilts it can still take you all weekend, there are that many quilts! But of course you have to go see all the vendors and just drool. Let yourself have some fun money ( 50-100) and enjoy yourself. Also, take your own lunch, go out on the patio, and enjoy the time to get off your feet. I loved the Houston show, but never had a lot of money to spend. It didn't really matter to me.