GlassFest

GlassFest marks the unofficial beginning of summer in the Southern Finger Lakes, when the streets come alive with wizards turning air, fire and sand into works of art, the air is spiced with the aromatic scent of roasting meat and street food, and every inch of downtown Corning's Gaffer District covered in treasures just waiting for discovery.

This four-day festival, slated for May 25-28, 2017, is spread throughout Corning's Gaffer District, a historic section of the city renowned for its arts and cultural offerings, as well as a dizzying variety of restaurants, boutique shops, and entertainment. Corning is the home of the Rockwell Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate where exhibits portray the spirit of America, and the Corning Museum of Glass, offering hot glass shows, make-your-own keepsake workshops, and a variety of events.

Despite the oft-delicate nature of glass, GlassFest is a family-friendly festival through and through. Festivities kick off Thursday, May 25, with 2300° – the temperature at which "hot glass gets interesting" – at the Corning Museum of Glass. From 6 – 8 pm, enjoy glassmaking demonstrations, live music, great food and drinks for free!

For the next three days, GlassFest takes over the town, and Friday's festivities include a Scavenger Hunt with a grand prize giveaway, outdoor glass demonstrations, and a Finger Lakes wine and beer tasting at several locations downtown. Cap the evening with live music at Riverfront Centennial Park.

Saturday starts, and ends, with a bang as runners from across the region head to the starting line for the GlassFest 8K Race through downtown Corning. From there, enjoy more glass demos, street exhibits, vendors, and a variety of activities for kids. The day ends with a dazzling fireworks display rivaling any July 4th celebration.

Watch the elemental alchemy of glassmaking during Corning's GlassFest, and experience the Crystal City's unofficial start to summer!

Can't get enough of the fire arts? The Tiffany & Treasures Trail is a self-guided adventure through the history of fire arts in the Southern Finger Lakes. Explore museums, make your own glass, or shop around until you find the perfect treasure.