Downtown Corning is about to come alive with fire, music, art, and unforgettable experiences as GlassFest 2026 returns Memorial Day Weekend, May 22–24! From live glassblowing and hands-on art activities to live music on every block, fireworks, food vendors, and Rock the Park concerts along the river, this is the ultimate kickoff to summer in America’s Crystal City.
Whether you’re coming for the glass artistry, the music, the shopping, or the atmosphere, GlassFest weekend is packed with things to see and do. Here’s your guide to making the most of the weekend.
🔥 Friday, May 22 – The Weekend Begins
GlassFest officially kicks off Friday afternoon as Market Street transforms into a vibrant celebration of glass and music.
The weekend begins with the National Poppy Ceremony at 11:45 AM in Centerway Square followed by the Glass Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at noon. From there, downtown comes alive with live glassblowing demonstrations presented by the Corning Museum of Glass on the Centerway Stage from noon–8 PM.
From 11 AM–7 PM, Market Street will be lined with artists, makers, food vendors, and unique local businesses for the Artists & Makers Market. Bring your walking shoes because there’s something happening on nearly every block.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, downtown will be filled with live music performances from talented local and regional artists including Hugh Douglass, Taylor Hurd, Rebecca & Soulshaker, Justin Raynor, Mike Lucey, One Eared Cat, Blues Fugitives, Ira Hayward, and many more.
Looking for hands-on fun? Stop by Block 5 for the Community Glass Mosaic and Glass Activity led by Erica Unterman from 3–6 PM.
At 4 PM, take a deeper look into Corning’s creative side during the Art & History Walking Tour with Jenny Monroe beginning at Block 1.
Friday evening also features Cultural Chinese Dance performances including a Lion Dance and Tibetan Group Dance presented by Lin Lin at 6 PM and 6:30 PM near the Centennial Sculpture.
Then it’s time to head to Riverfront Park for Rock the Park Friday Night:
🎸 5:30 PM – Fall Creek Brass Band
🎸 6:30 PM – John King
🎸 8:30 PM – Drake White
Bring a lawn chair, grab dinner downtown, and enjoy an incredible night of live music along the Chemung River.
🌟 Saturday, May 23 – The Big Day
Saturday is packed from morning to night with activities, entertainment, shopping, and live performances all throughout downtown Corning.
The day starts with the WGM 8K at 8 AM before Market Street fills once again with vendors, artists, and family-friendly fun from 10 AM–7 PM.
Families can enjoy the YMCA Kid Zone throughout the day on Block 4 along with face painting presented by Painted by Love. Collin Ward’s Magic Shows will keep crowds entertained with performances throughout the afternoon and evening.
Live music continues across downtown all day long featuring performances by Taylor Hurd, One Eared Cat, Marich Music, and more.
Interactive entertainment will also take over the festival with FLX Improv performances happening throughout the day across multiple blocks downtown.
Don’t miss the Community Glass Mosaic activity continuing on Block 5 along with live glassblowing demonstrations presented by the Corning Museum of Glass from noon–8 PM on Centerway Stage.
Want to explore downtown in a new way? Join one of Jenny Monroe’s Walking Tours at 11 AM, 2 PM, or 5 PM beginning at Block 1.
As the sun sets, Rock the Park returns for another huge night of music in Riverfront Park:
🎤 6:00 PM – Uptown Groove
🎤 8:00 PM – AYRFI: Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Swift Experience
Dress in your favorite era, sing along, and celebrate one of the biggest tours in the world with this high-energy tribute show.
Then cap off the night with fireworks lighting up the sky over Riverfront Park at 9:45 PM.
☀️ Sunday, May 24 – Memorial Day Weekend Finale
Sunday brings one final day of shopping, entertainment, and community celebration to downtown Corning.
The Artists & Makers Market returns from 10 AM–4 PM alongside the YMCA Kid Zone from 10 AM–3 PM.
Live glassblowing demonstrations continue on Centerway Stage from noon–5 PM while Collin Ward returns with more magic shows throughout the afternoon.
At noon, enjoy a live performance by the Corning Area Community Concert Band at the Riverfront Park Fountain before gathering for the Memorial Day Salute at 1 PM honoring local service members and Gold Star families.
FLX Improv performances and walking tours continue throughout the afternoon, giving visitors one last chance to experience the energy and creativity of GlassFest weekend.
🎉 Don’t Miss GlassFest 2026
GlassFest is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of everything that makes Corning special. Glass artistry. Live music. Creativity. Community. Food. Shopping. Family fun. It all comes together for one unforgettable Memorial Day Weekend in downtown Corning.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for live coverage, behind-the-scenes moments, giveaways, and festival updates throughout the weekend.
And of course, we cannot forget to give a HUGE thank you to our returning Presenting Sponsor, Chemung Canal Trust Company, and our Rock the Park Sponsor, Simmons-Rockwell Auto Group. Thank you for helping make GlassFest 2026 possible.
We’ll see you in America’s Crystal City. Let’s get glassy, Corning! 🔥💎
