Thousands expected to enjoy upcoming GlassFest: What to know for 2024

Jeff Smith, Corning Leader
·5 min read

Thousands of people are expected to fill Market Street in late May to enjoy live music, shopping, dining, world-class glass exhibits and fireworks at the 15th annual GlassFest.

Coleen Fabrizi, executive director of the Gaffer District, said the three-day glass and fire arts celebration event begins with a glass ribbon cutting at noon on May 24 at Centerway Square.

“We are so excited to be celebrating the 15th annual GlassFest,” Fabrizi said. “This year's event will have well over 100 vendors with our businesses and fantastic music in the park and on the street. It is going to be well worth the visit.”

GlassFest returns to Corning May 24, 2024.
GlassFest returns to Corning May 24, 2024.

David Shoemaker, co-owner of Liquid Shoes Brewing, on Market Street, said he looks forward to the GlassFest more than any other Gaffer District events.

“It is kind of like the kickoff to our busy season,” Shoemaker said. “We look forward to having everybody in from out of town as well as all the locals. It's always been a great weekend.”

Kitty Urlacher, owner of Home Again, on Market Street, said GlassFest brings a lot of people to the Gaffer District year after year.

Classic Albums Live performed at GlassFest in front of a large crowd in 2023.
Classic Albums Live performed at GlassFest in front of a large crowd in 2023.

"It's good for all the businesses," Urlacher said. "I put eight tables front of my Market Street store (Home Again) and I put everything out on the tables cheap, cheap, cheap, and it sells like crazy."

Corning Deputy Mayor Alison Hunt, who also serves on the Gaffer District Board, called GlassFest a pivotal event kicking off the summer season in Corning.

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"We are excited to have it back," Hunt said. "It brings so many people to our community, which brings a lot of people to our Market Street businesses and helps create revenue. We are also excited about the art community events at the three-day GlassFest, which the district has really enhanced over the years. I am excited for what it does for our businesses and tourism."

GlassFest returns to Corning May 24, 2024
GlassFest returns to Corning May 24, 2024

GlassFest 2024 schedule of events

Friday, May 24

9-9:50 a.m. Yoga in the Park, from Crystal Heart Yoga.

10-10:35 a.m. Yoga in the Park, from Crystal Heart Yoga.

12-8 p.m. Live Glass Blowing on Centerway Stage with the Corning Museum of Glass.

4-9 p.m. On street dining, vending and shopping

4-6 p.m. Live music on Market Street

  • Block 1: Loren V & the Heartbeats (in front of Marich Music)

  • Block 2: Tremayne Harer (in front of Root to Rise)

  • Block 3: Sandra Esparza (in front of Nine Elephants)

  • Block 4: Jeremy James (in front of Val Reep Fountain)

  • Block 5: Logan Route (Patio at Butcher’s Son)

4 p.m. Public Art Tours meeting at the Centennial Sculpture at the intersection of Wall and Market streets

Music at the Park Stage (free)

  • Opener: Payton Clark 5:45-6:15 p.m.

  • Opener: Freedom Rockets 6:30-7 p.m.

  • Opener: Nicholas Stark 7:15-8 p.m.

  • Headliner: Everclear 8:30-10 p.m.

Saturday, May 25

8 a.m. Wineglass 8K presented by the Wineglass Marathon, Corning-Painted Post High School

9:30 a.m. Wineglass Kids Run presented by the Wineglass Marathon, Corning-Painted Post High School.

9-9:50 a.m. Yoga in the Park, Yoga Flow with Nicole from Crystal Heart Yoga.

10-10:35 a.m. Yoga in the Park, Yoga Flow & Stretch with Elizabeth from Crystal Heart Yoga.

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. On-street vending and dining.

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Live glassblowing on Centerway Stage by Corning Museum of Glass.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artist TBD, Live Music on Marich Music Stage, 62 E Market St.

11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. Public Art Tours by Meghan meeting at the Centennial Sculpture at the intersection of Wall and Market streets

Kids Activities: 

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Kids Zone in the Grassy Area at 95 W Market St. (corner of Market and Chestnut St.)

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Face Painting by Jennifer Sekella.

11 a.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. Magic Show by Colin Ward Magic at the Val Reep Fountain.

11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Allegany River Seneca Dancers on Block 5

11-11:30 a.m. Dance Performance

Noon-12:45 p.m. Make-n-Take Bead Necklace & Rattle Making.

1:15-1:45 p.m. Traditional Interactive Seneca Games, Lacrosse & Jacksticks, Hoop & Spear Game

2-2:30 p.m. Native American Music Workshop

3-3:40 p.m. Native American Storytelling

4-4:45 p.m. Native American Dance Performance

Rock the Park Stage (free)

  • Opener: The Clark Jackson Band 6:15-7 p.m.

  • Opener: Kountry Khaos 7:15-8 p.m.

  • Headliner: Graham Barham 8:15-9:45 p.m.

9:45 p.m. Fireworks over the Chemung River

Sunday, May 26

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On-street vendors and dining

9-9:45 a.m. and 10-10:50 a.m. Yoga in the Park

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live Glassblowing by Corning Museum of Glass

11 a.m., 2 p.m.: Guided Public Art Tours, Meet at the Centennial Sculpture at the intersection of Wall and Market streets

12 p.m., 2 p.m.: Colin Ward Free Magic Show

Music at the Park Stage (free)

  • 12:45-2:15 p.m. Opener: Major Big Time

  • 2:30-3 p.m. Memorial Day Salute

  • 3:15-4:45 p.m. Headliner: PA Line

This article originally appeared on The Leader: GlassFest 2024: What to know about Corning Market Street event