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REFRACT 2023: Everything to know about the nation’s premiere glass art festival

The arts lover-approved festival returns for its fifth year with expanded programming and lots to look forward to.

Sponsored by
Space Needle Chihuly Garden and Glass Lead Story 2023 SEA

Looks like a good time, doesn’t it?

Photos provided by Chihuly Garden and Glass; GIF by SEAtoday

World-class glass art in Seattle? We can’t say we’re surprised.

In two weeks, the REFRACT glass arts festival will return to Seattle for its fifth year, bringing together the region’s best glass artists for four days of exciting glass events and exclusive arts programming from museums, galleries + studios across the greater Seattle region.

This year, the festival will take place Thursday, Oct. 12-Sunday, Oct. 15.

Keep reading to discover everything the festival has to offer.

Gather, an exclusive opening night party

Kick off the weekend by mingling with Seattle’s glass artists while enjoying live glassblowing demonstrations and music, signature cocktails, beer and wine, and an exclusive tasting menu. Festival representatives from Visit Seattle will be available to help you plan out the rest of your weekend.
Pro tip: This event is separately ticketed from the rest of the festival — grab tickets online.

Daily arts programming

  • When: Friday, Oct. 13-Sunday, Oct. 15
  • Where: Locations vary

Discover a jam-packed weekend lineup of live glass art demonstrations, do-it-yourself glass-blowing lessons, special exhibitions, artist talks + more.

Open studios

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 14-Sunday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Where: Seattle’s North End (Saturday) and Central + South End (Sunday)

Visit with extraordinary glass artists as they open their studios to attendees.

Tickets and accommodations

Thanks to community partnerships, entry to most REFRACT events is completely free. Entry prices for individual events, if applicable, are listed on the website.

If you’re traveling from further out, REFRACT has secured several hotel partnerships to make finding accommodations a breeze. See available packages.

Stay glassy, Seattle.

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