Hey everyone! Get ready, because the Glass and Bead Expo 2026 is just around the corner, and we're here to give you the lowdown on the schedule. If you're passionate about all things glass art and intricate beadwork, then this is the event you absolutely cannot miss. Mark your calendars, clear your schedules, and get ready to be inspired! We've been working hard to bring you an incredible lineup of artists, vendors, workshops, and demonstrations, all under one roof. This expo is more than just a show; it's a vibrant community gathering where creativity flourishes and connections are made. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to discover the latest trends, a hobbyist eager to learn new techniques, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of handcrafted art, there's something here for you. From dazzling displays of blown glass to the delicate artistry of beaded jewelry, prepare to be amazed by the talent and innovation on display. We aim to make this year's expo the most memorable yet, packed with opportunities to learn, shop, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. So, let's dive into the details and make sure you don't miss a single moment of this spectacular event. Prepare yourselves for an unforgettable experience filled with color, texture, and breathtaking artistry.

Exploring the Expo: What to Expect

When you think about the Glass and Bead Expo 2026, picture a bustling marketplace of creativity. For all you guys who love diving deep into the world of artistic expression, this expo is your ultimate playground. We're talking about a massive exhibition hall filled with the most incredible glass art you've ever laid eyes on – think intricate sculptures, stunning functional pieces, and vibrant mosaics. And the beads? Oh, the beads! You'll find an endless array of colors, shapes, sizes, and materials, perfect for your next jewelry-making project or art installation. But it's not just about looking; it's about doing. The expo is packed with hands-on workshops where you can learn directly from masters. Imagine trying your hand at glass blowing, learning advanced bead weaving techniques, or discovering the secrets behind creating intricate lampwork beads. These workshops are designed for all skill levels, from absolute beginners who want to dip their toes in, to experienced artists looking to refine their craft. We've got sessions on everything from basic soldering for glass art to complex beading patterns that will blow your mind. Plus, there will be live demonstrations happening throughout the day. You can watch renowned artists at work, see their techniques unfold in real-time, and ask them questions. It's a fantastic opportunity to gain insights into their creative process and get inspired by their passion and skill. Don't forget the vendors! A huge part of the expo is the chance to shop from a curated selection of suppliers offering the highest quality glass, beads, tools, and equipment. Whether you need a specific type of dichroic glass for a project, rare gemstones for a necklace, or specialized tools for intricate beadwork, you'll find it here. Many vendors offer exclusive expo deals, so it's the perfect time to stock up and save. The atmosphere itself is electric – a place where you can connect with like-minded individuals, share your passion, and maybe even find your next collaborator. It’s truly a celebration of artistry, craftsmanship, and community, all rolled into one amazing event. Get ready to be inspired, learn new skills, and find unique treasures that will fuel your creative fire for months to come. This is where the magic happens, guys!

Daily Schedule Highlights

Alright folks, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the Glass and Bead Expo 2026 schedule! We've meticulously planned out each day to maximize your experience, ensuring you don't miss out on any of the action. The expo officially kicks off on Friday, October 16th, 2026, with doors opening bright and early at 9:00 AM. The morning will be dedicated to general admission, allowing you to explore the vendor halls and get a first look at the incredible displays. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, we have our opening keynote address, featuring a renowned glass artist discussing the future of the medium. Following this, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, a series of beginner-friendly workshops will commence. These introductory sessions are perfect for newcomers looking to try their hand at basic glass bead making or simple beading techniques. The first day wraps up at 5:00 PM, but make sure to check out the evening reception from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM – a great chance for networking and informal mingling with artists and fellow enthusiasts.

Saturday, October 17th, 2026, is packed to the brim! The expo opens again at 9:00 AM. The morning is dedicated to advanced workshops running from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. These sessions will cover more complex techniques, such as intricate glass sculpting and advanced wire wrapping for jewelry. From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, don't miss our highly anticipated live glass-blowing demonstrations. Watch the pros transform molten glass into stunning works of art right before your eyes! Simultaneously, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the vendor marketplace will be buzzing, offering a vast selection of materials, tools, and finished pieces. We've also scheduled a panel discussion at 3:30 PM titled "The Art of Embellishment: Beads in Contemporary Design," featuring leading designers and artists. Saturday concludes at 6:00 PM, but the excitement doesn't end there. Be sure to catch the "Bead Showcase" exhibition opening at 7:00 PM, highlighting exceptional pieces from emerging artists.

Finally, Sunday, October 18th, 2026, is your last chance to soak it all in! The expo opens at 10:00 AM. The morning offers a mix of specialized workshops and Q&A sessions with featured artists, running from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM. This is a great time to get personalized advice or delve into niche techniques. The main vendor hall remains open until 3:00 PM, so make sure you grab any last-minute supplies or souvenirs. We'll have closing remarks and a "Best of Show" award presentation at 2:30 PM to celebrate the exceptional talent showcased throughout the weekend. The expo officially closes its doors at 4:00 PM. Remember, guys, this schedule is a guideline, and specific workshop timings might vary slightly. It's always a good idea to check the official expo app or information desk upon arrival for the most up-to-date details. Get ready for a weekend of pure artistic bliss!

Specific Workshop and Demonstration Times

To help you plan your adventure at the Glass and Bead Expo 2026, let's break down some of the specific workshop and demonstration timings. We know you guys want to maximize your learning and viewing experience, so we've tried to spread things out to accommodate as many interests as possible. Remember to book your workshop spots in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly!

Friday, October 16th:

• 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: "Introduction to Flameworking: Creating Your First Bead" - Perfect for absolute beginners! Learn the basics of using a torch to melt glass rods and form simple beads. (Room A)
• 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: "Basic Wire Wrapping Techniques" - Discover how to use pliers and wire to create simple loops, wraps, and coils for jewelry. (Room B)
• 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: "Glass Fusing Fundamentals" - A comprehensive workshop on cutting, layering, and fusing glass pieces in a kiln to create small dishes or pendants. (Studio 1)
• 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: "Seed Bead Weaving: Peyote Stitch" - Master the popular peyote stitch to create flat or tubular beaded components. (Room C)
• 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: "Live Demonstration: Sculptural Glass Art" - Watch a master glass artist create an intricate sculpture from start to finish. (Main Stage)

Saturday, October 17th:

• 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM: "Advanced Lampwork: Creating Realistic Flowers" - Build upon your flameworking skills to craft delicate and lifelike floral designs in glass. (Studio 2)
• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: "Metal Stamping and Jewelry Assembly" - Learn to add personalized touches to metal blanks and combine them with beads for unique jewelry. (Room B)
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: "Glass Blowing: Creating Hollow Forms" - Witness the mesmerizing process of blowing molten glass into various shapes and vessels. (Demonstration Area)
• 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM: "Miyuki Delica Bead Weaving: Geometric Patterns" - Explore intricate geometric designs using precision-engineered Miyuki Delica beads. (Room C)
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: "Panel Discussion: The Art of Embellishment: Beads in Contemporary Design" - Engage with leading designers and artists as they discuss the role of beads in modern art and fashion. (Auditorium)
• 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: "Live Demonstration: Mosaic Techniques" - See how glass tiles are cut, arranged, and adhered to create stunning mosaic artwork. (Main Stage)

Sunday, October 18th:

• 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: "Resin Art with Embedded Beads and Glass" - Learn to create beautiful resin pieces incorporating beads and small glass elements. (Room A)
• 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: "Bead Crochet: Creating Textured Fabric" - Discover the art of crocheting with beads to create unique textiles and jewelry. (Room C)
• 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: "Q&A with Featured Glass Artist" - An open forum to ask your burning questions to one of our celebrated glass artists. (Auditorium)
• 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: "Finishing Touches: Professional Presentation of Beadwork" - Learn tips and techniques for properly finishing and mounting your beaded creations. (Room B)
• 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: "Closing Remarks & Best of Show Awards" - Join us as we celebrate the incredible talent showcased at the expo and announce the award winners. (Main Stage)

Remember, guys, this is just a taste of what's on offer. The full schedule, including specific instructor bios and detailed workshop descriptions, will be available on the official Glass and Bead Expo 2026 website and the event app soon. We encourage you to plan your days to make the most of this spectacular event. Happy creating!

Important Information and Tips

To make your experience at the Glass and Bead Expo 2026 as smooth and enjoyable as possible, here’s some important information and handy tips, guys! We want you to focus on the art and the community, not the logistics. Firstly, tickets. Pre-purchasing your tickets online is highly recommended to save time at the entrance and potentially snag early-bird discounts. Keep an eye on the official expo website for when ticket sales go live. We also offer different ticket tiers, including single-day passes and full-weekend access, so choose the one that best suits your plans.

Getting there and parking: The expo will be held at the [Insert Venue Name Here] in [Insert City, State Here]. Information regarding public transportation options and parking availability, including any associated costs, will be updated on the website closer to the date. Consider carpooling or using ride-sharing services if you're attending with friends.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes are an absolute must – you'll be doing a lot of walking and standing! Bring a reusable water bottle, as there will be hydration stations available. A small notebook and pen are perfect for jotting down workshop notes, artist names, or vendor details. If you plan on making purchases, consider bringing a sturdy tote bag or even a small rolling cart for larger buys. Don't forget your phone or camera to capture the amazing creations you'll see, but please be mindful of photographers' and artists' policies regarding photography.

Expo Etiquette: When attending workshops, arrive a few minutes early to get settled. Be respectful of instructors and fellow participants. In the vendor halls, be courteous to other shoppers and the vendors themselves. If you're interested in a specific piece, don't hesitate to ask the artist or vendor for more information – they love to share their passion! Remember that many artists rely on these events for their livelihood, so support them with your purchases.

Accessibility: The venue is committed to accessibility. If you have any specific needs or require accommodations, please contact the event organizers in advance so they can assist you. Information on ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms will be available.

Food and Drink: While outside food and beverages might be restricted, there will be several food and drink vendors on-site offering a variety of options to keep you energized throughout the day. Check the website for a list of available concessions.

Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi may be available throughout the venue, but it's always a good idea to download any essential information (like the schedule or maps) to your device beforehand, just in case.

Stay Updated: The best way to stay informed is to regularly check the official Glass and Bead Expo 2026 website and follow their social media channels. This is where you'll find the latest updates on schedules, featured artists, special events, and any last-minute changes. Signing up for the newsletter is also a great way to get information delivered straight to your inbox.

By keeping these tips in mind, you're all set for an incredible and inspiring weekend immersed in the stunning world of glass and beads. We can't wait to see you there, guys!