Elwood Glass Festival

The Elwood Glass Festival is an annual arts and crafts festival held in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana, at Callaway Park, typically on the third weekend of August. The 2025 event runs from August 15 to 17. It features a rich variety of glass art displays and live glass-blowing demonstrations, attracting visitors interested in artistic glass creations. Beyond the art, the festival offers a vibrant community atmosphere with carnival rides, a parade, a car show, contests, live entertainment, and plentiful food from local vendors, making it a family-friendly event with free admission.

The area surrounding the festival, Callaway Park, is located on the north side of Elwood and serves as a central hub for the event. It is accessible and handicapped-friendly. Safety and crowd control measures include prohibitions on pets (except service animals), bicycles, golf carts, skateboards, and smoking within park grounds during the festival. The vibe of the festival is lively, creative, and community-oriented, fostering interaction among visitors and local residents.

Activities at the Elwood Glass Festival include:

• Glass Art Exhibits: Displays of glass sculptures, paperweights, and other artistic pieces created by talented artisans.
• Live Glass-Blowing Demonstrations: Skilled glass artists create glasswork live for spectators.
• Factory Tours: Free bus tours visiting two local glass factories—House of Glass and Carol’s Legacy Crystal—that showcase the industrial glass-making heritage of the area. Bus pickup is near Elwood Elementary School.
• Parade: The Grand Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, traveling from downtown Anderson Street northwards, with awards announced during the day.
• Carnival and Midway: Daily carnival rides and amusements enliven the festival grounds.
• Car Show: Featuring classic and collectible automobiles for enthusiasts.
• Contests: Various fun competitions during the event.
• Live Entertainment: Performances occur at the Jim Knoop Amphitheater within Callaway Park.
• Food Vendors: Diverse local food options offering multiple flavors.
• Community Events: Additional activities at places such as the Elwood Public Library.

A rough schedule highlights vendor booths open Friday noon to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Carnival rides typically operate throughout event days, and the parade’s Saturday 10 a.m. start is a key highlight.

The festival has a longstanding tradition, now in its 54th year in 2025, supported by the Elwood Chamber of Commerce and numerous volunteers, reflecting Elwood’s historic association with glass manufacturing. It celebrates both artistic and industrial glass heritage while bringing the community together in a fun, family-friendly festival atmosphere.