April 25 | 3pm-10pm
April 26 | 9am-6pm

Announcing the return of the ultimate glass blowing competition! Glass blowers from Chicago, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and beyond will descend upon our studios for two days of head-to-head battle in the hot shop and flame shop. Witness the thrilling action as they clash to capture the victory belt in a series of artistic competitions. Cheer on your favorite performances and cast your vote to help decide who receives cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights for the year!

 

This year’s theme is “Favorite Storybook Characters” and will include a mini book drive in addition to the hot glass action. This community event is free to attend and open to all ages. Save the dates and don’t miss it!

Glass Blowers Battle 2025 Schedule

FRIDAY APRIL 25

HOT SHOP ARENA: “CENTERPIECE SHOWCASE”

3pm-10pm

A team competition consisting of two to three glass blowers per team. Each team is allowed the use of one of our two hot shop stations, and allotted 90 minutes to create a 3-piece set of functional blown glass objects designed for the tabletop.

FLAME SHOP ARENA: “FABULOUS FUNCTIONAL”

5pm-10pm

This individual competition is focused on functional art made on the torch, including goblets, bowls, spoons, and more. If you can use it then it counts in this no-holds-barred throwdown! Each competitor will have 5 hours to put together their functional masterpiece.

SATURDAY APRIL 26

HOT SHOP ARENA: “SKETCHES TO SCULPTURES”

(Collaboration with Bronson Children’s Hospital)

9am-6pm

In the months leading up to Battle, patients at Bronson Children’s Hospital have created drawings related to their own battle with illness as well as their hopes, dreams, and recovery. Today, each Glass Blowing Team will randomly select one of the drawings and will have two hours to recreate the image in the form of a glass sculpture. This year’s theme is “Favorite Storybook Characters”.

FLAME SHOP ARENA: “MARVELOUS MARBLES”

11am-2pm

For this individual event, participants are invited to create the most dynamic and intriguing marble they can in the allotted 3-hour time slot.

FLAME SHOP ARENA: “PRECISION PENDANTS”

3pm-6pm

Competitors will make the perfect wearable pendant in this individual event. Participants will be given a 2-hour time slot to complete their piece.

Save the dates and stay tuned for full details including a list of competitors, sponsors, prizes, and more.