Mystic, Conn. (July 7, 2026) – The 22nd International Sea Glass Festival, the nation’s premier event celebrating the history, beauty, and preservation of genuine sea and beach glass, returns to Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut, on July 25–26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Presented in partnership with the International Sea Glass Association (ISGA), this vibrant two-day festival brings together artists, collectors, experts, and enthusiasts from around the world for a weekend dedicated to the treasures of the shoreline.
Set against the Museum’s classic New England backdrop, the festival features more than 50 juried artisans, craftspeople, and authors showcasing sea glass-inspired artwork, jewelry, and books. Visitors can browse unique creations, connect with fellow collectors, and learn from knowledgeable beachcombing experts through a series of engaging lectures held in the Tom Clagett Boat Shed.
A festival favorite, the Collectors Showcase, returns on Saturday, highlighting extraordinary private collections of sea glass, beach pottery, sea marbles, antique bottles, and other shoreline treasures. On Sunday, attendees are invited to submit their own discoveries to the popular Sea Glass Contest, with awards presented in categories including Find of the Year, Frosted Bottles, Bottle Stopper, Pottery/Ceramics, Unique Find, Historical Find, Beads/Buttons, Marbles, and Vendor Entry. Winners will be announced Sunday afternoon.
Family-friendly activities throughout the weekend add to the festive atmosphere, making the event enjoyable for visitors of all ages. A portion of festival proceeds supports the Ocean Recovery Community Alliance (ORCA), reinforcing the festival’s commitment to environmental stewardship and healthy coastlines.
“Mystic Seaport Museum is delighted to welcome the International Sea Glass Festival back to our campus for a fourth consecutive year,” said Arlene Marcionette, Director of Museum Programs. “This unique event celebrates the artistry, history, and environmental significance of sea glass while bringing together a passionate community of collectors, artists, and beachcombers. We are proud to partner with the International Sea Glass Association to offer visitors an unforgettable weekend experience on our beautiful waterfront.”
Admission to the Sea Glass Festival is included with Museum admission and is free for Museum Members. Tickets purchased for the festival are valid for both days of the event. Museum Members and ISGA members receive early access beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit mysticseaport.org.
The International Sea Glass Association, a nonprofit organization founded in 2005, supports sea and beach glass collectors worldwide through education, advocacy, and conservation. The organization promotes appreciation for genuine, naturally weathered sea and beach glass while encouraging preservation and restoration of waterways and coastlines around the globe.
About Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 650 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship CHARLES W. MORGAN. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
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