Bottoms Up: A Midcentury Barware Show

Bottoms Up is the nation’s first event dedicated to celebrating midcentury barware culture, and there’s no better place for it than Lancaster, Ohio—a community long known for its glassmaking heritage and still home to the glass giant Anchor Hocking. As the nation prepares to celebrate America 250, this one-of-a-kind event highlights the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation that helped shape American glass and cocktail culture.

Rather than a traditional convention, Bottoms Up takes place throughout Lancaster’s walkable historic downtown. Visitors can explore expert presentations, hands-on classes, cocktail parties, a barware vendor show, an antique car show, and more. Local restaurants and bars also join the fun with throwback cocktails and themed food and drink specials inspired by the midcentury era.

The event is organized by Gay Fad Studios, whose legacy helped establish Lancaster as “Glass Town.” Sixty years after its closing, Gay Fad Studios has returned to Lancaster, offering new and vintage mid-century inspired glassware, stemware, and gifts inspired by the pioneering company that broke the glass ceiling in decorative glassware design. Today, Gay Fad Studios is also featured on the Ohio Creativity Trail, which highlights the artists, makers, and places who have shaped Ohio’s creative legacy.

Bottoms Up celebrates Lancaster’s local glass heritage while also recognizing Ohio’s larger role in the American glass industry. During the mid-20th century, Ohio was one of the nation’s leading producers of glassware, influencing design trends and manufacturing across the country.

Collectors, designers, and cocktail enthusiasts alike are invited to raise a glass and celebrate Lancaster’s proud “Glass Town” roots—while honoring the craftsmanship and creativity that helped shape America. This event is free to attend, but Free to attend, except signature events and the Barware Show.