Leavenworth’s Upper Valley Empty Bowls Festival marks 30th year in 2026

LEAVENWORTH — The Upper Valley Empty Bowls Festival, Leavenworth’s annual fundraiser supporting the Community Cupboard Food Bank, returns in January to mark its 30th year, beginning with a series of community Glazing Days later this month.

The first events of the 2026 festival are scheduled for Jan. 23–26, when community members are invited to paint ceramic bowls that will later be fired and returned to participants during the Community Soup Supper in March. Glazing Days will run from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23; from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24; and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, continuing through Jan. 26.

The activity is open to all ages, requires no prior experience and includes on-site volunteers to assist participants. During the Glazing Days, visitors can also observe local artists decorating bowls that will be featured in the festival’s online artist auction in March.

The Upper Valley Empty Bowls Festival is the largest annual fundraiser for the Community Cupboard Food Bank. Proceeds total more than $15,000 each year and account for more than half of the food bank’s annual operating budget. The funding supports food shelves and food box distributions for more than 1,000 local households each year. A portion of the proceeds also funds a small art grant for artists working with students in the Cascade School District.

Following the January events, the festival continues in March with a series of art-focused and community gatherings. An artist reception and first public viewing of the artist auction bowls is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Icicle Ridge Winery. The reception includes the opportunity to meet participating artists and view the bowls before bidding opens.

The online artist bowls auction will run from March 9–26. Hand-painted bowls and platters created by local artists and potters will be available for bidding through the Upper Valley Empty Bowls website, with some pieces also offered for immediate purchase.

The festival concludes with the Community Soup Supper on Thursday, March 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Leavenworth Festhalle. The event brings together community members to collect their finished bowls and share a simple meal. Food for the supper is donated by local restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores, and the event is supported by volunteers.

Additional information about the Upper Valley Empty Bowls Festival is available at www.uvemptybowls.org.