Join Rivers of Steel in celebrating industrial arts and American craft at the Carrie Blast Furnaces!
This one-of-kind extravaganza invites audiences of all ages to celebrate the industrial arts and American crafts through hands-on activities, trade demonstrations, tours, live music, fireworks, and more!
Showcasing the creativity of our region’s artists, makers, and builders, the Festival of Combustion takes inspiration from the iron-making legacy of the Carrie Blast Furnaces. An all-day iron pour is at the heart of the festival—mold your own design or simply watch the spectacle as designs are cast from hot metal. Check out other demonstrations by blacksmiths, glassblowers, welders, metal fabricators, and more, then get creative with hands-on activities for adults and children alike. After dark, check out a glowing ceramic reveal, followed by fireworks over the furnaces!
Self-guided tours of the Furnaces will be offered throughout the day.
Craft beer, food trucks, live music, tattoos, and a maker marketplace with regional artisans will add to the festival atmosphere, including performances by Ames Harding & the Mirage, Tom Breiding and the Union Railroad, and The Polkamaniacs. It’s a day of fun for everyone!
Tickets are $20 in advance, which covers both day and evening activities. Admission is free for those under age 18.
The event runs 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. Online ticket sales close at midnight on Friday, October 4. Tickets will be $25 at the gate. Free parking is available on the grounds.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.
Active Restoration Work: The Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark is currently an active construction site undergoing a multiyear restoration effort. Due to ongoing construction activity, access to certain areas included in the tour may be limited or restricted at times. We understand this may cause disappointment, but we kindly ask for your understanding and patience as we work to preserve and enhance this historic site for future generations to enjoy. Thank you for your cooperation.
What to wear: The majority of each tour is outside; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited.
Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms, hand washing stations and hand sanitizer are available. Food amenities are available at the Festival of Combustion.
Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available, but the grounds, where most of this event is hosted are not wheelchair accessible.
Covid-19: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies.
Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to the terms of our liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located at 801 Carrie Furnace Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15218.
Thank you for following these guidelines. We wish you to have the best visit possible, and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the visitor experience.