Ignite Awe! The Festival of Combustion

Saturday, September 9, 2023

An Extravaganza Like No Other

There is no shortage of superlatives when it comes to describing the Festival of Combustion—it is immersive. It is immense. It is captivating. It is spectacular . . . and perhaps most notably, it is an awe-inspiring event that celebrates the industrial arts and American crafts.

It is a day of exploration. The heart of the festival—a variety of hot metal pours offered throughout the day—takes inspiration from the iron-making legacy of the Carrie Blast Furnaces. It's a showcase of molten iron, liquified aluminum, and performance pours crafted for entertainment. Beyond the spectacles of sparks, the day is completed with dozens of activities, from hands-on crafts for all ages and engaging trade demonstrations to live music, tours, flame performances, art installations, a makers' marketplace, food trucks, fireworks, and more . . . and with advance tickets at just $20.00 for adults and free admission for kids, the Festival of Combustion is an astounding value as well.

Tickets are available now, but you don't need to wait until October 7 to get inspired—this September we invite you to experiment with metal casting, try your hand at blacksmithing, or explore more of our region's arts and culture with a variety of signature tours.

Plus, we have a few novel community events to share, so make sure to scroll down to our "Things to Do in the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area" section below.

Thanks for reading—and we'll see you soon!

FEATURED PROGRAMS

Tours and More

Carrie Blast Furnaces

Discover the artistry and innovation of southwestern Pennsylvania’s rich heritage on a Rivers of Steel tour. While many folks have enjoyed the Industrial Tour, there are a number of other ways to experience the Carrie Blast Furnaces.

Graffiti writers are masters of technique—and you can be too. Experience the Carrie Blast Furnaces from a post-industrial perspective. This tour and workshop offer new points of view and new hands-on skills!

GRAFFITI & STYLE-WRITING WORKSHOP—SEPT. 16

There's more to the story of the Carrie Blast Furnaces than just its industrial history. The landmark site is peppered with sculptures, murals, and site-specific art installations. See for yourself how Carrie has become a muse to so many creatives.

ARTS & GROUNDS TOUR—SEPT. 17

Have you ever wanted to explore the Carrie Furnaces at your own pace? You can during this open photography session. Take the time to set up your ideal shot.

PHOTO SAFARI—SEPT. 17

METAL CASTING SESSIONS

Aluminum Casting Options

Carrie Blast Furnaces and W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop

While the Pittsburgh region is legendary for its production of iron and steel, let's not forget the role of aluminum as part of our proud heritage . . . that, and it's an incredibly fun experience!

Learn the basics of metal casting in this one-day workshop!

ALUMINUM CASTING SESSION—SEPT. 11

Take it to the next level and add a dimension in this three-day workshop!

SCULPTURAL ALUMINUM CASTING—SEPT. 12 – 14

Hosted at the W.A Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop in Greene County, the Scratch Block Aluminum Casting Session is great for kids or adults.

SCRATCH BLOCK ALUMINUM CASTING—SEPT. 17

BEGINNER WORKSHOPS

Blacksmithing Workshops

Carrie Blast Furnaces

Blacksmithing workshops were introduced earlier this year to Rivers of Steel's programming—and have quickly become one of our most sought-out sessions! Each of the following classes are open to all; no previous experience is required. Take advantage of the opportunity to bend steel to your will!

Forge a blade in this three-day workshop—space is limited.

BLADESMITHING 1—SEPT. 18

Don't miss out on the final Hooks and Hairpins three-hour workshop of 2023!

BLACKSMITHING BASICS: HOOKS AND HAIRPINS—SEPT. 21

Crack open a cold one after making your own forged bottle opener!

HOT METAL HAPPY HOUR: FORGED BOTTLE OPENERS—SEPT. 28

THINGS TO DO IN THE RIVERS OF STEEL NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

Little Amal and the Ghosts of the Furnace

Wednesday, September 20, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces

Little Amal is a twelve-foot puppet of a ten-year-old Syrian refugee girl who has traveled across thirteen countries meeting more than a million people, and watched by tens of millions more online.

From September 7 through November 5, Little Amal will journey 6,000 miles across the United States in one of the largest free public festivals ever created. More than 300 artists, museums, local community organizations and cultural institutions are hosting welcome events in the 37+ towns and cities that Little Amal will visit.

Learn more about her visit to the Carrie Blast Furnaces for the Ghosts of the Furnace performance.

THINGS TO DO IN THE RIVERS OF STEEL NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

Homestead Cemetery History Day

Saturday, September 23, 2257 Main Street, Munhall, PA 15120

Join the Homestead Cemetery for this first History Day!

Ms. Shannon Forester will be speaking about her twice great-uncle, John E. Morris, one of the strikers killed during the 1892 Battle of Homestead.

A baseball history tour, hosted by Josh Gibson Foundation affiliate Vincent Ciaramella, will focus on the local legendary Negro League and professional players buried in the cemetery.

Board Member Ellis Michaels will be assisted by members of the 40th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Reenactors in hosting a tour that speaks more of the Civil War era veterans who are buried within the cemetery's Soldiers Circle, as well as the history of the monument itself.

Tours will be held on the hour, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Food trucks will also be present at the Main Street entrance.

MORE INFO

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