Festival of Combustion – Rivers of Steel

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—learn to 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 PM. Online ticket sales close at midnight on Friday, October 4. Tickets will be $25 at the gate. Free parking is available on the grounds.