Rivers of Steel

Blacksmithing Basics: Halloween Skulls
2026-10-29 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Carrie Blast Furnaces, 801 Carrie Furnace Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA, 15218, United States
Learn to hammer hot metal at the Carrie Blast Furnaces!

Celebrate Halloween with Rivers of Steel!
This three-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create something unique. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to create a Halloween Skull to take home.
These sessions are led by Rivers of Steel staff artist and bladesmith Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks).
Hours & Admission*
Halloween Celebrations take place on the following dates in 2026:
October 22 – Halloween Snake
October 29 – Halloween Skull
General Admission
$90 *Workshops are limited to 16 participants. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance as we cannot guarantee tickets will be available for walk-ups.
Location & Directions
The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley.
The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.
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.

What to wear: Clothing you can get dirty. The workshop space is not temperature controlled; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. 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 not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
COVID-19 Policies: 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 in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., 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.
For more information, contact info@riversofsteel.com.
Learn more about the events
such as tours, workshops, and festivals happening at each unique attraction.

The Doodle Bowl Experience
2026-11-05 18:00 - 21:00
Invite your friends for a night of fun and creativity at the Carrie Blast Furnaces!

Not your typical “sip and paint” party, this workshop has quickly become one of Rivers of Steel’s most in-demand programs. With guidance from Rivers of Steel’s metal arts team, you’ll design and carve a bowl that is cast in solid aluminum!
Take home your new, functional work of art at the end of the night! No experience is needed—just bring your creativity, a friend, and your own beverage!

Hours & Admission*
This program is offered on the following dates in 2026:
March 29, 1:00pm
May 10, 1:00pm
June 28, 1:00pm
July 23, 6:00pm
August 27, 6:00pm
September 17, 6:00pm
November 5, 6:00pm
General Admission
$80 *Workshops are limited to 20 participants. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance as we cannot guarantee tickets will be available for walk-ups.
Location & Directions
The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley.
The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.
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.

What to wear: Clothing you can get dirty. The workshop space is not temperature controlled, but there are space heaters in the winter months. Please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. 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 not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
COVID-19 Policies: 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 in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., 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.
For more information, contact info@riversofsteel.com.
Learn more about the events
such as tours, workshops, and festivals happening at each unique attraction.

Blacksmithing: Holiday Ornaments
2026-11-12 18:00 - 21:00
Get in the holiday spirit with Rivers of Steel!

This three-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create a unique holiday ornament. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to shape the metal into a tree or leaf design to take home. These sessions are led by Rivers of Steel staff artist and bladesmith Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks).

Hours & Admission*
This workshop is offered on November 9, and December 7, 2025.
General Admission
$90 *Workshops are limited to 12 participants. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance as we cannot guarantee tickets will be available for walk-ups.
Location & Directions
The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley.
The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.
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.

What to wear: Clothing you can get dirty. The workshop space is not temperature controlled, but there are space heaters in the winter months. Please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. 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 not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
COVID-19 Policies: 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 in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., 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.
For more information, contact info@riversofsteel.com. JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJjci1pbml0X18wMWYxMWY5MzFjMjJhNGVmJTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzdGFybGluZy5jcm93ZHJpZmYuY29tJTJGanMlMkZjcm93ZHJpZmYuanMlMjIlMjBhc3luYyUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==
Learn more about the events
such as tours, workshops, and festivals happening at each unique attraction.

All levels Blacksmithing: Bladesmithing 1
2026-11-17 18:00 - 2026-11-19 21:00
Learn to create your own blade at the Carrie Blast Furnaces!

Bladesmithing workshops include shop time and instruction focusing on the forging techniques needed to produce sharp-edged tools of high-carbon steel.
Participants will learn the fundamental skills required to forge a blacksmithing knife with scroll handle from a single piece of steel.
These sessions are led by Rivers of Steel staff artist and bladesmith Jared Ondovchik (aka Artifact Metalworks).

Hours & Admission*
Bladesmithing 1 is offered on the following dates in 2026:
Two-day weekend workshops:
January 31, 12-6pm – February 1, 12-3pm
February 21, 12-6pm – February 22, 12-3pm
June 20, 12-6pm – June 21, 12-3pm
Three-day weeknight workshops:
November 17, 18 & 19, 6-9pm
General Admission
$360 *Workshops are limited to 8 participants. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance as we cannot guarantee tickets will be available for walk-ups.
Location & Directions
The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley.
The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.
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.

What to wear: Clothing you can get dirty. The workshop space is not temperature controlled, but there are space heaters in the winter months. Please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. 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 not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available and the ramp to the workshop space is ADA compliant. However, the grounds to the space may not be accessible for all wheelchairs. Contact us for details and options.
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 in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., 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.
For more information, contact info@riversofsteel.com.
Learn more about the events
such as tours, workshops, and festivals happening at each unique attraction.
