The 2023 Festival of Combustion on October 7, 2023 features live music throughout the day and evening from local and regional artists, along with flame performances, an evening iron pour, a host of arts activities, and a one-of-a-kind fireworks display over the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark!
Tom Breiding and the Union Railroad
The 2023 Festival of Combustion live music stage kicks off with the iconic sounds of Americana storytellers and musicians Tom Breiding and the Union Railroad.
2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Bindley Hardware Co.
Don’t miss Pittsburgh’s own Bindley Hardware Co. and their mix of alt-country and folk-inspired tunes.
4:15 – 5:45 p.m.
Live Flame Performances
Follow the mesmerizing flame performances by fire spinners from Lovely Lady Lydia Artistry.
5:30 – 7:30 P.M.
The Shameless Hex
Settle into the evening with local Appalachian string band The Shameless Hex, who bring their unique blend of bluegrass, rock, and folk to the main stage.
6:45 – 8:00 p.m.
FERRUM LUX
Close out the night with a live, site-specific molten iron performance with neon sculpture and electronic sound.
8:00 – 8:45 p.m.
Conceived and performed by iron sculptor Coral Penelope Lambert and digital pioneer Paul Higham, Ferrum Lux is a 45-minute choreographed performance that responds to and activates the post-industrial site of the historic Carrie Furnace. Lambert will use her mobile iron furnace “MothRa” to melt iron and pour it at 2650 degrees Fahrenheit into open-face sand molds that, when solidified, will light up neon sculptures. The spectacle is accompanied by Higham’s live electronic sound that is in conversation with the actions of the iron pour.
Fireworks over the Carrie Blast Furnaces!
8:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the rocket’s red glare burst over the Carrie Blast Furnaces! Stick around with the kiddos for an early evening fireworks display at 8:30 p.m. and send the Festival of Combustion out with a real bang!
Learn more about the events
such as tours, workshops, and festivals happening at each unique attraction.
