Western Pennsylvania families and visitors will gather at the historic Carrie Blast Furnaces on Saturday, October 6, for the annual Festival of Combustion. Beginning at 3 p.m., the National Historic Landmark will open its doors to a day‑long celebration of the region’s industrial past and its vibrant creative present.

Iron Pour and Live Entertainment

The festival’s signature event, the Iron Pour, will take place as evening falls. Artists will melt molten metal in massive furnaces, pouring the glowing iron into molds prepared in the days leading up to the festival. The resulting cast‑iron sculptures will be displayed against the backdrop of the towering furnace structures, creating a dramatic visual that honors the site’s original purpose.

Following the Iron Pour, local band Lady Beast will provide live music, and a fireworks display will illuminate the night sky above the furnaces, offering a memorable finale for attendees of all ages.

Hands‑On Demonstrations and Heritage Crafts

Throughout the day, skilled craftsmen will demonstrate a variety of metal‑working techniques. Blacksmiths, welders, coppersmiths, ceramicists, glass artists, and other makers will showcase both traditional and contemporary processes. Visitors can watch live forging, see intricate glass blowing, and learn how metal continues to shape the cultural identity of the region.

Guides will lead tours of the post‑industrial site, sharing stories of the workers who once labored in the furnaces and explaining the significance of the remaining structures. The festival also features a marketplace where local artisans sell handmade goods, providing a direct link between historic craftsmanship and today’s creative economy.

Community Connection

Since its inception in 2015, the Festival of Combustion has become a beloved community event, drawing residents from across Fayette County and beyond. The celebration not only highlights the area’s industrial legacy but also supports local makers, musicians, and small businesses, reinforcing the economic and cultural vitality of Western Pennsylvania.

Tickets and additional information are available at FestivalOfCombustion.com. Families, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in seeing molten metal flow in a historic setting are encouraged to attend.

Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.