Westfield Park (Munhall)
May 11 (rain date)
Noon – 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. – midnight
NOTE: This event date was changed due to the forecast. It will take place on Sunday, May 11, not Saturday.
Where can you play Skeeball that shoots flames when you score, view giant Inflato Angels and test your memory skills at Flaming Simon (everybody’s favorite electronic game)? Sunday’s hot ticket is the Pyrotopia Festival of Fire Arts. The only festival of its kind in the US, this unique celebration of fire, art, light and electricity is entirely produced and presented locally.
Returning for its second illuminating installment, Pyrotopia 3.0 boasts three times as many activities, an expanded family component and a new permanent home in Munhall. Bringing together top fire artists from around Pittsburgh and beyond—many of whom have shared their skills at Burning Man and Maker Faire—the family-friendly event features elaborate acrobatic fire performances, games, circus acts, light and electric art and more.
Grab the entire family and head to the free Volcano Village, which runs from noon to 4 p.m., with hands-on games, demonstrations, activity stations and experiments designed to spark wonder in kids of all ages. Construct LED art, make a black light painting, design a fluorescent mask, learn the art of fire science and more. Village programs will be led by the Carnegie Science Center, Mattress Factory, Assemble, Pittsburgh Glass Center, Sterling Yoga and others.
As the sun sets, Pyrotopia turns up the heat with dazzling performances, immersive installations, music, art, food trucks and vendors and of course, fireworks. Festival goers of all ages will take part in interactive art and games incorporating the classical element, and will experience innovative fire and light projects created by artists hailing from the Burgh, Detroit, NYC, Boston, Toronto and Indianapolis. And don’t leave without watching a life-sized unicorn named Katy Perry shoot pink fire and sneeze glitter.
Emceeing Pyrotopia are Pittsburgh cultural fixtures Phat Man Dee and Andrew the Impaled. Providing the night’s sizzling soundtrack will be DJ Pandemic Pete and Lungs Face Feet. Founded by robotics and fire artist Eric Singer, Pyrotopia was launched in 2012 with 4,000-plus attendees.
View a schedule of events, map and transportation and parking options. Purchase tickets.