FAQ

• Can I bring my kids?

  Yes - we encourage it, in fact! There are no age limits for the festival, and on Saturday afternoon we're offering special activities just for kids, presented by the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh (http://www.pittsburghkids.org). After dark events may be a little more grown-up in nature (fire dancing can be rather erotic, and loud noises can be scary to small ears), so please use your best judgement. No dogs (other than service animals) allowed.

  Last updated: Monday Aug 1, 9:52pm EDT
• Who is involved in this?

  Pyrotopia is being organized and produced by a group of Pittsburgh artists and designers experienced in working with fire in art and performance, producing large scale events and spectacles, and teaching fire arts skills. As artists, we love the medium and hope to ignite the public’s imagination and appreciation of fire. As long-time participants in Burning Man, regional burns and similar events, we are eager to bring the magic of the playa to an urban setting.

  Scheduled performers and installations include:

  - Linda Farkas of Magma Firetheater (http://www.youtube.com/user/magmafiretheater)
  - Members of Pittsburgh's own performance troupe Steel Town Fire (http://steeltownfire.com/)
  - "Flaming Simon", a fiery twist on the classic 80s memory game (http://vimeo.com/20437300)

  and many others. Please see the website for the full event schedule.

  Last updated: Monday Aug 1, 10:18pm EDT
• Where will my money go?

  Your support will help us cover:

  • Fuel & artist stipends
  • Insurance, permits and security personnel
  • Marketing expenses
  • Equipment rentals (somebody's gotta pay for those porta-potties!)

  Last updated: Sunday Jul 31, 1:55am EDT
• Is this REALLY happening next to a steel mill?

  Yes! The Edgar Thomson Plant (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Thomson_Steel_Works) is across the street from the festival site. As one of the few still-active mills in Pittsburgh and site of the 1892 Homestead Strike, it stands as a potent symbol of the region's industrial heritage. And it looks really, really cool - especially at night. Frankly, we couldn't have asked for a better spot to celebrate the magic and majesty of fire.

  Last updated: Monday Aug 1, 9:52pm EDT
• Where is Braddock? And why have I heard that name before?

  Braddock is a small town just outside of Pittsburgh that's received a lot of national attention in recent years: The New York Times wrote about its struggles (http://tinyurl.com/4yj73t6) and Levi's filmed a commercial there (http://www.youtube.com/watch...). Once the heart of the American steel industry, Braddock has fallen on extremely hard times. But the mayor and a passionate group of supporters and community leaders are working hard to transform the town. As the town's website says, "Braddock presents an unparallelled opportunity for the urban pioneer, artist, or misfit to join in building a new kind of community. ... For those who seek it, this is the frontier." (http://15104.cc/)

  Last updated: Monday Aug 1, 1:50pm EDT
• Will there be food? Booze? Parking?

  For safety reasons the festival grounds will be smoke- and alcohol-free (designated smoking areas will be provided at a safe distance). Food will be sold throughout the event. Parking is free and plentiful.

  Last updated: Sunday Jul 31, 1:39am EDT