Tropidelic in Concert at Stage AE; Rivers of Steel Festival of Combustion at Carrie Furnaces; Eagles vs. Panthers at Acrisure (Sat., 10/4/25)

1) Tropidelic is a Cleveland-based band—cofounded and fronted by Pittsburgh native Matthew Roads. They play a mellow but lively repertoire infused with or least inspired by reggae. Listening to Tropidelic, you get the feeling that rock just isn’t complete without a trombone. Or a trumpet or other such horns. You’ve also got to love songs like “Alcoholic,” a whimsically honky-tonk-ish treatment of a serious subject, composed by a certain band member after his grateful segue into recovery. Tropidelic’s latest album is 2024’s Royal Grove. Catch Tropidelic at Stage AE. Special guests are Artikal Sound System, Grieves, and Fubar. Doors open at 6 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (M.V.) 

2) This could literally be the hottest event of the year. Rivers of Steel, the nonprofit organization that is responsible for the historic Carrie Furnaces former steelmaking site, and U.S. Steel are holding its Festival of Combustion at the legendary plant and grounds Saturday October 4 from 3 to 9 p.m.

“The Festival of Combustion is a day packed with experiences that blend Pittsburgh’s industrial legacy with today’s creative energy,” said Chris McGinnis, festival producer and Rivers of Steel’s Vice President of Programs and Development. “There’s no better place than Carrie to create this spectacle of molten iron, fire, music, and artistry. It’s a reminder of the power this site has to inspire awe across generations.” One of the main highlights of the festival is the dramatic iron pour—a rare chance to see molten metal streamed from a furnace into molds. Throughout the day, Rivers of Steel’s metal arts team will cast both aluminum and iron, with opportunities for visitors to carve their own molds and take part in the process. As dusk falls, the furnaces come alive in a glowing evening iron pour performance that transforms the historic site into a breathtaking fusion of light, fire, and sound.

Other features include: industrial arts demonstrations; hands-on workshops; the Heritage Craft Tent; Live performances from The Polkamaniacs, Erika June and the Tunes, DJ Zombo’s Record Party, flame performers, graffiti artists, tattoo artists, and aerial stunts by Xpogo. Additionally there will be food and drink with craft beer from Oskar Blues, Straub, and Cigar City; plus a wide array of Pittsburgh’s favorite food trucks. Mini Carrie Blast Furnace Tours will also be available. Oh, and what would a combustion festival be without a fireworks finale. For tickets and more information visit the Festival of Combustion website. 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Rankin.

3) The Pitt Panthers football team is back in action today from a last minute loss to Louisville last week. They’ll face the Boston College Eagles today in an ACC game at Acrisure Stadium at noon. The Panthers are 2-2 and will hopefully will get back on the winning track this afternoon. 100 Art Rooney Way, North Shore.

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