Fire Fest 2026
October 17 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Fire, both seductive and wild, is essential in creating ceramic wares. Join the Baltimore Clayworks community for the unexpected during our expedition of firing techniques from around the world.
Free & Open to the Public • Space is Limited — Early Registration Encouraged
Suggested Donation: $25 Your support helps us keep Fire Fest free for the community.
Event Information
Join the Baltimore Clayworks community for an evening of fire, clay, and celebration. Fire Fest brings together artists, neighbors, and friends for a hands‑on exploration of global firing traditions and the creative energy that fuels our studios. The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Food from Trainstop Smokehouse will be served.
Throughout the night, you can experience Raku, Obvara, and Noborigama firings; enjoy live music from Augie Snackie Show, Daphne London, and Sons of Baltimore; cheer on competitors in the Clay Olympics; and capture the moment at our Side A Photography photo booth. You can also drop in for a Clay Stamp Workshop with artist, Blue, — a hands‑on activity where you learn to carve your own clay texture stamps using simple printmaking techniques.
Fire Fest also welcomes the Little Yellow Journal Tour with Nature Sacred, inviting you to add your own reflection to a traveling national journal that gathers community stories from Sacred Places across the country — including the Sacred Places on our own campus.
The evening includes a community raffle, limited-edition Fire Fest tee shirts, and other surprises. Fire Fest is our biggest annual celebration of ceramic arts, community, and the elemental magic of fire — a night where Baltimore Clayworks shines brightest.
Commemorative Fire Fest T-Shirt
Take home a piece of Fire Fest history with our limited-edition Commemorative Fire Fest T-Shirt, featuring an original design created by Andrew Black and our 2026 Bloomberg Arts Interns; Aniera Harris, Tierany Jackson, and Kenniah Pindell. Quantities are limited, so grab yours while they last!
Proceeds help support Baltimore Clayworks’ programs and keep community events like Fire Fest accessible to all.
Event Schedule
Clay Olympics 5:45 – 8:15 pm
We will have four events this year.
- 5:45 – 6:10 pm Score the most points at the Bullseye in 30 seconds
- 6:25 – 6:45 pm Throw the tallest two-directional vase while blindfolded
- 7:00 – 7:20 pm Hand build the tallest arch with a partner
- 7:30 – 7:50 pm Create the most dynamic and life-like phoenix as it rises from the flames
- 8:15 pm Awards and Raffle Winners Presented
Firing Schedule
Raku:
6:00 – pull 1st load from kiln | to reduction can(s) | reload
6:45 – pull 2nd load from kiln | to reduction can(s) | reload
7:40 – pull final load from kiln | to reduction can(s) | wrap up
Obvara:
6:15 – pull 1st load from kiln | to yeast bath | reload
7:15 – pull 2nd load from kiln | to yeast bath | wrap up
8:00 – pull final load from kiln | to yeast bath | wrap up
*All firings will take place at the Gallery Front Lawn
About the Processes
Oktoberfest – Beer Steins and Wine Goblets Invitational
Raise a toast to creativity! Baltimore Clayworks is proud to present the return of our beloved Oktoberfest: Beer Steins and Wine Goblets Invitational, featuring a curated selection of festive, functional ceramic ware handcrafted by local and national artists.
Thank you to our sponsors and partners!
Music from the Augie Snackie Show, Daphne London, and Sons of Baltimore
