U4 Steam Festival Steampunk

When Steampunk Meets the Steel Industry

The U4 Steam is a festival that brings together two surprisingly complementary worlds: the steampunk imagination, a cultural movement blending Victorian aesthetics with retro-futuristic science fiction, and the industrial heritage of Lorraine's steel industry. The Haut-Fourneau U4 site, an impressive industrial monument from the 1930s, with its metal structures, piping, and dizzying walkways, provides a perfect natural setting for this immersion into a world where steam, gears, and whimsical inventions reign supreme.

A Unique Industrial Setting

The Parc du Haut-Fourneau U4, located in the Fensch valley in Uckange, is one of the few blast furnaces preserved in Europe. Classified as a historical monument, it bears witness to the steel history that shaped Lorraine. At night, the blast furnace lights up thanks to the permanent installation by artist Claude Lévêque, titled « Tous les soleils » (All the Suns), which bathes the monument in colorful lights. This industrial and artistic setting enhances the festival's steampunk atmosphere.

Costumes and Parades

U4 Steam strongly encourages visitors to come costumed in the steampunk spirit: top hats, aviator goggles, corsets, frock coats, gears, and copper accessories. Costumed festival-goers benefit from a reduced rate. Costumed parades are organized in the park, creating a lively and participatory spectacle where everyone becomes an actor in the festival.

Shows and Entertainment

The festival program includes street shows blending theater, circus, and street arts with a steampunk aesthetic, exhibitions of retro-futuristic objects and imaginary machines, creative workshops to make your own steampunk accessories, and areas for board games and role-playing games on the theme. A large retro-futuristic market brings together about sixty exhibitors from France and neighboring countries (Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg).

L'Antre de Jack, Organizer of the 2026 Edition

For its 2nd edition, in 2026, U4 Steam is organized by the Vandières-based association L'Antre de Jack, in partnership with French Steampunk and the Parc du Haut-Fourneau U4. Under the title « Steelpunk, l'avènement des goupils » (Steelpunk, the Advent of the Foxes), this edition offers a reimagined immersion into the heart of the industrial installations with a packed program (concerts, falconry, fire shows, parades, theater for young audiences). The first edition, in May 2025, was coordinated by the association La Ballade féerique.

A Festival for the Whole Family

U4 Steam is designed as a family event. Children are welcome and can participate in creative workshops, discover street shows, and immerse themselves in the wonderful world of steampunk. The festive and friendly atmosphere, combined with the impressive setting of the blast furnace, creates unforgettable memories for young and old. Admission is free for children under 10 and for holders of the U4 annual pass.