One Event.
All Things Blade.

Fire. Steel. BBQ. Family Fun. KEAL Fest is a two-day knife show and bladesmithing festival in Cooperstown, NY — and one of the most hands-on summer events in Upstate New York. Browse dozens of custom knife makers, forge your own blade, watch a live Forged in Fire–style cutting competition, and feast on fire-to-table BBQ with the whole family.

Authentic BBQ Experience

Enjoy mouthwatering, homemade barbecue as a master roaster slow-cooks an entire pig and cow on-site — an incredible fire-to-table feast filled with rich flavors, sizzling aromas, and unforgettable bites straight from the flames.

Meet Doug Marcaida

Feel the intensity as a Forged in Fire–style knife competition recreation roars to life right before your eyes! Get up close with legendary judge Doug Marcaida during an exclusive, personal meet & greet, then step into the legacy with a Forged in Fire™ history wall honoring not just past champions but all alumni. From blazing steel to iconic moments, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience no fan — or thrill-seeker — should miss.

Knife Vendors & Interactive Making

Explore dozens of vendors showcasing handcrafted knives, precision tools, and knife-inspired arts & crafts you won't find anywhere else. Get hands-on at interactive demonstration tables where you can watch blades come to life and discover how these incredible tools are crafted and used every day. It's part marketplace, part workshop, and 100% unforgettable.

Knife Cutting Competition

Watch the action unfold — or step up and compete — as blades are pushed to their limits in intense tests of sharpness, strength, and performance. Feel the tension, cheer on the competitors, and see firsthand which blades rise above the rest in this edge-of-your-seat challenge.

Forge Your Own Knife

Step into the forge and experience bladesmithing like the hit TV show Forged in Fire™. Meet past contestants and champions, watch live forging demonstrations, and talk shop with master bladesmiths as sparks fly. Learn the fundamentals hands-on as you craft your very own knife or piece of forged jewelry from a prototype — start to finish. Feel the heat, shape the steel, and walk away with a one-of-a-kind blade or wearable piece you forged yourself to take home. Explore the Forged in Fire Wall of Fame filled with iconic blades and memorabilia, shop from thousands of custom forged knives, jewelry, and artisan goods, and immerse yourself in an experience you'll be talking about long after the fire cools.

Skills & Throwing Arena

Sharpen your skills and test your aim in our dedicated gaming area, where precision meets adrenaline. Take your shot with knife throwing, unleash your power in axe throwing, and draw back for accuracy in archery — three high-energy challenges that deliver nonstop thrills for all skill levels.

Family-Friendly Fun

Bring the whole family and let the fun continue for everyone — our kid-friendly entertainment areas are packed with activities designed to keep young adventurers engaged, entertained, and smiling all day long. Fun, safe, and unforgettable for all ages!

By the Numbers