Industrial Tourism in Sverdlovsk Region Gains Momentum: Factories Become Cultural Hubs, Opening Their Doors to the Public
Sverdlovsk's factories become tourist hotspots with festivals and open doors
From immersive excursions to vibrant festivals, Sverdlovsk Oblast's industrial sites are transforming into hotspots for culture and entertainment. Here's where to go and what to see in the near future.
"Summer at the Factory" Festival
May 15 – September 13, Sysert
This summer, the festival team invites tourists on a journey through captivating tours, lectures, film screenings, and theatrical performances—all while showcasing the industrial heritage of the Turchaninov-Solomirsky Plant, a landmark of the region's manufacturing past.
Rock Festival at the Bell Foundry
May 16, Kamensk-Uralsky
For the first time in the city's history, as part of the nationwide "Night of Museums" campaign, the Kamensk-Uralsky Local History Museum and the Pyatkov & Co. Bell Foundry are teaming up to host a rock festival on factory grounds. Local bands and guests from Yekaterinburg will take the stage in an improvised industrial setting, promising an explosion of energy, raw emotion, and powerful sound for rock enthusiasts.
Demidov Fest 2026
July 12, Chernoye Lake (Chernoistochinsk)
A festival blending steampunk aesthetics with the creative rebirth of an old industrial site, timed to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Chernoye Lake settlement. The event will unfold within the Demidov Creative Cluster, a repurposed space on the grounds of the historic Demidov Plant.
International Scythe Mowers' Tournament
July 18, Arti
Hosted by Russia's oldest scythe manufacturer, this one-of-a-kind competition brings together masters of the traditional craft from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Visitors can expect thrilling scythe-mowing contests, hands-on workshops, an artisan fair, and performances by folk musicians and authentic local bands.
Pastry Tube Festival
July 18, Pervouralsk
Inspired by the city's slogan—"Pervouralsk: Russia's Pipe Capital"—this gastronomic festival puts a sweet twist on industrial heritage. The highlight? Masterclasses, tastings, and sales of every imaginable kind of pastry tube, a confectionery symbol of the town.
Maria Belozorova, Project Manager at Titanium Valley Special Economic Zone (SEZ):
"While industrial tourism may seem like a niche trend, for Titanium Valley SEZ, it's a strategic move—not just a nod to novelty, but a pragmatic solution to real challenges.
Today, factories across the board face a labor shortage. Industrial tourism lets us literally guide potential future employees—students and schoolchildren—through what could become their workplace. They see cutting-edge, high-tech production, not the outdated stereotype of grimy workshops. This shatters the myth that industrial jobs lack prestige and inspires young people to stay in the field.
We also treat this as a targeted investment tour. Instead of PowerPoint presentations in boardrooms, we show real businesses our operational infrastructure, working plants, and logistics networks. For investors, seeing a facility in action speaks louder than any pitch deck."
The format's uniqueness can be summed up as "real-world economics at arm's length." Take, for example, a guided tour of the Verkhnyaya Salda Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Visitors learn about the operations of resident companies and see firsthand the infrastructure projects that have been built. The key difference? The tour takes place on an active industrial site, eliminating any "museum-like" feel. Beyond visiting the Titanium Valley SEZ, participants also explore the city of Verkhnyaya Salda, its history, and its local history museum.
The benefits of industrial tourism are clear. Titanium Valley is reshaping perceptions of the region. While the Sverdlovsk region has long been associated with heavy industry, it is now also seen as a hub of cutting-edge technology. By showing tourists how high-quality products are made, we are building the brand of Sverdlovsk as a region with immense investment potential.
