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We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Pittsburgh

Find the best that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Sophia Lo

ICYMI, we hit 1,000 episodes of City Cast Pittsburgh! To celebrate, we're making a list of 1,000 things we love about our city — 

. Here are some of the themes we've seen so far, by the numbers.

 Pittsburghers think our city is just the right size. We're large enough to have all the big city amenities without feeling overwhelming and small enough so you're always running into your friends around town.

 of yinz mentioned you’re a big fan of our neighborhoods. You love that they’re cozy and walkable (depending on the hilliness) and that each one has a distinct and eclectic personality.

 of you said you love the view when you drive inbound through the Fort Pitt Tunnel — one of our favorite things to show visitors when we pick them up from the airport!

Want to see the city from another perspective? One person recommended looking down toward the river instead of up at the skyline. At night when the Mon is calm, you'll see the lights from Downtown and Station Square twinkling on the water.

 about the Pirates. Your comments ranged from cheering on the Buccos on a summer night to (even) finding joy when watching the Pirates lose. One person gets a kick out of watching Michael Keaton "relentlessly posting about his disgust" with the team on Instagram.

Of course, we also received notes about the pierogi race. Jalapeño Hannah is a crowd favorite!

 yinzers love our parks, especially Schenley and Frick Park. Did you know that we actually have more than 100 parks? We love hearing about your favorite neighborhood green spaces, so 

We got so many submissions complimenting our local restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries, including Polska Laska, Cop Out Pierogis, Angkor, Five Points Bakery, Spigolo, Brew Gentlemen, Pamela's, and lots more. Plus, a special shoutout for the ranch at Eat'n Park 😂

 Join us at 412 Day (a totally real holiday) to continue celebrating our city. We'll be at Southern Tier Brewing Co. on the North Shore this Sunday, April 12 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is totally free and family-friendly, and the fun includes a live DJ, vendor market, flash tattoos, and our exclusive Nebby Neighbor beer. 

City Cast Pittsburgh readers and listeners tell us what they love about living in Pittsburgh.

What Are the Best Things About Pittsburgh?

1,000 Things We Love About Pittsburgh: By the Numbers

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

Francesca Dabecco

Pittsburgh is about to be one big party for the NFL Draft! Wondering what else there is to do in April? Check out art shows, find zen moments in nature, feel a rush at Kennywood, score deals for Record Store Day, and more ⬇️

tune into the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast 

for even more recommendations from the team.

These trees with rosy flowers are the first sign of spring in the Burgh. You might mistake them for cherry blossoms, but they’re actually eastern redbuds — one of the first native tree species to bloom each April and a major nectar and pollen source for pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. 

2. Celebrate 412 Day With City Cast Pittsburgh

, a totally real holiday celebrating everything we love about the Burgh! Join the team at Southern Tier Brewing Company on the North Shore for live music, a market full of local vendors, flash tattoos, and more. And did we mention you can get our special Nebby Neighbor beer on tap?

3. See the New Collective Energies Exhibit

Beautiful things can happen when we work together. That’s the ethos behind the Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media’s newest exhibit, Collective Energies. The show features work from 11 staff members, paired with creations from artists they admire. Check out the 

, or swing by the Shadyside campus during business hours through May 17.

Celebrate this annual global event on April 18 by checking out exclusive releases and deals at Pittsburgh indie record shops like 

 in Mt. Lebanon. Keep the music love going at a 

. There will be live music, T-shirts and records for sale, and tasty drinks.

5. See Photographs from 30+ Pittsburghers

Bloomfield’s Bodega Film Lab is celebrating its five year anniversary with a group photo exhibit at Studio 4, opening on April 10. 

 features work from more than 30 local photographers who’ve developed their images at the space — showcasing a diverse array of perspectives that have passed through the lab’s doors. See it for yourself during gallery hours through the month of May.

There are lots of ways to shop from talented local makers this April. One of the most unique opportunities is 

, a pop-up inside a mid-century home in Point Breeze for two weekends, April 11-12 and 18-19. The market features a mix of local designers and internationally-sourced pieces, from fashion to home goods. Want more? 

7. Get Inspired By Nature at Frick Environmental Center

 on April 18. Enjoy a free, family-friendly afternoon with live music, guided trail walks, up-close animal encounters, and hands-on environmental education activities. Don’t forget to 

check out the nearby Sensory Nature Trail

, a fully accessible one-third mile stretch with rest spots and interactive stations.

8. Celebrate Art & Community at a Block Party

St. Nicholas Croatian Church in Millvale is home to the stunning Maxo Vanka murals, a 4,500-square-foot display depicting themes of immigration, social justice, labor, war, and faith. Check out the 4th annual 

 for food, music, art making, tours, and more.

The folks behind the plant-powered summer event, VegFest, are hosting a 

 on April 18 at Rockwell Park in Point Breeze. There will be vegan goodies, animal rescues, cruelty-free vendors, art, and more. It’s free!

Hundreds of thousands of people are coming to Pittsburgh to party April 23-25! Get in on the 

 with the Draft Theater on the North Shore, a fan festival at Point State Park, and lots of other community events — like 

 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

April in Pittsburgh: pink blooms, 412 Day, art and photo exhibits, Record Store Day deals, spring markets, NFL Draft fun, and more.

The Best Pittsburgh Events in April 2026

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in April 2026

Find vintage clothes and home decor, plants and seedlings, handmade goods, and more at these spring Pittsburgh pop-up markets.

If you love Handmade Arcade’s annual holiday market at the Convention Center, check out their new springtime shopping event. 

 celebrates contemporary craft makers and artists from around the country. Browse over 100 vendors selling furniture, glass, basketry, ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry, metal, and more.

. Bring your own seeds, bulbs, plants, and pots to swap with neighbors at Velum Fermentation. Don’t have any? There will be plenty to purchase. Plus, you can check out other eco-minded vendors and workshops.

Step into an antique-lover's dream at the 

 at Heinz History Center. The fair features more than 50 local makers selling one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories, home decor, vinyl records, and more.

Any season can be spooky season if you want it to be! Head to Allegheny Commons Park (the section near the National Aviary) to shop for oddities, art, jewelry, and more at 

Construction Junction is a reuse superstore that sells all sorts of affordable items for construction projects — and they also hold 

. Swing by for retro toys, comics, books, vintage glassware, home goods, clothing, furniture, records, and more.

 and DIY workshops at two venues in Wilkinsburg. Check out vendors, a plant sale, and activities at their warehouse on Pennwood Avenue, then grab a free shuttle to the Wilkinsburg Train Station for a Sustainable Fair featuring repurposed goods, environmentally-friendly businesses, and more.

 with the City Cast Pittsburgh team at Southern Tier Brewing Co. on the North Shore. We’ll have a photo booth, live DJ, special beer on tap, and some very yinzer-ific vendors with a market hosted by 

They just don’t make ‘em like they used to. Shop from over 30 vintage curators and craft makers at the 

 at Velum Fermentation. Expect to find clothing, antiques, jewelry, and art — plus tiny tattoos and food and drinks.

 at Nova Place. There will be live music and trivia, games, local vendors, food trucks, and more — right near all of the football fun on the North Shore.

This little borough is packed with great businesses, and it's time to show them off! Head to 

 to find vendors set up all over the borough’s .5-mile shopping district: farmers, bakers, artists, crafters, and much more.

The Best Spring Markets in Pittsburgh 2026

10 Spring Pop-Up Markets for Shopping Local in Pittsburgh

March 20 is the birthday of Pittsburgh’s favorite neighbor. Here’s how to celebrate the life and legacy of Fred Rogers.

Head to the Heinz History Center in the Strip District to check out the 

 from the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” television show. Highlights include the entryway and living room set that he walked through at the beginning of each show, King Friday XIII’s Castle, the Great Oak Tree, and Mr. McFeely’s “Speedy Delivery” tricycle.

Take in the view of Downtown while sitting next to the “

” monument on the North Shore. This 10-foot bronze statue depicts Rogers sitting and tying his sneakers, just like in every episode. Music composed and sung by Rogers plays through speakers in the background, making you feel like it truly is a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

 of “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” on WQED, watch the documentary “

”, or catch Tom Hanks starring as Mister Rogers in the film “

.” And if you have a kiddo around, turn on “

You can find so many sweet gifts inspired by Mister Rogers at 

. Plus, Mix Candle Co. in Lawrenceville has a 

 that’s “cheerful, calming, and wonderfully familiar.”

OK, so unfortunately we don’t have trolleys anymore, but you can imagine going back in time on streetcar lines at the 

 in Washington, Pennsylvania. Or go to one of my favorite coffee spots, 

 in Bethel Park, and sip on a latte next to the old South Hills trolley parked outside the shop.

6. Learn About His Fight for Public Media

In 1969, Fred Rogers became public media's most famous defender when he testified in front of Congress, urging lawmakers not to cut $20 million in federal funding. Rogers shared the importance of television that nurtures and supports children's development. We can only imagine what Rogers would say about the state of public media today; the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is now 

 because of funding cuts from the Trump administration.

Mister Rogers and the Flight for Public Media

The North Side institution was recently named the number one children’s museum in the country by 

 on Mister Rogers’ birthday. See one of Fred’s 

, original puppets from the show, and more.

Rogers once said, "Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors." Perhaps the best way to celebrate this local hero is to carry out his mission of neighborly kindness and compassion.

Fun Facts About Mister Rogers' Sweaters

Celebrate the life and legacy of our favorite neighbor by visiting local landmarks, watching media, and spreading kindness.

The Best Ways to Honor Mister Rogers’ Birthday in Pittsburgh

8 Ways To Celebrate Mister Rogers’ Birthday in Pittsburgh

Megan Harris

City Cast Pittsburgh just hit a huge milestone — our 1,000th podcast episode! To celebrate, we're asking you to help us create a list of 1,000 things we love about living here. It could be anything from your go-to breakfast order to your favorite feral animals (real example) — or maybe it’s the way the lights twinkle on the Sister Bridges.

You can submit through the form below as many times as you like. We'll publish the list when it's finished.

, where you’ll have the chance to win $1,000 in gift cards to some of our favorite places around Pittsburgh.

Comment something you love about Pittsburgh (think: a neighborhood mural, a favorite hike, a special person who makes your day better, the skyline, etc.).

Share the post to your Insta story for a bonus entry.

⚠️ The social giveaway closes April 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

So sound off, Pittsburgh. What do you love about living here?

Help us make a list of 1,000 things we love about our city.

Share What You Love About Pittsburgh

Tell Us What You Love About Pittsburgh

At a time when we’re so glued to our phones (I bet that’s how you’re reading this right now), it’s good to slow down, put pen to paper, and get creative.

Whether you’re looking to send some snail mail or start a new journal, Pittsburgh has some ink-credible small businesses to fulfill all of your stationery needs.

, is as cute as its name. The stationery store sells goods made by Asian artists and small businesses — fun colored pens and highlighters, stamps of all shapes and sizes, notebooks for writing and drawing, greeting cards, art prints, stickers, and more. I circled the store at least a dozen times and found something new to admire on every lap. Keep tabs on their 

 for special events like mystery bag sales and matcha pop-ups.

’ stationery and gift store in Mt. Lebanon, you’ll find a wall lined with unique cards for all kinds of celebrations, funky note pads and pens, desk calendars, and journals of all colors. Plus, they carry a bunch of other gift items like puzzles, mugs, books, and candles. The store owner also operates 

, a local letterpress company that designs and prints greeting cards.

You could spend all day perusing the massive wall of greeting cards, racks of stationery and journals, and tons of cute writing materials at 

 in Lawrenceville — and that’s just a small section of what they carry. Check out tables stacked with 

 decor and gifts like neighborhood pennants, art prints with the three rivers, and an Andy Warhol soup can puzzle.

 carries everything you need to send a love note … and more! This paper shop along Carnegie’s business district has cards, notepads, wrapping material, and a variety of kitschy goods that make easy gifts. Don’t skip the big display of pencils with fun phrases like “

Can’t find what you need at a card shop? 

 in Squirrel Hill has all the tools for paper crafters: fine paper, notebooks, sketchpads, every type writing or drawing utensil, blockprinting materials, and more. The staff is super knowledgeable and can help you find what you need — or what you didn’t know you needed!

Where to shop for unique greeting cards, fine paper, writing materials, and more in Pittsburgh.

The Best Stationery Stores in Pittsburgh

5 Pittsburgh Stationery Shops for Cute Cards and More

The Spring Equinox is on March 20, and the Burgh is starting to bloom! Experience the change of seasons with maple syrup making, seed swaps, fish fries, art events, and more.

Scroll for these tips, and tune into the 

1. Get a Taste of Spring at Page’s Dairy Mart

Nothing says “spring is on its way” like Page’s opening day. The iconic South Side ice cream and comfort food spot will 

. Eating ice cream under a drippy bridge and basking in the old-school neon lights is an essential Pittsburgh experience. Order a special sundae, an Arctic Swirl, or a classic soft serve cone — and be on the lookout for Page’s new mobile ice cream truck this spring and summer!

2. Plan Your Garden at a Pittsburgh Seed Swap

 at Carnegie Library in Oakland on March 7 to share your seeds, pick up new ones, and learn tips from gardening experts. Every half hour, a new batch of seeds will be released, and guests who bring seeds are eligible for a raffle prize from Phipps Conservatory, Grow Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

these tips for starting a backyard garden

3. See Performances at Pittsburgh Fringe Festival

This annual festival is bringing together international, national, and local artists for a 

multi-genre celebration of art, March 19 to 28

. See more than 50 unique performances, such as stand-up comedy, live music, contemporary dance, true-life storytelling, and new twists on classic plays. Most events take place in the Bloomfield-Garfield area, but the festival is expanding into other neighborhoods a little bit more each year! Grab a festival pass for $150 or buy tickets to individual shows.

4. Meet Creators at the Pittsburgh Indie Expo

 highlights independent comic creators, zine makers, artists, small-press publishers, and indie game creators in the Pittsburgh region and beyond. Check out “PIE” at Heinz History Center on March 15 to browse vendors, hear panel talks from professionals, and try hands-on workshops. Whether you’re a fellow creative or a fan of illustrated arts, everyone can find inspiration at this free event.

There are plenty of fish to be fried during Lenten season in Pittsburgh — a time when locals rush to church basements, fire departments, and social clubs on Fridays to get a taste of this deep-fried delicacy. And you don’t need a god to enjoy the cod! Find your next meal 

6. Celebrate 25 Years of the Pittsburgh Glass Center

Pittsburgh is known for its history as a Steel Town, but we also have an interesting past as a glass producer. In the 1920s, 

 made in the U.S. came from the tri-state area.

That legacy lives on through places like the Pittsburgh Glass Center, where world-renowned glass artists gather to create and teach. Stop by to see the latest exhibit, 

Gathered Locally – 25 Years of Glass Art

, featuring work from more than 90 artists. And don’t miss a chance to watch live hot glass demos or 

7. Tap into Maple Syrup Season in Western PA

March is prime time for maple sugaring because the weather offers exactly what trees need to produce sap — nights with below-freezing temperatures and above-freezing days. Take a 

 at the Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve on March 14; enjoy a 

 at Buffalo Creek Nature Park on March 12 or 26; or take the whole family for a 

 at Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens on March 14.

You need to visit Butler Street — and no, I don’t mean in Lawrenceville. Across the river in Etna, you’ll find a new(ish) 

. Senza, formerly known for their pasta Wednesdays, is back in action through a new partnership with the crew at Bar Marco. Take a seat in the cozy candlelight, sip on a blend from their curated wine menu, and feast on a bowl of sourdough cavatelli.

9. See a Movie at the Japanese Film Festival

, returning March 13 to 26, is one of the most prominent Asian film festivals in the Rust Belt. Watch new and classic films at Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville throughout its two-week run. Look out for special events, like a screening of the new anime “Scarlet,” based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, that comes with a snack pack of Japanese-made treats.

10. Participate in the Pittsburgh Bike Swap

It’s getting warmer, which is a good time to pedal through Pittsburgh. Got old bikes, gear, or lightly-used items collecting dust? Woods Room Bike Park is hosting a 

, where you can buy, sell, trade, or chat about bikes with fellow riders. All table fees will go toward building a new 50,000-square-foot bike park in Larimer. Get some new gear, and help the team create a spot for year-round cycling fun!

March in Pittsburgh: seed swaps, maple syrup season, Fringe Fest, Pittsburgh Indie Expo, Page’s return, Japanese films, and more.

The Best Pittsburgh Events in March 2026

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in March 2026

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

Looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift for your favorite person? Or want to give yourself some love? We’ve got tips on our favorite Pittsburgh spa treatments below ⬇️

This is a small practice with just one massage therapist — Charlotte — and I have nothing but glowing reviews for them! Their space is so cozy, and Charlotte checked in with me throughout the session to make sure everything felt great. Take your pick from therapeutic, hot stones, or a pregnancy massage, or try a seasonal herbal bodywork treatment. Plus, Interwoven Wellness has a sliding scale for therapeutic massages, so if the $100 base price is too high for you, consider the $60-$90 option.

 with food from brothmonger. What could be better than unwinding with one of my favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh?

The head spa and blow dry bar offers scalp treatments, hair growth programs, and luxury blowouts. I went for 

, which comes with a scalp analysis, aromatherapy, light massages, and a classic dry and style. There's a small fee for thick or long hair like mine, and it's worth being honest so the stylist can treat you right. They'll also help you capture your experience (like before and after photos) if you're into that — the vibes are extremely social media friendly, and the halo hair washing situation feels as fun as it looks. They also offer bevvies before your service and while you get your style.

halotherapy room at Victory Float Lounge’s

 Sewickley location, aka “the salt room.” I imagine it’s like embracing your inner lizard in the best way.

With hot tubs, cold plunges, and several types of saunas, this wellness studio lets you choose your own 

. The sisters who run the space offer guidance to help you get the most out of your experience, but you're free to rotate through at whatever pace and in whatever order feels best to you. I especially loved the steam sauna, which instantly relieved the tension and soreness in my muscles. Drop in for an individual session, become a member, or check out 

. Getting wrapped in a cocoon of warm mud or exfoliated with a "frothy minty-lime lathering sugar scrub"? Sign me up!

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop to try all kinds of treatments, head to 

, located right along the Ohio River. I’m a regular here (but honestly, not as regular as I’d like to be!). Relax with a customized massage, alleviate muscle tension with cupping, improve circulation with acupuncture, find natural remedies with an herbal consult, and more. 

 to find a practitioner that best fits you, and be on the lookout for some exciting new offerings. On my last visit, staff said they’ll soon be adding float tanks!

. (Yes, it’s the same place, but I can’t hype them up enough.) If you’re nervous about needles or not sure about the cost, this is a more accessible and affordable option. Multiple patients are treated at the same time in a comfortable setting for a lower cost.

— Senior newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco

More Spa Ideas Here!

Relax with a full body massage, get a head spa treatment, or sink into a hot tub at these Pittsburgh self-care spots.

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