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 ⬇️
Don’t forget to tune into the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast for even more recommendations from the team.
1. Admire Pink Blooms Around the City
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. Here’s where to find them.
City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors get exclusive swag at the event. Sign up here! (City Cast Pittsburgh)
2. Celebrate 412 Day With City Cast Pittsburgh
We’re hosting our first 412 Day, 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?
"Time to Endure" by Ron Copeland in the Collective Energies exhibit. (Courtesy of PCA&M)
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 opening on April 3, or swing by the Shadyside campus during business hours through May 17.
The Government Center (one of my faves) will be hosting bands and musicians all day long. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
4. Score Some Tunes on Record Store Day
Celebrate this annual global event on April 18 by checking out exclusive releases and deals at Pittsburgh indie record shops like The Government Center in East Allegheny, Rosie’s Records in Lawrenceville, Attic Record Store in Millvale, Jerry’s Records in Squirrel Hill, and Vinyl Remains in Mt. Lebanon. Keep the music love going at a local band merch marketplace at Jackworth Ginger Beer in Larimer. There will be live music, T-shirts and records for sale, and tasty drinks.
Bodega Film Lab is part vintage shop, part film lab. They offer film processing, film and document scanning, VHS digitizing, and more services. (Courtesy of Bodega Film Lab)
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. Friends, Fam & Film 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.
Discover more spring pop-up markets. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
6. Find Gems at Spring Pop-Up Markets
There are lots of ways to shop from talented local makers this April. One of the most unique opportunities is Spring Haus, 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? Keep shopping with these spring markets.
There’s always something on display inside the Frick Environmental Center. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
7. Get Inspired By Nature at Frick Environmental Center
The education hub at Frick Park is celebrating its 10th anniversary 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.
The Croatian artist's work is known as his “Gift to America.” (Courtesy of Save Maxo Vanka)
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 Vanka Block Party on April 19 for food, music, art making, tours, and more.
Tofu banh mi from Blue Sparrow food truck. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
9. Dig in at VegFair
The folks behind the plant-powered summer event, VegFest, are hosting a spring party called VegFair 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!
Make sure you know how to get around during draft weekend. (Megan Harris / City Cast Pittsburgh)
10. Party for the NFL Draft
Hundreds of thousands of people are coming to Pittsburgh to party April 23-25! Get in on the free fun in your own backyard with the Draft Theater on the North Shore, a fan festival at Point State Park, and lots of other community events — like Taste of the Draft at PNC Plaza, Pitt Block Party at the new Arts Landing, and NFL Draft Music Crawl at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
