Hundreds of thousands of people are headed for the Burgh to attend NFL Draft festivities, April 23-25. But the party isn’t just on the North Shore draft stage — there are celebrations all throughout the city!
All of that fun inspired local influencer and coder Brenasia Ward-Caldwell to create a website (pghdraftweek.com) where you can find events all in one place. Hear her recommendations on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast, then scroll for some draft weekend highlights ⬇️
Tip: Download the NFL OnePass App. It’s your one-stop shop for check-ins, event schedules, maps, ticket management, transportation information, and accessing exclusive fan experiences.
The Plaza at North Shore Opening Party
April 22-25
Kick off festivities the day before the draft with a concert from hip-hop superstar Nelly at The Plaza at North Shore — then return on the weekend for performances by ground-breaking EDM DJ Steve Aoki and Grammy-winning hip-hop artist 2 Chainz. The new outdoor entertainment space is right across from PNC Park and features a fast-casual restaurant, SugarBird, serving fried chicken, donuts, and soft serve ice cream.
Taste of the Draft
April 22
Celebrate Pittsburgh’s culinary heritage and diversity with celebrity chef Andrew Zimmerman and more than 20 beloved local chefs at the Tower at PNC Plaza in Downtown. Taste of the Draft tickets are pricey, but the proceeds help to bring healthy food to PA schools. Plus, word is that some Steelers and NFL Legends will be there!
PicksBURGH Music Crawl
April 22
Local businesses and restaurants are hosting local performers for one massive music crawl around the city. Kick it off with the grand reopening of Market Square and music by DJ Arie Cole, NASH.VILL, and Big Jus & Steeltown Horns. Then march through Downtown to enjoy R&B and funk at August Wilson Center and jazz at Con Alma. Or venture to other neighborhoods for indie punk at The Government Center, reggae at Club Cafe, and pop rock at City Winery.
Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing
April 23-25
The new four-acre civic space in the Cultural District will make its debut with a free party for Pitt fans and football lovers. There will be food trucks, bars, a stage for live music, a gaming tent, vendors, and more — right along Fort Duquesne Boulevard with stunning views of the Allegheny River.
The Draft Experience
April 23-25
Point State Park will be home to a free fan festival all three days of the NFL Draft. Check out the Steelers Nation Unite Bar, an immersive fan cave modeled after a 1970s Pittsburgh basement, photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, oversized replicas of the team’s six Super Bowl rings, and a custom art installation honoring the Terrible Towel.
Cocoapreneur Market
April 23-25
Spread the love to small businesses! Head to the Pitt Building on Third Avenue to shop from some of Pittsburgh’s best Black artists and creators at a pop-up vendor market. It’s a collaboration between the Greenwood Plan and Cocoapreneur, a local Black business directory.
Slappers N Bangers Draft Party
April 23
Looking for a party? Slappers N Bangers will be spinning high-energy hip hop, R&B, and trap at Roxian Theater from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Come to dance with Arie Cole, DJ Shay, Solo Dolo, and Icy Pisces. The event is 21+, and a VIP package is available.
Draft Watch Party at The Finch
April 23
Take in the action with one of the best rooftop bar views in the city. The Finch at Distillery Complex on the South Side will have a draft livestream, a special themed menu, and draft tracking sheets so you can follow along. Have a group? Reserve a table to get a complimentary bottle of a ready-to-drink cocktail and a commemorative event item.
Draft Darty with love, Pittsburgh
April 25
Nothing says “iconic Pittsburgh" like a day in the Strip District. Close out NFL Draft festivities with love, Pittsburgh’s Draft Darty. Shop local, grab a Parma Sausage sandwich, dig into a football-shaped pizza, cool off with Millie’s Ice Cream, sip on an East End Brewing beer, and more. Plus, if you spend $50 or more in the gift shop, love, Pittsburgh will buy you a drink!
PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K
April 25
On the last day of the draft, locals and visitors can run or walk through the North Shore and Downtown in a PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K. The route will take racers across our iconic bridges and right into the heart of the action.
The NFL Draft campus stretches from the North Shore to Downtown. (VisitPITTSBURGH)
How To Get Around
🚎 By public transport: This is the easiest way to avoid traffic headaches and high parking costs. PRT is expanding service to include park-and-ride bus routes and more frequent light rail stops.
- Get unlimited rides all weekend with the $25 Draft Pass on the Ready2Ride app.
- Ride the T and Monongahela Incline for free, thanks to Sheetz.
🚗 By car: If you must drive, know that several streets in Downtown and on the North Shore will be closed to vehicle traffic. There are six phases of closures leading up to and after the event. Heads up: The city increased street parking fees to $5 per hour during the draft.
- See parking availability on the ParkPGH app.
- Book a spot in advance with ParkWhiz, SpotHero, and JustPark — or buy a four-day parking package at Rivers Casino for $500.
⛴️ By river: Once you’re in the event area, you can take the Gateway Clipper Fleet between Point State Park and the North Shore for free.
🚲 By bike: If you want to commute on two wheels, BikePGH has a handy guide with trails and a bike parking map.
👟 By foot: Similar to Pirates games, the Roberto Clemente Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic so pedestrians can get from the North Side to Downtown.
