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City Cast Pittsburgh

Kevin Gavin

Ten famous Pittsburghers were honored with bronze stars on the Walk of Fame in the Strip District last fall.

Test your knowledge on these famous locals, then 

Francesca Dabecco

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 

) where you can find events all in one place. 

 on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast, then scroll for some draft weekend highlights ⬇️

. It’s your one-stop shop for check-ins, event schedules, maps, ticket management, transportation information, and accessing exclusive fan experiences.

Kick off festivities the day before the draft with a concert from hip-hop superstar Nelly at 

 — 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.

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. 

 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!

Local businesses and restaurants are hosting local performers for 

. 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.

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.

 all three days of the NFL Draft. Check out the 

, 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.

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 

. It’s a collaboration between the Greenwood Plan and 

 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.

Take in the action with one of the best rooftop bar views in the city. 

 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.

Nothing says “iconic Pittsburgh" like a day in the Strip District. Close out NFL Draft festivities with 

. 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!

On the last day of the draft, locals and visitors can run or walk through the North Shore and Downtown in a 

. The route will take racers across our iconic bridges and right into the heart of the action.

This is the easiest way to avoid traffic headaches and high parking costs. PRT is expanding service to include 

 all weekend with the $25 Draft Pass on the 

 If you must drive, know that several streets in Downtown and on the North Shore will be closed to vehicle traffic. There are 

 leading up to and after the event. Heads up: The city increased street parking fees to 

Once you’re in the event area, you can take the Gateway Clipper Fleet between Point State Park and the North Shore for free.

Similar to Pirates games, the Roberto Clemente Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic so pedestrians can get from the North Side to Downtown.

Party for the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh with a music crawl, free fan festival in Point State Park, Slappers N Bangers dance party, Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing, and more.

What To Do During the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

Free Parties, Concerts and More NFL Draft Events in Pittsburgh

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

Pittsburgh’s vibrant food scene has received a lot of national attention in recent years, from 

Now, Pittsburgh is set to join a global culinary map. Michelin Guide, a prestigious restaurant rating system and guide, announced it’s 

, which includes Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis.

“This recognition will help attract new visitors, support local hospitality jobs, and strengthen Pittsburgh’s reputation as an exciting culinary destination for taste driven travelers,” VisitPITTSBURGH President and CEO Jerad Bachar said.

The selection is based on evaluations from anonymous dining experts 

: quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of cooking techniques, how the chef’s personality shines through their menu, and consistency across multiple visits. They eat at a restaurant as many times as it takes to get a grasp on a place — so look around, you might be dining next to a Michelin judge!

restaurants serve “exceptional cuisine that’s rich in flavor, remarkably executed and infused with the personality of a talented chef.”

 is given to restaurants that offer high quality food for a good value.

 honors restaurants that are “pioneers in mindful gastronomy.”

, but they don’t necessarily meet the Bib Gourmand criteria.

The restaurant selections for the American Great Lakes Region will be revealed at a ceremony sometime next year.

Post-Gazette dining critic Hal B. Klein recently told City Cast Pittsburgh that 

we don’t need to be part of the Michelin Guide

: “We should be Pittsburgh and be our own place.” (Were we clairvoyant with this episode, or what?)

The rubric for what qualifies a Michelin star is pretty strict. “It puts a certain type of restaurant, with an old school, generally Western European-based service at an advantage,” Klein said. 

Getting the Michelin Guide to come to town is also a big expense, often paid for by a city’s tourism department. 

 that it cost Houston $90,000 per year to join the guide, and Atlanta 

What Pittsburgh restaurant should get a star?

 have name-dropped spots like Pusadee’s Garden, Fet-Fisk, Apteka, One by Spork, Dish Osteria, and Morcilla.

Others say we just don’t hit the mark. 

 “No restaurants here operate on a Michelin star level. That's not an indictment of the service anyone provides here, it's just not a game anyone here plays.”

 (because of the strict criteria) but should still be on everyone's list? Amazing Dumplings, Dish, Tasty Noodle, and Ramen King 2.

"All of those places serve food that's incredibly delicious and prepared from scratch with care,” he said.

Pittsburgh Michelin Star Restaurant

Tell Us: What Restaurant Should Get A Star?

The prestigious restaurant guide is expanding to the Great Lakes region, including Pittsburgh. What restaurants should get a Michelin Star?

What Pittsburgh Restaurant Will Get a Michelin Star?

The Michelin Guide is Coming to Pittsburgh. How Does it Work?

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Pittsburgh. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Pittsburgh Food & Drink

Food & Drink

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

⏪ Looking for a previous Pittsburgh crossword? Find it here:

A crossword puzzle all about Pittsburgh news and fun facts.

Can You Fill Out This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle?

Try This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle

What Pittsburghers have been wondering. We break down why things in Pittsburgh are the way they are and how they work.

Pittsburgh, Explained

Pittsburgh has so many delectable dishes to try on any given day, but there’s something special about snagging some nosh from a pop-up spot. It’s like going on a treasure hunt. The reward could be anything from droolworthy pizza to melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Track down these pop-ups (not food trucks) for delicious bites and bevs around the Burgh.

Taste the bold and rich flavors of Malaysian cuisine with 

, often set up at Novo Asian Food Hall. Order something savory like rendang pot pie or chili pan mee, wash it down with a cendol slushie, and get some treats to go like pandan cake and cornflake clusters. Tip: My favorite is the cashew cookies. They are so buttery and just the right amount of sweet!

While we wait for this deep dish pizza spot to open in Lawrenceville, there’s still a way to get their pie — and dessert! 

 in Lawrenceville on “Tiramisu Tuesdays.” And they’ve added something new to the mix: Test Kitchen Mondays, a totally take-out pop-up out of The Vandal. Make sure to get in your order on Fridays. It’s pre-sale only!

Green tea fans must try the creamy, dreamy drinks from 

, from boutique shops to vintage markets. Look for speciality matcha latte flavors like coconut cream, strawberry, and banana bread. If you’re lucky, you might find a dessert, like 

 Luncheonette in Bloomfield? They were famous for farm-fresh ingredients and stellar soups, sandwiches, and pastries. The restaurant lives on today as a pop-up — and you don’t want to miss their 

 at Nancy’s Revival in Wilkinsburg. Menu items include pesto buccatini, arancini, Caesar salad, and chocolate cake with apricot jam.

I thought nothing could replace the hole in my heart left by the closure of Bae Bae’s Kitchen in Downtown — until I ate 

. The all-vegetarian Korean pop-up serves hearty bowls of japchae and bibimbap, side dishes like pickled radish and kimchi, and more. Find them at markets and festivals, and look out for future 

Get Malaysian goodies, deep dish pizza, veggie-packed Korean bowls, creamy matcha drinks, and more at these Pittsburgh pop-ups.

5 Favorite Food and Drink Pop-Ups in Pittsburgh

5 Food and Drink Pop-Ups Worth Tracking Down in Pittsburgh

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

The north end of Point Breeze feels like a working-class neighborhood, but it was once the home of Pittsburgh’s wealthiest families. In the middle of the community is Westinghouse Park — formerly entrepreneur George Westinghouse’s estate. That property, along with the lawn of Henry J. Heinz, was transformed into a green space in 1918. You can still see Heinz’s original carriage house (now the 

 apartment building), the stone wall that surrounded the estate, and a decorative iron fence along Penn Avenue.

Spend a day exploring shops, getting creative, and finding tasty eats in Point Breeze North ⬇️

Commonplace Coffee has several locations around the city, but this spot in 

 — a former industrial site turned eight-building campus — is by far the roomiest. It has plenty of space for remote work or catching up with friends. Look for latte specials, treats like muffins and scones, and local art displays. And keep an eye out for pop-up events in Rockwell Park, like 

If you’re passionate about the environment, organic food, and supporting local businesses, grab your reusable tote bag and head to 

. It’s been around for more than 40 years, and you can find lots of local goods, as well as bulk items like beans, flour, spices, and more. Become a member to support the store and get discounts, or 

 like cheese tastings, game nights, and craft workshops.

Looking for specialty items? Just a skip away from the Co-Op, you’ll find Pittsburgh’s newest Asian grocery, 

. Aisles upon aisles are stacked with every kind of rice, noodle, sauce, and spice. Freezer sections are packed with ready-to-go eats (I’m a big fan of the japchae mandu). A seafood and meat counter make dinners feel fresh. And if you’re not up for cooking, stop by the hot bar. Don’t forget to treat yourself on the way out with a salty snack, a fresh sweet bun, or something refreshing from the homemade ice cream and juice bar.

 is a center for salvaged, reclaimed, and repurposed materials — there’s even a section dedicated to toilets, which, to me, looks like a graveyard for Pittsburgh potties. It’s a great place to find small home project items like tile, light fixtures, or hardware. Construction Junction is also a drop-off recycling site. Find out what 

If you prefer crafting over construction, swing around back to the 

. It’s like a garage sale, your grandma’s sewing stash, and the clearance aisle in an old Pat Catan’s, all combined into one. Stop by to see a gallery from the 

Find coffee, creative reuse, and specialty groceries in Pittsburgh's Point Breeze North neighborhood.

Things To Do in Point Breeze North

Get To Know Point Breeze North

Everything to know about Pittsburgh neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

City Cast Pittsburgh is a free daily podcast and newsletter made for Pittsburghers, by Pittsburghers.

We speak to what matters here — with real questions, sharp curation, and a point of view that comes from living alongside you. From big civic debates to the best things to do this weekend, if Pittsburgh is talking about it, we probably are, too.

 is where it all comes together: a smart, funny, relatable conversation that helps you make sense of the news, the mood, and the moments shaping Pittsburgh right now. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Youtube, or wherever you get your favorite shows.

 is your daily reset. In five minutes, you’re caught up on what’s happening, attuned to daily events and volunteer opportunities, and you'll always know the best new restaurant or coffee shop to try next.

📱 You can also find us on social, including Facebook, 

Together, they’re a simple way to stay in sync with your city and be the kind of neighbor 

💛 We share Pittsburgh pride — and gripes!

 the Steelers win? Will Bob Nutting ever 

East Coast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, or Appalachia

Get tools, toys, instruments and more with 

🔥 We help you discover the best of the city

Email convention: first name dot last name @ citycast.fm

Francesca Dabecco, senior newsletter editor

City Cast is an experiment — an effort by Graham Holdings in 13 cities (and counting!) to figure out how to make on-demand local news sustainable and help people feel more connected to the city where they live.

Readers and listeners can help us stick around by becoming a Neighbor and joining our 

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Stay in the Know with City Cast Pittsburgh

Ten famous Pittsburghers were honored with bronze stars on the Walk of Fame in the Strip District last fall.

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