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City Cast Pittsburgh

Francesca Dabecco

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

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

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

There’s a new bus tour in town, and it’s hitting up important landmarks in Pittsburgh’s Black history — from a famous playwright’s house to a legendary newspaper office. Hop on Culturvate Enterprise's 

 tour through the Hill District on Feb. 28.

Can’t make it? Learn about our city’s Black trailblazers, activists, artists, and athletes year-round with the guide below ⬇️

1. Hear the ‘Sound of the Steel City’

For over seven decades, the radio station WAMO was the rhythm and voice of the Black community, and a new documentary is sharing its cultural impact on Pittsburgh. See exclusive interviews, rare archival footage, and stories from the station's top talent and community leaders at the premiere of “

Fun fact: WAMO initially started as “WHOD” — where Homestead native 

 became the first Black female disc jockey in the nation.

Renowned Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson, who died in 2005, is best known for his series of 10 plays called the “

” — each set in a different decade of the twentieth century, and all but one set in Pittsburgh. Today, you can find his legacy preserved at the 

 in Crawford-Roberts. The restored 1840s home isn’t just a museum; it's a creative hub for theatrical productions, art exhibitions, literary workshops, and more.

 on May 9, featuring musical performances, vendors, food trucks, and tours of the house.

3. See an Exhibit at the August Wilson Center

August Wilson’s childhood home isn’t the only place to learn about his legacy. Visit the 

August Wilson African American Cultural Center

 in Downtown to see The Writer’s Landscape, a 3,600-square-foot exhibit exploring the people and places of Pittsburgh that shaped Wilson and his work.

It’s also a center for Black art, like music, dance, theater, and film programs, as well as educational activities like lectures and writing workshops. Stop in to see the latest exhibit, 

4. Explore the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum

Pittsburgh was once a powerhouse for Negro League baseball, with teams like the 

 and Pittsburgh Crawfords. Some players even wore uniforms for both teams— like 

, who’s considered the greatest hitter in baseball history. See this history on display with a short film, memorabilia, and a virtual tour of the Hill District’s Greenlee Field.

White you’re at the Heinz History Center: Stop by the 

 exhibit to learn about the history of enslavement and the anti-slavery movement, plus the impact of 19th-century activism on the modern quest for civil rights in Pittsburgh.

5. Pour Through the ‘Teenie’ Harris Archives

Carnegie Museum of Art holds more than 75,000 negatives shot by Charles “Teenie” Harris, a legendary local photographer best known for capturing the Black experience during the 20th century. On display, you’ll find pictures of everything from ordinary life in Pittsburgh to visiting stars like jazz great Duke Ellington. 

6. Reflect at Freedom Corner in the Hill District

 has been the site of community resistance and the starting point for social justice marches. In 1963, 2,000 Pittsburghers gathered there before departing for Washington, DC to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech. Five years later, locals met at that very same spot for a march following his assasination.

 to make room for the Civic Arena, residents stood at this intersection to demand that “urban renewal” stop there. By then, thousands of families and businesses had been forced out of their neighborhood. A monument honoring their activism and the site's significance was dedicated in 2001.

Today, the site continues to live on as a place for rallies, protests, and parades.

7. Uncover the Story of Freedom House Ambulance

In the 1960s, a trailblazing group of Black men from the Hill District became the nation's very first paramedics, revolutionizing emergency healthcare in the U.S. Listen to our 

 of “American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America’s First Paramedics.” Or watch the 

 “Freedom House Ambulance: The First Responders.”

Learn about Pittsburgh’s Black trailblazers, activists, artists, and sports teams at these local landmarks.

Celebrate Black History in Pittsburgh at These Landmarks and Cultural Spaces

7 Ways To Learn About Black History in Pittsburgh

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

Pittsburgh, Explained

Megan Harris

Looking for a star-studded night out? The Oscars are coming up on March 15, and many of Pittsburgh's indie theaters are hosting special screenings so you can catch up before the big award day.

City Cast Pittsburgh's Megan Harris sat down with Josh Axelrod, founding member of the 

, to talk about local connections to Oscar-nominated films and the best places to watch the nominees ⬇️

The 200-seat theater in Downtown regularly shows a mix of contemporary, classic, independent, and foreign films — and often movies you can’t find anywhere else. Between Feb. 20-26, moviegoers can catch Oscar-nominated 

 Feb. 20-26. See fantastic true stories, expertly animated shorts, and dramatic live-action productions, all running under 40 minutes. Tip: Swing by 

 next door to get beer, wine, or craft sodas. Row House lets you take them into the theater!

Row House Lawrenceville’s sister theater in Dormont is 

 Feb. 20-26, along with one-off showings of feature films in February and March. Step inside this refurbished historic playhouse, complete with a 400-seat main theater. Want to see them all? Buy the 

This Sewickley theater is playing Best Picture nominees, including “

.” Look out for Oscar-nominated shorts showtimes on their website, too.

Movie buff? Participate in an Oscars contest!

 The person who makes the most accurate predictions — and gets best picture correct — will win free films for the rest of the year. Pick up and return an 

Want to know what the critics are saying? 

 on Feb. 15. Arts journalists and movie experts will give their takes on some of the hottest pictures of the year.

While it’s great to support indie movie theaters, going to the commercial theaters is more than acceptable too. Both 

 are hosting Oscar movie specials at their locations across the Pittsburgh area.

Catch some of the best films of the year at Harris Theater, Row House Lawrenceville, Row House Hollywood, The Lindsay Theater, and more.

The Best Places To See Award-Nominated Movies in Pittsburgh

Where To Watch Oscar-Nominated Films in Pittsburgh

Fridays are where it’s at in February. Go on an art crawl, dig into a savory sando, get a guided museum tour, or ditch the romance for some spooky Friday the 13th fun. Scroll for 

, like Valentine’s markets and a new romance bookstore.

Show love to a partner, friend, or family member while also spreading the love to local businesses and makers. Shop from over 100 vendors selling jewelry, art, pottery and more at 

, Feb. 7 at The Block Northway. Or heat things up at the 

, an adult-only vintage and maker event, Feb. 7 at Spirit.

 make a homemade gift? WorkshopPGH is hosting a 

, Feb. 8 inside the historic Wilkinsburg Train Station.

If you can’t make it to these pop-up events, stop by 

Don’t skip a chance to get one of my favorite sandwiches in town. Find the 

 food truck at Trace Brewing every Friday in February, offering fluffy, indulgent sandwiches and cozy bowls of tantanmen-style ramen. It’s the perfect pairing with a craft brew. Every sando (the Japanese nickname for sandwich) is made with pillowy milk bread, katsu-style meat or veggies, cabbage, green onions, and a tangy, sweet sauce.

2. Visit Phipps’ ‘Blooming With Love’ Flower Show

Pretend you’re somewhere tropical with a stroll through 

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

. The latest show features rare orchids, meticulously-grown bonsai, and art-filled landscapes with vibrant colors. Don’t miss the 8-foot orchid tower, a neon pink “Love” sign, and a romantically-decorated gazebo in the Palm Court.

Feeling the love for Valentine's Day? Get your hands on a sappy or steamy novel from 

, Pittsburgh’s new romance-only bookstore in Lawrenceville. Or shop from local book sellers at the 

 at Velum Fermentation Feb. 7. The event includes bookmark making, bookish tattoos, and local vendors.

Looking for some new literary friends? Check out the 

 Feb. 9 at Trace Brewing. Whether you like imaginative science fiction or a thrilling mystery, there’s a club for you.

Twenty of Pittsburgh’s best musicians are coming together for a concert at 

 Feb. 16. The local bands you love get mixed up to form all new groups, and they have just one week to come up with songs before taking the stage together. Expect to hear covers and originals.

6. Tour the Clemente Museum on 21+ Nights

Learn about the legacy of this barrier-breaking Pirates star on special 

 in February. The Lawrenceville museum has an impressive collection of photographs and artifacts from Roberto Clemente’s life on and off the field: game series rings, game-worn uniforms, documents from his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, and more. A $30 ticket gets you admission and a glass of Engine House 25 Wine.

7. Get Excited for the Unblurred Arts Crawl

On the first Friday of each month, Bloomfield and Garfield teem with art displays, live performances, local vendors, and more. The arts crawl takes place along Penn Avenue, but organizers are excited to expand.

This month, they’re unveiling a strategic plan for the Penn Avenue Arts & Commercial District. It’ll bring together more restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops to cement this section of the East End as an arts and culture hub.

Artists and art fans can mix, mingle, and learn more about the plan 

8. Make Friends with Pittsburgh Social Health

Looking to pick up a new hobby or plug into a local organization? The 

 is hosting the ultimate “try-it-all” day, Feb. 21 at Velum Fermentation. Expect to see social clubs, community organizations, craft groups, nonprofits, and more. It’s free and open to all ages.

9. Celebrate Pittsburgh’s Black History & Jazz Legacy

Between the 1930s and 1950s, the Hill District was the heart of Pittsburgh’s jazz scene, featuring performances from local legends like 

, Lena Horne, Earl "Fatha" Hines, Billy Strayhorn, and Billy Eckstine. While many landmarks are gone, the jazz legacy lives on at bars, clubs, and cultural spaces all over town. Check out 

10. Join Pittsburgh’s Friday the 13th Club

Friday the 13th is happening three times this year, including this month, and there’s a 

club dedicated to celebrating the unlucky day

. In 1882, Pittsburghers formed the Thirteen Club, focused on dispelling the number’s bad rap. Dark History PGH has since resurrected the club, hosting a series of spooky events and walking tours. Ditch the romance and get creepy with the club at 

February in Pittsburgh: Valentine’s markets, a book club fair, Clemente Museum tours, Steel City Super Jam, and Friday the 13th events.

The Best February Events in Pittsburgh 2026

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in February 2026

Keep the winter blues at bay with tasty drinks (and no hangover!), Pittsburgh features on TV, a popular vintage festival, local history brought to life on stage, cozy cold-weather activities, and more.

, Pittsburgh’s nonalcoholic beverage shop, is pouring over with sober drink options — from seltzers and spirits to beers and wines. Owner Mel Babitz and the team can guide you through hundreds of options to find 

, whether you want a bev that tastes like beer or wine or a “functional” drink with mood-enhancing or energizing ingredients.

 now has a brick-and-mortar bringing fresh, hand-rolled bagels to Bloomfield. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of bakery featuring breakfast sandwiches, customizable cream cheese spreads, and toppings galore. Tip: Go early! It was all sold out by late morning when I stopped by on a Sunday.

Millvale is channeling Hygge, the Danish art of cozy, with 

 throughout the borough on Jan. 10. Start at 

 for a cozy herbal blend. Then mosey through a couple of blocks to find more than 30 businesses and practitioners offering sessions in yoga, massage, facial, sound healing, tarot, and more. Want more? Keep the self-care going at the 

4. Spot Local Scenes in Season 2 of ‘The Pitt’

 medical drama, partially filmed in Pittsburgh, is back for its 

. We can’t wait to see shots of gorgeous Pittsburgh skylines, Dr. Robby commuting through the North Side, and local Easter eggs only yinzers will know — all of which almost makes the blood and gore worth the watch 😉

It’s a good time to turn a new page — literally. Build up your TBR pile with new reads from Pittsburgh’s 

. If you’re not sure where to start, check out some local book clubs. Stay Gold Books in Regent Square has a 

, including a Sunday Morning Salon where you can meet over coffee to talk about inspiring nonfiction reads.

6. Visit The Black Photojournalism Exhibit

January is the last month to see the documentary work by nearly 60 photographers across the United States — including Pittsburgh’s own Charles “Teenie” Harris — at Carnegie Museum of Art’s 

. Inside the Heinz Galleries, you’ll find snapshots of historic events and daily life, chronicling everything from the end of World War II to the Civil Rights movement.

7. Scour for Gems at Totally Rad Vintage Fest

This traveling festival celebrates everything from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and Y2K! Shop racks of vintage fashion, find throwback accessories and memorabilia, play free arcade games, and more on 

8. Get Nostalgic at Found Footage Festival

This live comedy show unearths bizarre and hilarious VHS footage with commentary by Joe Pickett (The Onion) and Nick Prueher (Late Show with David Letterman). Hang out at Bottlerocket Social Hall in Allentown on Jan. 22, and take in the weird and wonderful video catalog at 

9. See the Origin Story of Freedom House Ambulance

Prime Stage Theatre is sharing the history of Freedom House Ambulance, the country’s first emergency medical service created in the Hill District in 1967. Its all-Black paramedic crew, led by Pitt professor and “father of CPR” Dr. Peter Safar, paved the way for the 911 system we use today. 

 at New Hazlett Theater, Jan. 23 through Feb. 1.

10. Play & Explore at The Frick’s Winterfest

 Jan. 17 and 18. Watch glass-blowing demonstrations, go on a scavenger hunt, enjoy a winter sound bath concert, and warm up at the hot chocolate bar. Don’t skip the open house at 

, the former home of industrialist Henry Clay Frick and his family.

January in Pittsburgh: sober cocktails, new bagels, Hygge activities, local books, “The Pitt” season 2 premiere, a vintage fest, and more.

The Best Events in Pittsburgh January 2026

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in January 2026

Wrap up 2025 in Pittsburgh with local shopping, festive performances, cozy food and self-care, new art exhibits, and more moments of cheer.

Whether you want to go on a mesmerizing light experience, a house tour that’ll make you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie, or a winter floral adventure, there’s a 

Pittsburgh display that’ll dazzle you this holiday season.

Sign, seal, and deliver a little love with locally-made holiday cards, like creations from 

. Need more options? Browse the colorful display of stationary at 

 in Lawrenceville, pictured above, or visit these 

Eat Your Way Through the Lawrenceville Cookie Tour

Participate in this sweet, decades-long tradition of tasting cookies and shopping all over the neighborhood, Dec. 13-14. Don’t forget to grab a map and look for gift-wrapping stations along Butler Street. Bonus: Find more treats at Flour Power’s 

When you buy from small Pittsburgh creators, 

 for the local economy. Get all of your shopping done in one day with hundreds of makers at Handmade Arcade, spend a full day shopping and exploring at the first-ever South Side Winterfest, or find an event close to you with my list of 

Enjoy a laugh-out-loud, Pittsburgh-style parody of everyone’s favorite holiday disaster with Midnight Radio Lampoon’s 

December in Pittsburgh: Maker markets, festive light displays, holiday pop-up bars, seasonal performances, a cookie tour, and more.

art

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