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City Cast Pittsburgh

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

⏪ 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 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

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

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

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 

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

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