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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

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 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

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

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 

 at Kelly Strayhorn Theater; nostalgic music from the 

 jazz and comedy showcase at Bottlerocket Social Hall; a drag variety show at 

Get cozy during dark winter nights with the flickering flame of a sweet-scented candle. Visit 

 in East Allegheny for the “Jolly Jagoff” and “Christmas Cookie Table” duo pack. Or shop the Chalet Collection by 

, with warming scents like cinnamon and rosemary.

Life-size snowglobes, over-the-top decor, festive cocktails, and so much more — that’s what you can find at 

. Whether you want to sip a spicy spirit by the fire, cheers under twinkly lights, or go on an immersive bar tour, we’ve got your night out 

Combat cold weather fatigue with a nourishing breakfast in the Burgh. One of my favorite spots for comfort food is 

 in Allegheny West. Take a pal and order both a savory and sweet dish to split. You won’t want to skip their stack of johnnycakes or homemade biscuits and gravy. Get more meal inspiration with the City Cast Pittsburgh team’s 

The winter blues are hard to fight in Pittsburgh. Be kind to yourself with a day of pampering. Start with a warm cup from the 

. Then book a therapeutic experience, like a sauna, hot tub, or cold plunge with 

 in Lawrenceville or Sewickley; or Babesburgh’s 

A group of artists are sharing what it means to be Appalachian in a new exhibit at 

; the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh is hosting an art sale for the organization’s 

; and local creatives are drawing inspiration from a famous muralist for a show at 

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

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