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City Cast Pittsburgh

Francesca Dabecco

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

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

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

Sophia Lo

Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney will be teeming with fans of Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog on Monday, eager to see the critter’s weather prediction. The holiday’s roots go back to 

, marking the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox — but it has since taken on a life (and lore) of its own.

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club asserts that Phil's predictions are accurate. Gov. Josh Shapiro even named him the "

But how accurate is he, really? The National Centers for Environmental Information 

, and over the last 10 years, Phil only got it right 30% of the time.

 so the groundhog can spend his life at a sanctuary. This year, they suggested a giant hologram of a groundhog instead. While those ideas might not draw crowds like Phil, we're sad to say that a coin toss would have better odds at letting us know if spring is on its way.

Groundhogs do not speak English, so how does Phil let us know whether to expect more dreary weather or an early spring? In 2023, we 

, A.J. Dereume, who explained that only the president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club can interpret “Groundhogese.”

The president of the club gets this power through an ancient wood cane, which is passed down from the previous president. So assuming that Phil has never been wrong, we can only conclude that a faulty weather prediction comes from human error and mistranslation.

Phil’s been hard at work predicting forecasts for over a hundred years, and he’ll never retire. Literally. He 

 to extend his life, but the real kicker is that his wife, Phyliss, doesn’t get to sip on this magical concoction. What will happen when Phyliss goes to the big groundhog burrow in the sky? 💔 #KeepPhilAndPhylissTogether

. If you’re in town and would like to visit, there are two viewing areas to Phil's Burrow: one inside the library and one outside. Don’t forget to stop by 

What you didn't know about Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog.

4 Fun Facts About Punxsutawney Phil for Groundhog Day

Get to know the natural side of Pittsburgh: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Pittsburgh Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

Looking out for your neighbors’ safety can be as simple as looking down.

 is building a network of volunteers to document risky sections of our city’s walkways. The collaborative project is led by BikePGH, Access Mob, and Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure.

“It’s really about equity,” says Seth Bush, Advocacy Manager at BikePGH. “We’re looking at the distribution of the quality of our sidewalks and how we can connect neighborhoods to resources more effectively.”

The crew’s observations will be used to assess sidewalk conditions throughout our 90 neighborhoods and help the city create long-term plans for upgrades.

This planning, Bush says, is essential to 

. A 2024 report from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows that 

 in the U.S. happened in locations without a sidewalk.

“This program works best when volunteers report from their neighborhood. They know it best.” Bush says. “We have a lot of ground to cover, and we need a lot of people.”

Discover what makes sidewalks safe and accessible 

. Attendees will learn how to report sidewalk issues through a form where users can easily log a concern by noting the location and uploading a picture.

If you don’t see a training date that works for you, contact 

 and they’ll coordinate a session. Once trained, you can submit reports from anywhere in the city.

If you want to connect with more crew members, be sure to look out for neighborhood-wide “blitz” efforts on 

. Note: Training isn’t required before attending one of these events; you’ll get a crash course and a partner to walk with.

Pittsburgh Walks can also train volunteer groups, such as clubs and workplace teams. Reach out to 

Disability advocate and Access Mob Pittsburgh Director Alisa Grishman 

 — but especially wheelchair users like herself.

“In a world that has great sidewalks, sliding doors, and ramps, I wouldn’t be disabled; I’d be able to get everywhere just the same as someone who is currently able-bodied. It’s the world that creates the disability, not my chair.”

Stay engaged by following organizations like 

, and reporting all kinds of neighborhood 

Help make Pittsburgh more accessible by reporting sidewalk issues from anywhere in the city.

How You Can Help To Make Pittsburgh Safer for Pedestrians

How To Join Pittsburgh’s Safe Sidewalks Crew

Tips and tricks for living your best Pittsburgh life, by locals, for locals.

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

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

If you need inspiration, check out curated recommendations in our 

🎄 Bring Fun Facts To Your Festive Gatherings

Do you love Pittsburgh holiday traditions? 

, then impress your friends and family with some very merry fun facts.

🥂 Get in the Holiday Spirit at Pop-Up Bars

. There’s over-the-top decor, themed drinks, entertainment, fun photo opportunities, and more. Check the hours of each spot. A bunch are open through the beginning of January.

✨ Tour Some of Pittsburgh’s Best Light Displays

Want to see thousands of twinkling lights? How about the largest Christmas tree in PA? Or would you prefer an immersive walk-through? Find some bright spots during the dark winter days with these 

🍿 Watch the Best Pittsburgh(ish) Holiday Movies

Whether you want to see a Pittsburgh-born actor play a snowman or find cool Pittsburgh cameos, 

there’s something on this holiday film list

From white tablecloth dining to vibey bar atmospheres, say goodbye to 2025 with one of these 

🥨 Get Good Luck With Pittsburgh New Year’s Pretzels

This sweet dessert-like bread is a German-American novelty and is said to bring good luck. You can get it in a variety of flavors, like apricot, cinnamon, and raspberry, at 

Get recommendations for the best places to go 

 and more, plus tips for staying warm and finding affordable winter gear.

Make the most of the end of 2025 with holiday festivities, winter activities, and Pittsburgh traditions.

How To Spend The End of the Year in Pittsburgh

Your Guide To Wrapping Up 2025 in Pittsburgh

Find light during the dark winter days with these joyful Pittsburgh holiday displays.

Prepare to be dazzled by floral masterpieces at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden’s “Wild Winter” exhibit. The annual show features seasonal blooms like amaryllis, orchids, and poinsettias alongside stunning holiday decor — including this year’s special undersea display with an octopus chandelier. Bring a warm coat! You won’t want to miss the radiant Winter Light Garden.

Stroll through more than three million twinkling lights, admire the tallest Christmas tree in the state, catch some thrills on rides, and enjoy festive food and drink. The Gingerbread Junction area is perfect for families with light shows synced to holiday songs and character meet and greets.

See inside five spectacularly decorated homes in the Lake Macleod area of Gibsonia while enjoying live performances by symphony musicians at each stop along the way. This harmonious holiday house tour benefits the Pittsburgh Symphony Association.

Tuesday through Sunday, Nov. 22 – Jan. 4

See The Frick’s Clayton mansion decked out for the holidays with a special seasonal tour. While you’re admiring bows of holly and ornate tablescapes, guides will share how the holidays were celebrated by different groups in Pittsburgh during the Gilded Age, including the Frick family and their staff.

Walk the decorated path at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium to see sparkling lights and an array of ornate silk lanterns — some taking the shape of your favorite wild animals and holiday symbols. Expect to see displays of penguins, polar bears, trees, candy canes, and more winter wonderment.

Embark on a two-mile holiday walking tour in Downtown — from the city’s gingerbread house display to the ice rink in PPG Plaza. Learn fun facts from Walk the Burgh's expert guide, see sparkling holiday lights, and dine out on a discount with the tour’s partnering restaurants.

Dazzling Nights at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

Grab a warm drink at the welcome center to sip while you venture through this immersive light display including a star tunnel, stained glass windows, mirror ball snowmen, larger-than-life ornaments, and more.

During the darkest months of the year, the entire neighborhood becomes a glowing destination. Enjoy large light projections, holiday trees at Carnegie Museum of Art, dinner in a private heated igloo at the Oaklander Hotel, and more.

See the best of this Allegheny River borough with a self-guided holiday home tour. Afterwards, enjoy a reception at Amanda Lee Glassware and get some shopping done at a local vendor market.

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