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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

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

The Steelers are already planning for their next arena, Allegheny County Executive 

Sara Innamorato confirmed to City Cast Pittsburgh

Public funding for sports arenas can be controversial. Supporters see it as an investment in civic pride and economic development; critics say it's an expensive subsidy for already wealthy people. And teams sometimes threaten to leave their host cities to add extra pressure to negotiations.

The Steelers are privately owned by the Rooney family, who founded the team in Pittsburgh in 1933. Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) cost 

 when it opened in 2001. Voters at the time rejected a plan to help pay for the arena via a sales tax, but around 

 — paid for through a mix of regional taxes and ticket sales — including seat replacements and eventually a new field. Some of this is related to the upcoming NFL Draft, but fully replacing Acrisure or nearby PNC Park could cost over $1 billion.

, host Megan Harris asked Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato what she's heard about whether the Steelers could ask for something bigger soon.

Here’s a snippet from their conversation:

 Have the Steelers talked to you about a public funding mechanism for a new stadium? Because the lease is up after the 2030 season, which means the time is probably nigh for them to start talking about this sort of thing.

Yeah. We remain in constant communication about that.

 It was very controversial last time. Are we gonna give public funding for that? What do you think?

 We remain in constant conversation and negotiation around that.

 OK. They're gonna want a roof, 'cause we really want a Super Bowl. They've been talking about that for like 50 years.

 Yeah. I mean, if someone from the private sector wants to pay for that, godspeed.

Innamorato on ICE, the NFL Draft & more

The Steelers are already planning for their next arena, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato confirmed to City Cast Pittsburgh.

Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Get a New Football Stadium?

Will Pittsburgh Build A New Football Stadium?

 Test your knowledge of local history and current events. 🗓️

⏮️ Looking for a previous Hey Pittsburgh news quiz? Find it here:

💥 Pop quiz, Pittsburgh! What movie was filmed at Monroeville Mall?

Test Your Pittsburgh Knowledge With This Trivia Quiz

How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz!

Pittsburgh is in its glow up era. The city is getting 

 in public and private investment ahead of the 

 for areas like Market Square, Point State Park, and the Cultural District. But a bunch of other museums and attractions are seeing (seemingly unrelated) boosts, too. Here’s a rundown of projects in progress.

A four-acre plot along 8th Street is being transformed into 

, a space for playing and relaxing with stunning views of the Allegheny River. The $31 million project will include pickleball courts, a bandshell, a garden walk, and an area for pop-up events. Arts Landing will be the permanent home for the annual Three Rivers Arts Festival.

The historic shopping, dining, and event hub Downtown is being modernized with a 

. Look forward to upgraded pedestrian paths, better lighting, more public seating, and a new central pavilion. 

The 36-acre park and National Historic Landmark are undergoing a 

. Upgrades include walkways repairs, better fountain lighting, fresh landscaping, and more.

 More Glow Ups at Museums and Attractions

After receiving a $65 million gift from Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin, the Carnegie Science Center is rebranding and 

 with a special day of free events. Look for giveaways, educational movies, Buhl Planetarium shows, a special Miniature Railroad & Village scavenger hunt, a sneak peek at future exhibits, and more.

Four buildings along Penn Avenue are coming down to 

 to the Heinz History Center by January 2028. Improvements include a new theater, more room for exhibits, a much larger entry space and outdoor plaza, and additional classrooms and offices.

The Heinz History Center also got an $11.5 million gift from the Kamin family, which will allow the museum to offer 

The Frick team has been working on a multi-phase, 

 of Clayton, the historic home of local industrialist Henry Clay Frick, which was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you visit for a tour, you’ll notice scaffolding around the grand home as crews remove old paint and restore the exterior, including adding a 

. Updates have also been made to improve accessibility and safety across the grounds.

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is working on its 20-year masterplan and recently got a $10 million

 that’ll go toward new zoo facilities and programs. An expanded giraffe barn will allow for winter viewing, plus VIP experiences such as “walking along an elevated catwalk and feeding the giraffes eye-to-eye.” The new Exhibition Indonesia exhibit — a multilevel habitat with waterfalls, pools, and off-season viewing area — will feature orangutans, siamangs, and Malaysian tapirs. Construction begins in late 2025.

The Warhol has plans for a three-story concert venue and event space on East General Robinson Street called the 

. The building design, with big glass windows and metal cladding, is inspired by Warhol’s famous Factory studios in Manhattan. The estimated cost hasn’t been released yet.

The 5,000-seat venue along the Monongahela River will increase its capacity to 15,000 by 2028 — giving our men's soccer team, the Riverhounds, a chance to join the upcoming Division One United Soccer League. The 

 will also include a club with a banquet space, suites, and more capacity to host concerts and other events.

Downtown’s getting an Arts Landing; Heinz History Center and Highmark Stadium are expanding; the Pittsburgh Zoo is renovating; The Warhol is building a concert venue; and more.

Upgrades Coming to Pittsburgh Museums and Attractions

Major Glow Ups Coming to Pittsburgh Museums and Attractions

Gear up for a fun season ahead with these Pittsburgh shops, rentals, and repair services.

Visit this small, scrappy shop on East Ohio Street for a used bike or tune up. Want to learn to work on your own bike? Classes are held on Saturdays at 3 p.m. Call ahead at 412-586-5410. It’s free for members, and a suggested donation of $5-10 for nonmembers.

Find new bikes, parts and accessories, car racks, clothing, and more at this shop on Forbes Avenue. Already have a ride? They also do bicycle repairs, from 

. Browse the impressive catalog on their site before you stop in.

Did you know that this North Side spot is the world’s largest bicycle museum and bike shop? It has a collection of 6,000 new and vintage bikes — including some once owned by famous riders like Pee-wee Herman. You can buy, rent, and repair bicycles here, but it’s also completely free to visit and explore!

What started as a hobby for steelworker Steve Kraynick in the 1940s is now a staple Pittsburgh bike store and repair shop. Every year, volunteers with the shop’s “Bikes Before Christmas” program repair hundreds of donated bicycles for local families.

Find bikes for on- and off-road use, racing, and all-purpose riding at West Liberty Cycles. Does your bike need a specific repair? 

This collective doesn’t just offer repairs and new bikes for sale — it’s also a community space where you can volunteer to help others with repairs and get store credit in return. Want to learn? 

Take a guided tour of Pittsburgh, go on your own adventure, or book a group experience at this shop on First Avenue along the Monongahela River. Want something more long term? They also do used bike sales and repairs.

This full-service bike shop offers a range of services, from flat tire fixes to complete overhauls. They also service e-bikes, which are gaining popularity with daily commuters who 

From wheels to chains, this Butler Street spot has everything you need for, as they put it, “two-wheeled freedom machine.” Need help finding parts for repairs? The staff is super helpful and can guide you to the right gear.

If you want to discover Pittsburgh’s trails or go on a long trip through the Great Allegheny Passage, Bike the Burgh offers rentals for all the gear you need. Or, you can take an urban tour with one of their expert guides for $40.

Want to ride a Fern Hollow Bicycle on the new Fern Hollow Bridge? Get a new or used bike, an electric ride, accessories, a tune-up, or a larger repair at this S. Trenton Avenue shop.

This full-service bike shop will give you a basic tune-up or full restoration, polish your old parts, or make you a custom bike with one of their vintage frames. They have 

Need a good look before you test ride? Thick Bikes has a full inventory of new and used bikes on their website. Stop in for a bike repair, special flat fix clinic event, or — if you’re brave — try to balance on one of their unicycles!

Thinking of going electric? Get all of your questions answered and go for a test ride at one of Trek’s various locations. They do 24-hour bike repairs for all bike brands. Check the cost for repair tiers, from a “scrub down” to a “strip down.”

Service your bike, or get a new ride at these Pittsburgh shops.

sports

Free Parties, Concerts and More NFL Draft Events in Pittsburgh

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in April 2026

7 Ways To Learn About Black History in Pittsburgh

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