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City Cast Pittsburgh

Find the best that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Francesca Dabecco

Laura Tsutsui

Do you love your pet and supporting Pittsburgh businesses? Here are some local shops that have everything you need to 

 on Forbes Avenue (get it?) stocks food, treats, leashes, and more for dogs and cats. If you’re a new pet owner or just welcoming a new animal to your home, you can get set up quickly with 

 is dedicated to your four-legged friends, with more than 25 years of experience in the pet biz. Find food, treats, leashes, toys, and more supplies here. They even harvest and 

 has a wide selection of healthy and natural foods, treats, and supplies for dogs and cats. The name comes from the word “pedagogy,” the art or profession of teaching, because the shop owners love learning about the best products for your furry friends. They also have locations just outside the city in McCandless, McMurray, Cranberry, and Greensburg.

Does your pet have wings? Find everything your flying friend needs at the family and veteran-owned 

 in Millvale. Plus, if you’re going away, you can board your bird there, too!

 and sentimental items for pet lovers has grown into a 

. The Liberty Avenue space sells treats and toys for dogs and cats. In addition to its storefront, the Rebel Hound also operates a dog-friendly lounge, “The Green Room” — it’s like a 

 is a self-serve pet wash that also boasts a selection of pet supplies — items for bathing your furry friends, or if you’re like me, to treat your dog after they suffer through a bath. Self-serve bathing options are reasonably priced and include soap and conditioner, plus a raised tub for small pets and a walk-in shower for large ones. Best of all, their staff will clean up when you’re done!

Find nutritious foods and treats, grooming supplies, and toys at this 

 in Bellevue. Every year, Wagsburgh hosts free photo 

 after a recent flood from a leaky pipe, but owner Joe Thornton 

 about ongoing repairs. He says he hopes to see customers again soon!

Do you love your pet and supporting Pittsburgh businesses? Here are some local shops that have everything you need to feed, care, and play.

Pittsburgh’s Best Locally-Owned Pet Stores

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

While home is a very cozy place to watch a movie — my partner has gotten really into our 

 — nothing beats a large screen, a salty popcorn, and a bubbly soda. If you need a few hours of escapism, here are our favorite independent theaters to check out in Pittsburgh. Keep in mind that some play the latest movies released, while others only host special viewings and other events like trivia.

Want to nerd out even more about Pittsburgh’s film connections? Check out our conversation with Josh Axelrod, director of communications at The Lindsay Theater & Cultural Center and founding member of the Pittsburgh Film Critics Association. We spoke to him earlier this year about Oscar nominees, from the films’ ties to the city and where to watch them before the awards show. (Psst! He also has 

This single-screen space hosts special events and series like “

” featuring films about show biz and its annual “

” horror movie marathon in October. Buy tickets one screening at a time, or get a Rowhouse Film Club membership for a monthly movie ticket, free popcorn, and invites to member-only screenings. Be sure to 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 the South Hills has its own lineup of series and recurring events across two screens: one large auditorium for up to 386 viewers, and a small, more intimate space with 46 seats. Row House Hollywood is currently hosting “

” twice a month with a shadow cast from the 

 who act out the roles alongside the film. Another feature of this space is its ability to share 

, which have a unique texture and grain experience over digital film. Plus, remember that 

This venue east of Pittsburgh was envisioned as a 

 from its Film Lounge & Kitchen space with beers from nearby craft brewery 

. The 45-seat theater hosts weekly trivia, comedy shows, and projects from independent filmmakers.

Once dubbed the “Jewel of Oakmont," this nearly 90-year-old, single-screen venue now shares films ranging from 

 and independent works to family-friendly screenings like “

.” It also has two full-service bars and a 20-seat lounge for live music, trivia, and more.

This two-screen cinema hosts the latest releases and is perfect if you’re seeking — and want to support — accessibility. The Lindsay hosts 

, where all movies have on-screen captions, and 

, where the film volume is lower, house lights are dimmed (but not fully off), and extra staff are on hand to assist guests. It also hosts programming for 

The Manor is one of my favorites, because I can do a whole small businesses-only night in the neighborhood: drinks at Hidden Harbor, dinner at Everyday Noodles, movie (complete with soda and popcorn) at the Manor. It’s also one of the only theaters with general admission 

 (and evening tickets are $11 Monday through Thursday). Stop by the century-old cinema for the latest film releases in one of four auditoriums. You can also sip a cocktail during the screening from its in-house bar!

As the name implies, it’s a HUGE 71-by-39-foot screen at the Kamin Science Center — most theater screens are about 50 feet wide. Don’t look for new releases. It has a rotation of three 40-minute films to accompany your Science Center visit about anthropologist 

. Its “Special Screenings” in September include 

The only remaining drive-in in Allegheny County! Roll up for the first showing (and the best pick of parking), and you’ll get two movies for the price of one. At $10 per person, it’s a great deal, and it has a snack bar so you can make a true night of it. The four-screen lot opened in 1950 and continues to show new releases.

 regularly shows a mix of contemporary, classic, independent, and foreign films — often movies you can’t find anywhere else — like International Art House Classics in August and nods to spooky season in September, including “

” and a documentary about the making of it, “

Pittsburgh’s Best Indie Movie Theaters

If you’re hoping to reach new heights (pun intended), then Pittsburgh is a great place to rock climb. Here’s a look at where you can climb year-round in the Steel City.

 Most gyms aren’t just for climbing! Some offer yoga and fitness classes and have traditional gym equipment like squat racks, treadmills, and stationary bikes to keep you moving.

On your first visit, you’ll sign a waiver and get a tour from a staff member who will point out basic gym do’s and don’ts and where to find equipment and classes. From there, staff will review how to fall safely (there is a 

If you’re ready to hop on the walls, then bouldering – a climbing style that doesn’t use ropes or harnesses – is a great place to start. Just grab your shoes and go!

If you want to top rope (aka, climb with ropes), you can use auto-belays that let you clip in and climb, or climb with a friend who’s passed the gym’s belay test.

What’s the difference between top roping and bouldering? I like to think of top rope climbing like running a 5K: It requires endurance, stamina, and a comfort with heights. Bouldering is more like sprinting: you need power and technique to stay on the (much shorter) walls.

 Gyms usually have shoes and harnesses for rent. You can also buy your own in most gyms’ pro shops, or find a good deal on a secondhand pair online or at an outdoor store like 

Ascend ushered in the city’s latest climbing wave in 2017. Both its facilities have walls for bouldering and top roping, though the walls in Point Breeze are higher (up to 42 feet for top roping) and offer lead climbing for more advanced folks. Ascend regularly hosts free climb time for affinity groups, like women and femmes and LGBTQ+ climbers, and organizes interest clubs such as “Sustainability Club” and “Peak Parents” where climbers can take turns belaying kids. Check the 

Look for bouldering and yoga classes, plus private coaching if you’re interested in one-on-one support. ICB hosts great events including monthly “

” where day passes are discounted to $15 and the gym invites food and drink vendors, musicians, and more for a block-party vibe. ICB also offers 

 for PPS students and the occasional “Student Rush” discount night for college students.

My former spot! It’s bouldering only, and sadly it’s closing at the end of the month. Until then, you can still take climbing and yoga classes per usual. FA also hosts weekly discounted sessions like Wednesday night College Climb and Sunday Family Climb Time. And look out for their “Send Off” party and community competition Saturday, Aug. 29. When you visit, make sure to park in the garage by the Sheraton Hotel and bring your ticket in for staff to validate – parking is free for four hours with validation.

This 33-year-old gym north of Pittsburgh offers bouldering and auto-belays to get climbers on the walls. Climb North also offers youth options if you’re also bringing kids into the gym, including a home-schooling meetup every Monday and weeklong summer camps.

Outdoor climbing typically means traversing real rocks, but you can get the indoor bouldering experience with colored-coded holds and varying grades at Boyce Park’s new outdoor climbing walls. The park is also home to many playgrounds, trails, an off-leash dog park, and bicycle pump track; you could spend the whole day there trying something new!

Pittsburgh's Best Climbing Gyms

Where To Climb in Pittsburgh 

Close out the summer with food festivals, free outdoor fun, and mini-golf courses galore.

Pittsburgh-area golf courses may be some of the 

, but not all of us are looking to walk miles over 9 holes – at least, not me. For my kindred spirits, you have an array of options for miniature golf.

 to munch on during your session including “The Fluffernutter” and “Cereal and Berries.” Forsythe also hosts 

 of the summer is on Aug. 12. It’s free to play and open to all! And the Westmoreland Museum of American Art has art-themed holes to play 

If you loved Picklesburgh, the food portmanteaus continue: 

to Southside Works on Aug. 30. In addition to more than 15 food trucks and vendors, I’m most excited for another mechanical bull 

 and the promise of an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile sighting.

Perhaps you prefer pizza, pasta, and cannoli in your diet. If so, check out 

. It returns to Bloomfield Aug. 13-16 and includes local vendors, “celebrity” bocce, a neighborhood pizza contest and Vito from The Sopranos (seriously).

If ice cream is your love language (mine too) then you’re due for a visit to the 

 in Latrobe, the dessert’s birthplace, Aug. 22 and 23.

We’re not yet done with outdoor music! 

Allegheny County’s Summer Concert Series

 continues at South Park on Friday nights and Hartwood Aces on Sunday evenings. You can also check out 

 in Mount Washington on Saturdays and enjoy 

Some tips for maximum comfort: Bring a folding chair or blanket to claim your space. While there are local food and drink vendors, you can also bring your own spread: I love to prepare a mocktail in a cold thermos and pack Penn Mac meat and cheeses in a lunch box.

 at Phipps Conservatory on Aug. 20. You can shop every era amid Phipps’ whimsical Alice in Wonderland show! Vendors will be selling clothing, furniture, jewelry, and housewares. As someone building a personal Pyrex collection, I’ll be on the hunt for new-to-me 

Other maker-markets to shop this month are 

Take your four-legged child to Raccoon Creek State Park for a 

 where they can become a certified “B.A.R.K. Ranger.”

If you’d rather stay close to home, try an activity with 

, there are tons of great options. Plus, the city’s rangers also host kid-friendly programs and 

 on Aug. 15 to find even more outdoor-specific resources. The event at Allegheny Commons will host family-friendly activities, environmental education, games, music, food, and more. If you participated in any three events from 

, don't forget to bring your passport to get free Millie's ice cream.

More Free Outdoor Adventures

August in Pittsburgh: Mini golf, outdoor hikes and activities, BaconBurgh, Little Italy Days, the Great American Banana Split Celebration, outdoor concerts, and more. 

The Best Pittsburgh Events in August 2026

5 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in August 2026

Crafts aren’t just for kids – they can be wonderful 

. Whether you’re an established crocheter or knitter or just starting to get hooked, look no further than your local yarn shop. Now’s the perfect time to plan a visit because we're at the start of the 

Shops are hosting special pop-ups and giving away prizes throughout the crawl! Get started by picking up a Yarn Crawl Passport (which you can find at any of these shops), and collecting stamps from every spot you visit.

Keep in mind: Most of the store hours vary day to day, so check online before you make the trip. Some have 

This fiber craft store offers supplies and classes that get into specific techniques and skills, like Tunisian crochet, tapestry weaving, and how to use a drum carder. The Craft Room also hosts events, including a crafting happy hour every Wednesday.

On Oakmont’s main drag just east of Pittsburgh, you’ll run into this cozy space that hosts Open Stitch Group every Tuesday and Thursday. 

 they carry, including a few local PA ones!

This shop sells yarns of all colors and weights, along with tools for crocheting and knitting. It's run by a mother daughter-duo and hosts classes and meet ups every week.

Find yarn, knitting needles, and other tools at this shop that feels more like a cozy 

 than a store. In addition to beginner walk-in classes, it’s also hosting a 

 where knitters can gather on a regular basis to work on the same project (and troubleshoot if things get tricky).

This space north of Pittsburgh has yarns and, as its name suggests, bits and bobs like crochet hooks, knitting needles, stitch counters, buttons and more. The shop hosts open craft-time on Fridays and Sundays, and runs a 

 series to connect makers with fellow artists, designers, and industry professionals. It just celebrated five years in business!

If you’re handier with a needle and thread, then a visit to 

 is in order. The Morningside shop sells notions (needles and other tools and accessories) and a variety of fabrics. (I’m eyeing some colorful options to make baby blankets for the new parents in my life. How 

 which hosts sewing and quilting classes for adults and children.

 in Point Breeze which accepts donated materials of all kinds: yarn, paper, fabric, and more. You may have to make the craft fit the medium, but the challenge can be part of the fun!

The best yarn shops in Pittsburgh

Feeling Crafty? Check Out These Pittsburgh Yarn Shops

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

Have you done any self care lately? We’ve got tips on our favorite Pittsburgh spa treatments below ⬇️

This is a small practice with just one massage therapist — Charlotte — and I have nothing but glowing reviews for them! Their space is so cozy, and Charlotte checked in with me throughout the session to make sure everything felt great. Take your pick from therapeutic, hot stones, or a pregnancy massage, or try a seasonal herbal bodywork treatment. Plus, Interwoven Wellness has a sliding scale for therapeutic massages, so if the $100 base price is too high for you, consider the $60-$90 option.

 with food from brothmonger. What could be better than unwinding with one of my favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh?

The head spa and blow dry bar offers scalp treatments, hair growth programs, and luxury blowouts. I went for 

, which comes with a scalp analysis, aromatherapy, light massages, and a classic dry and style. There's a small fee for thick or long hair like mine, and it's worth being honest so the stylist can treat you right. They'll also help you capture your experience (like before and after photos) if you're into that — the vibes are extremely social media friendly, and the halo hair washing situation feels as fun as it looks. They also offer bevvies before your service and while you get your style.

halotherapy room at Victory Float Lounge’s

 Sewickley location, aka “the salt room.” I imagine it’s like embracing your inner lizard in the best way.

With hot tubs, cold plunges, and several types of saunas, this wellness studio lets you choose your own 

. The sisters who run the space offer guidance to help you get the most out of your experience, but you're free to rotate through at whatever pace and in whatever order feels best to you. I especially loved the steam sauna, which instantly relieved the tension and soreness in my muscles. Drop in for an individual session, become a member, or check out 

. Getting wrapped in a cocoon of warm mud or exfoliated with a "frothy minty-lime lathering sugar scrub"? Sign me up!

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop to try all kinds of treatments, head to 

, located right along the Ohio River. I’m a regular here (but honestly, not as regular as I’d like to be!). Relax with a customized massage, alleviate muscle tension with cupping, improve circulation with acupuncture, find natural remedies with an herbal consult, and more. 

 to find a practitioner that best fits you, and be on the lookout for some exciting new offerings. On my last visit, staff said they’ll soon be adding float tanks!

. (Yes, it’s the same place, but I can’t hype them up enough.) If you’re nervous about needles or not sure about the cost, this is a more accessible and affordable option. Multiple patients are treated at the same time in a comfortable setting for a lower cost.

— Senior newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco

More Spa Ideas Here!

Relax with a full body massage, get a head spa treatment, or sink into a hot tub at these Pittsburgh self-care spots.

The Best Spa Treatments and and Self Care Experiences in Pittsburgh

Our Favorite Spa Treatments in Pittsburgh

, with an extra day and expanded footprint stretching from two sister bridges to the new Arts Landing, Market Square, and PPG Plaza. Enjoy pickled food, participate in Dill-cathlon Games, and shop from local vendors, July 16-19. New this year: Play a game of pickleball on freshly-painted courts at Arts Landing.

From emerging local talent to regional headliners, the 

 brings together community and good tunes at a free, three-day celebration, July 10-12. Check out music, food, artists, and more in Pittsburgh’s historic East Allegheny neighborhood. Psst! Here are more 

Honor Pittsburgh’s Legacy for America 250

, so it’s no surprise that Pittsburgh will go big for America 250 celebrations on the Fourth of July. Here’s 

 — like a Ferris Wheel ride, free live music, an art exhibit, and more.

Shop Local at The Great Pittsburgh Book Crawl

 — nine straight days of book shopping, July 18-26. Grab your passport at any participating store, and get stamps to win raffle prizes. It’s the perfect excuse to explore some of Pittsburgh’s 

More book fun: Brighton Heights is hosting a 

, “100 Things To Do in Pittsburgh Before You Die.”

Glitterbox Theater in West Homestead is celebrating the Monongahela River and its lore with a 

 for all ages July 18. There will be showings of local short films, a live jazz performance, a circus play zone, soul line dancing, airbrush art, live wrestling, and 

Celebrate the hardworking goats who help tackle the parks’ invasive plants with a day of family-friendly fun at 

 July 25. Enjoy live music, craft vendors, goat yoga, food trucks, and children’s activities like make-and-take your own teacup fairy garden. All of the funds go to ecological restoration efforts.

Take a Mental Health Break at ‘Speak Your Truth’

 will take over Allentown July 25 for a full day of arts and mental health events on the hilltop. Check out punk shows from local bands, small business vendors, a mental health matinee, and more. After all, treating and living with mental health issues takes the same type of DIY, gritty spirit as punk rock music.

July in Pittsburgh: Northside Music Festival, Picklesburgh, Great Pittsburgh Book Crawl, Goat Fest, and more.

The Best Events in Pittsburgh in July 2026

7 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in July 2026

The rivers that flow through Pittsburgh are what make our city so spectacular. Here are seven ways to soak up their beauty this summer:

 near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center is equipped with a fleet of kayaks and an accessible launch area for renters with disabilities. Book a two-hour solo or tandem kayak rental through their 

 program or take an excursion, like sunrise and sunset paddling. Want to go with a group of friends or coworkers? Check out Venture Outdoors’ kayaking option for 10+ people.

🛟 Check Out RiverLife’s ‘Shore Thing’

Take in the city skyline and riverfront breeze from RiverLife’s 4,500-square-foot floating platform, Shore Thing. The barge sits between the Clemente and Warhol bridges and is “

.” The hub has art supplies, a floating library, cards, and boardgames. Plus, you can catch special events like DJ nights, live music, yoga flows, and other workout classes.

Immerse yourself in scenic views and Pittsburgh history while cruising on a 

 sightseeing tour. The boat boards at Station Square on the Monongahela River, then carries you along the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers while a captain points out interesting landmarks and shares local lore along the way. Look for special cruises with 

, a tropical-themed bar on the river. Make it a daycation or plan a special evening on the water for Zambelli fireworks nights. The boat can pick you up along the North Shore Trail or at the marina at Station Square.

 for a full day of relaxing on the water. Pittsburgh Boat Rental’s 18-foot boats can fit up to 10 people, with a deck area for sunbathing, shaded seating, and a bluetooth stereo for cruising with your favorite tunes.

. You can book anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours, and roam between the McKees Rocks Bridge on the Ohio, the Hot Metal Bridge on the Monongahela, and the 40th Street Bridge on the Allegheny.

 on the North Shore, sit on a deck overlooking the water at 

 on Washington’s Landing, or enjoy an evening of family fun during 

 at Allegheny RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall. The series features craft beer from Trace Brewing, food trucks, and live local music. Don’t forget a blanket or camp chair!

Take your own bike or rent some wheels from 

. Catch stunning city views no matter what side of the river you’re on — and don’t forget to stop and admire 

 along the way. The path connects to the 

, which can take you all the way to Washington D.C.

Take in the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela Rivers through kayak rentals, sightseeing cruises, riverfront dining, and more.

The Best Pittsburgh River and Riverfront Activities

7 Ways to Enjoy Pittsburgh’s Rivers This Summer

Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” is considered our 

 — a national holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865. Every year, Pittsburgh marks this historic day with a Grand Jubilee Parade, live music, and more cultural events across the city.

Celebrate Juneteenth in Pittsburgh with rollerskating, live music, the Grand Jubilee Parade, dance parties, a community garden day, and more.

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