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City Cast Pittsburgh

Francesca Dabecco

⏪ Looking for a previous Pittsburgh crossword? Find it here:

Whether you want a solo relaxing day or festivities for you and all of your friends, here are our tips for planning the best birthday in the Burgh.

There is so much art and history to explore in Pittsburgh. Get a glimpse of our region’s industrial past at the Carrie Blast Furnaces along the Monongahela River. 

 offers tours where you can learn about the landmark’s iron-making legacy or see how the site has been transformed with art.

Want more than just an elegant birthday dinner? Explore the flavors of an entire neighborhood with a 

. Choose from spots like the Strip District, Lawrenceville, South Side, Oakland, Allegheny West, and Brookline.

Trivia buff? Discover fun facts about Pittsburgh from an expert guide at 

. Tours take place in Downtown and go between one and two miles. Learn about the whiskey rebellion while tasting cocktail samples, see a spooky side of the city with nighttime ghost tours, or explore iconic buildings on a family-friendly outing.

If you love inventive food made with fresh ingredients, splurge on a prix fixe dinner at 

 in Garfield. Each small plate is paired with wine and cocktails or NA drinks, crafted to perfection. Look around the communal table, and you’ll be amazed by all of Spork's food lab tools, from a koji incubator to a dehydrator.

 hosts farm-to-table meals by a rotating lineup of impressive local chefs. All of the dinners are made with ingredients grown on the Carrick farm and enjoyed just a skip away from the crop fields and pollinator gardens. They always sell out fast, so plan ahead for your next occasion.

Want an excuse to dress up? Put on your best threads to step inside a fairytale at 

 in Coraopolis, a cottage-style restaurant located inside of a castle. Hyeholde always serves full-course dinners, but look out for special events like summer picnics and literature-inspired meals.

Host Megan Harris recommends bringing the meal to you by booking a private chef, like friend of the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast 

Level up your knowledge as you celebrate another year under your belt. Learn how to make ravioli, tortellini, and more pasta shapes with 

 in Swissvale, or find more tasty how-to’s with our list of the 

 in Wilkinsburg, which offers tutorials in sewing, watercolor painting, knitting, woodworking, and more. Or, get fired up with a pottery class at the 

 in Highland Park or a Make-It-Now session at the 

 in Friendship. (Tip: Union Project hosts adult birthday parties!)

On my list: For my birthday this year, I want to take an antique printing press workshop with local stationery maker 

 in Lawrenceville. I’ve been a fan of Lindsay’s art for years, and I’d love to make a unique memento to mark my special day.

Invest in yourself and opt for a luxurious spa experience. I’m a big fan of 

 in Chateau, which offers a variety of massages, light therapy, acupuncture, and more.

If you’re feeling adventurous, dip into a float tank at 

 in Lawrenceville or Sewickley. The tank cuts off all external stimuli, and the water perfectly matches your body temperature, ensuring you come out of the session feeling refreshed.

Want to meditate but can’t figure out how? Try sound healing at 

 in Castle Shannon. The tones of Tibetan bowls, gongs, and drums will calm your mind. Check out their massage menu, too.

 in Garfield are always stellar. Choose from menu staples like the chocolate hazelnut cake with espresso-rum syrup, or vanilla-chiffon cake with amaretto syrup and almond pastry cream.

Want treats for your whole birthday week? Order an assorted box of bonbons from 

Producer Sophia Lo recommends celebrating with three cakes: a local favorite, one you want to try, and a homemade goodie baked by a friend.

Step under the lights and star in your own game show at the 

 in Millvale. You and all of your pals will be laughing through games like Survey Shoutout and Wheel of Winners.

Challenge your friends to a casual game or a full-on tournament at 

 in Fox Chapel. With their self-serve beer and wine system, you can play and pour at your own pace.

’s 86-seat boutique movie theater in Lawrenceville for a grand birthday screening. You can even treat your guests to the popcorn bar and customize the marquee outside.

Pack a cooler, s’mores supplies, and your best hiking shoes for a weekend in the woods. Whether you want a glamping experience (like these 

 in Hocking Hills, Ohio) or a cheap campsite where you and all of your friends can pitch a tent, there’s a nearby destination for your outdoor party. 

 from Marcus Shoffner, founder of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition.

Executive producer Mallory Falk has heard great things about the 

, if you want to rent out a large, beautiful space in the Laurel Highlands.

If your birthday is during the warmer months, you’re in luck! There are lots of ways to have a peaceful (and adventurous!) 

. Check out kayak excursions with Venture Outdoors; rent a pontoon boat for the day; eat alfresco at restaurants with the best water views; or hang out on Riverlife’s floating barge on the North Shore (returning for the season on my birthday, May 22!)

Okay, so your favorite band isn’t in town on your birthday … that doesn’t mean you can’t get down with some good music. Pittsburgh has a ton of awesome small venues that support local acts, like 

. Check their calendars — you might have the best night and find something new for your playlist.

What’s even better? When live music can come with an incredible dinner. Nearly every night of the week, you can enjoy 

 in Downtown. Their seasonal menu is perfect for sharing and has a bunch of options for vegetarians.

10. Buy Yourself Something Nice (& Local!)

Get something you can treasure for years to come. I love sporting accessories made by Pittsburghers, like jewelry by 

; her dainty ceramic designs are so chic and charming. Or sustainable clothing by 

; their gender-neutral jackets are made from recycled quilts, and they’re reversible! I’ve also had my eyes on unique leather goods by 

, like wallets, crossbody bags, and belts.

Take a guided tour, learn a new skill, have a spa day, or play games with friends on your next birthday in Pittsburgh.

Where To Celebrate Your Birthday in Pittsburgh

10 Ways To Celebrate Your Birthday in Pittsburgh

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

Ready to do your civic duty? Allegheny County’s primary election is next 

If you're voting at a new polling place or in PA for the first time, you may need to provide an 

. If you are a returning voter, you don’t need an ID.

If you’re voting by mail, your application for a mail-in or absentee ballot must be received by the 

 by 5 p.m. May 12. Once you receive and complete your ballot, it must be 

Send your ballot through USPS or drop it off at 

Want to make sure your ballot was received? 

Reminder: PA is one of just eight states with a 

, meaning only registered Democrats and Republicans get to vote in their respective parties’ spring primaries. Independents and third-party voters can, however, vote on ballot measures.

, state Senate, state House, U.S. Congress, and more.

See exactly what’s on your ballot by entering your municipality, ward, and district into 

Elections can’t run smoothly without volunteers at each polling place. Help set up, check in voters, and assist with equipment by 

. Extra perk: You can make $150-$175 for your day of work.

7 Ideas To Make Voting Better in PA

How well do our elections actually work? Here are 

seven ways PA could improve its voting process

, from opening our primaries to making Election Day a holiday.

What to know before you vote in Allegheny County’s primary election on May 19.

Your Guide To Voting in the 2026 Primary Election in Allegheny County

Pittsburgh's Guide To Voting in the 2026 Primaries

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

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

Where did Mister Rogers raise his family?

What neighborhood has the second-tallest education building in the world?

This neighborhood has a popular overlook perched more than 700 feet above the Ohio River, offering a unique view of Downtown.

Pittsburgh's only public indoor pool, Oliver Bath House, just reopened after years of renovations. Where can you find it?

Famous actor Jeff Goldblum grew up in this Pittsburgh neighborhood.

This neighborhood has a ceramics studio located inside of an old church

Which Pittsburgh neighborhood has the steepest street in the U.S.?

This borough is surrounded on all sides by city neighborhoods

How well do you know Pittsburgh neighborhoods and the surrounding areas? Take our quiz to find out!

Pop Quiz: Fun Facts About Pittsburgh Neighborhoods

Think You Know Pittsburgh Neighborhoods? Take This Quiz

People, places, and scenes from Pittsburgh's past.

Pittsburgh History

It’s music festival season! Whether you’re into jazz, rock, punk, or folk, Pittsburgh has an event for you. Mark your calendar ⬇️

Groove to the sounds of brass bands and global street music at 

 in Schenley Park. This music fest has all of the best vibes of a community picnic or block party but with top notch tunes. It’s free and volunteer-run. Give a donation if you can!

Over 350 musical acts are set to perform across 32 stages at 

. The event is free and within a walkable .6 miles. Plus, there’s other entertainment like comedians and street performers. Check out acts at venues big and small, from Mr. Smalls to Grist House Brewery.

 with performances by six artists, food trucks, and vendors at 222 Ormsby Ave. in Mt. Oliver. All proceeds go toward the main event in September — a 

 dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention.

In addition to hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, you can enjoy live music at the 

 — now at a new location at Arts Landing in the Cultural District. At no charge, enjoy a mix of local and touring artist performances, from rock to alternative hip hop to pop-folk.

Pride Month just got even more fun! Shop from craft vendors and hear music from 

 at Allegheny City Brewing in East Allegheny. It will be a day of good vibes, fresh brews, and community camaraderie. All admission proceeds benefit Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation.

 at South Park Amphitheater and Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater, from jazz and rock to soul and funk. The first concert is June 5 at South Park. Hear some tunes, and grab a drink from on-site food trucks like Black Dog Winery or Hop Farm Brewing Company.

 always includes cultural events, small business vendors, and performances celebrating the history and heritage of Black music in America. Mark your calendar to see 

 will rock out along the creek in Frick Park Hollow. Look forward to local artists, tasty food, environmental activities, guided walks, and more. The event, hosted by WQED icon Rick Sebak, celebrates Upstream Pittsburgh’s 25th anniversary. (Learn how Upstream takes care of our waterways and 

Grab your lawn chair! You’ll want to snag a spot in Schenley Plaza for WYEP’s Summer Music Festival. This free, outdoor concert is a fun day for the whole family. 

 of indie, pop rock, and alternative artists ready to jam out in Oakland.

From emerging local talent to regional headliners, the 

 brings together community and good tunes for a free, three-day celebration. Check out music, food, artists, and more in Pittsburgh’s historic East Allegheny neighborhood. Stay tuned for the lineup.

What’s better than enjoying a crisp beer and good music? 

 — a two-day event at Pittsburgh Brewing Co. in Creighton — will feature dozens of artists in genres like blues, rock, Americana, country, and jazz. It all benefits Autism Pittsburgh and Band Together Pittsburgh.

Forbes Avenue and Market Square will be filled with good vibes at 

. It’s less of a concert and more of a block party. Check out art, food, drink vendors, and music from legendary groups and up-and-coming artists.

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center brings world-renowned artists to Pittsburgh’s stage every year at the 

. The multi-day event is a great way to honor our city’s impressive 

 on June 23 at a fundraiser for the festival.

Punk returns to Pittsburgh! Four Chord Musical Festival will 

 on the South Side. The independent music fest — a haven for alternative, punk rock, and pop-punk fans — hasn’t been hosted in the city proper since 2019. The lineup drops today.

This charming South Pittsburgh borough knows how to throw a party. Get in a groove with live music across three stages, local food, unique vendors, a brew garden, and family-friendly 

It’s music festival season! Whether you’re into jazz, rock, punk, or folk, Pittsburgh has an event for you.

Your 2026 Summer Music Festival Lineup in Pittsburgh 

15 Pittsburgh Music Festivals for Good Tunes and Community

Whether you’re craving dippy eggs and home fries or a towering stack of pancakes, there's a spot in the city for you. We’re dishing on the meals worth waking up for on the 

 — and sharing a few of our best brunch tips ⬇️

Head to this South Hills gem on Saturday or Sunday for Greek twists on breakfast classics: like French toast made with sweet Easter bread or a Croque Madame stacked with rosemary ham, gruyere cheese, and béchamel. Order pastries for the table like Loukoumades (Greek honey puffs). Tip: Check out the cute patio outside, perfect for sunny days with sunny-side up eggs. — 

Francesca Dabecco, senior newsletter editor

Nosh on all-you-can-eat classics, plus roasted veggies, carved meats, fresh doughnuts, cold salads, and more inside the ornately-restored former home of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station on the South Side. Brunch is served Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Don’t skip the cocktails and coffee. You definitely want a reservation. — 

Heinz might be king in Pittsburgh, but the banana ketchup on the Spam n'at is the perfect sweet and tangy complement to the rice and meat. Brunch isn't just for Sundays here; there are rotating specials during their weekday hours. The breakfast egg rolls, lumpia, hash browns, and home fries are all fried to perfection — so bring friends to share them all. Bonus points for having a bagel with pork roll on the menu, which makes my New Jersey heart so happy! — 

Grab a window seat in this cozy, sunlit spot on a Sunday and enjoy a fresh bagel with horseradish and dill schmear or a perfectly spicy shakshuka. If you like a little booze with your brunch, order from the impressive seasonal cocktail menu. On my last visit, I tried their “curry me banana” with cold brew concentrate, coffee liqueur and banana-curry foam. It was the ideal brunch beverage! — 

Dig In to More of Our Favorites! 💗

Whether you’re craving dippy eggs and home fries or a towering stack of pancakes, there’s a Pittsburgh brunch spot for you.

The Best Brunch Spots in Pittsburgh

4 Pittsburgh Brunches We Don’t Want To Live Without

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Pittsburgh. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Pittsburgh Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Live life in full bloom this month with vendor markets, live music, art shows, creative festivals, and more 🌼

1. Celebrate Workers’ Rights on May Day

May Day (May 1) is also known as International Workers Day, and our union town is a great place to celebrate. March in the 

 on May 2 featuring a costume parade, live music from the May Day Marching Band, and a potluck in West Penn Park.

Plus, Pullproof Studio in Garfield is showing a 

 where you’ll find screen-printed artwork exploring different themes associated with the word "mayday." The gallery’s opening reception is during 

One of Pittsburgh’s best alfresco experiences is back at Allegheny RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall 

. Grab beer from Trace Brewing and grub from a rotating lineup of food trucks to enjoy along the Allegheny River. It’s so peaceful and relaxing on the swings by the water, plus there’s a serene trail for walking or biking and a launch spot for kayaks.

Did you know that Pittsburgh is home to the longest-running exhibition of international art in North America? Don’t miss the 

, opening May 2 at the Carnegie Museum of Art. The exhibition features a wide range of art forms, like painting, photography, sculpture, video, and theater. Don’t stress — you’ll have the rest of the year to see it. But there are some fun opening events, like “

,” where visitors can swap unique arts and crafts.

You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy a plant-packed meal. Order specials during 

, May 11-17. Dig into sesame noodles at Con Alma, pineapple fried rice at Senyai Thai Kitchen, tofu chimichanga at El Sabor Latin Kitchen, and spaghetti and seitan balls at Spirit. Mark your calendar for 

Celebrate Vintage Store Day on May 16 with deals and steals at 

. There’s something for everyone, from stylish clothes to retro home decor. Be sure to stop in my favorite store, 

; every corner is filled with a different small business selling handmade and secondhand goods.

Got a green thumb? Find unique plants, gardening accessories, lawn decor and more at 

, May 8-9. (It’s a lovely Mother’s Day weekend outing.) Not a garden expert? That’s okay! Horticulturalists and sellers from local nurseries can give you tips — and there’s other fun items for sale like candles and jewelry. 

It’s music festival season! Groove to the sounds of brass bands and global street music at 

 in Schenley Park, May 8-9. It has all of the best vibes of a community picnic or block party but with top notch tunes. It’s free and volunteer-run.

 will fill the borough with beats on the following weekend, May 15-16. Over 350 musical acts are set to perform across 31 stages (indoor and outdoor) — all free and within a walkable .6 miles. Plus, there’s other entertainment like comedians and street performers.

8. Check Out Clay Art at Mother of All Pottery Sales

 at the Union Project in Highland Park on May 9. The market features more than 40 ceramic artists selling mugs, plates, bowls, vases, and more. It’s a good excuse to check out the church-turned-ceramics-studio and their 

9. Hang Out at a Neighborhood Block Party

Pittsburgh’s Greenfield neighborhood knows how to have some fun. Visit the 

 on May 16 for a local vendor market, live music, crafts led by Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, and tacos from La Palapa food truck. It’s organized by 

, a charming plant store and cidery, and 

, a studio and shop with cool sci-fi-inspired art.

10. Skip Through Riverlife’s Chalk Fest

The North Shore will soon be covered with color at 

, a free two-day festival May 30-31. Take a stroll through Isabella Street and Allegheny Landing to see professional artists creating large-scale 3D chalk murals. It’s a great way to spend some time on the riverfront during Memorial Day weekend.

May in Pittsburgh: May Day celebrations, Pittonkatonk and Millvale Music Festival, Phipps’ May Market, Food Truck Fridays, Chalk Fest, and more.

The Best Pittsburgh Events in May 20206

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in May 2026

Many of Pittsburgh’s best food and craft markets are returning this month. Celebrate the season with vendors selling plants, vintage clothing, homemade wares, small-batch food, and more.

If you love Handmade Arcade’s annual holiday market at the Convention Center, check out their new springtime shopping event. 

 celebrates contemporary craft makers and artists from around the country. Browse over 100 vendors selling furniture, glass, basketry, ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry, metal, and more.

Find vintage clothes and home decor, plants and seedlings, handmade goods, and more at these spring Pittsburgh pop-up markets.

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