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We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Pittsburgh

Kevin Gavin

 It’s National Native American Heritage Month, so we’re testing your knowledge of Pittsburgh's Indigenous history.

Find this iconic statue on Mt. Washington. (

Francesca Dabecco

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

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

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

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

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

A crossword puzzle all about Pittsburgh news and fun facts. 

Can You Fill Out This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle?

Try This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle

What Pittsburghers have been wondering. We break down why things in Pittsburgh are the way they are and how they work.

Pittsburgh, Explained

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.

. Bring your own seeds, bulbs, plants, and pots to swap with neighbors at Velum Fermentation. Don’t have any? There will be plenty to purchase. Plus, you can check out other eco-minded vendors and workshops.

Step into an antique-lover's dream at the 

 at Heinz History Center. The fair features more than 50 local makers selling one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories, home decor, vinyl records, and more.

Any season can be spooky season if you want it to be! Head to Allegheny Commons Park (the section near the National Aviary) to shop for oddities, art, jewelry, and more at 

Construction Junction is a reuse superstore that sells all sorts of affordable items for construction projects — and they also hold 

. Swing by for retro toys, comics, books, vintage glassware, home goods, clothing, furniture, records, and more.

 and DIY workshops at two venues in Wilkinsburg. Check out vendors, a plant sale, and activities at their warehouse on Pennwood Avenue, then grab a free shuttle to the Wilkinsburg Train Station for a Sustainable Fair featuring repurposed goods, environmentally-friendly businesses, and more.

 with the City Cast Pittsburgh team at Southern Tier Brewing Co. on the North Shore. We’ll have a photo booth, live DJ, special beer on tap, and some very yinzer-ific vendors with a market hosted by 

They just don’t make ‘em like they used to. Shop from over 30 vintage curators and craft makers at the 

 at Velum Fermentation. Expect to find clothing, antiques, jewelry, and art — plus tiny tattoos and food and drinks.

 at Nova Place. There will be live music and trivia, games, local vendors, food trucks, and more — right near all of the football fun on the North Shore.

This little borough is packed with great businesses, and it's time to show them off! Head to 

 to find vendors set up all over the borough’s .5-mile shopping district: farmers, bakers, artists, crafters, and much more.

Shop from curated collections of plants, books, and locally-made crafts at 

 in Mellon Park in Shadyside. It’s the perfect way to get your garden started with native perennials, edible shrubs and trees, cooking herbs, and more.

After the plant sale, stop by the Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media (also in Shadyside) for their 

 featuring glass works, woven bags, wooden cutting boards, art prints, ceramic items, and more. 

 food truck and Jackworth Ginger Beer will keep you refreshed with food and drinks.

Unblurred first Fridays just got even better! 

 is back on N. Pacific Avenue during the monthly art crawl in Bloomfield and Garfield. Shop for homemade goods, hear live music, and celebrate the creative energy in the neighborhood until the sun goes down.

Handmade soap, art prints, bespoke jewelry, sourdough bread, and locally-harvested honey — those are just a handful of things you can find at the 

. I’m a big fan of their sun catchers and Pittsburgh stickers.

Every Saturday through November, starting May 2

 is coming back to Liberty Avenue. Get everything you need for the week ahead, like locally-grown produce, coffee, meat, cheese, and more — plus lots of hot and cold food ready to eat. Don’t leave without a bouquet from Sol Patch Garden or treats from Jak’s Bakery.

. It’s a lovely Mother’s Day weekend outing. Not a garden expert? That’s okay! Horticulturalists and sellers from local nurseries are always so helpful and can give you tips — and there’s other fun items for sale like candles and jewelry.

 at the Union Project in Highland Park. 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 

Head to SouthSide Works for the return of this popular 

. You’ll find local vendors selling food, vintage clothing, handmade goods, art prints, and more. It runs monthly on Sundays from May to October, with special events in Schenley Plaza. (Every time I’m there, I 

 is a must-visit this spring. Stop by Velem Fermentation on Sundays through September to shop for fresh-pressed juice, homemade pies, and handcrafted wares. It runs until 2 p.m., so go ahead and grab a beer while you’re there!

Sewickley’s Sweetwater Center for the Arts is celebrating its 50th anniversary, making it the perfect time to check out their 

 with artists, makers, food vendors, and more. Don’t leave without some delicious local treats and a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Celebrate Vintage Store Day with deals and steals at 

. There’s something for everyone, from stylish clothes to retro home decor. Visit my favorite store, Boheme Shops; every corner is filled with a different small business selling handmade and secondhand goods.

Shop from 30+ local vendors specializing in vintage clothing, hand-crafted goods, upcycled fashion, art, and artisan gifts at 

 at Spirit. They often have unique market additions like flash tattoos and photo booths. Tip: Swing around back for a slice from 

Enjoy food and music while you shop secondhand gems at the 

 in Troy Hill. Tip: Fuel your adventure with coffee and a breakfast sandwich from De Fer Coffee & Tea on Rialto Street.

Support women, nonbinary, and queer-owned businesses at 

 on the last Sunday of every month at Allegheny Commons on the North Side. The new, larger event space means there’s more room for vendors, a live DJ, food trucks, and coffee pop-ups.

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

The Best Spring Markets in Pittsburgh 2026

25 Spring Pop-Up Markets for Shopping Local in Pittsburgh

Mallory Falk

Megan Harris

We made it through the NFL Draft! Depending on your level of football fandom and tolerance for large crowds, you may be sad the party's over or relieved to move on.

Either way, you should get yourself Downtown to take advantage of the post-draft glow. Here are a few of our recommended ways to enjoy the Golden Triangle this spring:

Sure, the ice skating rink at PPG Place is iconic, but wouldn't it be nice to skate in the shadow of skyscrapers when it's warm and sunny? The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is putting a roller skating rink in Market Square from May 7-25. Lace up and glide through the newly-renovated space.

Try yoga in the square instead. Free classes take place every Sunday and Tuesday, starting May 12.

Check out the expo Friday and Saturday at the convention center and prepare to lace up! Even if you aren’t running Saturday or Sunday, you can hang out by the finish line near Point State Park and cheer people on. Then grab a post-race meal or drink in the neighborhood. (Shouting words of encouragement and dramatically waving signs counts as a workout, too!) Make sure to stop by the Pittsburgh Pub, a pop-up bar in Market Square that was built for the NFL Draft but is sticking around through Marathon weekend.

Eighteen new businesses opened Downtown ahead of the NFL Draft as part of 

a long-standing program to fill empty storefronts

, a novelty shop that sells everything from s'mores earrings to pasta-shaped oven mitts. Get a drink at 

, a new tasting room serving beer, spirits, cocktails and N/A drinks from Black producers throughout the state. There are so many great spots to check out — and if they're successful, they could stick around the neighborhood for years to come.

Starting May 14, you can swing by Market Square every Thursday to find local produce and small-batch food. There's nothing like strolling around the space while snacking on a fresh plum or piece of fudge, and it'll be made all the sweeter this year now that Market Square is more shaded and walkable.

More fun things to do in Pittsburgh!

Roller skate through Market Square, browse the Downtown farmers market, and check out new pop-up businesses.

What To Do In Downtown Pittsburgh Spring 2026

What To Do Downtown After the Draft

It's Native American Heritage Month! Test your knowledge of Indigenous history in Western Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh History

Do You Know Pittsburgh's Indigenous History?

Kevin Gavin

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