Plus, New Orleans cuisine ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Thursday, May 7 

Your Daily Guide

Ciao neighbor! An Italian-language version of August Wilson’s play “Jitney” is coming to Pittsburgh this weekend. It’s led by an all-Black Italian cast. How cool?! (👟Use my walking guide to learn more about this famous Pittsburgh playwright.)

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Display ad: "Liberty Magic presents 'We Phantom Figures' with Jared Kopf, May 7-17, 2026. A bearded man in a suit gestures mysteriously. Dark, enchanting theme."

What Pittsburgh's Talking About

Gov. Shapiro Sues AI Chatbot Company

Pennsylvania is suing Character Technologies Inc. to stop its AI chatbots from illegally posing as doctors and offering medical advice. This is the Shapiro administration’s first lawsuit against an AI company since it formed a state task force to crack down on chatbots’ potentially harmful messages, especially to children. [Associated Press / Commonwealth of PA]

$1 Million Federal Investment for Downtown Housing

The funding boost will help Pittsburgh’s Urban Redevelopment Authority turn vacant office buildings into affordable housing — an effort the agency has already dedicated $36 million to in recent years. The URA says there are 14 projects in the works for the next four years, which should create nearly 1,000 apartments with around half marked at affordable rates. [KDKA]

Pirates All-Star Bob Skinner Dies at 94

The outfielder made his major league debut with the Pirates in 1954 and went on to help Pittsburgh win the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees. Skinner’s professional baseball career spanned six decades as a player and coach; he was named to the All-Star team three times and earned two World Series rings. [MLB]

Pittsburgh Gets New Orleans Cuisine

Roux Orleans is bringing soul to Chateau on the North Side. Order staples like gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, po’ boys, and more. Food is available for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, but make sure to go early because they sell out! Tip: This new restaurant is located in the same building as my favorite Pittsburgh massage spot. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

PODCAST

Green Chile Queso, Gumbo & More New Pittsburgh Food & Drink

Pine-Richland Revises Book Ban Policy

The school walked back its controversial policy that gave the board final say on what books could be included in district libraries. New changes to the policy will limit who can file book challenges to parents or guardians. According to the district, the revisions were created to recognize that there are “diverse viewpoints and strongly held beliefs in our community.” [WESA]

Display Ad: "Colorful pottery vases with white flowers on display. Text reads: 'Mother of All Pottery Sales, May 9, 2026, Early Bird $20, Free 11-4pm.'"

Shop handmade ceramics with over 40 artists!

The Mother of All Pottery Sales is a colossal pottery sale that features regional ceramic artists, stunning ceramic artwork, clay demonstrations, and a hands-on activity! Join us to learn about clay, meet and support local artists, and find unique, handmade gifts for your loved ones (or for yourself).

Image of girl painting a canvas at a table

Discover fun, free events for families!

From May 1 to May 23, Remake Learning Days celebrates its 10th anniversary with hundreds of events for kids, families, and communities. From robot petting zoos and DJ workshops to playful walks through Pittsburgh-area parks, the festival brings kids and families together to wonder, learn, and explore. Find fun, free events for your family at remakelearningdays.org!

Your 2026 Music Festival Lineup

crowd at a music festival

Pittonkatonk takes over the Vietnam Veterans Pavilion in Oakland’s Schenley Park, May 8-9. (Courtesy of Pittonkatonk)

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

Loud & Proud Music Festival

June 6

Pride Month just got even more fun! Shop from craft vendors and hear music from regional LGBTQ+ musicians 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.

WYEP Summer Music Festival

June 27

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

Northside Music Festival

July 10-12

From emerging local talent to regional headliners, the Northside Music Festival 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.

Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival

September 17-20

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center brings world-renowned artists to Pittsburgh’s stage every year at the International Jazz Festival. The multi-day event is a great way to honor our city’s impressive jazz legacy. Can’t wait? See Sean Jones & Friends on June 23 at a fundraiser for the festival.

Four Chord Music Festival

September 25-26

Punk returns to Pittsburgh! Four Chord Musical Festival will rock out at FNB Stadium 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.

More Music Festivals Here!
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What To Do

Thursday, May 7

Friday, May 8

More Pittsburgh Events
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