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City Cast Pittsburgh

Francesca Dabecco

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

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

At a time when we’re so glued to our phones (I bet that’s how you’re reading this right now), it’s good to slow down, put pen to paper, and get creative.

Whether you’re looking to send some snail mail or start a new journal, Pittsburgh has some ink-credible small businesses to fulfill all of your stationery needs.

, is as cute as its name. The stationery store sells goods made by Asian artists and small businesses — fun colored pens and highlighters, stamps of all shapes and sizes, notebooks for writing and drawing, greeting cards, art prints, stickers, and more. I circled the store at least a dozen times and found something new to admire on every lap. Keep tabs on their 

 for special events like mystery bag sales and matcha pop-ups.

’ stationery and gift store in Mt. Lebanon, you’ll find a wall lined with unique cards for all kinds of celebrations, funky note pads and pens, desk calendars, and journals of all colors. Plus, they carry a bunch of other gift items like puzzles, mugs, books, and candles. The store owner also operates 

, a local letterpress company that designs and prints greeting cards.

You could spend all day perusing the massive wall of greeting cards, racks of stationery and journals, and tons of cute writing materials at 

 in Lawrenceville — and that’s just a small section of what they carry. Check out tables stacked with 

 decor and gifts like neighborhood pennants, art prints with the three rivers, and an Andy Warhol soup can puzzle.

 carries everything you need to send a love note … and more! This paper shop along Carnegie’s business district has cards, notepads, wrapping material, and a variety of kitschy goods that make easy gifts. Don’t skip the big display of pencils with fun phrases like “

Can’t find what you need at a card shop? 

 in Squirrel Hill has all the tools for paper crafters: fine paper, notebooks, sketchpads, every type writing or drawing utensil, blockprinting materials, and more. The staff is super knowledgeable and can help you find what you need — or what you didn’t know you needed!

Where to shop for unique greeting cards, fine paper, writing materials, and more in Pittsburgh.

The Best Stationery Stores in Pittsburgh

5 Pittsburgh Stationery Shops for Cute Cards and More

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

Looking for a star-studded night out? The Oscars are coming up on March 15, and many of Pittsburgh's indie theaters are hosting special screenings so you can catch up before the big award day.

City Cast Pittsburgh's Megan Harris sat down with Josh Axelrod, founding member of the 

, to talk about local connections to Oscar-nominated films and the best places to watch the nominees ⬇️

The 200-seat theater in Downtown regularly shows a mix of contemporary, classic, independent, and foreign films — and often movies you can’t find anywhere else. Between Feb. 20-26, moviegoers can catch Oscar-nominated 

 Feb. 20-26. See fantastic true stories, expertly animated shorts, and dramatic live-action productions, all running under 40 minutes. Tip: 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 Dormont is 

 Feb. 20-26, along with one-off showings of feature films in February and March. Step inside this refurbished historic playhouse, complete with a 400-seat main theater. Want to see them all? Buy the 

Catch some of the best films of the year at Harris Theater, Row House Lawrenceville, Row House Hollywood, The Lindsay Theater, and more.

art

15 Pittsburgh Music Festivals for Good Tunes and Community

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in May 2026

25 Spring Pop-Up Markets for Shopping Local in Pittsburgh

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