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

City Cast Pittsburgh

Laura Tsutsui

Summer has arrived, and with it, pool season! We’re lucky enough to have 16 city pools open this year. To help you decide which pool(s) to visit, we’ve tapped “

” to share the ideal swimming experience 

If you've never visited a Pittsburgh pool before, 

 for how to get the most bang for your buck on pool tags and more tips for a fun day in the sun.

 There’s not an Aquarius who doesn’t think their sign is the best, so it’s fitting that they would most enjoy the “Patrick Mahomes of Pools” in Highland Park.

 Pisces’ whimsical and romantic nature should place them in the Perry Hilltop fortress, surrounded by nature and serenity, like at Riverview pool.

 Competitive, active Aries can play water polo and soak in the vibes of the Hill District at Ammon pool!

 Practical yet loving, Tauruses should take a dip at Ream where they can enjoy a view of the community garden in Mt. Washington.

For the Gemini twins, we offer two pools on two sides of town (Bloomfield and Ormsby in South Side), with similar social and urban vibes that are anything but boring.

 Family and friend-centric Cancer belong where you can wade into the shallow end with the kiddos and also chat by the diving wall with BFFs. This charming community space in Greenfield feels like a home away from home.

 (take your pick!): Leos don’t swim with plebes.

Virgos tend to shy away from center stage, and they can do that while enjoying a dip at this off-the-beaten-path gem. Perfectionist Virgos will also love the clean locker rooms at this South Hills neighborhood find.

The accessibility of this pool will appeal to Librans’ love of fairness and access for all. A love of the outdoors is also satisfied by the proximity to Schenley Park!

Passionate Scorpio loves the punk vibes at the West Penn pool in Polish Hill, especially during Skullfest.

 Bustling up on Brookline’s Pioneer Ave, you’ll find Moore pool which speaks to Sags’ extroverted nature. There’s plenty of space to swim away if you accidentally put your foot in your mouth.

While Sue Murray pool may have needed some TLC, its historic vibes in the Allegheny Center will appeal to Capricorn’s love of tradition and historical aesthetics.

Pittsburgh pools are open. Find a swimming hole that aligns with your astrological aura.

Find Your Pittsburgh Pool Based on Your Astrological Sign

Your Ideal Pittsburgh Pool Experience Based on Your Astrological Sign

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

Francesca Dabecco

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

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

Megan Harris

If you've felt scared, unsettled, or in danger because of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement activity, here are concrete ways to learn more about what's happening in Pittsburgh and how to get involved, including rapid-response trainings that prepare residents to safely document ICE activity, organizations providing legal or mutual aid, community care options for children and families, rent and food support, and more.

What Are Pittsburgh Officials Saying About ICE?

, which means our public safety officials, including police, won’t assist them. But local police may still be dispatched to monitor a situation, and it’s not clear 

 while off duty. In other cities where ICE is more active, the voice of the mayor seems to hold little weight.

Pittsburgh City Council is urging PA senators 

 that would provide another $10 billion to ICE. Under President Donald Trump, the agency now has 

 than any other U.S. law enforcement group. U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-Braddock) and Dave McCormick (R-Squirrel Hill) 

 that could bar elected officials and county employees from cooperating with ICE unless ordered by a federal judge. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato called Trump’s influence on immigration enforcement and federal funding “chaotic.” 

 the raids “have nothing to do with protecting us from criminals and actually threaten the region’s long-term growth and stability.”

 are making their own choices about whether to work with ICE, sometimes without the knowledge or consent of local officials or voters. Public Source published 

Neither Pittsburgh nor Pennsylvania have 

 limiting local cooperation with ICE, which could include sharing access to databases, personal information, or legal proceedings where targets may be present. 

 last year but was later removed. Trump pledged this month to withhold federal funding from “sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities.”

, Gov. Josh Shapiro said his administration is prepared to handle a Minneapolis-style ICE occupation in Pennsylvania. He called agents’ behavior there “lawless” and “unacceptable” — and categorized the recent shooting death of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol as an “atrocity.” 

 would prohibit civil immigration arrests within 1,000 feet of state-owned or leased facilities absent a judicial order or warrant.

You can make your voice heard by calling your elected leaders. The app 

 helps locate their contact information and provides scripts you can use or adapt.

If You or Someone You Know is Affected by ICE Activity

If you or a loved one are detained by ICE, you can call Casa San José or Frontline DIGNITY’s emergency response lines.

If you are trying to find someone who’s been detained by ICE, try the national 

Find the latest data on ICE arrests and removals at 

Find ICE Response Trainings & Know-Your-Rights Info

Casa San José and Frontline DIGNITY have helped organize hundreds of volunteers to help with interpretation services, respond to families in crisis, and serve as safe, legal observers of ICE activity. Here’s more about the groups and partner organizations.

In addition to legal clinics and Know Your Rights sessions, Casa San José operates an 

 that monitors immigration enforcement and sends volunteers to court appointments. Follow the community center’s 

 for more educational resources and ways to get involved.

The community organization teaches volunteers 

, document enforcement activity, and respond safely when ICE shows up. Follow their 

This statewide coalition works directly with immigrant communities and supports grassroots organizations. They offer one of the best websites we’ve seen for resources about knowing your rights in different situations, as well as 

 for families, employers, schools and colleges, union stewards, health care workers, and more.

 with preparedness guides, legal rights checklists, and community support planning resources — a good reference for organizations and volunteers helping impacted families.

 to vulnerable immigrants, including education on the legal rights of people who've been detained and help for survivors of violence. They also lead an 

 that provides training, safety planning tools, and technical assistance with issues like language access in court.

The statewide legal advocacy group has know-your-rights guides available in 

City Cast Pittsburgh spoke to senior staff attorney Vanessa Stine to learn 

, what rights immigrants have regardless of their legal status, and how bystanders can help during an ICE encounter. There’s a 

Stay Informed About ICE Activity in Pittsburgh

Local reporters and advocates all over our region are trying to document ICE encounters and their effect on our region. Here are a few that really stand out.

The nonprofit newsroom closely follows immigration enforcement in Pittsburgh and across Southwestern Pennsylvania. 

 works to protect peoples' constitutional rights through actions across all 50 states. Find local information and ways to get involved through the 

1Hood Media promotes social justice through 

 to find out about local ICE response, upcoming protests, and more community events.

This grassroots political organizing group often spearheads or helps get the word out about 

 in Western Pennsylvania. If you’re outside the city, look for an 

Local Groups Supporting Immigrant Communities

Lots of organizations and networks already exist to support our immigrant and refugee communities. Note: These are not for crisis response. Please let us know if we left someone off the list at 

Pittsburgh Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

 by streamlining access to city services, community groups, and opportunities for entrepreneurs. Helpful if you need local data supporting the value of immigration.

 for immigrants such as citizenship and legal assistance, literacy and ESL classes, youth programs, refugee resettlement services, and more.

 with housing, employment, education, health care navigation, and community building. They also run a mentorship matching program so locals can support families directly.

Church leaders offer advice on how religious communities can prepare, respond, and support the immigrant community, including a 

 on what to do if ICE comes to your church.

, including housing assistance, case management, employment support, and legal referrals. They also have a housing registry and donation options to help newly-arrived families settle. JFCS is connected to 

AIU3’s Immigrant Services and Connections

The workforce development organization helps immigrants and refugees find sustainable employment through its 

. It’s a part of their mission to support all people, and especially women, with free career development workshops, mentoring, and career coaching.

 for green card applications, naturalization, family reunification, and more — helpful for families needing legal support.

 (ISAC) program, Literacy Pittsburgh helps immigrants with food, rent/utility support, transportation access, and health care — often in multiple languages and without barriers to enrollment.

Trainings, mutual aid, family support, and other resources to help immigrant communities as ICE activity escalates nationwide.

 How To Help Immigrants in Pittsburgh

Ways To Support Pittsburgh’s Immigrant Communities

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

Pittsburgh, Explained

Looking out for your neighbors’ safety can be as simple as looking down.

 is building a network of volunteers to document risky sections of our city’s walkways. The collaborative project is led by BikePGH, Access Mob, and Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure.

“It’s really about equity,” says Seth Bush, Advocacy Manager at BikePGH. “We’re looking at the distribution of the quality of our sidewalks and how we can connect neighborhoods to resources more effectively.”

The crew’s observations will be used to assess sidewalk conditions throughout our 90 neighborhoods and help the city create long-term plans for upgrades.

This planning, Bush says, is essential to 

. A 2024 report from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows that 

 in the U.S. happened in locations without a sidewalk.

“This program works best when volunteers report from their neighborhood. They know it best.” Bush says. “We have a lot of ground to cover, and we need a lot of people.”

Discover what makes sidewalks safe and accessible 

. Attendees will learn how to report sidewalk issues through a form where users can easily log a concern by noting the location and uploading a picture.

If you don’t see a training date that works for you, contact 

 and they’ll coordinate a session. Once trained, you can submit reports from anywhere in the city.

If you want to connect with more crew members, be sure to look out for neighborhood-wide “blitz” efforts on 

. Note: Training isn’t required before attending one of these events; you’ll get a crash course and a partner to walk with.

Pittsburgh Walks can also train volunteer groups, such as clubs and workplace teams. Reach out to 

Disability advocate and Access Mob Pittsburgh Director Alisa Grishman 

 — but especially wheelchair users like herself.

“In a world that has great sidewalks, sliding doors, and ramps, I wouldn’t be disabled; I’d be able to get everywhere just the same as someone who is currently able-bodied. It’s the world that creates the disability, not my chair.”

Stay engaged by following organizations like 

, and reporting all kinds of neighborhood 

Help make Pittsburgh more accessible by reporting sidewalk issues from anywhere in the city.

How You Can Help To Make Pittsburgh Safer for Pedestrians

How To Join Pittsburgh’s Safe Sidewalks Crew

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

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

Keep the winter blues at bay with tasty drinks (and no hangover!), Pittsburgh features on TV, a popular vintage festival, local history brought to life on stage, cozy cold-weather activities, and more.

, Pittsburgh’s nonalcoholic beverage shop, is pouring over with sober drink options — from seltzers and spirits to beers and wines. Owner Mel Babitz and the team can guide you through hundreds of options to find 

, whether you want a bev that tastes like beer or wine or a “functional” drink with mood-enhancing or energizing ingredients.

 now has a brick-and-mortar bringing fresh, hand-rolled bagels to Bloomfield. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of bakery featuring breakfast sandwiches, customizable cream cheese spreads, and toppings galore. Tip: Go early! It was all sold out by late morning when I stopped by on a Sunday.

Millvale is channeling Hygge, the Danish art of cozy, with 

 throughout the borough on Jan. 10. Start at 

 for a cozy herbal blend. Then mosey through a couple of blocks to find more than 30 businesses and practitioners offering sessions in yoga, massage, facial, sound healing, tarot, and more. Want more? Keep the self-care going at the 

4. Spot Local Scenes in Season 2 of ‘The Pitt’

 medical drama, partially filmed in Pittsburgh, is back for its 

. We can’t wait to see shots of gorgeous Pittsburgh skylines, Dr. Robby commuting through the North Side, and local Easter eggs only yinzers will know — all of which almost makes the blood and gore worth the watch 😉

It’s a good time to turn a new page — literally. Build up your TBR pile with new reads from Pittsburgh’s 

. If you’re not sure where to start, check out some local book clubs. Stay Gold Books in Regent Square has a 

, including a Sunday Morning Salon where you can meet over coffee to talk about inspiring nonfiction reads.

January in Pittsburgh: sober cocktails, new bagels, Hygge activities, local books, “The Pitt” season 2 premiere, a vintage fest, and more.

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