austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

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

 fan of dinosaurs, and it all traces back to Diplodocus carnegii — the massive, long-necked sauropod discovered in an excavation funded by steel mogul Andrew Carnegie in 1899. A life-size statue of the dinosaur, nicknamed “Dippy,” sits outside the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and a reconstruction of its skeleton is displayed inside the museum.

The discoveries still continue today! A paleontologist with the museum recently co-led a team who found a 

 in China — Jian changmaensis. This feathery creature is similar to a velociraptor and lived more than 120 million years ago. Researchers found part of a shoulder and forelimb, which they believe will help them learn more about how birds evolved to fly.

You can see a replica of this fossil at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and have more dino-mite fun this summer at the events below ⬇️

DinoFest at Carnegie Museum of Natural History

 and prehistoric life on June 13. Visitors can interact with museum scientists, explore active research, and discover how fossils help us understand Earth’s history. Don’t miss the PaleoLab talks to learn about how the museum cares for the fossils on display.

, from dragonflies to Triceratops, across the garden’s 65 acres of stunning green space. The installation is created by artist Dale Lewis and made from recycled metal and found objects. Be sure to see the shiny pterodactyl on your way in and look for her nest and babies hidden in the gardens! It’s on display through Oct. 31.

Check out over 30 giant creatures from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods 

 throughout the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. The display runs until September 7 and includes photo opportunities, fossil dig pits, and more activities.

Have you ever noticed the colorful dinosaur sculptures placed all over Pittsburgh? The Carnegie Museum of National History led a public art project in 2003 called 

, and you can still see some of these figures around town. I wrote about how you can take a DIY tour in my book, “

100 Things To Do in Pittsburgh Before You Die

.” One of my favorites is the Ketchupsaurus at PPG Place!

See these prehistoric creatures at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, and more in summer 2026.

4 Roaring Dinosaur Events in Pittsburgh This Summer

4 Ways To Have Dino-mite Fun This Summer in Pittsburgh

How do you get through the ups and downs of living in Pittsburgh? No, really — we have one of the hilliest cities in the U.S.

The answer: a network of hundreds of public stairways locally referred to as “city steps.” This unique infrastructure was the first public transportation system in Pittsburgh.

Today, locals can walk these paths of the past to connect with our city’s history, explore neighborhoods, and get free outdoor exercise.

City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide

 to share a field kit to these steep and storied staircases.

If you’re just getting acquainted with city steps, here are author 

’s recommendations for the best flights for urban hikes ⬇️

 are the city's longest walkable flight. They're connected to trails that lead to the South Busway and Brookline Memorial Park. (You can catch 

 is the fourth-longest flight in the city. It's walkable, but it has a severe case of scoliosis! This flight once led residents to the East Street Valley neighborhood, which is now I-279. 👟 Want more Fineview fun? Sign up for the 

 from Shaler Street, and you'll find yourself surrounded by Emerald View park trails. Follow the half-mile 

 for a gorgeous tree canopy and sweeping views of the West End.

Enter at either Cowley-Goettman Park or Province Street to get a stunning view of the city at the 

. There’s a bench where you can relax and take in the vista. 👟Explore more of 

 span the hill in, well … the Hill District. These stairs are near the 

, the grand Victorian home of a well-known bootlegging family from the 1920’s and 30’s. 👟 Explore more of 

The National Negro Opera House, currently undergoing preservation, sits directly across from the 

➡️ All of these flights appear on the 1923 city maps, so you can literally "walk in the footsteps" of those from 100 years ago.

) for taking a field trip with the City Cast Pittsburgh team!

Discover Pittsburgh’s best city steps for urban hikers.

The Best City Step Hikes in Pittsburgh

A Guide to Touring Pittsburgh’s City Steps

Everything to know about Pittsburgh neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Paint the town rainbow! Don’t miss the annual 

 June 6 and 7 in Allegheny Commons Park and 

 on June 7. There’s nothing quite like seeing a sea of color flow through the city — all in celebration of love and equal rights. The parade starts in the Strip District, goes through Downtown, and ends on the North Side at the Pride Festival in Allegheny Commons Park. Check out vendors, organizations, performances, and more.

For more pride, look no further than your own (or nearby) neighborhood! There are additional celebrations in 

Find all sorts of handmade arts and crafts at the 

, the Arts Landing in the Cultural District, June 5-7 and 11-14. Expect to see hundreds of arts and crafts vendors and a variety of live music performances, from rock to alternative hip hop to pop-folk. (

.) Don’t miss Pittsburgh’s art-rock troupe Squonk turn Arts Landing into a “kinetic, music-filled playground.”

What’s better than popcorn under the stars? Pittsburgh has a new 

 in the Strip District. Lounge in a sling chair, put on headphones, and snack on treats at The Stacks at 3 Crossings — every fourth weekend of the month, May through October. Or, bring your blanket and get cozy on the lawn for free movie screenings in 

Experience Pittsburgh from a new perspective at Bike Pittsburgh’s annual 

 event June 28. Miles of city streets will be shut down to cars and open for residents to walk, run, bike, skate, and roll. There will also be free fitness workshops, kids’ biking classes, local food vendors, and more family-friendly activities. 

Find Treasures at Mexican War Streets Yard Sale

. Not only can you find secondhand gems, but it’s a chance to see inside historic rowhouses and charming courtyards. Fuel up at my favorite coffee shop, 

Pittsburgh has a new 21+ night festival happening every weekend this summer! Starting June 20, East Carson Street will transform into one of Pittsburgh’s biggest outdoor nightlife destinations with live music, cocktails, vendors, and more entertainment. 

Celebrate the Warhol Bridge’s 100th Birthday

Hang out with City Cast Pittsburgh! We’re joining Allegheny County for an afternoon of music, food, games, and art to celebrate the Andy Warhol Bridge’s 100th Birthday on June 27. 

Make more plans for June! Tune into the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast to hear 

June 2026 in Pittsburgh: Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pride celebrations, Mexican War Streets yard sale, South Side Street Festival, and more.

The Best Pittsburgh Events in June 20206

7 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in June 2026

Put on your helmet, and let’s ride! Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a newbie to biking in the Burgh, we’ve got tips to 

Mark your calendar for these upcoming rides and events ⬇️

 gives you a sweet incentive to make it to each checkpoint: donuts! Pedal along bike lanes and trails throughout the city and snag treats from Paddy Cake Bakery, Pigeon Bagels, Sidecar, and Baked True North.

, stopping at a few breweries along the way. You’ll start at Millvale Riverfront Park and roll along the trail toward the city. The event is a part of their Battles to Bikes program for local veterans.

, then meet up at the Frick Environmental Center afterwards for a community picnic. There will be hot dogs with all of the fixings (vegan available!), icy treats, and good company. The ride is a fundraiser for BikePGH, and if you raise $100, you can get a special picnic blanket.

Have a chill ride with friends or race to win some cool prizes at 

. The ride starts and ends at 3 Rivers Outdoors Co. in Regent Square, and all proceeds go toward 

, a volunteer-run nonprofit that helps Pittsburghers get, repair, and maintain bikes.

 is dedicated to breaking down barriers to bicycling. Join the group for a beginner-friendly group ride along the riverfront trail, or get some more miles in with a steady, long climb from Point State Park to the top of Riverview Park.

, starting at Allegheny Commons Park on the North Side. All experience levels are welcome at this charity ride for BikePGH. There will be beer, NA beverages, music, and food trucks at the finish line.

Experience Pittsburgh from a new perspective at BikePGH's’s annual 

 event series, where miles of city streets are shut down to cars and open for residents to walk, run, bike, skate, and roll through. Stay tuned for details.

Pedal in Pittsburgh at group bicycle rides, races, and special events featuring tasty treats.

The Best Group Rides and Biking Events in Pittsburgh This Summer

7 Summer Biking Events in Pittsburgh, From Group Rides to Races

Ever wonder what your favorite house on the block looks like inside? Or do you catch yourself peeking through the fence to spot gorgeous flowers in your neighbor’s yard?

Now’s your time to be nebby! Explore Pittsburgh homes, gardens, and more on walking tours this summer.

will take you inside uniquely restored homes, repurposed lofts, and green spaces — each with a distinct style. Get to know the stories of each dwelling through personal art collections, family heirlooms, and memorabilia.

Step inside the botanical oasis at Grow Pittsburgh’s 

 in Wilkinsburg. The certified organic farm and greenhouse provides plants to urban farmers, schools, community gardeners, and home growers throughout the community. After the tour, stick around for a barbecue and social hour.

Want a tour with a performance? Get inspired by historical Pittsburgh legends on a 

 in Lawrenceville. Prime Stage Theatre actors will resurrect the stories of locals buried in one of Pittsburgh’s largest and oldest burial grounds.

See how residents grow vegetables, fruit trees, and pollinator-friendly flowers throughout private gardens 

. Then join the community for a picnic and party afterwards with food, entertainment, and activities for all ages.

Take in the sweet smells and sights of the gardens throughout this North Hills suburb. Previous stops on 

 featured prairie gardens with native perennials, peaceful ponds, water features, and stone landscaping.

Want to know what Pittsburgh looked like during its steel industry days? Get a glimpse of our region’s industrial past on a 

 — stretching between Rankin and Swissvale and towering 92 feet above the Monongahela River. The furnaces, built in 1884, are a remnant of the U.S. Steel Homestead Steel Works and a rare example of both 20th century steel dominance and pre-World War II iron-making technology.

Hartwood Acres Sculpture Garden Audio Tour

Visitors to this magnificent 629-acre park — originally a county estate for an equestrian family — can take a 

 of the Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden. Learn about Pittsburgh’s industrial past while touring 14 large displays. Bring your headphones, and find a QR code at each stop!

Mosey through brick-lined streets, turn-of-the-century Victorian homes, and dreamy gardens on this 

. You’ll be stunned by the intricate woodwork, stained-glass windows, tall ceilings, and manicured gardens in Pittsburgh’s largest historic district.

Open doors to beautifully restored rowhouses on this 

 on the North Side. Attendees will be awed by stonework hearths, gorgeous wood floors, charming courtyards, and verdant community gardens.

 — from the homes on Judges Row to the iconic Allegheny Observatory. Last year’s tour started at Riverview Park, and featured craft beer samples from local breweries at stops throughout the tour.

Be your best nebby self and explore lush gardens, historic homes, and magnificent parks on these summer tours.

Explore Pittsburgh on Summer Home and Garden Tours 2025

10 Summer Home, Garden, and Neighborhood Tours in Pittsburgh

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

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.

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

outdoor activities

Your Ideal Pittsburgh Pool Experience Based on Your Astrological Sign

4 Ways To Have Dino-mite Fun This Summer in Pittsburgh

A Guide to Touring Pittsburgh’s City Steps

Latest articles

Your Ideal Pittsburgh Pool Experience Based on Your Astrological Sign

4 Ways To Have Dino-mite Fun This Summer in Pittsburgh

A Guide to Touring Pittsburgh’s City Steps

7 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in June 2026

7 Summer Biking Events in Pittsburgh, From Group Rides to Races

10 Summer Home, Garden, and Neighborhood Tours in Pittsburgh

15 Pittsburgh Music Festivals for Good Tunes and Community

Latest articles

7 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in June 2026

7 Summer Biking Events in Pittsburgh, From Group Rides to Races

10 Summer Home, Garden, and Neighborhood Tours in Pittsburgh

15 Pittsburgh Music Festivals for Good Tunes and Community

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in May 2026

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in April 2026

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in March 2026