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City Cast Pittsburgh

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

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

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

After sitting empty on the North Side for nearly 20 years, the historic Garden Theater building is finally ready for a show.

, is bringing fresh eats and local goods to W. North Avenue — a street dotted with businesses, a popular busline, and a large urban green space.

“When it was a theater, it was a really important, thriving part of the community, and that just fits with the whole ethos that we have,” market owner Ann Gilligan says. “We want to be a part of a thriving, healthy community, and this just feels like it was meant to be.”

Mayfly previously operated out of a rowhouse on Arch Street, just a few blocks away. The shop is now double the size and carries everything you’d need in a pinch — pantry staples, produce, eggs, meat, dairy, bread, and snacks — plus deli offerings like sandwiches, soups, and salads.

The menu rotates seasonally, but you can always expect something fresh at the counter and grab-and-go meals in the fridge. (I’m a big fan of the curry chickpea sandwich.)

You can find lots of local goods in stock, too: Pittsburgh Pickle Company, Best Ever Granola, Goat Rodeo Cheese, and a freezer full of Leona’s Ice Cream Sandwiches.

If you can’t do dairy, don’t worry. Mayfly makes their own Gilligan’s Sorbet in-house. Choose from flavors like kiwi, mango lime, and blueberry lemon. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy on a stroll through nearby Allegheny Commons Park.

Look out for more action coming to the Garden Theater. Homestead’s Golden Age Beer is launching a new brewery concept in the other half of the space called “The Bohemian.” Gilligan says she’s excited to expand Mayfly’s menu to appeal to the happy hour crowd.

The effort to restore this early 20th century theater has been years in the making. TREK Development Group and Q Development led the project and also built 

“I have to give credit to them. They saw this and saw the potential and made it happen.” Gilligan says. “Just inviting everyone back into the building has been really special to watch.”

More New Openings!

The Garden Theater is back in action with Mayfly Market & Deli — and soon a brewery from Golden Age Beer.

Shop at Mayfly Market & Deli Inside the Renovated Garden Theater

Mayfly Market & Deli Brings New Life to North Side’s Historic Garden Theater

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

Fridays are where it’s at in February. Go on an art crawl, dig into a savory sando, get a guided museum tour, or ditch the romance for some spooky Friday the 13th fun. Scroll for 

, like Valentine’s markets and a new romance bookstore.

Show love to a partner, friend, or family member while also spreading the love to local businesses and makers. Shop from over 100 vendors selling jewelry, art, pottery and more at 

, Feb. 7 at The Block Northway. Or heat things up at the 

, an adult-only vintage and maker event, Feb. 7 at Spirit.

 make a homemade gift? WorkshopPGH is hosting a 

, Feb. 8 inside the historic Wilkinsburg Train Station.

If you can’t make it to these pop-up events, stop by 

Don’t skip a chance to get one of my favorite sandwiches in town. Find the 

 food truck at Trace Brewing every Friday in February, offering fluffy, indulgent sandwiches and cozy bowls of tantanmen-style ramen. It’s the perfect pairing with a craft brew. Every sando (the Japanese nickname for sandwich) is made with pillowy milk bread, katsu-style meat or veggies, cabbage, green onions, and a tangy, sweet sauce.

2. Visit Phipps’ ‘Blooming With Love’ Flower Show

Pretend you’re somewhere tropical with a stroll through 

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

. The latest show features rare orchids, meticulously-grown bonsai, and art-filled landscapes with vibrant colors. Don’t miss the 8-foot orchid tower, a neon pink “Love” sign, and a romantically-decorated gazebo in the Palm Court.

Feeling the love for Valentine's Day? Get your hands on a sappy or steamy novel from 

, Pittsburgh’s new romance-only bookstore in Lawrenceville. Or shop from local book sellers at the 

 at Velum Fermentation Feb. 7. The event includes bookmark making, bookish tattoos, and local vendors.

Looking for some new literary friends? Check out the 

 Feb. 9 at Trace Brewing. Whether you like imaginative science fiction or a thrilling mystery, there’s a club for you.

Twenty of Pittsburgh’s best musicians are coming together for a concert at 

 Feb. 16. The local bands you love get mixed up to form all new groups, and they have just one week to come up with songs before taking the stage together. Expect to hear covers and originals.

6. Tour the Clemente Museum on 21+ Nights

Learn about the legacy of this barrier-breaking Pirates star on special 

 in February. The Lawrenceville museum has an impressive collection of photographs and artifacts from Roberto Clemente’s life on and off the field: game series rings, game-worn uniforms, documents from his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, and more. A $30 ticket gets you admission and a glass of Engine House 25 Wine.

7. Get Excited for the Unblurred Arts Crawl

On the first Friday of each month, Bloomfield and Garfield teem with art displays, live performances, local vendors, and more. The arts crawl takes place along Penn Avenue, but organizers are excited to expand.

This month, they’re unveiling a strategic plan for the Penn Avenue Arts & Commercial District. It’ll bring together more restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops to cement this section of the East End as an arts and culture hub.

Artists and art fans can mix, mingle, and learn more about the plan 

8. Make Friends with Pittsburgh Social Health

Looking to pick up a new hobby or plug into a local organization? The 

 is hosting the ultimate “try-it-all” day, Feb. 21 at Velum Fermentation. Expect to see social clubs, community organizations, craft groups, nonprofits, and more. It’s free and open to all ages.

9. Celebrate Pittsburgh’s Black History & Jazz Legacy

Between the 1930s and 1950s, the Hill District was the heart of Pittsburgh’s jazz scene, featuring performances from local legends like 

, Lena Horne, Earl "Fatha" Hines, Billy Strayhorn, and Billy Eckstine. While many landmarks are gone, the jazz legacy lives on at bars, clubs, and cultural spaces all over town. Check out 

10. Join Pittsburgh’s Friday the 13th Club

Friday the 13th is happening three times this year, including this month, and there’s a 

club dedicated to celebrating the unlucky day

. In 1882, Pittsburghers formed the Thirteen Club, focused on dispelling the number’s bad rap. Dark History PGH has since resurrected the club, hosting a series of spooky events and walking tours. Ditch the romance and get creepy with the club at 

February in Pittsburgh: Valentine’s markets, a book club fair, Clemente Museum tours, Steel City Super Jam, and Friday the 13th events.

The Best February Events in Pittsburgh 2026

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in February 2026

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.

6. Visit The Black Photojournalism Exhibit

January is the last month to see the documentary work by nearly 60 photographers across the United States — including Pittsburgh’s own Charles “Teenie” Harris — at Carnegie Museum of Art’s 

. Inside the Heinz Galleries, you’ll find snapshots of historic events and daily life, chronicling everything from the end of World War II to the Civil Rights movement.

7. Scour for Gems at Totally Rad Vintage Fest

This traveling festival celebrates everything from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and Y2K! Shop racks of vintage fashion, find throwback accessories and memorabilia, play free arcade games, and more on 

8. Get Nostalgic at Found Footage Festival

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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