Pittsburgh 2017 Calendar of Events
May Events …
Pittsburgh Wine Festival
May 4, 2017 – Heinz Field – Pittsburgh North Shore
One of the Top-10 Wine Festivals in the Country – the 15th annual Pittsburgh Wine Festival hosts some of the ‘world’s finest’ wine-makers … chefs … entertainers and wine educators. The festival features over 165 vendors offering over 500 varities of wines from all around the world. Tasting tickets are $125-$250.
For more information, call (412) 281-2681. Proceeds from the Pittsburgh Wine Festival will benefit the University Of Pittsburgh Cancer Centers.
Pittsburgh Marathon
May 7, 2017 – Downtown Pittsburgh
A huge Pittsburgh tradition… the annual Pittsburgh Marathon has become one of the premier marathons in the country, with more than 100,000 cheering fans that will line the racecourse to encourage the runners.
Several neighborhood festivals will be under way in 13 communities along the course. The Music by the Mile program features live musical acts to entertain runners on their speedy foot tour of the city.
St. Nick’s Greek Food Festival
May 8-12, 2016 – 419 South Dithridge Street – Pittsburgh University District
Come savor authentic Greek food at this popular annual tradition that features great Greek food, and costumed dancers performing nightly to tradditional Greek music.
The diverse menu includes dishes like… beef stefatho, chicken oregano, souvlakia, baklava and much more. Both Greek and domestic wines will also be available.
Festival hours: TBA.
25th Annual Pittsburgh Race for the Cure
May 14, 2017 – Schenley Park at Flagstaff Hill
Now celebrating 25 years in honor of victims and survivors of Breast Cancer, Pittsburgh Race for the Cure has become the largest series of 5k runs and walks in the city, and is one of the top ten races in the national series. In 2016 … 30,000 people participated, including more than 2,000 survivors. Race Activites will include a 5k run, 5k walk, 1 mile fun walk, and more.
Pittsburgh Race for the Cure festivities begin at 8 AM and the races start at 8:35 AM. The exciting awards ceremony takes place following the race. Call 412-342-0500 for additional event information.
Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival
May 18-21, 2017 – Cultural District – Downtown Pittsburgh
The 31st annual Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival is one of the largest children’s festivals in the country. Both the young and young-at-heart can explore the world through theater, live music, dance, and puppetry.
With great entertainment and scrumptious food … it’s the perfect excuse to spend time with the family. Spring flowers are blooming, the weather is mild, and Pittsburgh Hotels are offering really affordable rates.
Hours for the 2017 Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival: TBA
Memorial Day Weekend
May 26-29, 2017 – Throughout Pittsburgh
Come enjoy Memorial Day Weekend in Pittsburgh – whether it’s the exciting lights and electricity of downtown Pittsburgh, world-class shopping at Macy’s and Ikea, or the seasonal opening of Sandcastle Waterpark in Homestead … there’s always something for the entire family to enjoy.
Days are warm … nights still refreshing … spring-wear is usually the norm. It’s also the first 3-Day Weekend Holiday in a while … if you don’t deserve a break … who does?
June Events …
Three Rivers Arts Festival
June 2-11, 2017 – Downtown Pittsburgh
Three Rivers Arts Festival presents ten days of cultural Pittsburgh festivities, with great food, spectacular entertainment, and the experience of world-renowned visual and performing arts. All of which is conveniently located in the downtown Pittsburgh area… occuring each year during the month of June.
Once you’ve arrived, the teasing aromas from an endless supply of food stands will really get your senses going. After a bite… stroll through the Artist’s Market, which changes six times during the festival. Live musical performances will top-off your enjoyable day or evening.
Three Rivers Arts Festival hours are 12 PM – 8 PM. All events are free.
Pittsburgh PrideFest and March
June 12, 2016 – Downtown Pittsburgh
Kicking off an afternoon of fun festivities will be the Pittsburgh Pride Awareness March which starts at 12 PM. Thousands of people will line up at 10 AM on Blvd of the Allies between Smithfield and Grant Streets, then march down Grant Street, turning left onto Fifth Avenue, and continuing to Liberty Avenue and the main entrance to PrideFest.
This annual festival takes place on Liberty Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh between 6th and 10th Street, and will feature two stages of live entertainment, street performers, lots of food for purchase, games and attractions, and much more. In 2015, it was estimated that over 100,000 people attended Pittsburgh’s PrideFest.
PrideFest hours are from 1 PM – 6:30 PM and all events are free.
July Events …
Anthrocon 2017
June 29 – July 2, 2017 – David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Attracting over 6,300 attendees in 2016, Anthrocon is the largest convention of its kind, where fans gather to focus on “furries”, fictional anthropomorphic animal characters. The event draws writers, artists, costumers, and more from all around the world. There will be work groups, panel discussions, music, exhibits, merchandise sales, a “fursuit” parade, special guest speakers, dances, and more.
July 4th Celebrations
July 4, 2017 – Point State Park – Downtown Pittsburgh
Anywhere you are in Pittsburgh, you’ll find birthday parties for the good old U.S.A.. Local newspapers will carry all of the particulars, so you can find anything from huge fireworks displays – to small-town parades and picnics.
Point State Park… located at the tip of Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle … is the site of Pittsburgh’s daylong Independence Day celebration. Musical acts and entertainment start in the afternoon, and end with a 21-gun salute followed by a really big fireworks display at 9:35 PM. Thousands of people turn out, but you can also view the fireworks from a variety of less crowded locations nearby.
Fourth of July at Point State Park activities begin at Noon.
Just across the river at Heinz Field, you will also find a day filled with festive activities. Enjoy fabulous food, entertainment and one of the best views of the fireworks. Gates open at 2 PM with musical entertainment beginning at 5 PM. Admission is free.
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix 2017
July 7-16, 2017 – Various Locations Throughout Pittsburgh
Considered to be the premier vintage grand prix event in the United States. The Grand Prix Race attracts fans of all ages, who line the beautiful Schenley Park streets to cheer for their favorite antique automobiles.
This grand prix festival is one of the only all-volunteer, staffed events of its kind, and one of the few to attract such national recognition.
August Events …
EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta
August 4-6, 2017 – Downtown Pittsburgh
The largest community event in the four-state region, the EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta celebrates 40 years of three-day, high-quality, free family entertainment.
This world-class land, air, and water festival is the largest inland regatta in the country. Enjoy everything from powerboat racing and sand sculptures, to live music and eating contests. Over 500,000 people attend this summer celebration of Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers every year.
Downtown Pittsburgh Hotels will sell-out quickly for this 40th annual event, so we strongly suggest that you make your reservations NOW… while accommodations are still available.
Pittsburgh Triathlon
August 13-14, 2016 – Point State Park – Downtown Pittsburgh
The 19th Annual Pittsburgh Triathlon & Adventure Race highlightings both the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and Three Rivers Water Trail. Each year, nearly 2,000 triathletes from the Pittsburgh area and across the U.S. gather to compete in this exciting event.
Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival
August 19-20, 26-27 & September 2-4, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 2017
Enter through the castle gates and spend the entire day in merry old England. Shop the Artists’ Marketplace featuring thousands of handcrafted wares. You’ll be thrilled and amazed as jugglers, minstrels, acrobats, and jousting knights fill seven stages with fun entertainment.
With Pittsburgh’s mild Summer days, it’s the perfect time to spend an entire weekend filled with merrymaking, feasting and shopping. Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival hours are: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Saturdays & Sundays, including Labor Day.
Location: 6 miles west of New Stanton, PA off I-70. Exit 51A (old 24A) Rt. 31 East – Mt. Pleasant. The festival is a 1/4 mile on the right. Parking is free and pets are not allowed.
Pedal Pittsburgh
August 27, 2017 – SouthSide Works – Pittsburgh South Side
Pedal Pittsburgh is an exciting … scenic … bike tour that takes you through many of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and landmarks that make the downtown Pittsburgh area so special. Designed to be an enjoyable ride and not a race… Pedal Pittsburgh has course options ranging from 6 to 60 miles – so from families to the cycling enthusiast … there is an option for everyone to enjoy.
Now celebrating its 24th year … Pedal Pittsburgh has attracted more than 22,000 riders since it’s creation in 1994, making Pedal Pittsburgh one of the region’s premier cycling events. All participants will start and finish at SouthSide Works, with lunch and live entertainment scheduled between 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
Departure times for Pedal Pittsburgh are as follows: 50 & 60 mile course 7 AM – 8 AM; 25 & 35 mile course 8 AM – 9 AM; 15 mile course 9 AM – 10 AM; 6 mile course 10 AM – 10:30 AM.
September Events …
The Kickoff and Rib Festival
September 2-5, 2016 – Heinz Field – Pittsburgh North Shore
Celebrating 17 years at Heinz Field on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, the Kickoff and Rib Festival is a Labor Day Weekend tradition that offers free concerts every day by local and national recording artists, over 10 rib vendors offering some of the best ribs in the country, festival foods and beverages, games and rides for the kids, and more.
Admission is free and event hours are: Friday – Sunday 12 PM – 12 AM; Monday 12 PM – 8 PM.
Labor Day Weekend
September 1-4, 2017 – Throughout Pittsburgh
While summer may be coming to an end, it doesn’t mean that outdoor fun has to stop during Labor Day Weekend. Come enjoy some of the world’s best tasting ribs at the annual Kickoff and Rib Festival at Heinz Field, participate in the Gatorade/Steelers 5K Race, Fitness Walk and Kids’ Kickoff Run, and watch the traditional Labor Day Parade that goes through downtown. With Pittsburgh offering so many different attractions and activities – you’ll never run out of exciting things to do.
Monday’s parade starts at 10 AM and begins at the Greyhound Station at Liberty and Penn Avenues, and ends in front of the United Steelworkers Building on the Boulevard of the Allies.
59th Annual Pittsburgh Folk Festival
September 3-4, 2016 – Schenley Tent Plaza – Oakland, PA
The 59th annual Pittsburgh Folk Festival brings with it, plenty of exciting fun, food and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy. From live performances by over 500 dancers and musicians, a bazaar with an International array of arts and crafts, a cafe that serves traditional ethnic cuisine, plus educational cultural exhibits … it’s the perfect excuse for getting out of the house and enjoying the mild spring weather.
Festival hours are 11 AM – 10 PM on Saturday and 11 AM – 6 PM on Sunday. Admission is free.
48th Annual A Fair in the Park
September 8-10, 2017 – Mellon Park – Downtown Pittsburgh
Now celebrating it’s 48th year, the annual A Fair in the Park is a contemporary craft festival attened by an estimated 25,000 visitors. Held in Mellon Park and along Fifth & Shady Avenues, A Fair in the Park features over 105 craft artists, children’s activities, concerts, food and more! It’s also the perfect time to find that early Christmas present.
A Fair in the Park event times are: Friday, 1 PM – 7 PM; Saturday, 10 AM – 7 PM; Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM. Admission is Free.
27th Annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival
September 8-10, 2017 – Riverplex at Sandcastle – West Homestead, PA
Pittsburgh’s Irish Festival is an annual, 3-day celebration of the rich Irish History and tradition that still exists in Pittsburgh today. So grab your kilt and join us for the largest Irish party in the city … it’ll be great fun for the entire family.
Activities for this weekend festival include traditional and contemporary entertainment, delicious Irish food and refreshments, an Irish marketplace, children’s activities, musical performances, celtic dancing, Irish musical instrument demonstrations, and more!
Pittsburgh Irish Festival event times are: Friday, 4 PM – 11 PM; Saturday, 11 AM – 11 PM; Sunday, 9AM – 5 PM.
October Events …
Columbus Day Weekend
October 6-9, 2017 – Throughout Pittsburgh
Columbus Day in Pittsburgh marks the first official 3-day holiday weekend of Fall. The Summer’s heat and crowds are gone… which means you can casually stroll colorful streets and the air is refreshingly crisp. It’s truly one of the best times of the year to visit Pittsburgh.
Come visit and enjoy the area’s popular attractions… sample some delicious cuisine at one of the many fabulous restaurants that are all around the city… get an early start on Christmas shopping at world-class stores like Macy’s… or just simply relax and have some fun doing absolutely nothing.
Reel Q Pittsburgh LGBT Film Festival
October 13-21, 2017 – Harris Theater – Downtown Pittsburgh
This is one of the most respected and attended alternative film festivals in the Nation, and lasts for 8 days towards the middle of October. Produced by PILGFF, the Pittsburgh International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival features full-length films and shorts about gay… lesbian… bisexual… and transgendered communities.
The Pittsburgh Lesbian & Gay Film Festival offers both American and International films, covering a wide variety of themes. Harris Theater shows all of the festival films.
November Events …
Light Up Night Pittsburgh
November 18, 2016 – Downtown Pittsburgh
If you are planning to visit Pittsburgh during the upcoming holiday season, you won’t want to miss this treasured annual family event that signals the kick-off to downtown Pittsburgh’s holiday celebration.
Light Up Night Pittsburgh events include art gallery tours, the official lighting of numerous Christmas trees and the entire skyline around the city, ice sculptures, live musical performances… plus a really big fireworks finale launched from the Warhol Bridge at 9:30 PM. Most events begin around 5 PM.
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market
November 18 – December 23, 2016 – Market Square – Downtown Pittsburgh
Come visit downtown Pittsburgh’s very own version of the popular Christkindlmarkt – an annual holiday tradition that originally started in Germany almost five-hundred years ago.
Beginning November 18, 2016 – Market Square is transformed in to an illuminated village of Bavarian-style chalets, that feature vendors from around the world, selling quality gifts and collectibles, just in time for Christmas. Visitors will enjoy live performances of music and dance, and the kids will certainly want to visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus at their whimsical chalet that’s adorned with a snow-capped chimney and candy cane entry.
The festivities begin on November 18, 2016, and the holiday fun continues through December 23, 2016.
Market hours are: Monday – Thursday 11 AM – 8 PM; Fridays & Saturdays 11 AM – 9:30 PM; Sundays 11 AM – 6 PM (Closed Thanksgiving Day).
Santa’s Chalet hours are: Monday – Friday: Noon – 3PM & 4 PM – 7 PM; Saturdays: Noon – 8 PM; Sundays: Noon – 6 PM (Closed Thanksgiving Day).
Admission to the Holiday Market is free.
Thanksgiving Weekend
November 22-26, 2017 – Throughout Pittsburgh
This year… give thanks to your family’s health… togetherness… prosperity… and plan on spending a special get~a~way with the children and grandparents. Visit world-class department stores like Macy’s for the beginning of Christmas season excitement and decorations. You’ll be surrounded by fantastic restaurants and more Christmas shopping opportunities and sales than you could ever imagine.
It’s the perfect time and location for the entire family to visit… plus the Fall weather is simply beautiful. Many hotels in the area can be sold-out for this annual holiday event several months in advance.
37th Annual WXPI Holiday Parade
November 25, 2017 – Downtown Pittsburgh
Formally known as the My Macy’s Holiday Parade… bring the whole family downtown and enjoy Pittsburgh’s annual Holiday Parade, it’s the perfect way for all to begin the holiday season. This year’s parade will feature colorful floats, national and local celebrities, marching bands and, of course, the all-important arrival of Santa Claus.
The WXPI Holiday Parade will begin at 9:00 AM and steps off at 21st and Liberty Ave. The route will continue down Liberty Ave. to Grant St.; right on to Fifth Ave., then left onto Liberty Ave; left on to Stanwix St.. then ending on Boulevard of the Allies near Point State Park.
Highlights of last year’s parade included Harry Lennix, Lou Christie, The Platters, The Drifters and more.
December Events …
Steel City Con
December 9-11, 2016 – Monroeville Convention Center – Monroeville, PA
Pennsylvania’s largest toy and pop culture convention features over 750 dealer tables of new and vintage toys, comic books, gaming, action figures and model kits.
Celebrity guest appearances include Bonnie Wright, Chris Jericho, Khary Payton and more! 3-day passes are only $30-$45. Show hours are Friday 10 AM – 8 PM; Saturday 10 AM – 8 PM; Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM.
Pittsburgh Christmas Holidays
December 8-30, 2017 – Throughout Pittsburgh
If you’ve never seen the Christmas decorations at a world-class department store like Macy’s, then you haven’t experienced the thrill of Christmas. Come visit Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, the Mall at Robinson, and Robinson Town Centre for some of the best shopping available in Pittsburgh.
When it’s time to break from all of the great Christmas shopping, take a romantic stroll down the beautifully-lit streets of downtown Pittsburgh. The Christmas Season and downtown Pittsburgh are a great holiday combination, you’ll be talking about it for years to come.
PirateFest
December 12-13, 2015 – David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates will enjoy an entire weekend of family-friendly fun at PirateFest. Activities include live events, autograph sessions with current and former Pirates, prizes, games, youth baseball clinics, the famous Pirate Parrot, and the ability to buy tickets for the 2016 season.
First Night Pittsburgh 2018
December 31, 2017 – Cultural District – Downtown Pittsburgh
Come be a part of the largest New Year’s Eve party in Pittsburgh – First Night Pittsburgh 2018 promises fun for the entire family, featuring over 100 events at numerous indoor and outdoor facilities throughout the 14-block Cultural District in downtown Pittsburgh. Enjoy access to an entire evening of family-friendly festivities and entertainment, including live concerts, comedy acts, variety shows, crafting stations, visual arts, plus there is even a festive holiday parade that traverses down Penn Avenue.
Everything kicks-off at 6:00 PM, and culminates at midnight with a traditional countdown and spectacular fireworks display. Buttons only cost $8 in advance and $10 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free.
