Emily Fritz | A&E Editor
The Steel City is approaching the summer months with lots to do and see. From annual festivals to new offerings at local favorites, there is always something waiting to be discovered by someone new or welcoming repeat visitors.
Must-See Musicians
Rising artist Chappell Roan is set to perform at Stage AE on June 2 to launch Pride Month in Pittsburgh. Her debut studio album, ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,’ is available to peruse on all major streaming platforms.
Hozier is set to arrive in the ‘Burgh at The Pavilion at Star Lake near Burgettstown, Pa. on July 29 to create hype around his newest album, ‘Unreal Unearth,’ which is set to release on Aug. 18.
New Neighborhood Exhibits
‘The Science Behind Pittsburgh’ begins at the Carnegie Science Center on May 25 complete with a two-story, 12,000 square foot playground ready to reveal the lesser known intricacies of Disney’s well loved animation studio.
‘KAWS + Warhol’ opens on May 18 in celebration of the Andy Warhol Museum’s 30th birthday. The interactive artist KAWS rejuvenates Warhol’s pop culture disturbances with rounded sculptures and paintings.
Returning Festivals
Three Rivers Arts Festival will be making its comeback from June 2-11. Sponsored by Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, this multi-disciplinary performing and visual arts celebration will feature free music and art for all ages.
It wouldn’t be summertime in Pittsburgh without the return of Picklesburgh, a Steel City favorite that invites pickle enthusiasts to indulge in the oddities of pickling. This year the festival is slated for July 18-21.
The Show Must Go On
Despite the end of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s regular season, Pittsburgh CLO (Civic Light Opera Association) will be showcasing musicals all summer long including “West Side Story,” “The Color Purple,” “The Music Man” and “Seussical.”
Fan Favorites
3 Rivers Comicon will be making its way to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center from June 1-2. Get your cosplay ready for competition and enter to win $1,000 in craftsmanship, judges favorites and best in show.
Steel City Con will host its summer con at the Monroeville Convention and Events Center from August 9-11. Visit www.steelcitycon.com to check which of your favorite celebrities will be in town.
A Wild Time
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is turning 125-years-old. Join them in celebration at their ‘Summer Safari: In Black & White’ on June 21. Admission includes unlimited food, animal encounters and live music. All guests must be 21+. Not vibing with the zebra-adjacent dress code? Visit in early May for Salamander Saturday (May 4) or Wild Wellness Day (May 19) for a more laid back visit.
Head to the National Aviary to connect with feathered friends like the newly hatched Eurasian Eagle-Owls and the Peregrine Falcon chicks or enjoy the immersive ‘Habitat Heros’ show.
Off the Beaten Trail
Hoping to explore the great outdoors this summer? Hollow Oak Land Trust is steward to more than 700 acres of land in the Pittsburgh Airport Corridor. Enjoy hiking, biking, running, dog walking or anything that can be enjoyed without a motor.
This ‘slice of Steel City’ guide is hardly all-encompassing, but let it serve as your introduction all that the ‘Burgh has to offer. Take a well-deserved break — you’ve more than earned it!