After several false starts, springtime is ready to take bloom (this week’s showers will do their thing) around the Burgh — which means your social calendar is about to blow up too.

While April is not just all about the NFL Draft, keep reading NEXT for lots more to do that weekend around town, for both fans and non-football folks. As always, our Weekend Event Guides will highlight great things to do all month long — where we’ll be announcing the date and location for the city’s 22-hour Art All Night festivities soon.

From old favorites to a brand-new block party and benefit bash, to brews, bikes and tacos, here are 11 of our ways to embrace the season of renewal in Pittsburgh.

Photo courtesy of the Senator John Heinz History Center.

1. Vintage Pittsburgh Retro Fair at The Senator John Heinz History Center, April 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Retro goods and rich history will converge for a day of vibrant shopping and discovery in the Strip District. Surrounded by local history, more than 50 vintage vendors and creative makers from around the region will be showcasing treasures, keepsakes and gems inside the Smithsonian’s home in Pittsburgh. Everyone from Rust Belt Retro, The Ardent Forager and Yintage Vintage, to Archaic Allegheny, Toysburgh, Keystone Relics and many others will be on hand selling one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories, home décor, vinyl records, memorabilia and more. PGH Crepes and Main Squeeze food trucks will be parked in front of the museum, and Nedal Gyro and Piebird pastry kitchen will be located on the third floor. After shopping, explore six floors of exhibitions, including rare and never-before-seen objects and contemporary art. Tickets.

2. Earth Month events throughout Pittsburgh: April 7-28

Here at NEXT, we know there are countless ways to honor Mother Nature and have fun outdoors all year round.  Highlighting the vital role of parks as community gathering spaces while encouraging sustainable lifestyles, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy offers free Earth Day experiences throughout April. Join certified guides to explore the transformative practice of Forest Bathing, with sessions on April 7, 14, 22 (Earth Day) and 28. Go beyond a stroll in the woods to experience “a walking meditation in nature” as you take in the sights, sounds, scents and sensations around you. On April 18, don’t miss the Decade of Discovery, a 10th-anniversary event at the Frick Environmental Center with hands-on activities, animal encounters, community vendors, live music, and guided nature hikes. Additional highlights include the Hays Woods Spring Ephemeral Hike on April 12.

On April 13 at The Fairmont Hotel, regional thought leaders, executives, policymakers and sustainability advocates will facilitate a “dynamic conversation at the intersection of the environment, politics and business” during the Sustainable Business Breakfast.

On Sunday, April 19, head to Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall for the free Earth Day festival from 12 to 3 p.m. Explore a mini nature museum, meet local honeybees and talk cycling with BikePGH. Refresh your wardrobe at the clothing swap and learn about stewardship from Three Rivers Waterkeeper. Pop into the free seed library, visit a native plant garden and join scavenger hunts. Information.

In Beaver County, local youth will explore environmental issues impacting their communities during the First Waves Beaver County Earth Week Student Summit, taking place April 22-23 at TRAILS Ministries.

Discover more Earth Month events in NEXT’s Weekend Event Guides.

Image courtesy of Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures.

3. Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures: Off the Page at Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall at The Priory, April 10, 6-10 p.m.

Step into your finest literary chic look and head to the North Side landmark for a night of “off the page” revelry with Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures. Marking the nonprofit’s 35th anniversary and its inaugural Literary Citizen Award, the festive fundraising event aims to “celebrate the many gifts we all take from great books and writers.” The evening will include the presentation of the organization’s first Literary Citizenship Award to novelist Jane McCafferty. Creative writing professor at CMU, McCafferty is also managing director of the Drue Heinz Prize, one of the country’s most significant accolades for literary fiction. An after-dinner program will feature McCafferty in conversation with Pittsburgh literary luminary John Edgar Wideman, recipient of the nonprofit’s first Literary Achievement Award. Gala-goers can also bid on novel packages and experiences in the silent auction and enjoy a dance party with DJ Loyal. Tickets.

Animal ambassador Julie the kinkajou. Gentoo penguins.Yellow tang.All photos courtesy of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.

4. Sip & Swirl: Wine & Dinos at Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, April 10, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Experience one of Pittsburgh’s treasures after hours while supporting vital local and international conservation programs. Sip wines and spirits from more than 12 regional and national vineyards as you welcome spring with creatures great and small. Explore the zoo’s Water’s Edge and Aquarium habitats as you sample libations from Deadhead Winery, Derailed Distillery, Lucky Sign Spirits and many more. Attendees can even bid on artwork created by resident animals during the event’s one-of-a-kind auction. Enjoy visits with small animals, check out live music by Zig Daniels and be treated to delicious bites. Tickets.

5. Steel City Con at Monroeville Convention Center: April 10-12

Where can you meet the real voice of SpongeBob SquarePants and rub shoulders with everyone from William Shatner, Marcia Gay Harden and Patricia Arquette, to Josh Duhamel and Kevin Nealon and Dave Davies? The pop culture and star power will converge at one of the country’s largest comic conventions.

Step into a 100,000-square-foot pop culture playground bustling with 600 vendors, 30-plus special guests and your one-stop shop for discovering comics, collectibles and memorabilia. Meet your fave TV and film celebrities, attend Q&As and panels and photo ops and visit the Artist Alley. There’s an attraction for every pop culture fanatic, from cosplay, trivia and costume contests, to the Charity Quick Sketch benefiting Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. It also might be your last chance to see the mall immortalized in George Romero’s 1978 cult classic, “Dawn of the Dead,” because Pennsylvania’s largest pop culture convention is based right next door. This year, Steel City Con teams up with Stranger Comics and legendary artist Caanan White to bring fans an exclusive offering. Tickets.

All photos courtesy of East End Brewing Co.

6. Pedal Pale Ale Keg Ride at East End Brewing Co., April 11

Hop on two wheels to help kick off the happiest, hoppiest time of year. Join legions of local thirsty cyclists to deliver the first fresh kegs of Pedal Pale Ale en masse to a secret destination during this ceremonial riding ritual hosted by East End Brewery. Ushering in the start of the spring cycling and outdoor drinking season in the Burgh, the leisurely ride traverses approximately 10 miles. Getting a workout before imbibing has never felt so good. All your pedaling will help raise critical funds to support Casa San Jose. Cap off the ride with a fresh, cold pint of “a classic American Pale Ale that delivers just the right kind of hoppiness for that early spring weather.” Registration begins at 9 a.m., with KLVN coffee for anyone needing an extra jolt. Tickets. Check out more Three Rivers Beer Week events.

TacoMania: Brawl at the Brew House. Photos courtesy of Beers of the Burgh.

7. TacoMania: Brawl at the Brew House at Pittsburgh Brewing Co., April 11, 3-9 p.m.

The hot sauce and the hops will flow along the Allegheny this spring. They sling fresh brews and spirits at signature festivals around the city, and now they’re transforming Pittsburgh Brewing Co.’s Creighton HQ facility into a taco emporium. Produced by the Beers of the Burgh and Spirits of the Burgh, TacoMania showcases the mouthwatering flavors and aromas of 12 of the city’s top taco chefs.

From authentic classics to innovative creations, it’s your chance to savor offerings from La Palapa, Los Gallitos, Taqueria El Pastorcito, Tocayo Taqueria and many more, all in one festive setting. For dessert, don’t miss the decadent Chocolate Moonshine Fudge. Stay refreshed with a wide selection of local brews from Pittsburgh Brewing Co. and signature margaritas from Iron City Distilling. But, wait: That’s not all. Putting the “mania” in TacoMania, the event is also teaming up with Enjoy Wrestling to present unforgettable matchups. Be there to raise a glass when the last man standing is crowned the TacoMania Champion during 20-wrestler Battle Royal. Keeping the party vibes going will be live music by DJ Zano and Missing Link. Tickets.

A rendering of Arts Landing’s Great Lawn in the summer. Image courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.An aerial rendering of Arts Landing — the upcoming civic space between Penn Avenue and Fort Duquesne Bridge along 8th Street. Image courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.The Play Room at Arts Landing will feature artistic play structures made of natural materials. Image courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.A rendering of the Three Rivers Arts Festival being hosted at Arts Landing. Image courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

8. Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing: April 23-25

NFL Draft weekend is not just for pro football. The University of Pittsburgh Athletics and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will score big when they team up to host this fan-friendly block party. Pitt fans, football lovers and the entire community are invited to be among the first to see the highly anticipated Arts Landing, a 4-acre outdoor civic space at Penn Avenue and Eighth Street in Downtown Pittsburgh. Arts and athletics will converge when the catalytic space is unveiled during a soft opening augmenting the NFL Draft’s nearby location and schedule, alongside other “PicksBURGH” attractions.

The first-ever public event at Arts Landing will showcase an immersive football experience celebrating Pitt’s football legacy. Fans can visit an experiential Pitt football museum and interactive draft showcase highlighting Panther greats and the program’s NFL pipeline. The free festivities will also feature live music and entertainment, food trucks, local vendors and activity zone. The Landing will also serve as a central gathering place within walking distance of the Draft Theater and Main Stage on the North Shore and the NFL Draft Experience in Point State Park. Designed by renowned landscape architecture firm Field Operations, The Arts Landing will host a Grand Opening coinciding with the 2026 Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival in June. Information.

9. PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K in Pittsburgh: April 25, 8 a.m.

There’s a new race in town and it’s coinciding with one of the biggest sporting events in the country. So why just watch the NFL Draft when you can have the rare opportunity to run (or walk!) through it? Produced by P3R, the one-time event gives area residents and visiting football fans a chnce to cruise through the North Shore and Downtown while taking in all of the exhilaration surrounding one of the most monumental athletic events to take place in the Burgh.

Lace up to join area runners and football fans as 32 NFL franchises are selecting eligible college football players to join their rosters outside Acrisure Stadium. Starting off on the North Shore near PNC Park, participants will cross the 16th Street Bridge, head into Downtown along Penn Avenue, and finish near the iconic entrance to Point State Park. After crossing the finish line, participants will be just steps away from the official NFL Draft experience and fan festival in Point State Park. It’s sure to be a unique way to explore the city on foot and experience the incredible energy and excitement during this milestone moment in Pittsburgh history. All participants will receive an exclusive PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K shirt and a finisher medal. View a course map and register. 

10. Millvale Spring Market Day, April 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The streets, sidewalks, parklets and businesses of Millvale will transform into a communitywide marketplace. Nestled among the borough’s existing eclectic shops will be more than 50 local artists, makers, creatives and bakers. Vendors will also line the sidewalks, set up shop in GAPP Park and the First National Bank’s parking lot, and be located inside Lemon Tree, Burghers, Millvale Community Library and Abeille Voyante Tea Co. With the Allegheny River area being pedestrian-friendly and extremely walkable throughout, the market aims to provide “a fun shopping experience for customers to take in local art and become acquainted with Millvale businesses.”

Market-goers will find a vibrant mix of jewelry, artwork, ceramics, plants, coffee, artisan cheesecakes, cupcakes and cookies and lots more. New this year will be consignment clothing and vintage fashions. Providing the day’s upbeat shopping soundtrack will be DJs from the iconic Attic Records store on Grant Avenue. So whether you’re looking for a creative addition to your NFL Draft weekend activities, or an alternative to all things football, don’t miss this rain-or-shine marketplace produced by the Millvale Community Development Corp. Information.

“Once Upon My Mother,”  Ken Scott (2025). Film still courtesy of Film Pittsburgh.

11. JFILM Festival at Row House Hollywood, CMU’s McConomy Auditorium and The Lindsay Theater, April 30-May 10

Exciting plans are underway for the largest Jewish cultural event in the region. While the complete schedule and ticket sales won’t be announced until April 2, we can share that the beloved festival will spotlight 40 Jewish-themed independent features and short films from around the world at three area theaters. Cinephiles can go beyond the screen with engaging special offerings, such as Q&As with directors, Film Schmooze discussions, and a Closing Day Bagel Brunch celebrating Mother’s Day. The lineup will also showcase 23 shorts, including a new a Viewpoints Block to “navigate varying timely perspectives in a post-October 7th world.” Don’t miss Opening Night’s B’Nai Mitzvah-themed party featuring “Ethan Bloom,” about an “awkward yet lovable teenager searching for meaning.”

Nominated for 13 Israeli Academy Awards, the festival’s marquee film, “The Sea,”
follows the story of a 12-year-old boy from a Palestinian village, who is “navigating a world he barely knows and a language he does not speak.” Additional highlights include the world premiere of the Pittsburgh-shot narrative, “Validity” and the new documentary, “Steal This Story, Please!,” about Democracy Now! journalist Amy Goodman. New this year, JFilm will present the first annual Harvey Sloan Award for Best Short Film. Information.

For more things to do with NEXT, don’t miss our Weekend Event Guides, NEXT in the Gallery series and Date Night series.