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.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/4.6.2024_HHC_VintagePittsburgh_0174.jpg\")
Photo courtesy of the Senator John Heinz History Center.<\/p>\n
1. Vintage Pittsburgh Retro Fair<\/a> at The Senator John Heinz History Center, April 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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 d\u00e9cor, 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 2. <\/a>Earth Month events<\/a> throughout Pittsburgh: April 7-28<\/p>\n Here at NEXT, we know there are countless ways to honor Mother Nature and have fun outdoors all year round. \u00a0Highlighting the vital role of parks\u00a0as community gathering spaces\u00a0while encouraging sustainable lifestyles, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy<\/a> offers free Earth Day experiences throughout April. Join certified guides to explore the transformative practice of Forest Bathing<\/a>, with sessions on April 7, 14, 22 (Earth Day) and 28. Go beyond a stroll in the woods to experience \u201ca walking meditation in nature\u201d as you take in the sights, sounds, scents and sensations around you. On April 18, don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n On April 13 at The Fairmont Hotel, regional thought leaders, executives, policymakers and sustainability advocates will facilitate a \u201cdynamic conversation at the intersection of the environment, politics and business\u201d during the Sustainable Business Breakfast<\/a>.<\/p>\n On Sunday, April 19, head to Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall<\/a> 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\u00a0Three Rivers Waterkeeper. Pop into the\u00a0free seed library, visit a native plant garden and join\u00a0scavenger hunts. Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n In Beaver County, local youth will explore environmental issues impacting their communities during the First Waves Beaver County Earth Week Student Summit<\/a>, taking place April 22-23 at TRAILS Ministries.<\/p>\n Discover more Earth Month events in NEXT\u2019s Weekend Event Guides<\/a>.<\/p>\n 3. Pittsburgh\u00a0Arts\u00a0&\u00a0Lectures: Off the Page<\/a> at\u00a0Pittsburgh\u2019s\u00a0Grand Hall at The\u00a0Priory, April 10, 6-10 p.m.<\/p>\n Step into your finest literary chic look and head to the North Side landmark for a night of \u201coff the page\u201d revelry with Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures. Marking the nonprofit\u2019s 35th\u00a0anniversary and its inaugural Literary Citizen Award, the festive fundraising event aims to \u201ccelebrate the many gifts we all take from great books and writers.\u201d The evening will include the presentation of the organization\u2019s first Literary Citizenship Award to novelist\u00a0Jane McCafferty. Creative writing professor at CMU, McCafferty is also managing director of the Drue Heinz Prize, one of the country\u2019s 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\u2019s first\u00a0Literary 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 4. Sip & Swirl: Wine & Dinos<\/a> at Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, April 10, 6:30-9:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Experience one of Pittsburgh\u2019s 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\u2019s Water\u2019s 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\u2019s one-of-a-kind auction. Enjoy visits with small animals, check out live music by Zig Daniels and be treated to delicious bites. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n 5. Steel City Con<\/a>\u00a0at Monroeville Convention Center: April 10-12<\/p>\n 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\u2019s largest comic conventions. <\/p>\n 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\u2019s an attraction for every pop culture fanatic, from cosplay, trivia and costume contests, to the Charity Quick Sketch benefiting Children\u2019s Museum of Pittsburgh. It also might be your last chance to see the mall immortalized in George Romero\u2019s 1978 cult classic, \u201cDawn of the Dead,\u201d because Pennsylvania\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 6. Pedal Pale Ale Keg Ride<\/a> at East End Brewing Co., April 11<\/p>\n 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 \u201ca classic American Pale Ale that delivers just the right kind of hoppiness for that early spring weather.\u201d Registration begins at 9 a.m., with KLVN coffee for anyone needing an extra jolt. Tickets<\/a>. Check out more Three Rivers Beer Week events<\/a>. <\/p>\n 7. TacoMania: Brawl at the Brew House <\/a>at Pittsburgh Brewing Co., April 11, 3-9 p.m.<\/p>\n 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\u2019re transforming Pittsburgh Brewing Co.\u2019s 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\u2019s top taco chefs. <\/p>\n From authentic classics to innovative creations, it\u2019s 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\u2019t 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\u2019s not all. Putting the \u201cmania\u201d 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>.<\/p>\n 8. Pitt Block Party<\/a> at Arts Landing: April 23-25<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. Pitt fans, football lovers and the entire community are invited to be among the first to see the highly anticipated Arts Landing<\/a>, 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\u2019s nearby location and schedule<\/a>, alongside other \u201cPicksBURGH\u201d attractions<\/a>.<\/p>\n The first-ever public event at Arts Landing will showcase an immersive football experience celebrating Pitt\u2019s football legacy. Fans can visit an experiential Pitt football museum and interactive draft showcase highlighting Panther greats and the program\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 9. PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K<\/a> in Pittsburgh: April 25, 8 a.m.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a new race in town and it\u2019s coinciding with one of the biggest sporting events in the country. So why just watch the NFL Draft<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0Park<\/a>. It\u2019s 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<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n 10. Millvale Spring Market Day<\/a>, April 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.<\/p>\n The streets, sidewalks, parklets and businesses of\u00a0Millvale will transform into a communitywide marketplace. Nestled among the borough\u2019s existing eclectic\u00a0shops 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\u2019s 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 \u201ca fun shopping experience for customers to take in local art and become acquainted with Millvale businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019s upbeat shopping soundtrack will be DJs from the iconic Attic Records store on Grant Avenue. So whether you\u2019re looking for a creative addition to your NFL Draft weekend activities<\/a>, or an alternative to all things football, don\u2019t miss this rain-or-shine marketplace produced by the Millvale Community Development Corp<\/a>. Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n 11. JFILM Festival<\/a> at Row House Hollywood, CMU\u2019s McConomy Auditorium and The Lindsay Theater, April 30-May 10<\/p>\n Exciting plans are underway for the largest Jewish cultural event in the region. While the complete schedule and ticket sales won\u2019t 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\u2019s Day. The lineup will also showcase 23 shorts, including a new a Viewpoints Block to \u201cnavigate varying timely perspectives in a post-October 7th world.\u201d Don\u2019t miss Opening Night\u2019s B\u2019Nai Mitzvah-themed party featuring \u201cEthan Bloom,\u201d about an \u201cawkward yet lovable teenager searching for meaning.\u201d<\/p>\n Nominated for 13 Israeli Academy Awards, the festival\u2019s marquee film, \u201cThe Sea,\u201d For more\u00a0things to do<\/a>\u00a0with NEXT, don\u2019t miss our\u00a0Weekend Event Guides<\/a>,\u00a0NEXT in the Gallery<\/a>\u00a0series and\u00a0Date Night<\/a>\u00a0series.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"After several false starts, springtime is ready to take bloom (this week\u2019s showers will do their thing) around…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":153494,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[13852,73,1916,75,74,1477],"class_list":["post-153493","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-pittsburgh","tag-monthly-event-guide","tag-pittsburgh","tag-pittsburgh-events","tag-pittsburgh-headlines","tag-pittsburgh-news","tag-things-to-do-in-pittsburgh"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/153493","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=153493"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/153493\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/153494"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=153493"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=153493"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=153493"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screen-Shot-2026-03-30-at-9.54.29-AM.png\")
Image courtesy of Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/251209-kinkajou-LR-cg_001.jpg\")
Animal ambassador Julie the kinkajou. ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/251030-gentoo-LR-cg_002.jpg\")
Gentoo penguins.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/260213-yellowtang-LR-cg_011.jpg\")
Yellow tang.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screen-Shot-2026-03-30-at-9.13.25-AM.png\")
All photos courtesy of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screen-Shot-2026-03-30-at-9.16.45-AM.png\")
All photos courtesy of East End Brewing Co.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screen-Shot-2026-03-30-at-9.17.12-AM.png\")
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<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC03053-Edited-scaled.jpg\")
TacoMania: Brawl at the Brew House. Photos courtesy of Beers of the Burgh.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screen-Shot-2026-03-30-at-10.02.32-AM.png\")
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A rendering of Arts Landing\u2019s Great Lawn in the summer. Image courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/RS31323_Aerial-Overview-2-scaled.jpg\")
An aerial rendering of Arts Landing \u2014 the upcoming civic space between Penn Avenue and Fort Duquesne Bridge along 8th Street. Image courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/RS31321_Play-Room-2-scaled.jpg\")
The Play Room at Arts Landing will feature artistic play structures made of natural materials. Image courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/RS31320_Great-Lawn_Summer-Event-scaled.jpg\")
A rendering of the Three Rivers Arts Festival being hosted at Arts Landing. Image courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screen-Shot-2026-03-30-at-2.40.48-PM.png\")
\u201cOnce Upon My Mother,\u201d \u00a0Ken Scott (2025). Film still courtesy of Film Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
follows the story of a 12-year-old boy from a Palestinian village, who is \u201cnavigating a world he barely knows and a language he does not speak.\u201d Additional highlights include the world premiere of the Pittsburgh-shot narrative, \u201cValidity\u201d and the new documentary, \u201cSteal This Story, Please!,\u201d about Democracy Now! journalist Amy Goodman. New this year, JFilm will present the first annual Harvey Sloan Award for Best Short Film. Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n