🏈🎉 Best NFL Draft parties

More Road Closures on North Shore

To prepare for the NFL Draft, the second phase of road closures starts today and will be effective through April 21. This includes Casino Drive (from Sproat Way), North Shore Drive (to Chuck Noll Way), Reedsdale Street (to Tony Dorsett Drive), Chuck Noll Way, Tony Dorsett Drive, I-279 Southbound Exit 1B ramp to Reedsdale Street, and the Reedsdale Underpass. [VisitPITTSBURGH]

Penguins Gear Up for Playoffs

For the first time since the 2021-2022 season, the Pens secured a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Fans are excited to watch the big three (Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang) along with right wing Bryan Rust — all members of the 2017 Stanley Cup roster — return to the playoff ice. We’ll have a home-ice advantage in the first round. Tickets are on sale now. [NHL]

Corporate Sponsors Drop Pittsburgh Pride

The annual festival and parade might have to scale back if it doesn’t get enough funding. Event organizers say many donors are not responding or don’t have money to give this year, and the group is more than $400,000 short of its fundraising goal. Check out event details for June 5 to 7. [PMP Newsroom / Pittsburgh Pride]

Pirates Unveil New City Connect Uniforms

The all-black jerseys feature a Jolly Roger mascot on the sleeve and yellow-gold lettering designed to “embody the grit, toughness, and pride” of Pittsburgh and its people. The Buccos will wear the uniform for every Friday home game. Find where to buy it here. [MLB / TribLIVE]

Sheetz is Expanding In the Midwest

The Altoona-based gas station chain, which has quite the cult following in Western PA, is investing almost $1 billion over the next decade to launch over 100 stores in Indiana. Sheetz is also planning to open its first store in Pittsburgh’s city limits at a former Rite Aid location on Banksville Road. [KDKA]

Hundreds of thousands of people are headed for the Burgh to attend NFL Draft festivities, April 23-25. But the party isn’t just on the North Shore draft stage — there are celebrations all throughout the city!

All of that fun inspired local influencer and coder Brenasia Ward-Caldwell to create a website (pghdraftweek.com) where you can find events all in one place. Hear her recommendations on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast, then scroll for some draft weekend highlights ⬇️

PicksBURGH Music Crawl

April 22

Local businesses and restaurants are hosting local performers for one massive music crawl around the city. Kick it off with the grand reopening of Market Square and music by DJ Arie Cole, NASH.VILL, and Big Jus & Steeltown Horns. Then march through Downtown to enjoy R&B and funk at August Wilson Center and jazz at Con Alma. Or venture to other neighborhoods for indie punk at The Government Center, reggae at Club Cafe, and pop rock at City Winery.

Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing

April 23-25

The new four-acre civic space in the Cultural District will make its debut with a free party for Pitt fans and football lovers. There will be food trucks, bars, a stage for live music, a gaming tent, vendors, and more — right along Fort Duquesne Boulevard with stunning views of the Allegheny River.

Cocoapreneur Market

April 23-25

Spread the love to small businesses! Head to the Pitt Building on Third Avenue to shop from some of Pittsburgh’s best Black artists and creators at a pop-up vendor market. It’s a collaboration between the Greenwood Plan and Cocoapreneur, a local Black business directory.

Slappers N Bangers Draft Party

April 23

Looking for a party? Slappers N Bangers will be spinning high-energy hip hop, R&B, and trap at Roxian Theater from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Come to dance with Arie Cole, DJ Shay, Solo Dolo, and Icy Pisces. The event is 21+, and a VIP package is available.

Draft Watch Party at The Finch

April 23

Take in the action with one of the best rooftop bar views in the city. The Finch at Distillery Complex on the South Side will have a draft livestream, a special themed menu, and draft tracking sheets so you can follow along. Have a group? Reserve a table to get a complimentary bottle of a ready-to-drink cocktail and a commemorative event item.

Draft Darty with love, Pittsburgh

April 25

Nothing says “iconic Pittsburgh" like a day in the Strip District. Close out NFL Draft festivities with love, Pittsburgh’s Draft Darty. Shop local, grab a Parma Sausage sandwich, dig into a football-shaped pizza, cool off with Millie’s Ice Cream, sip on an East End Brewing beer, and more. Plus, if you spend $50 or more in the gift shop, love, Pittsburgh will buy you a drink!