🌼 Your guide to May in Pittsburgh

Plan Trips to Local Parks

Pittsburgh is full of luscious green spaces, from sprawling woodlands to pocket parks. With 176 to choose from, there's something for everyone. Get our guide to the best spots for hiking and more.

Kick Off Farmers Market Season

Grab your tote bag, and head to farmers markets in Bloomfield, Squirrel Hill, North Side, and more. On my list? Pittsburgh’s newest weekly food and crafts market on the South Side. I’ll see yinz at Velum Fermentation on Sundays for fresh-pressed juice, homemade pies, and handcrafted wares.

Explore the Golden Triangle

Yinz wanna go Dahntahn? No, but seriously — get yourself into the city to take advantage of the post-draft glow. There’s a roller skating rink coming to Market Square and lots of cool new pop-up businesses.

Save Room for Food Fests

Whether you want to try homemade Greek food, pizza from some of Pittsburgh’s best shops, or our city’s favorite strawberry pretzel dessert, there’s a food festival for you this spring.

Celebrate Something (Anything!)

Guess who’s turning 30 this month 🎂 I’m trying to be better about celebrating myself, and I’d like to invite you all to do the same. Even if it’s not your birthday, there are so many reasons and seasons to celebrate. Here are some of fun ways to mark a special occasion in Pittsburgh.

1. Celebrate Workers’ Rights on May Day

May Day (May 1) is also known as International Workers Day, and our union town is a great place to celebrate. March in the May Day rally in Downtown on May 1. Or check out Polish Hill’s annual celebration on May 2 featuring a costume parade, live music from the May Day Marching Band, and a potluck in West Penn Park.

Plus, Pullproof Studio in Garfield is showing a new Mayday! exhibit where you’ll find screen-printed artwork exploring different themes associated with the word "mayday." The gallery’s opening reception is during Unblurred’s first Friday art crawl on Penn Avenue.

2. Eat Riverside at Food Truck Fridays

One of Pittsburgh’s best alfresco experiences is back at Allegheny RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall starting May 15. Grab beer from Trace Brewing and grub from a rotating lineup of food trucks to enjoy along the Allegheny River. It’s so peaceful and relaxing on the swings by the water, plus there’s a serene trail for walking or biking and a launch spot for kayaks.

3. Admire Art at Carnegie International

Did you know that Pittsburgh is home to the longest-running exhibition of international art in North America? Don’t miss the 59th Carnegie International, opening May 2 at the Carnegie Museum of Art. The exhibition features a wide range of art forms, like painting, photography, sculpture, video, and theater. Don’t stress — you’ll have the rest of the year to see it. But May is a good time to check out opening events.

4. Jam at Local Music Festivals

It’s music festival season! Groove to the sounds of brass bands and global street music at Pittonkatonk in Schenley Park, May 8-9. It has all of the best vibes of a community picnic or block party but with top notch tunes. It’s free and volunteer-run.

Millvale Music Festival will fill the borough with beats on the following weekend, May 15-16. Over 350 musical acts are set to perform across 31 stages (indoor and outdoor) — all free and within a walkable .6 miles. Plus, there’s other entertainment like comedians and street performers.

5. Buy Plants at Phipps’ May Market

Got a green thumb? Find unique plants, gardening accessories, and lawn decor at Phipps' 90th annual May Market, May 8-9. (It’s a lovely Mother’s Day weekend outing.) Not a garden expert? That’s okay! Horticulturalists and sellers from local nurseries can give you tips — and there’s other fun items for sale like candles and jewelry. Find more May markets here.

6. Skip Through Riverlife’s Chalk Fest

The North Shore will soon be covered with color at Riverlife’s annual Chalk Fest, a free two-day festival May 30-31. Take a stroll through Isabella Street and Allegheny Landing to see professional artists creating large-scale 3D chalk murals. It’s a great way to spend some time on the riverfront during Memorial Day weekend.

• May 2: Jazzmania at The Elks Lodge #339
• May 3: Yoga & Sound Bath in Grandview Park
• May 8: Spaghetti Disco Presents: Raveioli at Spirit
• May 10: Mother’s Day Brunch at Bottlerocket Social Hall
• May 12: Eat Your Garden Weeds with Grow Pittsburgh
• May 14: Pennsylvania Cheese Tasting with Mrs. Cheese
• May 15-16: Wildflowers Hike with Pittsburgh Park Rangers
• May 16: Pour at the Park benefiting Allegheny County Parks
• May 21: Camp Goldenrod x Sol Refill at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park
• May 31: Blue Moon Hike with 3 Rivers Outdoors Co. in Frick Park