Pittsburgh: A City for All Seasons

One of the best things about Pittsburgh can also be one of the worst: the city has four seasons. This means hot, humid summers followed by icy winters (often with no transition in between). However, having four seasons also means happenings in the city are fresh and constantly changing.

Pittsburgh boasts a rotating cycle of events that give residents something to look forward to all year long. To help you make the most of every season, here are the best times to visit Pittsburgh and what to do while you’re there.

Spring

Best time for exploring nature

Vibrant blooms mark the start of spring, yet the city isn’t out of the woods for a late-season snowstorm. If the weather is nice, take a walk and appreciate the Redbud trees. Washington D.C. has its cherry blossoms, and Pittsburgh has its Redbuds. These native trees coat the city pink for weeks in the spring.

Spring is also punctuated by Lent – specifically, Lenten treats. Pittsburgh’s Polish community celebrates by making pączki, a stuffed Polish donut. These can be found at bakeries on or before Fat Tuesday.

Once Lent begins, it officially marks the start of Fish Fry season. Churches, fire halls, and restaurants compete to offer Pittsburgh’s best fish sandwich. Even if you don’t observe Lent, it’s a Pittsburgh tradition to hunt down this season’s finest fish fry. Therefore, be prepared to wait in line for your sandwich.

Hotels during this time are generally reasonably priced, although they rise on game nights if the Penguins are in the playoffs.

Summer

Best time for festivals

As expected, summer is the busiest time of year. With the ice thawed, explore Pittsburgh’s three rivers by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. The Gateway Clipper, a charming riverboat, runs tours multiple times a day. Baseball season is in full swing, so cheer on the Pirates at PNC Park, known as one of the most beautiful stadiums in the country.

Festivals occur nearly every weekend. July brings the Greek Food Festival and Picklesburgh, a festival dedicated to anything pickled. August features Little Italy Days and VegFest, a vegan festival on the Northside.

A trip to Kennywood is essential in summer. This vintage amusement park features classic arcade games and three wooden roller coasters.

Because of the high activity, hotel prices do rise in Pittsburgh during summer, though not excessively. Weekends with concerts and festivals will see the steepest price increases.

Fall

Best time for exploring the countryside

As fall approaches, the city remains lively. Thanks to Pittsburgh’s German heritage, numerous Oktoberfest celebrations take place. The city also celebrates its unofficial mascot and beloved dumpling, the pierogi, with the Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival.

In the surrounding rolling farmlands, there’s no shortage of places to pick apples, carve pumpkins, drink cider, and navigate corn mazes. Both the Steelers and Penguins start their seasons, which adds to the excitement. However, hotel prices Downtown and on the North Shore will rise in tandem with the home game schedule.

Winter

Best time for sporting events

Sports provide comfort during the dark days of winter, and many residents are happy to stay indoors cheering for the Penguins and Steelers. If you’re adventurous enough to venture out, there’s a plethora of winter activities. December offers an exciting lineup of events, including the Lawrenceville Cookie Tour and the Phipps Conservatory Holiday Show.

If winter sports appeal to you, check out Pittsburgh’s cross-country ski trails, ice rinks, and skiing at local resorts like Seven Springs and Hidden Valley. This is also a fantastic time to go hiking; when the trees are bare, many hilltops reveal breathtaking views that are not visible most of the year.

Another way to warm up is by experiencing the local libation scene. Pittsburgh hosts numerous craft breweries and distilleries, including favorites like Wigle Whiskey in The Strip, Grist House in Millvale, and Hitchhiker Brewing in Sharpsburg.

During the holidays, hotel prices increase, but they drop back down once the new year begins. Therefore, this provides a great opportunity to find good deals on accommodations. However, be mindful of Steelers and Penguins home games, as prices may rise again.

January

While nights may be long, they are kept lively with hockey and football games. Local restaurants often offer a discounted menu during Restaurant Week.
Key events: Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, Fire & Ice Festival, Northside Sandwich Week

March

Weather may fluctuate between snowstorms and 70°F days, but don’t be disheartened. Use the Pittsburgh Lenten Fish Fry Map to locate the best fish sandwich across the city.
Key events: Pennsylvania Maple Festival, Lent

April

Pittsburgh’s Art All Night event occurs in April, welcoming anyone to submit art in this 24-hour extravaganza with no judges or censorship. Baseball season also kicks off at PNC Park.
Key events: Baseball opening day, Art All Night

June

Summer officially commences, and farmers’ markets are thriving.
Key events: Three Rivers Art Festival, Juneteenth BBQ Competition, All-Star Craft Beer, Wine and Cocktail Festival

July

July begins with Fourth of July fireworks at Point State Park. You’ll find an abundance of activities, including rooftop dining, riverside biking, outdoor concerts, and food festivals.
Key events: Picklesburgh, Deutschtown Music Festival, Fourth of July

August

As events and festivals continue, the football season commences with the annual Rib Fest at Heinz Field.
Key events: Vegfest, Heinz Field Kickoff and Rib Fest

September

With fall approaching, regional Oktoberfest celebrations begin. The Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center hosts their annual Pow Wow in Dorseyville.
Key events: Steelers season opener, Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center Pow Wow, Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival, Oktoberfest, Penn’s Colony Festival

October

October embraces a spooky vibe. Fans of the cult-classic movie, Night of the Living Dead, should check out the Living Dead Museum at the Monroeville Mall, where the film was shot.
Key events: Triple B Farms Fall Festival, Trax Farms Fall Festival, Shenot Farm Fall Hayrides, Freedom Farms Fall Festival, Mars Applefest, Monster Pumpkin Festival

December

If you plan to visit during winter, December is the ideal month. Nearby Indiana, PA, honors hometown hero Jimmy Stewart with the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival, while Canonsburg transforms into a Hallmark movie set for their Old Fashioned Christmas event.
Key events: Lawrenceville Cookie Tour, It’s a Wonderful Life Festival, Canonsburg Old Fashioned Christmas, Phipps Conservatory’s Winter Flower Show, Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland’s Light Show, Holiday Tours of the Clayton Mansion, Krampusnacht in Market Square, Handmade Arcade craft fair