How to Have a Quintessentially Pittsburgh Summer
Though you may not think of Pittsburgh as a tropical summer oasis, there is nothing like spending June, July & August soaking up the sun (with sunscreen) on our city streets and happy hills. If you’re spending your summer in or near the city, we’re counting down some of our absolute favorite (and uniquely 412) summer activities. Check them out below and be sure to tag us on Instagram in your summer adventures (@chathamu).
Swing by One-of-a-Kind Street Parties 🎉
Yinzers love a tradition! That’s why you’ll find that Pittsburgh summer is filled with a variety of annual events. Pro-tip—try to choose the festivals and street activities that appeal the most to you and show up early—they have a tendency to get super crowded. Here are a few of our faves:
· Pittsburgh Pride
· Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Fest
· Three Rivers Regatta
· Picklesburgh
· Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
· Squirrel Hill Night Markets
· Taco Fest
Photo c/o Renee Rosensteel, Picklesburg.com
Enjoy the Outdoors 🌿
Thanks to bountiful local parks and natural trails, there are plenty of ways to enjoy nature in Pittsburgh. Pack a blanket, snacks, and a book to spend a relaxing day on Flagstaff Hill. Lace up your tennis shoes and head to Frick or Schenley Park to walk the trails. Throw on your bathing suit and head to the Schenley Park pool to cool off and catch some rays. You can even enjoy the quiet oasis of Chatham’s Shadyside Campus in the summertime—hang a hammock on the quad and doze off in the sunshine. If you get too hot, check out this list of the best ice cream spots in Pittsburgh from Discover the Burgh.
Set Your Sights on Live Music 🎸
The City of Bridges has more than one meaning when you consider the intense love this city has for music. Stage AE, Roxian Theatre, Club Café, Brillobox, and Mr. Smalls are just a few of the relatively small and highly awesome music venues throughout the city where you can catch live shows almost every night of the week. We’re also home to a wide variety of music festivals. This summer will feature Pittsburgh Black Music Festival, Deutschtown Music Festival, Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, WYEP Summer Music Festival, and Rock Reggae and Relief.
Photo c/o Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Hop on Your Bike 🚴🏽♀️
There is no better time to hop on your bike, skateboard, or lace up your roller skates than the summer months. And there are plenty of opportunities to roll thanks to monthly events like Open Streets Pittsburgh, which closes different sections of the city to cars on Sunday mornings, allowing bikers, bladers, and walkers to engage with the streets stress free. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can enjoy quiet trail rides along the South Side Bike Trail or the Panhandle Trail just outside of the city.
Photo c/o Bike Pittsburgh, BikePGH.org
Watch Baseball Under the Lights 🎇
Even if you’re not a baseball fan, PNC Park is hard to beat in the summer time. You’ve got great ballpark food, incredible views of the city, and black and yellow swag. The Pirates offer discounted student tickets here. And if they win, you’ll be able to catch fireworks at PNC. Speaking of fireworks, if baseball really isn’t your thing, you can still catch fireworks at Point State Park every fourth of July. For an extra special view, try to find a spot near Grandview on Mount Washington.
Find Some Ready-Made Fun 🎢
It’s no secret that Pittsburgh is home to some powerhouse cultural institutions like the Carnegie Museums and the Andy Warhol Museum, which make great stops on rainy summer days. That said, summer in the city is the prime time for thrill parks: Kennywood, Pittsburgh’s very own amusement park, and Sandcastle, our indoor waterpark. If you’re looking for a classic summer day, you’re going to want to pack a bag and head to one of these beloved spots.
Photo c/o Kristina Serafini, Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Do Something that Challenges You 🏕
If you find yourself with some summer ennui, why not try your hand at something challenging and impactful? There are community gardens all over the city; you might consider contributing to a plot and learning some skills in the process. You could also take an adventure and check out one of the camping spots just outside the city—here’s a list to get started.
Other great summer challenges? Read 5 books. Try a new workout routine. Go backpacking. Volunteer someplace new. Meet a few new friends who you share something in common with. Locate your comfort zone and find a new way to get out of it.
No matter how or where you spend it, we hope you’re enjoying your summer, Cougs!