Events

Mother's Day in Pittsburgh (May 10, 2026)

Celebrate Mother’s Day in Pittsburgh with Brunch, Blooms, and River Views

Mother’s Day in Pittsburgh, Sunday, May 10, 2026, offers the perfect excuse to slow down and celebrate the women who hold everything together. Whether you're planning an elegant brunch downtown, a scenic river cruise, or a family-friendly outing surrounded by flowers and spring sunshine, the city has no shortage of memorable ways to make Mom feel special.

For many families, the day begins at brunch—and few places feel more like an occasion than The Commoner. Located in the heart of downtown, The Commoner is featuring a special Mother’s Day brunch with its full menu plus seasonal chef specials created just for the holiday. One of the most charming touches is the locally curated flower bar, where guests can choose a bloom for Mom during the meal. Seasonal offerings include spring frittata, pork belly katsu, mango sticky buns, and assorted biscuits and scones. Reservations can be made through OpenTable Reservation Page.

For something grand and timeless, Grand Concourse remains one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved Mother’s Day destinations. Set inside the historic Station Square, the dramatic architecture and classic buffet-style brunch make it a tradition for many families looking for an upscale celebration.

If elegance is the goal, Mansions on Fifth offers a beautiful Shadyside setting inside a historic mansion. The atmosphere feels intimate, luxurious, and perfect for a quieter celebration with champagne, brunch, and family conversation.

Families wanting a full experience beyond the table often head to Gateway Clipper Fleet for one of the city’s most iconic Mother’s Day traditions. Their Mother’s Day brunch and dinner cruises let Mom enjoy buffet dining while taking in skyline views across Pittsburgh’s three rivers. This year’s featured cruise includes buffet service, music from the house DJ, and the chance to truly let Mom be “Queen for the Day.” Cruises are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. More details are available through Gateway Clipper Mother’s Day Cruise Info.

For families with children, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is one of the best Mother’s Day outings in the city because moms receive free admission for the day. It’s a simple but meaningful way to turn the holiday into a full family adventure without the pressure of formal dining.

Nature lovers often choose Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where Mother’s Day weekend overlaps with the beloved May Market and spring floral displays. Walking through the conservatory surrounded by blooming gardens creates one of the most peaceful and beautiful celebrations in the city.

For something more hands-on, Mix Candle Co. offers a chance to pour custom candles together—turning Mother’s Day into a shared memory rather than just a meal. Others may prefer afternoon tea service, flower arranging workshops, or browsing the Mother’s Day edition of Neighborhood Flea at SouthSide Works.

There’s also a growing tradition of supporting women-owned and Black-owned businesses during the holiday. Shopping events like Babes & Bubbles in the Strip District bring together local vendors, music, and gifts that feel more personal than the usual last-minute flowers and cards.

No matter how you celebrate, the biggest advice for Mother’s Day in Pittsburgh is simple: reserve early. It remains one of the busiest restaurant weekends of the year, and the best brunch tables and cruises disappear quickly.

Because in the end, Mother’s Day isn’t really about the reservation—it’s about creating a moment she’ll remember. Whether that happens over brunch at The Commoner, on the deck of a Gateway Clipper cruise, or walking through flowers at Phipps, Pittsburgh offers plenty of ways to make that happen beautifully.

Pittsburgh NAACP

NAACP Pittsburgh 2026 Human Rights Dinner

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh DowntownPittsburgh, PA

Friday, June 5 • 6 PM - 10 PM

Overview

Join us for the Human Rights Dinner 2026, a night of good food, great people, and powerful stories!

Join Us for the Human Rights Dinner 2026!

Come together for an unforgettable evening celebrating human rights and making a difference. This in-person event is all about connecting with passionate people, sharing inspiring stories, and enjoying a great dinner. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of something meaningful in 2026!

Ticket Information:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/naacp-pittsburgh-2026-human-rights-dinner-tickets-1987653342654?aff=oddtdtcreator

Shop Black - Build Black

Mount Oliver Juneteenth Block Party: Black Wall Street Streetwear Market

Mount Oliver Juneteenth Block Party: Black Wall Street Streetwear Market
Presented by Nami Bey @diiviinetime and in collaboration with @mtoliverpgh @hilltopalliance @tech25pgh and special collaboration with our neighbors @dontplay.corp @udigg.apparel @96ersnetwork @viraloncarson

The Mount Oliver Juneteenth Block Party is a vibrant celebration of Black culture, creativity, and community.
Taking place on Saturday, June 20th, 2026,
from 6PM–10PM on the 100–200 block of Mount Oliver Borough,
this all-ages event brings together music, fashion, art, and
local entrepreneurship in one powerful space.

This year’s theme, “Black Wall Street Streetwear Market,”
highlights the importance of supporting and building Black-owned businesses while celebrating the influence of streetwear and creative expression in our culture.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring:
Live music and high-energy sounds by @thearie_cole (@slappersnbangers founder)

A dynamic street fashion show showcasing bold, local style
40+ local vendors offering fashion, art, and unique products
Live art, community engagement, and creative experiences throughout the block

Hosting by RianOutLoud, @rianoutloudpodcast keeping the crowd energized and connected
This is more than a block party —
it’s a movement. A space to shop Black, build Black, and celebrate Black in the heart of Mount Oliver.
Come out, connect, and experience the culture.
All ages welcomed

Vendor applications are still open closing May 31St

https://forms.gle/uEXaupiW21astXrQ9

Heinz History Center

Draft History HQ: History Center and Sports Museum Announce NFL Draft Week Plans

-Football fans can explore pop-up exhibitions from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Pittsburgh Steelers-

The Senator John Heinz History Center – America’s #1 History Museum and the Smithsonian’s home in Pittsburgh – has announced special exhibitions, programs, and activities during the 2026 NFL Draft.

From iconic artifacts within the Franco Harris Sports Museum to special pop-up exhibitions from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Pittsburgh Steelers, the History Center is a must-see attraction for the more than 500,000 fans in town during NFL Draft Week.

The story of professional football begins in Pittsburgh, and visitors can discover how the city forged a football legacy defined by trailblazing moments, legendary players, and six Super Bowl championships.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Exhibition

Is it something in the water? The high schools of Western Pennsylvania have turned out countless college and professional football stars, but they are perhaps best known for producing great quarterbacks. Nearly 50 professional quarterbacks are from Western Pa. – more than any region in the country – including six Hall of Famers. In partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, visitors can see game-worn jerseys from George Blanda, Joe Namath, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino as part of this special pop-up exhibition in the History Center’s first floor Great Hall.

On view from April 17-27, the Sports Museum will also feature 27 original NFL Draft cards from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-round picks from 1997-2025, on loan from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Explore the Franco Harris Sports Museum

The Franco Harris Sports Museum, recently renamed in honor of the late Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame running back, features 20,000 square feet of interpretive galleries and more than 50 interactive experiences that showcase the unforgettable and almost forgotten stories of athletes who transformed Pittsburgh into the “City of Champions.”

As the “home of the Immaculate Reception,” the Sports Museum features an iconic lifelike figure of Franco making the catch, his cleats from the play, and the piece of Three Rivers Stadium field turf where the play happened. The Super Steelers exhibition includes a special section dedicated to Franco’s life and career including his championship rings from Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, and XIV, his 1976 Man of the Year Award (now named for Walter Payton), and his “Franco’s Italian Army” helmet.

In the high school football section, learn more about the Cradle of Quarterbacks, meet the 30 legendary NFL head coaches who played their first competitive football here in our region, including Steelers’ coaches Bill Cowher and Mike McCarthy, as well as players who set records, won Heisman trophies, captured Super Bowls, and became Hall of Famers.

NFL Draft Exhibit

Fans can uncover the stories that connect the region’s rich football roots to the 2026 NFL Draft in this limited-time exhibition, developed in partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the 2026 NFL Draft Football Legacy Committee.

On view now in the Franco Harris Sports Museum, the 2026 NFL Draft Exhibit celebrates the region’s deep football roots and shares this region’s innovative connections to the draft. Visitors can explore Pittsburgh’s role in the origins of the NFL Draft, which dates to the 1935 NFL owners meeting at downtown’s Fort Pitt Hotel, and the evolution of the Steeler’s draft philosophy, from a team that mortgaged the future by trading draft picks to one that built a legendary dynasty using the draft.

Draft Week Fan Zone and Museum Shop

Visitors to the History Center from April 23-25 can get in the game with family-friendly activities in the Draft Week Fan Zone, featuring tailgate-style games, sports-themed scavenger hunts, special tours of the Sports Museum, and gameday food throughout each day. Kids aged 17 and under always receive free admission to the History Center, supported by the museum’s Kamin “Free for Kids” Initiative.

The History Center Museum Shop will offer official NFL Draft merchandise alongside items from hometown favorites like Mister Rogers and Heinz.

VisitPITTSBURGH Welcome Center

The History Center is home to the official VisitPITTSBURGH Welcome Center, where out-of-town guests can speak with trained visitor service associates about how to make the most of their stay in the Steel City. The VisitPITTSBURGH Welcome Center is located in the museum’s first floor Great Hall and does not require admission to access.

For more information and updates on NFL Draft Week offerings at the History Center and Sports Museum, please visit heinzhistorycenter.org/draft.

Draft Week activities are supported by VisitPA and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).

“Freedom House Ambulance: The FIRST Responders”

History Center, Pitt to Host Film Screening Exploring History of Freedom House Ambulance Service

The Senator John Heinz History Center will host a free, in-person screening of “Freedom House Ambulance: The FIRST Responders” on Tuesday, April 7 from 6-7:30 p.m., in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.

Presented as part of the African American Program’s From Slavery to Freedom Film Series, “Freedom House Ambulance: The FIRST Responders,” produced by WQED, explores the rise and fall of America’s first emergency medical service comprised entirely of Black men and women from Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood.

Freedom House was initially conceived to respond to the needs of Pittsburgh’s African American community who often couldn’t rely on police and fire departments during an emergency. Their groundbreaking work became the basis for all paramedics training in the country. However, despite its success – racism and power dynamics in Pittsburgh shut down Freedom House in 1975, leaving its legacy almost lost to history.

Featuring rare archival images, the documentary tells the story of the organization’s inception through the perspective of a founder, along with reflections from surviving paramedics, stories of the world-renowned doctors who trained them, and memories from lifelong Hill District residents.

Following the screening, the event will feature a panel discussion with film producer Annette Banks; former Freedom House first responders George McCary, John Moon, and Darnella Wilson; Freedom House co-founder and Falk Foundation President Emeritus Phil Hallen; and University of Pittsburgh Assistant Professor Jason Deakings.

The story of Freedom House has recently made national news after its inclusion in the hit television series “The Pitt” on HBO Max.

The History Center’s film screening and panel discussion are free with advance registration. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit heinzhistorycenter.org/events.

Handmade Arcade's new Modern Craft Market

New Modern Craft Market launches in Pittsburgh featuring 100 contemporary makers

New Modern Craft Market launches in Pittsburgh featuring 100 contemporary makers from around the country

Tickets are now open for Handmade Arcade's new Modern Craft Market supported by Contemporary Craft and the Pittsburgh Glass Center from March 27-29, 2026 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. This juried market is the first of its kind in the region, featuring contemporary handcrafted goods created with traditional materials by nearly 100 makers from 12 different states.

"The Modern Craft Market was created to help amplify Pittsburgh as a destination location for celebrating the best of contemporary craft," saysKelsey Ford, Handmade Arcade's Executive Director. "It follows in the footsteps of other juried fine craft markets around the country, including American Craft Made Baltimore, the Smithsonian Craft + Design Show in Washington, D.C., and the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show. This new shopping event puts Pittsburgh on the map as a retail destination for buyers to shop for contemporary craft and regional and national makers to showcase their work."

The inaugural Modern Craft Market will feature handcrafted products from over 100 makers and artists specializing in traditional handcrafts like metal, wood, fiber arts and textiles, ceramics, and glass. Shoppers will be able to purchase one-of-a-kind furniture, clothing, accessories, home decor, and more. The market was juried by Jennifer-Navva Milliken (Executive Director & Chief Curator, Museum for Art in Wood), Jessica Todd (Curator, Tampa Arts Alliance), and Angelik Vizcarrondo-Laboy (Independent Curator).

The Modern Craft Market has received a welcomed reception from both makers and local arts organizations alike. In addition to funding from PA Creative Industries, the 2026 Modern Craft Market is supported by Contemporary Craft and the Pittsburgh Glass Center, two organizations that are also committed to elevating Pittsburgh as a destination for craft.

"The Pittsburgh region has a rich history of making - and primarily making things that come from craft materials. As our region expands our craft offerings and strengthens our ecosystem, this event is a perfect way for artists to connect their products to a marketplace and furthermore, put our city on the national stage as many craft markets around the country shrink," says Rachel Rearick, Executive Director of Contemporary Craft. "We're grateful to Handmade Arcade for being bold enough to launch this initiative and honored to sponsor this inaugural market."

In addition to shopping, attendees can experience the artistry of handcrafted goods firsthand with live artistic demonstrations from arts organizations like Pittsburgh Glass Center and artist collectives like Turners Anonymous.

“An essential part of Pittsburgh Glass Center’s mission is to cultivate, nurture, and support diverse and passionate glass artists, while expanding opportunities for them to create and share their work in Pittsburgh and beyond," said Heather McElwee, the Randi & L. Van V. Dauler, Jr. Executive Director at Pittsburgh Glass Center. "The Modern Craft Market aligns beautifully with that commitment, connecting artists to other makers, new audiences, collectors, and industry partners, and celebrating contemporary craft where traditional skill meets forward-thinking design."

Handmade Arcade, Contemporary Craft, and Pittsburgh Glass Center are three of many organizations throughout the country hosting exhibitions and events - including the 2026 Modern Craft Market - that are part of Handwork 2026, a nationwide Semiquincentennial celebration of craft presented by Craft in America.

Event Schedule:
Attendees can get an exclusive look at the Modern Craft Market and shop without the crowds during a ticketed VIP preview event on Friday, March 27 from 5 - 8 PM and a ticketed early bird shopping event on Saturday, March 28 from 9 - 11 AM.

Pay-What-You-Can General Admission Weekend Passes are available for attendees to shop on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 from 11 AM - 6 PM both days. Suggested prices for Weekend Passes are $5, $10, or $20, but free tickets are available to anyone who needs them thanks to support by the taxpayers of Allegheny County through a public grant from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). RAD works here. There is also a Sensory-Friendly Shopping Hour on Sunday, March 29 from 10 - 11 AM.

For tickets, the maker catalog, and more information, visit https://www.handmadearcade.org/modern-craft-market.

Virtual Career Fair NAACP

NAACP Holds Virtual Career Fair to help Black Workers Under Attack

In 2025, 316,000+ Black women have had a mass exodus out of the labor force, with the national rate for Black unemployment rising to 7.7% as of February 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Primarily due to sweeping cuts in public-sector agencies, mass deportation, and federal downsizing that target Black people, especially Black women's traditional strongholds in middle-class employment.

The NAACP recognizes the intentional attacks on the Future of Black Workers and will not stand by and watch the decline of the Black economy and talented people left behind. We are seizing opportunities in our own hands and connecting available job positions with host employers. The NAACP is bringing diversity, equity, and inclusive hiring practices, while also providing equitable job opportunities.

Join the NAACP’s Virtual Career Fair, powered by TalentAlly, open to everyone, on April 29, 2026.

tapescape

a fan favorite returns! tapescape opens saturday, january 24

The Children’s Museum is delighted to open its fourth version of Tapescape, an indoor climbing, sliding, rolling art installation made of more than 50 miles of packing tape stretched over a steel frame, designed by creator Eric Lennartson.

Explore and crawl through the twisting tunnels and curving walls of this unique climbing terrain showcasing an unexpected and delightful use of a common material.

Learn about Opening Weekend activities.

Tapescape will be open to explore 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM every day that the Children’s Museum is open.