New Experiences Kick Off Sensational Summer in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH – In the midst of summer travel planning, exciting new experiences are making Pittsburgh more enticing than ever. From hot music lineups and star-studded fashion shows to family-friendly celebrations and new craft food and beverage locations, Pittsburgh has plenty of options for travelers of all interests.

“According to a recent traveler study by Destination Analysts, Americans’ excitement for travel remains near record levels, with many anticipating taking an average of 3.5 trips over the next year,” VisitPITTSBURGH President & CEO Jerad Bachar said. “Thanks to the many exciting and diverse new offerings slated to open in the next few weeks, Pittsburgh is well positioned to capture this enthusiasm throughout the summer travel season.”

Every arts, music and fashion lover should plan a trip to see Pittsburgh native and Emmy-, Tony- and Grammy-winning performer Billy Porter return to his hometown for the Billy Porter Black Mona Lisa Tour at the Pittsburgh Symphony Heinz Hall on May 28. The 90-minute sensational pop music concert will feature top hits such as “Love Is on the Way” and “Love Yourself” paired with high-energy visual installations. Tickets and more information can be found at thebillyporter.com.

Can’t make it to the concert? Beginning May 6 through June 25, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens also will show Flowers Meet Fashion: Inspired by Billy Porter. With help from students and designers from his alma maters Carnegie Mellon University and Pittsburgh CAPA High School, the highly anticipated exhibition will feature stunning floral displays paired with high-fashion designs inspired by Porter’s journey through the pop industry, his memoir and, of course, Kinky Boots! For more information on the exhibition, visit phipps.conservatory.org.

In conjunction with the flower show and Pittsburgh Pride Revolution, the Three Rivers Business Alliance is partnering with Phipps to host True Colors: The Fashions of Pride, a champagne brunch and fashion show benefiting LGBTQ+ small businesses on June 4. Tickets to this event are limited and available at 3rba.com; admission to Porter’s new exhibit is included.

Also opening in May at The Andy Warhol Museum, The Velvet Underground & Nico: Scepter Studio Sessions will allow visitors to experience audio and visual highlights of the band, including music from its early recordings in 1966, as well as unseen footage from the band’s live performances and Warhol’s screen tests. The exhibit will run from May 12 through Sept. 25, and more information can be found at warhol.org.

New upscale mini golf venues in the Strip District put a modern spin on this typical leisure activity. Exclusive to visitors 21 years and older, the recently opened Puttery offers a variety of cocktails and small plates paired with three themed, nine-hole course. Similarly, Puttshack, slated to open later this summer, will allow a family-friendly mini golf experience with modern technology, colorful lights and great food – until 8 p.m., when it also shifts to a 21+ model, adding a variety of crafted cocktails to the mix.

Recent enhancements made at PNC Park are sure to delight foodies and sports fanatics alike throughout the 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates season. Eating at PNC Park is a culinary adventure, and now, guests will have access to several new beer markets and eateries as well as a walk-in, grab-and-go market with touchless self-checkout. Plus, the stadium also is utilizing Evolv technology to simplify and speed up the entry process at each gate.

Additionally, Pittsburgh’s food and craft beverage scene continues to grow throughout Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods. There are numerous new dining experiences that will excite the tastebuds of every foodie, including: Ritual House Downtown, Viet Nom Nom in Squirrel Hill, Sultry F&B and Piper’s Pub in South Side Flats – and, Fish Nor Fowl recently reopened! New additions in craft beverage include: Aslin Beer Co. in the Strip District, Big Sewickley Creek in Sewickley, Back Alley Brewing in Dormont and a new East End Brewing Company location in Mt. Lebanon.

Finally, this summer is a big milestone for two of Pittsburgh’s family-friendly attractions, as Kennywood and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium are celebrating 125 years with visitors. Kennywood boasts exciting additions this season, including a new, thrill-seeking ride, Spinvasion, the return of popular Raging Rapids and a variety of new food and beverage options. The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium will host Summer Safari: A Pittsburgh Party on June 9, which will include food, live entertainment and much more.

Learn more about these experiences, attractions and more at VisitPITTSBURGH.com.

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