A Mac Miller Fan’s Guide to Pittsburgh

​In the world of hip-hop, few artists have left a mark as indelible as Mac Miller

Born Malcolm James McCormick in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mac Miller was not only a rap prodigy but also a beloved figure in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Tragically, he passed away in 2018, but his music and legacy continue to resonate with fans worldwide. In this blog post, we'll explore Mac Miller's profound influence on Pittsburgh and the significant spots where fans visit to pay tribute to this remarkable artist.

1. Frick Park Market

7103 Reynolds Street- Point Breeze

One of the most iconic Mac Miller spots in Pittsburgh is Frick Park Market. Mac immortalized this local market in his hit song "Frick Park Market," which was released in 2011. The song's catchy lyrics and laid-back vibe pay homage to his Pittsburgh roots and the community that supported him from the beginning. Today, fans can visit Frick Park Market to honor Mac Miller and soak in the nostalgia of his music.

Anything you need you can find it at the market (Frick Park Market) Photo Credit: @Cambrooksphoto on Insta

2. Blue Slide Park

Frick Park

Blue Slide Park is perhaps the most famous spot associated with Mac Miller. The park, located in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood, served as the namesake for Mac's debut studio album, "Blue Slide Park." The album, released in 2011, was a milestone in his career and a tribute to the park where he spent many moments growing up. The iconic blue slide, which inspired the album's name, continues to attract fans who want to slide down it and connect with Mac's legacy.

Back to Blue Slide Park, the only place I call home. (English Lane)

3. Mac Miller Murals

Etna, East Liberty, Northside

Over the past few years, Pittsburgh has seen a proliferation of Mac Miller murals, each serving as a heartfelt tribute to the beloved rapper. One of the most popular artistic tributes stretches across the side of ID Labs, a recording studio that Mac often recorded at. People from across the globe travel to visit the mural attached to ID Labs as well as the murals in East Liberty, the Northside and a just-debuted artwork inside Monroeville Mall.

These artistic homages stand as vivid reminders of the profound influence Mac had on both the city and the global rap community. Fans can visit the murals to pay their respect, take photos and leave tokens such as flowers and handwritten notes.

Yeah, okay, I ride around my city when I come home (Self Care)

4. Taylor Allderdice High School

2409 Shady Avenue

Taylor Allderdice High School has been the alma mater of numerous notable individuals including rapper Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. As a student at Allderdice, Mac Miller honed his craft and developed the unique style that would make him a household name in the world of hip-hop. His journey from local sensation to international superstar began in this very school, where he collaborated with fellow students and crafted music that would resonate with fans worldwide. Today, Taylor Allderdice High School stands as a symbol of Pittsburgh's musical legacy, with Mac Miller at its forefront.

5. Kennywood Amusement Park

4800 Kennywood Blvd.

Mac told the Pittsburgh Post Gazette in 2012 that, “When I come home to Pittsburgh…I don’t want to be a famous person, I don’t want to be a rapper. I just want to go to Loews at the Waterfront and do regular stuff. It’s kind of hard to do that. I would love to go to Kennywood, but there’s no way. I would have to go after it closed.” Kennywood Amusement Park, located in West Mifflin, is a famous Pittsburgh attraction that brings in thousands of locals and visitors each year. If you visit during your Mac Miller themed exploration, be sure to try the famous Potato Patch fries and Golden Nugget ice cream!

The sound amplified screams on Kennywood’s Steel Phantom rides (Claymation)

6. Homewood Cemetery

1599 S Dallas Avenue

The famous lyric “and if by chance it’s my grand finale, bury me in Allegheny County” hails from Mac’s widely recognized track “Grand Finale.” Homewood Cemetery, the final resting place of Mac Miller following his passing in 2018, lies within Allegheny County, specifically in the Point Breeze neighborhood where Mac spent his formative years. Back in 2010, Mac chose Homewood Cemetery as the backdrop for his music video "Nikes on my Feet." While fans cannot visit his gravesite, they can still wander the serene grounds of the cemetery to pay their heartfelt tributes to the artist.

And if by chance it’s my grand finale, bury me in Allegheny County. (Grand Finale)

7. Roberto Clemente Museum

3339 Penn Avenue

Mac is known for making multiple Pittsburgh sports references in his songs throughout his career. In his song “Break the Law,” Mac says that he is “the best thing out of Pittsburgh since Clemente with the Pirates.” Roberto Clemente was a Pittsburgh Pirate for 18 seasons and is a well-known Hall of Famer. Pittsburgh is home to the Clemente Museum, located in the former Engine House No. 25 firehouse in the revitalized neighborhood of Lawrenceville. The museum houses the largest collection of Roberto Clemente memorabilia in the world and is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

The best thing out of Pittsburgh since Clemente with the Pirates. (Break the Law)

8. Eat N’ Park

The line “Keep a smile like an Eat N’ Park cookie” has become iconic through Mac’s track “Knock Knock.” Be sure to make a pit stop at one of the several Eat N’ Park restaurants scattered around the city and indulge in a smiley cookie (or 5) while you’re there!

Keep a smile like an Eat’n Park cookie. (Knock Knock)

9. Colors & Shapes Event

Colors & Shapes, a free event dedicated to Mac Miller’s legacy was recently hosted at Velum Fermentation in the South Side on Friday, September 1st. The annual event features music, art, activism and food inspired by the late Pittsburgh rapper. All artist submission fees and a portion of the proceeds from raffle tickets and food and beverage sales were donated to the Mac Miller Fund, which benefits underserved youth in our community. Stay tuned for more information on next year’s event!

Mac Miller's influence on Pittsburgh goes far beyond his music. He was not just a rapper; he was a symbol of the city's resilience and a testament to the power of following one's dreams. The spots mentioned above serve as tangible reminders of Mac's presence in Pittsburgh and the lasting impact he had on both the music industry and his beloved hometown. As fans continue to visit these locations, Mac Miller's legacy lives on, ensuring that his memory will never fade away.

Courtney K.

Author

Courtney K.

Social Media Manager

Courtney is a Pittsburgh parking chair advocate and lover of all things Tik Tok, Twilight and travel. She can be found acting as a tourist in her own city or binge-watching reality TV from her home in Millvale.