Welcome to Pittsburgh! What do you want to do first? Not sure yet? Well what about plans for tomorrow?
…Well you still have time to decide… Where are you staying? You haven't booked a hotel yet?!?!
We get it. When some people think of Pittsburgh, their first thought is still a smog-filled city. But the Pittsburgh of today has undergone decades of transformation, shedding its industrial revolution roots and now positioned at the forefront of robotics, medicine and sustainability.
While green now has many connotations, Pittsburgh embodies all of them. When I introduce guests to Pittsburgh for the first time, one of the first things I hear is shock at how green (literally!) the city is as they experience our verdant hillsides and riverside trails. Pittsburgh also is leading the way in the green building movement from our airport and convention center to corporate buildings and sports arenas.
Pittsburgh Earth Day
So, how do keep this momentum moving forward each year and keep our city sustainable and resilient? Enter Pittsburgh Earth Day, a non-profit entering its 9th year of programming with the very fitting mission to live Earth Day, Every Day!
While Earth Day is technically a single day, Pittsburgh Earth Day goes on all year long with inventive programming and transformational events all centered around green goals and initiatives.
Read on to see what Pittsburgh Earth Day and other local organizations have in store for 2023 and beyond!
Tailgate Tour
Circle April 22, 2023 on your calendars when Pittsburgh Earth Day celebrates the holiday with a massive, multi-location event they're calling The Earth Day Tailgate Tour.
Starting at 11 a.m., get "Powered Up" at the Energy Innovation Center as the Tailgate Tour kicks off with a mouthwatering smoked brisket and bbq sliders from Chef Claudy Pierre, a chance to meet Kiki Brown (WAMO 107.3), the Pirate Parrot and the Pittsburgh Pirates Pierogies and signing the Power It Up Pledge for clean energy.
Your Earth Day adventure continues at the second event, a star-studded afternoon of live music right in Market Square for the Music, Art, and Culture Festival from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root will headline at 2:40 p.m. as part of the 25th anniversary of their album release "When I Woke," playing the album in its entirety.
Uprooted Band. Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Earth Day
Also on the schedule are performances from The Soulful Femme Band and Nash'ville featuring Byron Nash. Activities throughout the day includes loads of eco-friendly activity booths and ways to interact with local, green businesses as well as a Creatives Drink takeover, Chalking Dad art demonstration and much more.
The three-stop Tailgate Tour culminates with the Pittsburgh Pirates Salute at gorgeous PNC Park as 6:35 p.m. when they take on the Reds. Earth Day will continue to be in focus as Duquesne Light Company President and CEO Kevin Walker throws out the first pitch.
NASH.V.ILL. Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Earth Day
Ecolution Fashion Gala
But Pittsburgh Earth Day doesn't end there. In fact, one of their most popular events isn't held until June! An event you can only find in Pittsburgh, the Ecolution Fashion Gala will take place June 7, 2023 at the Carnegie Museum.
Ecolution Fashion Show. Credit: John Columbo
The main event here is their iconic runway fashion show with hand-crafted styles made exclusively for this event, with everything highlighting recycled and reused materials. Come see the latest in environmental ensembles made by top designers along with special dance performances and a featured drag queen and artist.
Photo Credit: Brian David, Designer x Photographer
Living Earth Day, Every Day
Unable to make it to Pittsburgh Earth Day events? There's still plenty of ways to get involved. Make sure to sign up for their newsletter, The Green Voice, to stay informed of all things sustainable in the city. It's an easy read but full of actionable information including vegan recipes, tips to be a better recycler and putting the spotlight on local green businesses.
Pittsburgh Earth Day also publishes a monthly podcast called The Dirt via YouTube for an even deeper look at sustainability by including a variety of voices throughout Pittsburgh on the show. As always, keep an eye on their website and social media sites to be the first to know about upcoming events and the latest news!
Pittsburgh Earth Day is just one part of the sustainability equation, and other local attractions, museums, parks and conservation groups are making this Earth Day an action-packed weekend.
Carnegie Science Center will host an Earth and Environment day Friday, April 21, featuring local scientists and H2Oh! River Weekend exploring the ways we turn rivers into clean, drinkable water on Saturday and Sunday. All of these bonus activities are included with your ticket, making this an excellent weekend to visit! A paid SkyWatch view of the night sky and planetarium performance is also available Saturday night at 9 p.m. for $12 admission.
Photo Courtesy: Carnegie Science Center
Elsewhere in the city:
Join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for Earth Day fun at Schenley Plaza with lawn games, free food and live music
Find trail activities, outdoor vendors, food and entertainment on the South Side Riverfront Park to celebrate with Friends of the Riverfront and REI
At Carnegie Museum of Natural History, teens can enjoy special Earth Night activities April 27 to learn the science behind the museums' activities and be a part of their ongoing research efforts. Or, get outside and active with their City Nature Challenge April 28-May 1 that celebrates biodiversity
Children's Museum will have a Mending workshop April 22 and Earth Day Spheres (made of winding and twisting vines in invasive species) workshops April 23
Or, simply enjoy the redbuds blooming around the city, a result of the Western PA Conservancy
No matter how you celebrate, we hope you will join Pittsburgh's efforts in sustainability and take the pledge to help live every day in our beautiful city like it's Earth Day.
