Reasons to Visit Pittsburgh in 2026

Pittsburgh was recently named one of National Geographic's Best of the World: Where to Go in 2026

To commemorate the honor, we've compiled a list of must-dos and must-sees for your 2026 Pittsburgh trip

1. 2026 NFL Draft

When: April 23-25, 2026
Where: Acrisure Stadium, Point State Park, & more

Did you know Pittsburgh is hosting the 2026 NFL Draft? Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flock to the Steel City to welcome the future of football to the game.

2. 59th Carnegie International

When: May 2, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027
Where: Carnegie Museum of Art

Organized every four years by Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie International is the longest-running exhibition of international art in North America. The 59th edition will be the most collaborative and far-reaching to date—a clear expression of the museum’s founding commitment to the art and artists of our time, at once grounded in our locality and extending globally.

Credit |
Julie Kahlbaugh

3. America's 250th

When: July 4, 2026
Where: Various

America's 250th will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. It's an occasion being honored across the country, but Pittsburgh promises a celebration like no other. Here's everything going on in Pittsburgh to honor the occasion.

Credit |
Dave DiCello

4. Point State Park Renovations

When: Dec. 2025
Where: Point State Park

A $3.4 million renovation project at Point State Park has been completed months ahead of schedule. Originally slated for completion in 2026, you now have plenty more months to take in the new look of the state park.

5. Market Square Modernization

When: April 2026
Where: Market Square

Market Square, which welcomed over 3.1 million people in 2024, is a cornerstone of the Downtown revitalization plan announced by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Allegheny County, City of Pittsburgh, and Urban Redevelopment Authority, as well as Governor Shapiro’s 10-year $600 million plan to transform Downtown Pittsburgh.

6. Arts Landing

When: April 2026 (soft opening), June 2026
Where: Pittsburgh's Cultural District

Arts Landing, a new outdoor civic space envisioned by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and designed by renowned landscape architecture firm Field Operations, promises to be one of the most transformative projects in the Cultural District in 25 years.

7. Pittsburgh International Airport's New Landside Terminal

When: November 2025
Where: Pittsburgh International Airport

While it technically debuted in late 2025, Pittsburgh International Airport's new landside terminal is a must-see and must-admire when you travel in 2026. The $1.4 billion transformation of the new terminal makes it a new experience whether it's your first time flying in or out of PIT or your hundredth.

Here's everything you need to know about the new terminal before you go.

7. Kamin Science Center's 35th Anniversary

When: Oct. 5, 2026
Where: Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center

As Pittsburgh’s most visited museum, Kamin Science Center, formerly Carnegie Science Center, features five floors of amazing interactive exhibits that are perfect for visitors of every age.

8. Pittsburgh Glass Center's 25th Anniversary

When: Feb. 6, 2026
Where: Pittsburgh Glass Center

Celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2026, Pittsburgh Glass Center is thrilled to showcase the artwork of 100 local artists in the exhibition Gathered Locally. To highlight the milestone and many of the incredible local artists taking part in the show, artists will show-off their skills in all of our studios through out the evening in 25-minute demonstrations. Come and see our glass community glow!

Pittsburgh Glass Center

9. Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival

When: June 5-7, 11-14, 2026
Where: Arts Landing

Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival is returning to the Cultural District for 2026. Hosted at Pittsburgh's newest outdoor space, the festival is a celebration of the arts in Pittsburgh attracting thousands of guests from the region and beyond for live music, an Artist Market, dance, gallery exhibitions, creative family activities, and more. The Festival has remained free and open to everyone since its founding in 1960.

10. Pittsburgh's Newest Businesses

When: Various
Where: Various

One thing you can count on with Pittsburgh is the fact that it's constantly evolving. As such, new businesses make their way into our communities like clockwork. Check back for the newest businesses and events in the region.

Taylor S.

Author

Taylor S.

Content Development Manager

A friendly neighborhood Pittsburgh transplant. Probably at book club, a local coffee shop or thrift store. Tell your pet I said hi.

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