VisitPITTSBURGH Unveils “PicksBURGH” Downtown Celebrations Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft Presented by Bud Light

As anticipation builds for the 2026 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light, VisitPITTSBURGH today announced a dynamic series of Downtown celebrations designed to spotlight the region’s culture, support local businesses, and create an unforgettable fan experience throughout Draft Week.

Anchored in and around the North Shore and Downtown core, “PicksBURGH” will transform the city into a vibrant, walkable festival—inviting visitors and locals alike to explore Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, discover its small businesses, and experience the city’s signature energy.

“PicksBURGH is about more than hosting the Draft—it’s about putting Pittsburgh’s people, places and personality on full display,” said Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “From live music and local flavors to immersive street-level experiences, we’re creating moments that encourage fans to explore, stay longer and support the businesses that make our region special.”

Supporting Local Businesses Across the Region

To ensure businesses across the 10-county region are ready to maximize the opportunity, VisitPITTSBURGH has launched a comprehensive PicksBURGH Business Resource Kit. The toolkit provides partners with marketing assets, event ideas, and operational guidance to help them activate their spaces, attract customers, and align with the energy of Draft Week.

From storefront signage and social media templates to programming inspiration, the resource kit empowers businesses of all sizes to be part of the celebration—whether they are located Downtown or throughout the broader region.

Downtown Comes Alive: Signature PicksBURGH Programming

PicksBURGH Music Crawl – Wednesday, Draft Week
Kicking off the festivities, the PicksBURGH Music Crawl will bring the city’s nightlife and live music scene to life across Downtown. Participating bars, restaurants, and venues will host local musicians and performers, creating a high-energy, multi-stop experience that encourages fans to explore Pittsburgh after hours while supporting local establishments.

“Few things bring people together like live music, and Draft Week is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the energy, creativity, and hospitality that define Pittsburgh,” said PDP President & CEO Jeremy Waldrup. “PicksBURGH Music Edition kicks off the celebration with a ribbon cutting and concert in Market Square before extending into venues across Downtown and throughout the city. This is about more than one night, it’s an invitation for visitors and residents alike to experience Pittsburgh’s incredible music scene, support local venues, and discover the vibrancy of our neighborhoods long after the Draft ends.”

The PicksBURGH Music Crawl will begin with a line-up of performers following the Market Square Ribbon cutting, including:

• DJ Arie Cole - 4:45-5 p.m.
• NASH-V.ILL - 5–5:45 p.m.
• Big Jus & Steeltown Horns – 6-6:50 p.m.
• DJ Arie Cole - 6:50-7 p.m.

• August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Downtown, 5:30–8:00 p.m., R&B/Funk/Jazz
• Con Alma, Downtown, 7-10 p.m., International Jazz
• *The Original Pittsburgh Winery, Strip District, 5–7:30 p.m., Pop/Rock Covers
• Club Café, South Side, 7 p.m. doors open, 8 p.m. show start, Reggae
• *Park House, North Side, 8-11 p.m., Soul/Blues/Americana
• The Government Center, North Side, 7 p.m., Indie/Punk/Metal
• *Elks Lodge #339, North Side, 7:15 p.m. doors open, 8 p.m. show, Banjo Night
• Thunderbird Café, Lawrenceville, 7 p.m. doors open, 8 p.m. show start, Jam Band/Tribute
• *White Rabbit at One Oxford Centre, Downtown, 7 p.m. doors open, 8 p.m. show start, Live Party Concert
• Howl at the Moon, Downtown, 6 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. show start, Pop/Party Hits
• Spirit Hall, Lawrenceville, 7 p.m. doors open, 8 p.m. show start, Metal
• Enclave, South Side, 10:30 p.m.-2 a.m., EDM/DJ
• *Heinz Hall Garden & Open House, Downtown, 4-9 p.m., Classical/Live Performances

* Indicates a free show

From intimate acoustic sets to full-band performances, the crawl will highlight the depth of Pittsburgh’s music scene while driving foot traffic to businesses throughout the Golden Triangle. As a bonus, attendees are each venue will have the opportunity to receive a commemorative PicksBURGH guitar pick.

To learn more about the PicksBURGH Music Crawl and see full program information, click here.

Market Square Activations – Thursday-Saturday, Draft Week

With a grand reopening on Wednesday, April 22, Market Square will serve as a central hub for PicksBURGH activity. Fans can expect live entertainment, interactive experiences, and a Steelers-themed bar to bring the spirit of the Draft to one of Downtown’s most iconic gathering spaces.

Activations range from Pittsburgh miniature golf and live blacksmithing demonstrations by Rivers of Steel to prizes, games and can’t-miss selfie stations.

Official PicksBURGH programming will be available from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24 and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.

Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing – Thursday-Saturday, Draft Week

Arts Landing will transform into the Pitt Block Party, a free, three-day, fan-friendly celebration in the heart of Downtown’s Cultural District, hosted in partnership with Pitt Athletics and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

As the first major event to take place at the new four-acre civic space, the activation will offer an immersive football experience celebrating Pitt’s storied legacy and its pipeline to the NFL. Programming will include an experiential Pitt Football museum and interactive draft showcase highlighting Panther greats, alongside live music, entertainment, food trucks, beverages, local vendors, and a dedicated activity zone.

Located within walking distance of the Draft Theater, Main Stage and Draft Experience Presented by American Express on the North Shore and the continued Draft Experience footprint at Point State Park, Arts Landing will serve as a central gathering place for fans—blending Pittsburgh’s deep sports tradition with the energy of its vibrant arts and cultural scene.

“Arts Landing is a transformational civic space built to bring people together,” said Kendra Whitlock Ingram, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “As we welcome fans for the very first time, we’ll celebrate the incredible impact of sports and the arts in Pittsburgh.”

The Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing will be open for residents and visitors alike from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25.

To learn more about the Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing, click here.

PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K – Saturday of Draft Week

Adding to the excitement of Draft weekend, P3R is set to host the PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K, a one-time race experience taking place on Saturday, April 25, the final day of the NFL Draft.

The race invites local residents and visiting fans alike to run or walk through the North Shore and Downtown, crossing iconic bridges and taking in Pittsburgh’s skyline—all while immersed in the energy of one of the city’s biggest sporting events. The course will begin on the North Shore, travel across the 16th Street Bridge, wind through Downtown, and finish just steps from the official NFL Draft Experience at Point State Park.

Participants will kick off at 8:00 a.m. and, upon finishing, can seamlessly transition into Draft Day programming, including fan activations, interactive exhibits, and celebrations throughout the footprint.

“We wanted to create an experience that welcomes both visitors and local families into the heart of Pittsburgh during this exciting week,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “The PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K offers a unique chance to run or walk through the energy of the North Shore and Downtown, giving people of all ages a fun way to take part in a truly special moment for our city.”

To commemorate the experience, participants will receive an exclusive race shirt and finisher medal, with both in-person and virtual participation options available.

To register and view the race map, click here.

A Walkable, Immersive Fan Experience

Connecting it all will be a thoughtfully programmed pedestrian pathway linking Downtown to the North Shore Draft footprint. Designed as more than just a route, the walkway will come alive with almost 100 local buskers, street performers, larger-than-life photo moments and wayfinding elements—creating a uniquely Pittsburgh experience at every step.

Fans are encouraged to walk the route, not only for its scenic and entertaining atmosphere, but also for the opportunity to discover shops, restaurants, and small businesses along the way—driving meaningful economic impact across the city.

“By designing a highly walkable experience filled with local character, we’re making it easy—and exciting—for fans to explore beyond the main stage,” Bachar added. “Every step is an opportunity to connect with Pittsburgh and contribute to its local economy.”

For more information on PicksBURGH celebrations and how to get involved, visit NFLDraftPittsburgh.com.