Must-Attend Events & Festivals: Oakland
An iconic Pittsburgh location, Oakland comes alive year-round with must-attend events and festivals. Timing your visit to coincide with these signature events offers a chance to see the riverfront at its most energetic and vibrant.
Annual Events
Phipps Conservatory Seasonal Flower Shows | Seasonal
Every season, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens transforms its displays into an homage to the world around us. From spring blooms to winter wonderlands, you’ll step into a different fantasy realm every few months.
PGH Book Fest | May
Held at the Carnegie Library’s main campus in Oakland, PGH Book Festival is an annual festival for book lovers, by book lovers that brings dozens of nationally renowned authors to the region.
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix | July
Held every July, this massive event features vintage street racing right through the roads of nearby Schenley Park. It is one of the only vintage auto races run on public roads in the country and includes large car shows, vendor villages, and charity events.
Pitt Homecoming | Fall
Alumni, students and families come together for one of the most celebrated traditions on the Pitt calendar.
Holiday Open House – Nationality Rooms | December
In the spirit of an open house tradition and to foster connections among neighbors, members of the Nationality and Heritage Room Committees welcome guests into the Cathedral of Learning for an afternoon of exploration and engagement every holiday season.
Planning Tips
Park and Walk: Oakland isn’t a massive neighborhood, so it’s easy to find a spot to park and then keep your car there all day as you walk around. Wherever you leave your car, it won’t be far from where you end up.
Smart Parking: Avoid the stress of searching for an open garage by using these digital tools:
- ParkPGH: Provides real-time availability and space counts for all Cultural District and many public garages.
- Go Mobile PGH: The official app to pay for on-street metered parking and select authority lots directly from your phone.
