When the warmer weather returns to Pittsburgh, it can only mean one thing-- spring is returning along with some fun activities!
Pittsburghers are active throughout the year, and even in the winter months-- whether going to Penguins games, taking in the holiday shows, or catching up on museum exhibits-- but there’s something about the springtime. It’s probably due to the warm weather returning-- opening up chances to do more activities outdoors. Every year there are certain events that coincide with spring, and Pittsburghers jump on the chance to experience them once again-- or for the very first time.
If you know someone who’s new to Pittsburgh-- or hasn’t seen much of the city-- consider picking up a GiftYa personalized gift card to any of these fantastic activities listed below. They’ll gain a new experience-- or perhaps be reminded of the last time they did something this fun in the spring. They are super easy to send-- just choose the vendor, the amount you want to spend, and send it to their phone via a personalized text. It’s that easy!
North Shore
PNC Park
115 Federal St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
PNC Park and the Pittsburgh Pirates are a fantastic way to celebrate the return of spring to Pittsburgh. Located on the popular North Shore neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pirates games are a great way for the whole family to get out and enjoy an evening together.
With games a couple of nights per week, there’s always an opportunity to get some good tickets. Often PNC Park will arrange theme nights, such as bobblehead nights, fireworks, and even pup nights-- where you can bring your dog to the game!
There are a lot of good restaurants in the area as well, so you can grab a bite and a brew before the game. Or if you prefer, try any of the concession stands located within the park. Either way, you’re in for some delicious treats!
“Going out to a game is a great time with the Pirates. The stadium is beautiful. I enjoy the game even if they don't win.” -Yelp Review
Oakland
1 Schenley Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Sun- Thurs 9:30am-5pm
Fri 9:30am-10pm
Every year the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens puts on their famous Spring Flower Show-- and Pittsburghers come out in droves to see it. There is a different theme each year-- this year it is the Gardens of the Rainbow-- and you can be sure there are all kinds of colors and species of flowers to take in.
This is a great springtime activity-- it’s perfect for around Easter Time as well. All the new flowers are just started to bud around the city-- but at Phipps they are in full bloom and in full color. When you’re done with the show, be sure to stroll around Schenley Park as well and take in the beautiful sights of Oakland.
“I love Pittsburgh and and Phipps is just another beautiful reason why. This beautiful place is a huge indoor plants and garden masterpiece with each room offering beautiful sights.” -Yelp Review
Downtown
600 First Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-600-0675
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Golden Triangle Bike Rental is your place to rent bikes this spring-- they have over 20 miles of trails that follow the rivers-- and are all traffic free. Should you want something a little more challenging, there are bike lanes popping up all over Pittsburgh-- most of them are now connected and form quite a large network of city riding.
Golden Triangle also offers guided bike trails with a well seasoned tour guide-- but if you prefer-- you can take the self-guided one as well. If you’re really feelinging adventurous this spring, try your legs on all or parts of the Great Allegheny Passage trails which connect Pittsburgh with Washington D.C.
“All the employees are super friendly and make sure you know where you're going before sending you off. The bikes are all in good condition and well maintained. I would absolutely recommend this place!” -Yelp Review
North Shore
1 Federal St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-337-1519
Sat-Sun 10am-6:30pm
Kayaking with Venture Outdoors is a great opportunity to get out of the house and pick up a new outdoor activity. Venture Outdoors offers events year round-- but it’s really in the spring and summertime when you can get outdoors and and enjoy the weather.
No worries if you’ve never been kayaking before, they have a quick instruction course to get your started. Then you’re off to try your hand navigating the rivers. Be prepared for some amazing views of downtown Pittsburgh as well as PNC Park, Heinz Field, and the bridges that span the rivers.
“Venture Outdoors offers Kayak rentals as well as organized trips at several locations including the North Shore, North Park, Moraine State Park, and destination and overnight trips.” -Yelp Review
May 1, 2019
Heinz Field
412-281-2681
Pittsburgh Wine Festival takes place each year and is a great way to try some new wines. Pittsburghers love that an amazing amount of wine is available for them to try-- all in one place. It’s even better when that place is none other than Heinz Field.
Once your purchase your ticket, you be able to move along a huge room full of wineries-- each offering a couple of samples of some of their best wines. There are always helpful winery staff on hand to answer any questions you might have as well-- in addition to helping you purchase any bottles you like!
“Love it, had an excellent time great wines & snacks.” -Facebook Review
Buy a GiftYa To Pittsburgh Wine Festival >
April 26, 2019
5:30pm-10pm
Downtown Pittsburgh Gallery Crawl first installment is always in the spring-- and it revitalizes the cultural district of Pittsburgh, and prepares it for the summer event season. The gallery crawl is a multi-venue exhibition of all kinds of art displays-- from visual, to audio, installment, dance, theater and music.
This is a one stop shop for all things that are artistically relevant at the moment-- and the artists that participate come from all over the world. These events take place a couple of times per year-- and are always free to the public. It’s your chance to see what’s new in the art world!
“Organization that cleaned up Downtown Pittsburgh, bringing Cultural events and venues to the city.” -Google Review
May 11-12, 2019
Homestead
162 E. Bridge St.
Homestead, PA 15120
3 Rivers Comicon has been keeping Pittsburghers connected to comics, cosplay, art, and comic book publishers for years-- and shows no signs of slowing down. This event is a great way for people to show their appreciation for all the illustrators and creators of some of their favorite comic book characters.
This is also a great opportunity for the people of the Pittsburgh area to show off their cosplay skills. There’s even a contest for best costume for adults-- as well as one for the kids. This convention always happens each spring, and it is a great way to welcome the warm weather and perhaps some new hobbies as well!
“still the best full show I've attended as an artist; the staff is so willing to accommodate and could not be any more wonderful. Returning for the 2019 show because they're that great and treats guests so well!” -Facebook Review
4800 Kennywood Blvd.
West Mifflin, PA 15122
May-October
Kennywood closes late in the year after-- it gets dressed up for some holiday cheer. Until then it stays empty-- that is until the spring time rolls around. Kennywood opens in early May, and is a destination for lots of families in the spring.
The season really gets into full swing by Memorial Day weekend-- this is when the summer hours return and the famous Ribs and Blues Festival takes place. Kennywood is over 100 years old, and has been the place for many fond memories for many Pittsburghers. Make some new ones this spring with a ride on one of their new attractions!
“There's a lot of coasters and rides to choose from, and they're always just as fun as the last time you rode them. The food options are pretty endless as well.” -Yelp Review
When late April is approaching and May is just around the corner-- it means that spring is here and summer isn’t too far behind. Many local ice cream shops close up for the winter season, but spring is when they start their comeback.
Mom and pop places like Page Dairy Mart and Sugar and Spice open up and start the ice cream season. It’s always fun to go get some ice cream in the springtime-- make sure you try a few new places this year!
Buy a GiftYa To Ice Cream Parlor Visit >
“Anytime I am in Pittsburgh I have to stop at Page Dairy Mart. I love this place! The ice cream is so creamy and has a smooth taste.” -Yelp Review
Springtime is a special time of year in Pittsburgh. When the warmer weather returns and the trees start to bud again, you know summer can’t be too far around the corner. What’s your favorite springtime activity? Did we mention it on this list? Let us know in the comments!
