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Best waterfalls around Pittsburgh

Cool off with these scenic waterfalls, from Shaler to Ohiopyle.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s the season to chase some waterfalls.The intrigue: Pittsburgh is overrun with streams, creeks and rivers, and several of them drain into waterfalls you can visit with relative ease.

Vote for Pittsburgh's best pizzeria

Help decide which local pizzeria advances in our reader tournament.

Food and Drink

Update: Fiori&#x27;s Pizzaria earned Axios Pittsburgh readers&#x27; vote as the region&#x27;s top pizza spot! <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Read more here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/07/10/fioris-wins-best-pittsburgh-pizza" data-vars-content-id="3fce294d-3957-4461-aab2-193f68e5dfdd" data-vars-headline="Vote for Pittsburgh&#x27;s best pizzeria" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/07/10/fioris-wins-best-pittsburgh-pizza" target="_self">Read more here</a>.Every community in Southwestern Pennsylvania seemingly has a favorite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pizza place" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/09/pizza-shack-brentwood-pittsburgh-style-pizza" data-vars-content-id="3fce294d-3957-4461-aab2-193f68e5dfdd" data-vars-headline="Vote for Pittsburgh&#x27;s best pizzeria" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/09/pizza-shack-brentwood-pittsburgh-style-pizza" target="_self">pizza place</a>, but which one is the best?Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pizza beefs are legendary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/pittsburgh-pizza-debate-the-aiellos-vs-mineos-rivalry-expands-to-the-suburbs/" data-vars-content-id="3fce294d-3957-4461-aab2-193f68e5dfdd" data-vars-headline="Vote for Pittsburgh&#x27;s best pizzeria" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/pittsburgh-pizza-debate-the-aiellos-vs-mineos-rivalry-expands-to-the-suburbs/" target="_blank">Pizza beefs are legendary</a> in Pittsburgh, and it&#x27;s time to help squash — or perpetuate — them with a public vote.

Pittsburgh group joins national push to fight loneliness

Pittsburgh Social Health will become the Pittsburgh Chamber of Connection.

News

An organization dedicated to building community in Pittsburgh is joining a national effort to make social connection a civic priority.Why it matters: Pittsburgh is a city of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighborhoods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/29/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-municipal-mergers-explained" data-vars-content-id="98cf9b24-c344-4962-ab87-63ee46310da6" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh group joins national push to fight loneliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/29/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-municipal-mergers-explained" target="_self">neighborhoods</a>, deep-rooted social circles and a reputation for not crossing rivers, making it difficult for newcomers and longtime residents alike to foster new relationships.

Mic Drop to bring live music, karaoke to North Shore

A new nightlife venue will feature live music, karaoke and dueling pianos near PNC Park.

A new entertainment venue, Mic Drop, is coming to the North Shore with a lineup of live music, karaoke and dueling pianos.Why it matters: The space is the latest addition to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Legacy Hospitality Partners&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.legacyhospitalitypartners.com/" data-vars-content-id="9e831776-07ae-40e4-a8de-25404b9bc5b9" data-vars-headline="Mic Drop to bring live music, karaoke to North Shore" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.legacyhospitalitypartners.com/" target="_blank">Legacy Hospitality Partners&#x27;</a> fast-growing North Shore portfolio and citywide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="real estate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/30/new-owners-eye-housing-at-smithfield-building" data-vars-content-id="9e831776-07ae-40e4-a8de-25404b9bc5b9" data-vars-headline="Mic Drop to bring live music, karaoke to North Shore" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/30/new-owners-eye-housing-at-smithfield-building" target="_self">real estate</a> investments.

Pittsburgh-area UFO sightings outpace national average

The region is home to "Pennsylvania's Roswell," recently mentioned in Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day."

Culture

Pittsburghers really want to believe: Allegheny County reports more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UFO" data-vars-click-url="https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-ufo-day/" data-vars-content-id="9ac73a88-ed99-4667-92fa-abc1b1a18ca6" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh-area UFO sightings outpace national average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-ufo-day/" target="_blank">UFO</a> sightings per capita than the national average.Why it matters: Southwestern Pennsylvania is home to some of the nation&#x27;s most famous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UFO cases" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/b91a9b6bd59246e892497c5d430a67f9" data-vars-content-id="9ac73a88-ed99-4667-92fa-abc1b1a18ca6" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh-area UFO sightings outpace national average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/b91a9b6bd59246e892497c5d430a67f9" target="_blank">UFO cases</a>, many of which continue to fascinate people today.

Why Anthrocon is always in July heat

The timing isn't about the weather — and organizers say it still works.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anthrocon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/07/02/anthrocon-2025-breaks-attendance-record" data-vars-content-id="e657c482-6aa9-4b1f-a0ca-63e7a218cd28" data-vars-headline="Why Anthrocon is always in July heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/07/02/anthrocon-2025-breaks-attendance-record" target="_self">Anthrocon</a> — the world&#x27;s premier furry convention — returns to Pittsburgh this week for its 20th year. Given how hot and heavy fursuits can be, locals often wonder: Why is it always held during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="July heat waves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/29/heat-wave-near-100-degrees-cooling-centers" data-vars-content-id="e657c482-6aa9-4b1f-a0ca-63e7a218cd28" data-vars-headline="Why Anthrocon is always in July heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/29/heat-wave-near-100-degrees-cooling-centers" target="_self">July heat waves</a>?The intrigue: Anthrocon spokesperson John Cole tells Axios the convention has always been in early July, even before it moved to Pittsburgh. And that date has been advantageous for securing availability at the David Lawrence Convention Center and Downtown hotel rooms.

The lost art of knowing your neighbors

Americans are spending more time at home, yet many have become strangers to their neighbors.

Americans are spending more time at home, yet many have become strangers to their neighbors — especially <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="young people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/youth-mental-health-gen-z-hopelab-survey-2025" data-vars-content-id="03866716-1cc4-4903-9f9f-375e3f6173b7" data-vars-headline="The lost art of knowing your neighbors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/youth-mental-health-gen-z-hopelab-survey-2025" target="_self">young people</a>, who are increasingly unlikely to socialize with those living feet away.Why it matters: Pittsburgh gave the world its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="greatest neighbor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/19/mister-rogers-neighborhood-youtube-channel-launch" data-vars-content-id="03866716-1cc4-4903-9f9f-375e3f6173b7" data-vars-headline="The lost art of knowing your neighbors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/19/mister-rogers-neighborhood-youtube-channel-launch" target="_self">greatest neighbor</a>, and the city still prides itself on its reputation for neighborliness.<ul><li>But in the digital age, finding community doesn&#x27;t always come easily.</li></ul>

Pitt's Nationality Rooms mark 100 years

These hidden classrooms preserve stories of Pittsburgh's immigrant roots.

Alexis here!I finally popped into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nationality and Heritage Rooms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nationalityrooms.pitt.edu/rooms" data-vars-content-id="22604ea3-9aa8-4640-b1a7-9bd54c57d9f3" data-vars-headline="Pitt&#x27;s Nationality Rooms mark 100 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nationalityrooms.pitt.edu/rooms" target="_blank">Nationality and Heritage Rooms</a> inside Pitt&#x27;s Cathedral of Learning as part of my &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I&#x27;m From Here, But I&#x27;ve Never Been" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZI0f56ppPG/" data-vars-content-id="22604ea3-9aa8-4640-b1a7-9bd54c57d9f3" data-vars-headline="Pitt&#x27;s Nationality Rooms mark 100 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZI0f56ppPG/" target="_blank">I&#x27;m From Here, But I&#x27;ve Never Been</a>&quot; social series.

Why Pittsburgh is the most American city

History

We didn&#x27;t play a big role in founding America. We aren&#x27;t close to being the biggest city, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our accent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/01/the-pitt-wholeys-pronunciation-backlash" data-vars-content-id="e1d12f06-1017-4c43-a8f3-4d0489a99078" data-vars-headline="Why Pittsburgh is the most American city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/01/the-pitt-wholeys-pronunciation-backlash" target="_self">our accent</a> isn&#x27;t like any other in the country, but Pittsburgh still has a strong argument for the most American city.Why it matters: The nation&#x27;s 250th anniversary is coming up, and cities across the U.S. are commemorating their role in building America.

Snag a Dr. Robby bobblehead at PNC Park

Fans heading to PNC Park on July 25 can score a limited-edition Dr. Robby bobblehead.

Fans heading to PNC Park for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pirates-Cubs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/pirates/tickets/promotions/bobbleheads/the-pitt?partnerId=it-20260521-18209618-pit-1-A&amp;utm_id=it-20260521-18209618-pit-1-A" data-vars-content-id="4dccfe59-746b-43e3-9616-61b45709f583" data-vars-headline="Snag a Dr. Robby bobblehead at PNC Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/pirates/tickets/promotions/bobbleheads/the-pitt?partnerId=it-20260521-18209618-pit-1-A&amp;utm_id=it-20260521-18209618-pit-1-A" target="_blank">Pirates-Cubs</a> game on July 25 can score a limited-edition <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dr. Robby" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/15/the-pitt-where-does-dr-robby-live-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="4dccfe59-746b-43e3-9616-61b45709f583" data-vars-headline="Snag a Dr. Robby bobblehead at PNC Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/15/the-pitt-where-does-dr-robby-live-pittsburgh" target="_self">Dr. Robby</a> bobblehead from HBO Max&#x27;s Pittsburgh-set medical drama, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Pitt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/16/the-pitt-finale-predictions-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="4dccfe59-746b-43e3-9616-61b45709f583" data-vars-headline="Snag a Dr. Robby bobblehead at PNC Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/16/the-pitt-finale-predictions-pittsburgh" target="_self">The Pitt</a>.&quot;The big picture: The first 20,000 fans at the ballpark will get the collectible inspired by actor Noah Wyle&#x27;s character, Dr. Michael &quot;Robby&quot; Robinavitch, senior attending physician at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center.

Where to find authentic Mexican food

From tacos to gorditas, these Pittsburgh spots bring authentic Mexican flavors to the region.

May the food be with you — Mexican food that is.The big picture: The Pittsburgh area&#x27;s Latino population is growing, but it&#x27;s still one of the smallest of any large metro area in the nation, so finding authentic Mexican food <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="can be a struggle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/17/steelers-kfc-mexico-nfl" data-vars-content-id="50f15873-28ce-40a2-acb2-ab6f111c5906" data-vars-headline="Where to find authentic Mexican food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/17/steelers-kfc-mexico-nfl" target="_self">can be a struggle</a>.

Pittsburgh major sports playoff skid continues

The city's major teams haven't advanced in the postseason since 2018.

Sports

We&#x27;ll have as many playoff losses as bridges soon at this pace. The big picture: Pittsburgh&#x27;s three major sports teams — the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins — have not advanced in the postseason their last 16 combined attempts.

Pop-Tarts mascot devoured in Pittsburgh

Fans watched — and ate — a giant Pop-Tarts mascot at a North Side event.

<figure><img alt="A Pop-Tarts mascot being lowered into a giant toaster and then smoke blown in the air. " height="450" id="11d78b73-cd74-4483-bd71-777294720620" src="https://images.axios.com/OalbSC75ReKZs10uLkEw9bIp_v0=/2026/04/24/1777060514876.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Sacrificed itself for yinzers with a smile on its face. GIF: Chrissy Suttles/Axios</figcaption></figure>A giant Pop-Tarts mascot sacrificed itself Friday in front of hundreds in the North Side.Why it matters: It died for yinz sins.

"The Pitt" leads Emmys with 25 nominations

A choropleth map of the U.S. showing UFO sightings in Pennsylvania per 100k residents, by county.

👽 Reported UFO sightings per 100k residents

Areas with darker skies tend to have more sightings. Data: National UFO Reporting Center, U.S. Census; Map: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals 

Culture

"The Pitt" leads Emmys with 25 nominations

Best waterfalls around Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh-area UFO sightings outpace national average

Why Anthrocon is always in July heat

Reader mailbag: Being neighborly