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Third Eye Blind, Nelly to headline free Point State Park show

The show caps a statewide concert series marking America's 250th.

News

Third Eye Blind and Nelly will headline a free summer concert at Point State Park on June 27, closing out the five-stop <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America250PA Commonwealth Concert Series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.america250pa.org/Signature_Events" data-vars-content-id="1e99e61a-08c7-472d-af67-0d71eb8e3516" data-vars-headline="Third Eye Blind, Nelly to headline free Point State Park show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.america250pa.org/Signature_Events" target="_blank">America250PA Commonwealth Concert Series</a>.The big picture: The series joins a packed summer lineup of major events, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="headline acts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/26/nelly-2-chainz-to-headline-north-shore-plaza-shows" data-vars-content-id="1e99e61a-08c7-472d-af67-0d71eb8e3516" data-vars-headline="Third Eye Blind, Nelly to headline free Point State Park show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/26/nelly-2-chainz-to-headline-north-shore-plaza-shows" target="_self">headline acts</a> and other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free shows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/02/nfl-draft-concerts-wiz-khalifa-kane-brown-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="1e99e61a-08c7-472d-af67-0d71eb8e3516" data-vars-headline="Third Eye Blind, Nelly to headline free Point State Park show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/02/nfl-draft-concerts-wiz-khalifa-kane-brown-pittsburgh" target="_self">free shows</a> in the city.

Pittsburgh joins Michelin restaurant guide

The Michelin Guide will rate Pittsburgh restaurants for the first time in 2027.

The world&#x27;s preeminent food reviewer is adding Pittsburgh to its guide. Why it matters: The Steel City continues to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="notch accolades" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/02/fet-fisk-james-beard-finalist-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="ef0026bd-41c6-43e6-abb2-affda42b758d" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh joins Michelin restaurant guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/02/fet-fisk-james-beard-finalist-pittsburgh" target="_self">notch accolades</a> for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing food scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/13/pittsburgh-restaurant-survival-doordash-2025" data-vars-content-id="ef0026bd-41c6-43e6-abb2-affda42b758d" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh joins Michelin restaurant guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/13/pittsburgh-restaurant-survival-doordash-2025" target="_self">growing food scene</a>, and a Michelin star would fully legitimize it.

Pittsburgh gets its first romance-only bookstores

The new bookstores highlight the genre's growth and changing cultural reputation.

Things to Do

Pittsburgh is getting a double dose of romance with two new bookstores just blocks apart.Why it matters: Romance novels <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dominate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/07/briefing/romance-bookstores.html" data-vars-content-id="0248b646-8b45-495c-9b50-37680268b951" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh gets its first romance-only bookstores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/07/briefing/romance-bookstores.html" target="_blank">dominate</a> bestseller lists, but the genre hasn&#x27;t always enjoyed equivalent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cultural respect" data-vars-click-url="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/why-cant-romance-novels-get-any-love-180954548/" data-vars-content-id="0248b646-8b45-495c-9b50-37680268b951" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh gets its first romance-only bookstores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/why-cant-romance-novels-get-any-love-180954548/" target="_blank">cultural respect</a>.

Hospitals ramp up for NFL Draft crowds

The city's hospital systems will expand services to handle large crowds and emergencies.

Pittsburgh&#x27;s hospital systems are mobilizing in anticipation of hundreds of thousands of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL Draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/25/nfl-draft-pittsburgh-transportation-tips-road-closures-parking" data-vars-content-id="862b1f09-3350-4b94-823c-653ef6320bd3" data-vars-headline="Hospitals ramp up for NFL Draft crowds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/25/nfl-draft-pittsburgh-transportation-tips-road-closures-parking" target="_self">NFL Draft</a> visitors flocking to the city this month.Why it matters: Record <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crowds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/02/nfl-draft-concerts-wiz-khalifa-kane-brown-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="862b1f09-3350-4b94-823c-653ef6320bd3" data-vars-headline="Hospitals ramp up for NFL Draft crowds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/02/nfl-draft-concerts-wiz-khalifa-kane-brown-pittsburgh" target="_self">crowds</a>, alcohol and late nights can quickly overwhelm emergency departments.

How the NFL Draft could reshape our economy

An economic analyst says the event could bring long-term growth beyond a short-term boost.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL Draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/18/pittsburgh-ready-nfl-draft-2026-crowds-logistics" data-vars-content-id="908c562f-6d96-4fbc-9624-a54d5b1c5c02" data-vars-headline="How the NFL Draft could reshape our economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/18/pittsburgh-ready-nfl-draft-2026-crowds-logistics" target="_self">NFL Draft</a>&#x27;s impact could go beyond dollars and cents for Pittsburgh.Why it matters: The draft is not just an opportunity to raise significant cash for businesses and local tax revenue, but a chance to showcase Pittsburgh to the world and attract big investors.

Wiz Khalifa, Kane Brown to headline free NFL Draft shows

Free concerts at the NFL Draft will feature major stars over three days.

Music

Wiz Khalifa, Bret Michaels, and Kane Brown will headline a slate of free <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/26/nelly-2-chainz-to-headline-north-shore-plaza-shows" data-vars-content-id="7ebb08ac-8cfa-48f3-9963-5b2d6e9221f8" data-vars-headline="Wiz Khalifa, Kane Brown to headline free NFL Draft shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/26/nelly-2-chainz-to-headline-north-shore-plaza-shows" target="_self">concerts</a> for fans outside Acrisure Stadium during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL Draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/25/nfl-draft-pittsburgh-transportation-tips-road-closures-parking" data-vars-content-id="7ebb08ac-8cfa-48f3-9963-5b2d6e9221f8" data-vars-headline="Wiz Khalifa, Kane Brown to headline free NFL Draft shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/25/nfl-draft-pittsburgh-transportation-tips-road-closures-parking" target="_self">NFL Draft</a>.Why it matters: One of football&#x27;s biggest events is a national showcase for its host city, and Pittsburgh&#x27;s entertainment lineup leans on local roots.

Kick field goals at Acrisure during NFL Draft

Fans can step onto Acrisure's field and try kicking during the NFL Draft events.

Sports

Fans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="visiting the NFL Draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/27/free-light-rail-nfl-draft-pittsburgh-sheetz" data-vars-content-id="1de61530-aaae-47c0-a3a0-12e179b9aff5" data-vars-headline="Kick field goals at Acrisure during NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/27/free-light-rail-nfl-draft-pittsburgh-sheetz" target="_self">visiting the NFL Draft</a> will have access to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the field at Acrisure Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/06/steelers-field-holy-water-tradition" data-vars-content-id="1de61530-aaae-47c0-a3a0-12e179b9aff5" data-vars-headline="Kick field goals at Acrisure during NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/06/steelers-field-holy-water-tradition" target="_self">the field at Acrisure Stadium</a> and can even kick field goals through the uprights, NFL officials tell Axios.Why it matters: The NFL Draft is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taking over the North Shore and Point State Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/03/nfl-draft-renderings-city-parks-acrisure" data-vars-content-id="1de61530-aaae-47c0-a3a0-12e179b9aff5" data-vars-headline="Kick field goals at Acrisure during NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/03/nfl-draft-renderings-city-parks-acrisure" target="_self">taking over the North Shore and Point State Park</a> on April 23-25, which will provide fans not just up-close views of football prospects, but also a festival atmosphere for hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Bucco Bricks return as plaques at PNC Park

Fans can now find their messages on new plaques around the stadium.

Those <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="missing their Bucco Bricks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/09/pirates-bucco-bricks-removed-recycled" data-vars-content-id="3c3177ca-4473-4d9e-9c6f-7ad9c73f7622" data-vars-headline="Bucco Bricks return as plaques 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/2025/04/09/pirates-bucco-bricks-removed-recycled" target="_self">missing their Bucco Bricks</a> can now find the messages on plaques at PNC Park.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Pirates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/26/pirates-season-preview-hope-playoff-run" data-vars-content-id="3c3177ca-4473-4d9e-9c6f-7ad9c73f7622" data-vars-headline="Bucco Bricks return as plaques 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/2026/03/26/pirates-season-preview-hope-playoff-run" target="_self">The Pirates</a> removed fans&#x27; engraved bricks last year — which temporarily caused controversy — before announcing they would replace the commemorative messages first installed as sidewalk blocks when PNC Park was built 25 years ago.

We tried PNC Park's new 2026 food

From chipped ham fries to vegan empanadas, here's what to try and skip.

Food and Drink

🤤 Come hungry to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PNC Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/19/north-shore-plaza-opens-pnc-park" data-vars-content-id="4ce3863c-5b02-41c3-8633-4fae3df61e8a" data-vars-headline="We tried PNC Park&#x27;s new 2026 food" 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/north-shore-plaza-opens-pnc-park" target="_self">PNC Park</a> this Friday.⚾️ The intrigue: The Pirates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unveiled their concession lineup for 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/18/pirates-new-pnc-park-food-2026-season" data-vars-content-id="4ce3863c-5b02-41c3-8633-4fae3df61e8a" data-vars-headline="We tried PNC Park&#x27;s new 2026 food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/18/pirates-new-pnc-park-food-2026-season" target="_self">unveiled their concession lineup for 2026</a>, with a mix of savory surprises, sweet pastries and inventive yinzer comfort foods.

World Cup fan fest coming to Pittsburgh

Fans can watch World Cup matches on Acrisure's big screen this summer.

Soccer fans who can&#x27;t make it over to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philly for World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/fifa-world-cup-philadelphia-schedule-lincoln-financial-field" data-vars-content-id="7647409e-06fe-457e-aaea-48892b550bc2" data-vars-headline="World Cup fan fest coming to Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/fifa-world-cup-philadelphia-schedule-lincoln-financial-field" target="_self">Philly for World Cup matches</a> can still enjoy a festival-like atmosphere in the Steel City.The intrigue: Acrisure Stadium is hosting fan zones on the field to watch knockout round, quarterfinal and final matches on the stadium&#x27;s massive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="96-by-28 foot screen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/new-enhancements-acrisure-stadium-steelers-2025-season/NOQ4CNB4CVG4FBNYET7KLSQ2TE/" data-vars-content-id="7647409e-06fe-457e-aaea-48892b550bc2" data-vars-headline="World Cup fan fest coming to Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/new-enhancements-acrisure-stadium-steelers-2025-season/NOQ4CNB4CVG4FBNYET7KLSQ2TE/" target="_blank">96-by-28 foot screen</a>, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Visit PA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/governor-shapiro-unveils-three-free-fifa-world-cup-fan-zones-acr" data-vars-content-id="7647409e-06fe-457e-aaea-48892b550bc2" data-vars-headline="World Cup fan fest coming to Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/governor-shapiro-unveils-three-free-fifa-world-cup-fan-zones-acr" target="_blank">Visit PA</a>.

Pirates season brings (some) renewed hope

New bats and strong pitching give the Pirates a slim chance at ending their playoff drought.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are starting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/19/north-shore-plaza-opens-pnc-park" data-vars-content-id="bb667bcd-b0d3-4c94-8287-4d795aec725f" data-vars-headline="Pirates season brings (some) renewed hope" 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/north-shore-plaza-opens-pnc-park" target="_self">a new season</a>, and it&#x27;s time to hurt again.Why it matters: The Buccos haven&#x27;t made the postseason since 2015, the second-longest active drought in the MLB behind the Angels, but they might make it this year.

How to take transit, park and navigate the NFL Draft

Transit, road closures and parking tips for navigating draft crowds in Pittsburgh.

You can drive to and park at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL Draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/18/pittsburgh-ready-nfl-draft-2026-crowds-logistics" data-vars-content-id="2f300b5f-b6c3-455e-8881-70abdb9995f6" data-vars-headline="How to take transit, park and navigate the NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/18/pittsburgh-ready-nfl-draft-2026-crowds-logistics" target="_self">NFL Draft</a>, but local leaders really don&#x27;t want you to.Why it matters: When Pittsburgh hosts the draft April 23-25, hundreds of thousands of people will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="converge on the North Shore and Downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/03/nfl-draft-renderings-city-parks-acrisure" data-vars-content-id="2f300b5f-b6c3-455e-8881-70abdb9995f6" data-vars-headline="How to take transit, park and navigate the NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/03/nfl-draft-renderings-city-parks-acrisure" target="_self">converge on the North Shore and Downtown</a>, so the region is adjusting transit service, closing roads and explaining the best pedestrian and bike paths to use.

How to swim in our only indoor public pool

A guide to hours, prices and what to expect at Oliver Bath House.

<figure><img alt="A man swimming in a pool underneath a yellow and black flag" height="448" id="41871226-7f71-4c72-acec-7d702769da32" src="https://images.axios.com/F-bKixPJzL-4xfTEn9tyG_28zBQ=/2026/03/19/1773943738315.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>GIF: Alexis Johnson/Axios</figcaption></figure>Summer is months away, but you can still affordably swim in Pittsburgh. Why it matters: The city recently reopened the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oliver Bath House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Pools/Oliver-Bath-House" data-vars-content-id="ac542952-8b08-458e-a3fe-cf33e021d3ef" data-vars-headline="How to swim in our only indoor public pool" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Pools/Oliver-Bath-House" target="_blank">Oliver Bath House</a>, its only indoor public swimming pool, bringing back one of the most budget-friendly swimming options in the region.

PPG Paints Arena boosts Wi-Fi speeds

New network boosts speeds, payments and fan features at the arena.

The internet at the home of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pittsburgh Penguins" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/06/penguins-nhl-season-opener-2025" data-vars-content-id="451e6655-2238-4260-bc26-fce647f4f7c4" data-vars-headline="PPG Paints Arena boosts Wi-Fi speeds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/06/penguins-nhl-season-opener-2025" target="_self">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> just got a lot faster.🤳 Why it matters: Sharing moments on social media at Pittsburgh&#x27;s biggest indoor arena will be easier than ever.

Sports 🏅

How the NFL Draft could reshape our economy

Wiz Khalifa, Kane Brown to headline free NFL Draft shows

Kick field goals at Acrisure during NFL Draft

Bucco Bricks return as plaques at PNC Park

We tried PNC Park's new 2026 food