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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

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.

Things to do in Pittsburgh this July

From Picklesburgh to the Vintage Grand Prix, here's what to add to your calendar.

Pittsburgh&#x27;s summer calendar hits its stride in July, with festivals, community celebrations, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/26/pittsburghs-biggest-concert-guide-2026" data-vars-content-id="51983378-2896-4a2c-889a-901b70153d51" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Pittsburgh this July" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/26/pittsburghs-biggest-concert-guide-2026" target="_self">concerts</a> and can&#x27;t-miss annual events.Here are the top events worth adding to your calendar.

Your guide to Pittsburgh's biggest July Fourth

Fireworks, concerts and a Ferris wheel fill Downtown and the North Shore.

Guides

Pittsburgh&#x27;s renowned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="July Fourth celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-4th-of-july-celebration/" data-vars-content-id="3f4a6229-4294-47c4-ae87-0eee9391e473" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Pittsburgh&#x27;s biggest July Fourth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-4th-of-july-celebration/" target="_blank">July Fourth celebration</a> is getting even better this year.Why it matters: We believe the Steel City is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the most American city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/08/why-pittsburgh-is-the-most-american-city" data-vars-content-id="3f4a6229-4294-47c4-ae87-0eee9391e473" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Pittsburgh&#x27;s biggest July Fourth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/08/why-pittsburgh-is-the-most-american-city" target="_self">the most American city</a>, and this Saturday&#x27;s Independence Day festivities prove our point.

Road closures for America250PA concert at Point

Several roads near Point State Park will close before Saturday's show.

Point State Park&#x27;s free concert this weekend is bringing fun and a bit of disruption.Why it matters: For those attending and driving nearby, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nelly and Third Eye Blind show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/09/third-eye-blind-nelly-pittsburgh-concert-free" data-vars-content-id="daac8354-0940-4ef0-979f-d7322ca99a01" data-vars-headline="Road closures for America250PA concert at Point" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/09/third-eye-blind-nelly-pittsburgh-concert-free" target="_self">Nelly and Third Eye Blind show</a> has several road closures to navigate.

North Shore silent disco to serve up pickle party

The all-ages event features silent disco sessions, themed drinks and snacks.

A pickle-themed silent disco is coming to the North Shore next month.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Plaza at North Shore" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/19/north-shore-plaza-opens-pnc-park" data-vars-content-id="014192fe-482b-4f8e-bca5-cb43881e346e" data-vars-headline="North Shore silent disco to serve up pickle party" 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">The Plaza at North Shore</a> will celebrate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Picklesburgh weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/02/picklesburgh-2026-dates-locations-expansion" data-vars-content-id="014192fe-482b-4f8e-bca5-cb43881e346e" data-vars-headline="North Shore silent disco to serve up pickle party" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/02/picklesburgh-2026-dates-locations-expansion" target="_self">Picklesburgh weekend</a> on July 18 with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pickle! At the Silent Disco" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pickle-at-the-silent-disco-at-the-plaza-at-north-shore-tickets-1991704952127" data-vars-content-id="014192fe-482b-4f8e-bca5-cb43881e346e" data-vars-headline="North Shore silent disco to serve up pickle party" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pickle-at-the-silent-disco-at-the-plaza-at-north-shore-tickets-1991704952127" target="_blank">Pickle! At the Silent Disco</a> — a dance party featuring specialty cocktails and pickled bites from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SugarBird" data-vars-click-url="https://sugarbirdchickenanddonuts.com/" data-vars-content-id="014192fe-482b-4f8e-bca5-cb43881e346e" data-vars-headline="North Shore silent disco to serve up pickle party" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sugarbirdchickenanddonuts.com/" target="_blank">SugarBird</a>.

Map: Pittsburgh's summer events

Major festivals, concerts and watch parties will fill the city for months.

<figure><img alt="Map of Pittsburgh&#x27;s 2026 summer events with color-coded markers A–I along the downtown riverfront, showing venues like OpenStreetsPGH, Picklesburgh, and Anthrocon." height="1392" id="0ec9710b-89b8-44eb-9f10-2f8ac9cfdc2e" src="https://images.axios.com/HpJqmZMw9c6NDLUCtnFZGYYjxrk=/2026/06/18/1781795142037.png" width="1727"/><figcaption>Map: Chrissy Suttles/Axios. Created with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Datawrapper" data-vars-click-url="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/M9Dkh/" data-vars-content-id="5704bc1a-0d90-4347-8610-d89974310cea" data-vars-headline="Map: Pittsburgh&#x27;s summer events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/M9Dkh/" target="_blank">Datawrapper</a></figcaption></figure>More concerts, festivals and parties are coming to the Steel City this summer.Why it matters: Yinzers might already be tired after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hosting the NFL draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/22/nfl-draft-pittsburgh-numbers-records-impact" data-vars-content-id="5704bc1a-0d90-4347-8610-d89974310cea" data-vars-headline="Map: Pittsburgh&#x27;s summer events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/22/nfl-draft-pittsburgh-numbers-records-impact" target="_self">hosting the NFL draft</a>, but the events aren&#x27;t slowing down.

Step into 19,000 years of human history near Pittsburgh

A groundhog hole helped uncover a landmark archaeological site.

History

A chance discovery in a Pennsylvania groundhog hole rewrote the story of the earliest Americans, and you can explore the site just an hour from Pittsburgh.Why it matters: Few places in the U.S. offer a deeper connection to the past than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village" data-vars-click-url="https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/visit/meadowcroft/" data-vars-content-id="22f8f5ba-a9af-4b7b-a561-919260048904" data-vars-headline="Step into 19,000 years of human history near Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/visit/meadowcroft/" target="_blank">Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village</a>, one of the oldest sites of continuous human habitation in North America.

Falcon fledglings roost on Cathedral of Learning

A peregrine falcon family is nesting high above Schenley Plaza.

Look up in Oakland and you might see some rare falcon chicks. The intrigue: A family of peregrine falcons is nesting at the top of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cathedral of Learning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/09/pitt-nationality-rooms-100-years" data-vars-content-id="3a3ece8b-c301-4275-98cc-aed3f2fb4b4e" data-vars-headline="Falcon fledglings roost on Cathedral of Learning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/09/pitt-nationality-rooms-100-years" target="_self">Cathedral of Learning</a>, and it&#x27;s not too difficult to spot them.

🚂 Weekender: Big Boy No. 4014 rolls into town

🚂 Weekender: Big Boy No. 4014  to stop in Leetsdale

Weekender: Fizz and fireworks

Weekender: Fizz and fireworks in Pittsburgh 

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 

Things to Do 🗓

🚂 Weekender: Big Boy No. 4014 to stop in Leetsdale

Best waterfalls around Pittsburgh

Mic Drop to bring live music, karaoke to North Shore

Weekender: Fizz and fireworks in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh-area UFO sightings outpace national average