May in Pittsburgh is blooming with possibilities! Spring menus are bursting with fresh flavors, outdoor adventures are calling, and the cultural scene is buzzing. To help you navigate this exciting month, we’ve created a BINGO card of must-try experiences, from delectable dishes and refreshing drinks to captivating performances, unique shopping finds, and pure Pittsburgh fun. Challenge yourself to complete a line, or even aim for a cover-all – you’re guaranteed to create vibrant memories that will last long after the flowers fade.
Your Guide to May Happenings in Pittsburgh
Food
St. Nicholas Greek Food Festival
Gyros, spanakopita, baklava, you can find all these and so much more at the St. Nicholas Greek Food Festival. This Pittsburgh tradition brings Greek culture to the community through authentic food booths, entertainment, and resource booths.
Taste of Asia Food Festival
In case you’ve been wanting to sample all the Asian restaurants in Pittsburgh, here is your perfect opportunity. The Taste of Asia Food Festival celebrates Asian-American heritage with bites from Chengdu Gourmet, Bombay & Burgh, HK Dimsum, Kungfu Chicken, Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, Pho Van, Sushi Fuku, and Tous Les Jours.
Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival
The staple food of Pittsburgh is the pierogi, plain and simple. So, the return of the Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival means lovers of dough and potato are in for a real treat. It’s the festival’s 10th anniversary so you’re sure to see endless variations of pierogies and even some special merchandise.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Treat mom to the sit-down brunch she deserves at one of the city’s finest dining establishments. She’ll get a break from the cooking and it gives you some uninterrupted, connection time with one another.
Oyster Fest
Shuckers and slurpers alike will be in awe at the selection of raw oysters, oyster shooters, and po boys that take over Oyster Fest under the Homestead Grays Bridge. There will also be non-seafood options available, oyster shucking and eating contests, plus live entertainment.
Drink
Mint Juleps at Pittsburgh Brewing Co.
Pittsburgh Brewing Co.’s Kentucky Derby Watch Party means an endless supply of Mint Juleps. This refreshing cocktail mixes bourbon, simple syrup, and mint in a signature small metal julep cup that was created for this beverage.
Cinco de Mayo Cocktail Class
Why purchase a margarita when you can mix up your own just the way you like it? This cocktail class benefiting the Pet Adoption League shows you how to make three different Cinco de Mayo cocktails and includes a taco bar.
Espresso Martinis Class at PA Market
The Espresso Martini seems to have a resurgence in popularity and for a good reason with its balance of bitter and sweet. Learn how to make the perfect one with the PA Market as well as three variations to mix things up a bit.
BINGO. BREWS. DRAG.
What better way is there to try out a new draft beer than to do so in the company of fabulous drag queens? Aslin Beer Co. hosts a bingo night featuring local queens from throughout the city. It’s a good way to get out with friends and let yourself slay the night away.
Oeurtreuse at Apteka
This all vegan, Eastern European restaurant has been garnering a lot of attention lately and for good reason. Each and every menu item takes great care into consideration, especially their new Oeurteuse cocktail. Sip on complex flavors of gin, fennel, hyssop, pear, and marigold.
Shopping
I Made It! Spring Marketplace
The handcrafters of Pittsburgh all come together to showcase their skills at this vendor market. Celebrate the beginning of spring with over 70 vendors all making sure you have the best gift to take home to mom for Mother’s Day later this month.
May Market at Phipps
You don’t have to buy a ticket to Phipps Conservatory to browse their fresh and blooming May Market. Here you’ll find organic herbs, vegetable seedlings, tropical plants, succulents, annuals, perennials, botanical art, natural body care products, and so much more.
Butler Moon Markets
As we get into the warmer months, you’ll see markets popping up to introduce you to local crafters, makers, and creators. At Butler Moon Markets you’ll find homemade fudge, natural soaps, decor pieces, custom clothing, food booths, and live music.
Neighborhood Flea Mother’s Day Edition
Southside Works is the place to pick up a unique gift for mom you won’t find anywhere else. The array of local vintage sellers, collectors, artisans, and small batch food sellers means you can find something for even the most particular mother out there.
Regent Square Yard Sale
Yard sales are an opportunity for finding old relics whether it’s a piece of furniture for your home, a tool set that you’ve been looking for, or a box of books with some hidden gems. You never know what you’ll find throughout the neighborhood of Regent Square.
Performances
The Wizard of Oz with the PBT Orchestra
Follow Dorthy and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre down the yellow brick road in this family-friendly performance. Whisk yourself away to Oz with intricate costumes, beautiful sets, and familiar tunes by the PBT Orchestra.
Come From Away
Take in a Broadway musical that dives into a story about the 9/11tragedy that you may not know. Feel the joy and community as the small town of Gander comes together to take in visitors from around the world who have been routed to their airport.
King James
City Theatre Company brings this comedy to the stage about two sports fans that deeply connect over their love of Lebron James. This co-production with Cleveland Play House is sure to have you laughing with heartwarming emotions by the end of the play.
Clouds in my Coffee: Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King & Carly Simon
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has a special concert prepared just for you and mom. Explore the passion and talent of female singers like Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon. Plus, you can add on a special Mother’s Day package that includes sparkling wine, sweet treats, and savory snacks.
George Strait w/ Chris Stapleton
The country king George Strait is making his way to Acrisure featuring up and coming singer Chris Stapleton and opener Parker McCollum. This concert is sure to impress all country fans with old and new favorites by Strait.
Fun
Bigger Gayer Picniq
Start Pride Month a little earlier this year with the city’s kickoff, the Bigger Gayer Picniq. All ages are invited to come dig into a large array of picnic dishes while interacting with others in the community. Come celebrate what it means to be yourself!
Mother’s Day Weekend at Nemacolin
Treat mom to a relaxing weekend at Nemacolin’s magical resort. Besides the Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday moms can also make crafts with their kids, enjoy an exclusive paint and sip session, and take in the intimate company throughout it all.
Pittonkatonk
Pittonkatonk is a Pittsburgh music festival that explores the sounds of brass bands and global music. This free, family-friendly celebration fills the air with rhythms from around the world, creating a unique atmosphere of community and cultural exchange.
Fresh Flowers Workshop
Spring means that flowers are plentiful in just about every color you can imagine. Take your favorite blooms and learn how to make them into a spring planter box that you can place inside your home or out on your porch.
Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books
If you’re a book lover then you won’t want to miss the Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books featuring national and local authors alike. Sit in on panel discussions, buy books from local bookstores, and get them signed by the authors themselves.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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