There’s Never a Dull Moment in a Pittsburgh Summer - Alex Schleicher

One of the most important lessons we learn in the Pitt genetic counseling program is how to balance professional success with self-care. Having previously lived in cities with millions of residents, I was worried Pittsburgh wasn’t going to offer the same level of events and excitement I find vital to my self-care routine. To my delight, I was very mistaken.

 

Consider this post a travel-guide to help incoming students fall in love with the city and current students in the throes of clinical rotations find some reprieve after a long day or week. Here I have summarized some city highlights as well as key resources that can be used as you find your own niche in this city we are lucky to call home.

               

Pittsburgh is a city that is small but mighty, offering endless activities, festivals, and patios to enjoy over the summer. My search began like most do these days, looking for local influencer accounts sharing happenings and must-visit spots throughout the city. Accounts such as:

          @visitpittsburgh
          @stufftodoinpittsburgh
          @ana.eats.pgh
          And my personal favorites; @pghcoffeegal and @foodismysavior_pgh

These creators skillfully share fun and exciting activities and local eateries that are bound to put a smile on your face while also providing an opportunity to socialize with your cohort family. 

There is one annual event in Pittsburgh whose reputation is so widespread, it is synonymous with the city itself:

Picklesburgh: July 18-21

For any newcomers, it is important to recognize that Yinzers (Pittsburgh locals) love pickles, a lot. So much so we have a free, weekend-long festival dedicated to all-things-pickled. Voted the #1 Specialty Food Festival in the US three times, you are sure to find a new tasty treat. Beyond just the briny cucumbers, they offer pickle pizza, pierogies, ice cream, cotton candy, beer, spirits, and more.

 

These remaining highlights are by no means exhaustive, but they are a great jumping off point to enjoy summer in our little corner of Western Pennsylvania.

 

Music and Art Festivals

It feels like almost every weekend there is an amazing art or music festival to visit in various neighborhoods around Pittsburgh where you can mingle and discover local culture.

 

-          Millvale Music Festival: Every May, 300+ music acts are showcased at this free community-organized event. This festival will take over the main strip of Millvale, where you can venture through the many participating establishments to hear music from reggae, jazz, country, rock, and beyond.

 

-          Pittsburgh Pride: The first weekend in June, Pittsburgh kicks of Pride month with countless activities and events throughout various neighborhoods. Along with the community parade, you can find free concerts and local vendors to support our inclusive community.

 

-          Northside Music Festival: June 14-16^th the historic Deutschtown transforms into a free indoor and outdoor festival where you can enjoy music from local bands while sampling tasty food from an array of food trucks and vendors.

Let’s Go Bucs!

Another thing newcomers quickly learn about Yinzers, is that they LOVE sports. We are lucky enough to have an NFL, NHL, and MLB sports teams for year-round entertainment. PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been repeatedly voted The Best Ballpark in America. Overlooking the Allegheny River and downtown Pittsburgh, there are few better ways to enjoy the beautiful summer weather with friends and family.  One added bonus is Pitt students can purchase select tickets at a 50% discount, making this an affordable group outing to cheer on our local baseball team!

 

I’ve been caught on many occasions calling Pittsburgh “pleasantly surprising”, since after two years as a graduate student at Pitt, I am still finding new and exciting things to help unwind throughout the year. I hope that these recommendations help new and current students feel the magnetic effect that Pittsburgh has on everyone who has the pleasure of living here.