Insider's Guide: Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Arts Festival

Enjoy 10 days of free music and art at the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival!

The annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival is back May 31-June 9, 2024

Featuring 400+ artists and musicians over 10 days, this Only In Pittsburgh festival is one of the best ways to start your summer. The best part? The Three Rivers Arts Festival is FREE!

When & Where
Main Stage Lineup
Artist Market
Special Events
Where to Eat
Dress for the Weather
Best Time to Go
Parking & Transportation
Nearby Restrooms

When & Where

The Three Rivers Arts Festival occurs throughout the vibrant Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh for 2024. All concerts and live music performances begin at 7:30 p.m. nightly at the intersection of 9th St. and Ft. Duquesne Blvd.

If you don't feel like standing, dust off your parking chair and bring it to the venue, too!

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Main Stage Performances by:

2024 Featured Music includes:

Artist Market

The performances are always amazing and draw big crowds, but my favorite part of Three Rivers Arts Fest is browsing the hundreds of artists set up along Fort Duquesne Boulevard and the Rachel Carson Bridge selling their wares in an open-air setting.

You can browse the full list on their website, but I decided to do some scrolling myself and was amazed by the sheer amount of amazing artists that work with every type of media imaginable. There's one-of-a-kind 2-D artwork from Oba-Gami Origami House, reworked antique jewelry from Vintage Vamp, original artworks and prints from Ifeoma Creates and so much more.

Love the photos you see on this website? You can see some of the photos in person. Check out Josh Axelrod and JP Diroll's booths to see two masters of Pittsburgh landscapes display their crafts and take home your favorites.

Special Events

Every year, the footprint of this fantastic arts festival continues to expand in surprising ways with installations, exhibitions and more seemingly everywhere you go Downtown:

Kids can have a blast here too, thanks to hands-on fun that will immerse them in STEAM activities like a Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, water table play, contributing to an enormous Bead Tree and building challenges from LEGO user group Steel City LUG.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Where Do We Eat

With the move to the Cultural District, there are now more dining options than ever to satisfy even the pickiest eater. The main food court for the festival is located at Ft. Duquesne Blvd. and 7th Street, and food trucks will be available throughout the festival.

If you are looking for a sit-down experience, there's mouth-watering meals within walking distance without leaving Downtown including Con Alma, named one of the top 27 bars in America by Esquire Magazine.

Dress for the Weather

In any given year at the The Arts Festival you may need massive amounts of sunscreen, a light jacket, or an umbrella. The weather is unpredictable in June, but Pittsburghers are down to enjoy the festivities no matter what it's like outside. This festival and all performances run rain or shine, but keep an eye on social media for any changes to the schedule.

Best Time to Go

The festival's hours are 12-9 p.m. every day, giving you a ton of time to explore. If you want space to admire all of the inspiring art, going over lunch time is a great way to beat the crowds. For the featured music performances, check out the full schedule and make sure to plan enough time for parking and grabbing that perfect viewing spot.

Parking & Transportation

You have plenty of options to get to the Three Rivers Arts Festival. Public transportation is available through the Port Authority of Allegheny County by bus, light rail and the incline, and there are several stops in the Cultural District or within easy walking distance. Biking is a great option as well thanks to downtown Pittsburgh's dedicated bike lanes. The North Shore is also an easy place to park (check the Pirates' schedule to be sure there's no game) and take a scenic trek over the Allegheny River into the festival grounds.

If you're driving, make sure to download the ParkPGH app for real-time the availability at downtown garages. For more information, check out our transportation page.

A person looking at an array of products from a local vendor.

The Bathroom Situation

Go in the know. Portable restrooms are located at Maddock Place, between Trust Oasis (131 7th Street) and the pedestrian pass-through to 8th Street. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are additionally available in Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue).

This unique festival is a perfect example of the free, fun events you can find Only in Pittsburgh. Start preparing for your trip to the Three Rivers Arts Festival and book your stay now so you don't miss out!

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Asaka N.

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Asaka N.

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