Things to Do Before Concerts on the North Shore

Heading to the North Shore for the big concert or game? A lot of the city's biggest events take place in this popular stadium district, with Stage AE delivering live music year-round and PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium delivering the gigantic touring acts each summer.

It's easy to make a visit to the North Shore an all day affair, with fantastic craft beer, great eats, monuments, shopping, museums and even a casino all within a 10 minute walk from the venues. Follow our guide to the North Shore to make the most of your pre and post-concert fun.

Important: Be sure to check hours of operation for the museums and shops below, as some places may close early on the days of large concerts or games

Interactive Map

Pre-Game Parties

There's no shortage of places to grab a cool beverage before your event. Mike's Beer Bar has one of the biggest selections of craft beer anywhere, with 500 beers available including 300 local bottles and cans and 80 local taps. McFadden's and Tequila Cowboy bring the party atmosphere with packed dance floors. Or, make your own beer trail as you walk to grab something from Voodoo Brewing and Southern Tier as you explore.

Eat, Drink and Play

More than just a party scene, the North Shore also has a diverse range of restaurants for your group's gourmand. The Foundry Table & Tap's event menu is packed with farm-fresh local ingredients, and the North Shore Tavern's presentation of jumbo shrimp and Delmonico steaks on a 850 degree lava stone can't be beat. To really live it up, book Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse in advance to feast on chops and steaks all named after Pittsburgh sports legends.

My current favorite place to hang in the North Shore has to be Shorty's Pins x Pints. This place is a group pleaser with something for everyone to do whether it's having fun duckpin bowling or playing retro arcade games, sipping from a huge beer list, fueling up on tacos or just enjoying their spacious outdoor patio.

Visit Museums

Expand your horizons with a visit to museums all within walking distance. Whether you're learning about the pop art Pittsburgh native at The Andy Warhol Museum, following the history of the Steelers at the Hall of Honor Museum or bringing the kids to the interactive Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center, the hardest part will be keeping track of time so you don't miss your event!

Go on a Monument Walking Tour

Go on a deep dive into Pittsburgh history without ever entering a museum. The North Shore has a multitude of memorials and monuments you can see outdoors and by foot including the site of the Immaculate Reception and statues to Pittsburghers of legend like Art Rooney, Fred Rogers and Roberto Clemente.

A panoramic shot of the Mister Rogers statue in the North Shore area.

Tour a Stadium

Both PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium offer guided tours of their iconic stadiums, and I highly recommend each for unmatched behind-the-scenes access and killer photo ops. Just remember, the concert you're here to see may change availability, so be sure to research and book in advance. On game days, both stadiums offer tours prior to their respective game starting!

Wide angle view of PNC Park baseball field. The Pittsburgh skyline is visible beyond the stadium

Shop Sports Merch

Who doesn't need another Terrible Towel? Both sports stadiums have pro shops attached that the general public can shop at for everything from jerseys and tees to caps, drinkware, kids and more. Rally House not only has Steelers and Pirates merch, but also Pittsburgh Penguins and Pitt Panthers gear as well as exclusive apparel from Primanti Bros., Isalys and more.

Place Your Bets

For the 21+ crew, make your way over to Rivers Casino for 24-hour gaming actions with 2,300 slots, table games, poker room and the BetRivers Sportsbook! Visit the Drum Bar for live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, and keep the energy going with fine dining from Martorano's Prime or quick bites from Flipt and Mian.

Disclaimer: I know the Science Center and casino are technically the Chateau neighborhood, but they're so close by they're definitely worth including for North Shore explorers.

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER

Kayak the Three Rivers

One of the best way to experience the city of bridges (sorry Venice, we have 51 more than even you) is by water! Rent from Kayak Pittsburgh's Downtown location and you'll put in right by Acrisure Stadium and can do either self-guided or guided excursions along the Allegheny River.

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Author

Jared B.

Enthusiastic Pittsburgher

Always in search of the next great craft beer and arcade. Can be found in the Supporters Section of Pittsburgh Riverhounds games and at whatever festival is happening in the city.

Things to Do Before Concerts on the North Shore

Pre-Game Parties

Eat, Drink and Play

Visit Museums

Go on a Monument Walking Tour

Tour a Stadium

Shop Sports Merch

Place Your Bets

Kayak the Three Rivers

Related Blogs

Author

Jared B.

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