A useful guide to get your butt outside
The weather is finally warming up — hopefully for good this time — and there are tons of fun things to do around Pittsburgh while you soak up the sun. If you have a few extra bucks in your pocket at the end of the semester, take advantage of the many events Pittsburgh has to offer.
What: Soup Sega
When: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon through June 21
Where: Bulgarian Macedonian National Educational and Cultural Center
449-451 W. 8th Ave.
West Homestead, Pa. 15120
Why: If you consider yourself a foodie, this is a great opportunity to get a taste of authentic Bulgarian cuisine. This event features 14 different homemade Bulgarian soups, in addition to other specialties. People with all kinds of dietary restrictions can enjoy this event. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available in addition to the other all-natural, low sodium soups. These soups are also available in quart and half-quart frozen prepackaged containers, so you can take them back to campus and enjoy them as a nice diversion from campus food.
What: All About the Burgh, The Culture to Ketchup Tour
When: Every Friday (12:45 p.m.), Saturday (10:00 a.m.), and Sunday (12:45 p.m.) through August
Where: Tours depart from Station Square.
125 W. Station Square Dr.
Why: Get to know the city you’re living in on a guided two-hour tour. Hop aboard a vintage-style trolley and hit all of the hot spots in Pittsburgh, including Downtown, the North Shore, the Strip District, Oakland, and the South Side. In addition, enjoy a behind the scenes tour and take a ride on the Duquesne Incline. Tickets for this unique view of Pittsburgh are $20.
What: Silk Screen Asian American Film Festival
When: April 26–May 4 (recurring daily)
Where: Screenings will be held at various theaters around Pittsburgh.
Why: While this event is not outdoors, it still offers students a chance to get off campus and experience the more cultural side of Pittsburgh. The film festival features films and filmmakers from all over the globe, including India, China, Japan, Korea, Palestine, the Philippines, and more. Tickets come in a variety of packages and range from $15 to $60.
What: Beer Tasting Hike and Boat Cruise
When: April 26, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown Pittsburgh
Why: Get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors before tasting specialty beers. The group will hike over bridges and along river trails from the South Side to the North Shore before boarding a Pittsburgh Water Limo to enjoy the microbrew tasting. Breads and cheeses will accompany the beer. The event is $52 for a non-member, and $40 for a member of Venture Outdoors. Interested in enjoying a hike on the trails around Pittsburgh, but not 21? Visit ventureoutdoors.org to find other outdoor events that are open to nature enthusiasts of all ages. This group provides safe, enjoyable outdoor events.
What: Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
When: May 4
Where: Packet pickup is located at the GNC Live Well Health and Fitness Expo in Halls D and E at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd
Why: Join other running enthusiasts on a run through Pittsburgh. Streets of the city will be closed for the marathon. Currently, the marathon, half marathon, and marathon relay are sold out, but the 5K and Pet Walk are still open. Registration costs $50 for the 5K, and $25 for the Pet Walk, with an additional $5 cost for each additional pet.
What: 22nd Annual Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure
When: May 11
Where: Schenley Park at Flagstaff Hill
Why: Get in some cardio and enjoy the outdoors with the Pittsburgh community, all while contributing to a good cause — a cure for breast cancer. Participate in the largest series of 5K run/fitness walks in the world. Runners and non-runners alike are welcome. Participants are welcome to walk the 5K or one-mile fun course, or cheer on the other participants. Runs can be completed as an individual or as a team. All participants receive an official Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure T-shirt and race bib. Prices vary depending on the type of race. For more information, visit komenpittsburgh.org.
In addition, there are lots of things to do in Pittsburgh that are open regularly.
The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
Pittsburgh is home to one of the nicest zoos and aquariums in the country. Take a break from city life and watch baby elephants with their families, see the polar bears take a dip, or watch the sea lions play. Admission is $15. If you want a more interactive experience, visit pittsburghzoo.org to check out behind the scenes tours.
PNC Park
Enjoy the national pastime at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates play almost every day with ticket prices as low as $10 for some games. PNC Park also sometimes offers promotional features such as Free Shirt Friday, fireworks displays, and more. For more information, visit pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com.
Pittsburgh Connections
In the mood to go kayaking, hiking, caving, horseback riding, or just enjoy the outdoors and exercise at the same time? Pittsburgh Connections is a great option for a fun, safe, and affordable day outside doing activities you might not always be able to do on your own.