6 things to do around Pittsburgh this May

May is warming up Pittsburgh, and yinzers are coming out to play. From world-class art to neighborhood music festivals, there’s no shortage of low-cost ways to enjoy the Steel City this month.

Here are some highlights to mark on your calendar:

Art goes global

May 2-Jan. 3

The 59th Carnegie International opens at Carnegie Museum of Art, bringing 61 artists from around the world to Pittsburgh for the longest-running exhibition of international art in North America. This year’s edition, titled “If the word we,” also spans multiple North Side venues, including the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Kamin Science Center and Mattress Factory.

Where: Carnegie Museum of Art, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Tickets: $10 with college student ID; $25 general admission. Allegheny County library cardholders can reserve free admission through the RAD Pass program.

Cheer on 40,000 runners

May 2-3

Pittsburgh Marathon weekend turns the city into one giant block party. The course weaves through the city’s neighborhoods — past PNC Park, across the city’s bridges and through 14 distinct communities — all lined with live bands and crowds cheering runners on. Grab a spot along the route and soak it all in for free.

Where: See the full course map.

Tickets: This is a free, unticketed event.

A Pittsburgh lens

May 2-17

Head to The Frick for Lewis Hine Pictures America, which will feature more than 70 rare vintage photographs by the “father of documentary photography” — including striking images of immigrants at Ellis Island, child laborers and Pittsburgh’s own steel industry. Hine visited the city in 1907 as part of the Pittsburgh Survey, making this exhibit especially resonant for the ’Burgh.

Where: The Frick Pittsburgh, 7227 Reynolds St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15208

Tickets: $10 with college student ID; $15 for adults. Allegheny County library cardholders can reserve free admission through the RAD Pass program.

Pedal power

Thursday, May 14

Ditch the car and join Bike to Work Day, an annual celebration of biking as a commuting option. Festivities include free safety checks, a raffle for a new bike and a chance to connect with biking organizations across Pittsburgh. BikePGH’s citywide commuter cafés will offer free drinks and giveaways for riders throughout the day.

If you’re in need of an adaptive riding option, you’re in luck: Adaptive POGOH, part of Pittsburgh’s cycle-share program, officially opens for the 2026 season on May 13.

Where: Commuter café locations in Oakland, Downtown and the Strip District; see the full schedule for addresses and times.

Tickets: This is a free, unticketed event.

Millvale music crawl

May 15-16

The Millvale Music Festival packs more than 300 acts onto 28 stages across this walkable riverfront borough. From jazz and reggae to country and rock, the two-day festival transforms bars, breweries and outdoor spaces into one massive neighborhood music crawl.

Where: See the full list of venues and performers.

Tickets: This is a free, unticketed event.

Page turners unite

Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Book lovers, head to the Pittsburgh Book Festival for writer talks, poetry readings, workshops, local booksellers and literary exhibitors. This year’s festival features nationally renowned authors, dozens of poets and hands-on activities for kids.

Where: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Main Branch, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Tickets: This is a free, unticketed event.

For a full list of upcoming campus happenings, visit the University’s events calendar.

Photography by Lily Tarcson