One of Pittsburgh’s most iconic properties along the Monongahela River is under new ownership as of November 21, 2025. MS Development, a Massachusetts-based firm, purchased the lot with a plan to “elevate the retail, dining and entertainment experience while creating new opportunities for office and mixed-use partners.”

Ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, Downtown Pittsburgh is investing $600 million in community development projects. Arts Landing, a 4-acre outdoor entertainment complex, is an exciting addition to these upgrades. The $31 million public park will host concerts, birthday parties, and free festivals.

Pittsburgh is at the forefront of the rise of AI, ranking among the top 10 cities for technology and AI development.  Courtesy of the advanced programs at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Pittsburgh is leading the way for the future of technology.  For example, CMU is the number one-ranked university program for AI development in the world, offering a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence.  They are the leading institute for AI education, and their intelligent graduates are going to be on the cutting edge of this technology.

Talia, the open Italian kitchen by Julian Vallozzi, is not only serving up great food, but the vibes in the restaurant are immaculate.  Various modern and abstract art pieces cover the walls, drawing the eye all over the room.  As of now, there are three main featured artists at Talia:  Pittsburgh locals Jeremy Raymer and Michael Lotanero, and internationally-renowned artist Banksy.

In July 2026, Duquesne University will have a new president. David Dausey will assume the role after serving as executive vice president and provost at Duquesne. As the university’s 14th president, Dausey has big shoes to fill.

For three weekends only, located in the Encore Building at 100 7^th St., The Merry Marketplace will return with international vendors, including the highly anticipated pop-up, the Black Market!

The Industrialist Hotel, located at 405 Wood St. downtown, has converted its lounge, The Rebel Room, into a vintage holiday wonderland pop-up bar!  Located on the second floor of the hotel, The Atomic Tinsel Cocktail Club had its opening night on Friday, November 21, 2025.

After eight years of calling Liberty Ave. home, a beloved downtown Korean bistro is saying goodbye. After opening in 2017 under Edward Lai and Ashley Bae, the restaurant is permanently closed as of November of 2025. 

The grandma of all crafts fairs celebrates its 21st anniversary with 300 artists, craftspeople and makers at the region’s largest holiday shopping market. Taking place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center at 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., expect to spend many hours making your way through the extensive selection of vendors selling everything from clothing, artwork, home decor and jewelry, to body products, toys, accessories, cards and much more. From Friday, December 5^th to Saturday, December 6^th, 2025, the convention center will be filled with dozens of artists from around the region and beyond. 

In a time when housing insecurity is becoming more and more dire, especially for marginalized communities, it is vital that we collectively step up and support.  The organization SistersPGH is actively working towards dismantling “systemic oppression of BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) transgender and nonbinary communities” in Allegheny county.

For over 85 years, Larrimor’s has served as Pittsburgh’s destination for luxury menswear and womenswear. Family-owned and proudly independent, Larrimor’s champions a slower, more thoughtful approach to fashion—one that celebrates exceptional service, enduring quality, and the beauty of timeless design.

Downtown Pittsburgh offers a wide range of cuisines, each with its unique flavors. While we love to branch out, sometimes we’re simply craving a good, juicy burger. Don’t worry—there’s plenty of those downtown, too. Some patties are topped with a classic slice of American cheese, while others incorporate nontraditional ingredients for a more complex flavor profile.

Founded in 1990 by Karla Boos, the Quantum Theatre hosts site-specific plays throughout Pittsburgh, reflecting the city’s nature and its characters through art. No production of theirs is put on at the same location; instead, the setting is chosen based on the contents of the play. The theatre’s current production, ENRON, is staged at One Oxford Center. 

This year, Pittsburgh’s iconic People’s Gas Holiday Market will take place in the Cultural District. Typically held in Market Square, which is currently under renovation for 2026, the Market will be spread out across three different locations downtown: Katz Plaza at 685 Penn Ave., the Trust Oasis at 139 Seventh St., and the parking lot across from the Benedum Center at 237 Seventh St.

This year, Pittsburgh will celebrate its 64th Annual Light Up Night on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at various locations throughout the downtown area. Sponsored by Highmark, Light Up Night has become a Pittsburgh tradition, expanding into the surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs, but the one downtown boasts the most attendees by far. With several different activities, including vendors, tree lighting, fireworks, and various small parties throughout the city, Light Up Night is back and bigger than ever!

As we begin to wrap up this year’s Acoustic Tuesdays concerts, we can’t help but get excited for the future! Don’t worry, we’ve got big plans to bring these concerts back: in 2026, the Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) will be hosting 24 more shows, completely free to the public.

Point Park University recently announced that its musical theater program will start a cabaret-style showcase series of their students.  Called the Songwriters Cabaret Series, these concerts will take place at the Greet Cabaret Theater, and offer a chance for students to perform at a professional venue in front of a paying audience.  

This Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the Downtown Neighbors Alliance presents its fourth Acoustic Tuesdays concert featuring Brynn Rees and Noah Goisse.  After three packed weeks thus far, we are excited to welcome Rees and Goisse to our lineup!

Downtown Pittsburgh is seeing a lot of construction right now, all in preparation for the 2026 NFL Draft.  Taking place at Acrisure Stadium from April 23 to 25, 2026, this event is expected to bring in hundreds of thousands of tourists and millions of dollars in revenue.  Point State Park is undergoing renovation, Market Square is being revamped for new amenities, and a new park called Arts Landing is slated to open by next spring. 

Next weekend only, from Friday, October 31 to Sunday, November 2, 2025, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre presents its production of Dracula.  Back by popular demand, the production is based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 gothic horror novel.