Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on July 1, 2025.
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When it comes to music institutions in Pittsburgh, it feels like we've sadly lost many to history.
But there is one musical experience in Pittsburgh's North Side that still exists to this day, and that is the Pittsburgh Banjo Club. Founded in the 1980s, the Pittsburgh Banjo Club has become a beacon for banjo lovers to play together. Even better? Their Wednesday night practices take place weekly at the Elks Lodge #339 on Cedar Avenue starting at 8 pm, and is completely free for visitors to attend!
Free live music from a Pittsburgh institution? You'll get just that with the Pittsburgh Banjo Club!
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Pittsburgh Banjo Club at the Elks Lodge Every Wednesday
On Wednesday evenings, The Pittsburgh Banjo Club comes together at the Elks Lodge #339 on Cedar Avenue to practice their iconic four (and sometimes five) stringed instruments. As the group is available to be hired for events and parties, you can imagine that they have to have regular practices to stay on top of their craft.
But rather than having these practice sessions be private, they open them up to the public, free of charge, from 8 to 11 pm on Wednesday nights!
You really have to experience this one for yourselves to appreciate it all, but Banjo Night is one of those events that is so distinctly Pittsburgh. There are the folks that have been going weekly since the club was founded in the 1980s, there are the transplants who only recently moved to the city, and just about every other category in between.
Everyone gets along, talking, dancing, and listening to the fantastic banjo players. A 50/50 raffle makes its way around to raise money for charity, and the cheap beer at the bar is the cherry on top (they offer a healthy mix of domestic staples as well as craft beverages for an incredibly respectable price point- but note they are cash only).
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Over the years this group has gathered somewhat of a cult-like following, and shortly after the beginning of their practice at 8 pm the lodge is always completely full of attendees of all ages listening to the music, dancing, singing along (lyrics are available by the entrance), drinking, and having a grand old time.
But just a word of warning before you go- grabbing a seat even just for two after practice starts can be tricky. We normally get lucky together squeezing in at a table with new friends or at a bar, but if you are going with any appreciable group size beyond that reservations are strongly encouraged. Otherwise, don't be surprised if it is standing room only. As such, although we typically hit Banjo Night after live music at Allegheny City Brewing nearby (on many, but not all Wednesdays), we are used to enjoying this one standing in the back as it is simply that full- even closer to 10 pm!
Overall, it really is hard to beat the Pittsburgh Banjo Club's practice nights in the North Side, and when visiting, you'll quickly understand why this one is a local institution through and through.
Elks Lodge #339 is located at 400 Cedar Avenue and hosts the Pittsburgh Banjo Club every Wednesday from 8pm to 11pm.
For more live music in the North Side, check out MCG Jazz!
