Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on April 28, 2025.
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Pittsburgh in May is when we truly feel like it is spring. The frosts end, temperatures warm, and all we want to do is be outside as much as we can before the (sometimes oppressive) summer heat rolls in.
So for this one, we wanted to share several great activities that are coming up for the month that you can enjoy outdoors, as well as many festivals (often libation focused) that take place in May!
Pittsburgh Thunderbirds UFA Games
Cheer on Pittsburgh's resident Ultimate Frisbee team, the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds, as they kick off their 2025 season at Highmark Stadium!
Home games in May are on May 2nd against the Indianapolis Alleycats at 7 pm and May 24th against the Minnesota Wind Chill at 6 pm. Head down for the game and enjoy great food, beer, music, games, giveaways, and more!
Additional home games take place throughout the remainder of the season in June and July, so be sure to pick up season tickets for the six home games this year for as little as $72 (just $12 a ticket for the entire season). As an added bonus, kids 12 and under are free!
This feature has been sponsored by the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds.
Pittsburgh Marathon
Fancy a long-distance run in Pittsburgh? Or maybe you want to cheer on those who are going for a new personal record? The acclaimed Pittsburgh Marathon is returning for another year on May 4th, 2025, and will take runners on a gorgeous run throughout the city (so watch out for street closures!).
In addition to the 26.2-mile marathon, this race also includes a half marathon, relay, and 5k- so all skill levels can find something to enjoy on race day!
Go for a Bike Ride
Don't fancy yourself a runner? How about going on a bike ride around the city instead! There are many great Pittsburgh bike trails to enjoy including some of our personal favorites like the Great Allegheny Passage, the Butler-Freeport Community Trail, and if you're willing to drive a bit further, the Ghost Town Trail (our absolute favorite)!
You can even plan your outing to end around some breweries near bike trails. A post-ride beer never tasted so good, we're not going to lie.
Millvale Music Festival
The borough of Millvale, just north of Pittsburgh, is a hub for great restaurants, breweries, and seasonal events. Arguably, none is larger than the annual Millvale Music Festival, taking place on May 16th and 17th in 2025.
This festival features an array of acts at stages spread throughout the borough- some indoors, some outdoors, some at dedicated venues, and others at rather obscure places- like in the community garden (our favorite from a visit in 2022)!
Just be warned if you visit this one- parking can be a bit tight in the borough, so it is best to either Uber in or use one of the dedicated shuttles (if available) from nearby parking areas for the best experience.
Fireworks Night at PNC Park
Pirates Fireworks Nights are always a hit, and this this May you have a chance to check out the fireworks at the end of the game on May 23rd against the Milwaukee Brewers!
Looking for a great place to watch the fireworks? Check out the best places to view Pittsburgh fireworks here!
Go on a Walking Tour of Pittsburgh
We love exploring Pittsburgh in May as the temperatures are rising, the flowers are blooming, and, when its not raining at least, the city is looking gorgeous.
So how about going on our five-mile self-guided walking tour of the city? This Pittsburgh walking tour hits the North Shore, Downtown, Mount Washington (with both Inclines), and more!
Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival
Love pierogi? Who doesn't! Celebrate this popular dumpling at the annual Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival returning after a brief hiatus. Head down to SouthSide works on May 17th from 12 to 5pm to feast om some exceptional creations!
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Pittsburgh Magazine's Best Restaurant Party
Pittsburgh Magazine is bringing back their beloved Best Restaurant Party in 2025 after a five year hiatus. Sample bites from some of the best restaurants in the city and enjoy over 100 wines and spirits from Fine Wine & Good Spirits at this stellar event, taking place on May 12th at Rivers Casino from 6 to 9 pm!
Sports in May
The Pirates are back for another season at PNC Park with a number of great games in May. They take on the Cubs on the 1st, the Padres the 2nd to 4th, the Braves the 9th to 11th, the Reds the 19th to 21st, and the Brewers the 22nd to 25th. Pick up tickets on Ticketmaster or Stubhub here!
The Riverhounds season is in full swing in May with two home games Highmark Stadium- May 3rd against North carolina and May 31st against Rhode Island for the Jagermeister Cup. Pick up tickets on Ticketmaster or Stubhub.
Shows in May
Finally, there are a number of great shows in the Cultural District in downtown Pittsburgh in May.
The Pittsburgh Symphony is performing the Music of Star Wars on Saturday May 3rd, Bronfman Plays Beethoven between the 16th and 18th, and Brahms' Fourth Symphony starting on the 30th.
PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh will be hosting Come From Away from May 2nd to 4th at the Benedum Center, The Pittsburgh Ballet is performing The Wizard of Oz on select dates at the Benedum Center from May 9th to 18th and the Pittsburgh Opera is will be delighting with Woman With Eyes Closed on May 2nd to 4th.
Do you have a favorite Pittsburgh event in May to check out? Comment below to share!