The Downtown Blog
The official blog of Downtown Pittsburgh. Read up on what's new, what's happening, and what stories are being told in the neighborhood.
The Downtown Blog
The official blog of Downtown Pittsburgh. Read up on what's new, what's happening, and what stories are being told in the neighborhood.
Perspectives: February 2026
A message from our President & CEO
Downtown Progress is About to Become Very Visible
Projects and investments are moving into view for Downtown’s next chapter.
Read the full message
Strategy in Action
Working towards our Strategic Vision is a year-round effort. Here are some of the highlights from this past month.
Core
Collaborative Upkeep Program Launched to Support Clean and Welcoming Riverfronts
This week, Riverlife announced the public launch of UpKeep, a new riverfront care initiative developed in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny CleanWays, Friends of the Riverfront, Landforce, and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership to improve the quality, consistency, and coordination of maintenance along the city’s 15-mile riverfront loop. The first-of-its-kind initiative provides new resources, planning, and standards to help Pittsburgh’s riverfront parks, trails, and public green spaces remain clean and welcoming for residents and visitors. Read the full release.
Activation
Picklesburgh Dates Dill-ivered: Save the Date for July 16-19, 2026
Back by popular demand, Picklesburgh will kick off Thursday and run through Sunday, giving locals the perfect opportunity to get a head start on the festivities before the weekend crowds.
Vote Now to Help Picklesburgh Keep the Title – ‘Best Specialty Food Festival’
Help Picklesburgh win its fifth title by voting once daily (per device) until the polls close on Monday, March 2, at noon.
Transformation
State of Downtown Takes Deep Dive into Economic Development Ahead of the Draft
In anticipation of the 2026 NFL Draft, the PDP discussed goals to connect with the influx of visitors, make a lasting impression, and inspire return visits. We also shared progress on transformational projects including Market Square Modernization & Outdoor Dining, Point State Park, Arts Landing and the upcoming Smithfield Street reconstruction. Read the report and watch a recording.
Downtown Rent Abatement Brings Businesses to Golden Triangle
There were 24 new business openings in 2025, nine of which received support from the PDP’s Downtown Rent Abatement Program or Project Pop Up.
The following locations are open or coming soon as of February 2026:
- Fahri’s Custom Clothing: 606 Liberty Avenue
- Mild 2 Spicy: 951 Liberty Avenue
- Guapo Taco: 626 Smithfield Street
- The Pub on 5th: 355 5th Avenue, Suite 115
- PGH Candle: 413 Wood Street
- Origin Coffee: 309 Smithfield Street
- Confleurtti: 208 5th Avenue
- Keeta’s Pet Salon: 947 Liberty Avenue
- Ruckus Cafe: 625 Liberty Avenue
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Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
The Bank Tower
307 Fourth Avenue – Floor 2
Pittsburgh, PA 15222