March 8 – 23, 2025 | Market Square

Pittsburgh’s Coolest Way to Warm Up

As winter gives way to spring, Downtown Pittsburgh is turning up the heat with The Thaw, a brand-new, three-weekend event series that will transform Market Square into the city’s most vibrant, can’t-miss destination.

The Thaw blends live music, immersive entertainment, and seasonal festivities to welcome Pittsburghers out of hibernation in style.

Presented by The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and Flyspace Productions, The Thaw is a celebration of music, community, and the changing of the seasons. Thanks to George Howe for their support of this inaugural event.

Dates & Times

FIRST WEEKEND

Saturday, March 8: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, March 9: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

SECOND WEEKEND

Saturday, March 15: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, March 16: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday, March 17: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

THIRD WEEKEND

Friday, March 21: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday, March 22: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, March 23: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The Lounge Menu

Full bar features a variety of beer and mixed drink options; non-alcoholic beverages, mocktails, and Coke products; and a variety of snacks are also available. Canned alcoholic beverages (beer/cider) are available for purchase outside.

CRAFT COCKTAILS

THE IRISH MULE – Ponfeigh Westsylvania Rye, Ginger Syrup, Ginger Beer & Lime

LEAPIN LEPRECHAUN – Vodka, Midori, Sours, Sprite, Lime Juice

IRISH COFFEE – Jameson Irish Whiskey, Coffee, Whipped Cream, Green de Menthe

DRAFT BEERS

In addition to featuring brew gentlemen drafts we will have plenty of Guinness & Harp on Hand.

FREE TASTINGS IN THE LOUNGE!

PONFEIGH DISTILLERY WESTSYLVANIA RYE
Sunday, March 16, 2 p.m.

Entertainment & Events

March 8-9, 2025

ICE & SNOW CELEBRATION

Family-friendly by day, music-driven by night, the first weekend of The Thaw celebrates the magic of ice and snow. Market Square will come alive with awe-inspiring ice sculptures, live carvings, and an 18-foot ice luge for kids. Celebrate all the magic of winter – before we show it the door! The entertainment lineup includes:

• Saturday, March 8: Billy Price – American Blues & Soul (8-9:30 p.m.)
• Sunday, March 9: Beauty Slap – Electronic Funk (6-6:45 p.m. & 7-7:45 p.m.)

Kids can enjoy a variety of activities from 12-4 p.m., including arts and crafts, science experiments, and an instrument petting zoo.

Other highlights include:

• Ice Creations: Watch the artists from Ice Creations carve intricate sculptures live at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day.
• The Lounge: Fun continues with a drag show (Saturday, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.), plus pub trivia (Sunday, 4 – 6 p.m.).
• Photo Opportunities: Interactive ice sculptures and a large inflatable snow globe will offer the perfect backdrop for selfies.

March 15-17, 2025

SHAMROCK & ROLL

Opening at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, a celebration of Irish culture and music takes over Market Square, with performances from the best local Irish bands. With Irish whiskey tastings, an authentic ‘Pub On The Square’, and a pop-up cocktail lounge, this weekend promises to be a blarney good time!

• Saturday, March 15:
  The Low Kings (8-10 p.m.) – Celtic Rock
• Sunday, March 16:
  Rich Patrick Trio (1-2:30 p.m.) – Contemporary Celtic
  Bealtaine (3:30-5 p.m.)- Folk
  Z Town Street Band (6:30-8 p.m.) – Americana
• Monday, March 17:
  Michael Lindner (4:30-6 p.m.) – Alternative
  Bastard Bearded Irishmen (7-8:30 p.m.) – Celtic Rock

The Lounge will be filled with Irish cheer throughout the weekend, with additional tastings and surprises yet to be announced.

March 21-23, 2025

WARM UP MUSIC FESTIVAL

The grand finale of The Thaw brings a fiery celebration of music and a ceremonial snowman burning to welcome the first days of spring. This high-energy weekend features live music, fire pits, and stunning fire performances.

• Friday, March 21: Catatoneya (4-5:30 p.m.) – Alternative/Indie
  Paging Doctor Moon (6:30-7:30 p.m.) – Jazz-Jacent Rock
  Sneezy (8:30-10 p.m.) – Party-Funk
• Saturday, March 22: Posterchild (1:30-2:30 p.m.) – Indie Pop
  Tony from Bowling (3:30-5 p.m.) – Psychadelic Rock
  Zach Keim (6-7:30 p.m.) – Alternative/Indie
  Illiterate Light (8:30-10 p.m.) – Rock Duo
• Sunday, March 23: Melissa Quinn Fox (1:30-3 p.m.) – Country
  Hillbilly Biscuits (4-5:30 p.m.) – Bluegrass
  Dani Rose (6:30-8 p.m.) – Country

Fire Performances: Flow n’at will light up the weekend with fire performances at various times, including the ceremonial burning of a snowman on Friday at 7:30 p.m.