The Thaw – Winter Festival

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 set to 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.

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 (8-9:30 p.m.)
• Sunday, March 9: Beauty Slap (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 drag shows (Saturday), plus pub trivia (Sunday).
• 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 5pm 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.)
• Sunday, March 16: Rich Patrick Trio (1-2:30 p.m.), Bealtaine (3:30-5 p.m.), Z Town Street Band (6:30-8 p.m.)
• Monday, March 17: Michael Lindner (5-6:30 p.m.), Bastard Bearded Irishmen (7:30-9 p.m.)

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: Paging Doctor Moon (6:30-7:30 p.m.),
  Sneezy (8:30-10 p.m.)
• Saturday, March 22: Posterchild (1:30-2:30 p.m.),
  Tony from Bowling (3:30-5 p.m.),
  Illiterate Light (8:30-10 p.m.)
• Sunday, March 23: Melissa Quinn Fox (1:30-3 p.m.),
  Hillbilly Biscuits (4-5:30 p.m.),
  Dani Rose (6:30-8 p.m.)

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.