Downtown For The Draft

Here is what is happening Downtown the weekend of the 2026 NFL Draft.

It’s game time, Pittsburgh! The NFL Draft (April 23-25) is upon us, and we’ve been keeping score of everything that is happening in the Golden Triangle.

Here you will find the whole nine yards on things to do, places to shop, and where to eat and drink Downtown for the Draft, along with tips and resources to help you make the most of your Draft Week experience.

TO DO ✅

Picksburgh Music Edition | April 22

Prepare yourself for a journey across a dozen local businesses, several types of acts, and just a handful of Pittsburgh’s best neighborhoods. 

Free concerts & festivities in Market Square: Kick off the Picksburgh Music Crawl in the newly reopened Market Square! Arie Cole will be spinning live in the first quarter, followed by a crowd-rousing halftime show from fan favorites NASH.V.ILL. Then Big Jus & Steeltown Horns will blitz the stage with their big brass energy and soulful sound.

• 4:45 – 7 pm: Market Square (DJ/Funk/Metal/Hip-Hop/Brass)
• 5:30 – 8 pm: August Wilson African American Cultural Center (R&B/Funk/Jazz)
• 7 – 10 pm: Con Alma (International Jazz)
• 7 pm: Howl at the Moon (Pop/Party Hits)

Downtown Music Crawl Stops: Prepare yourself for a journey across a dozen local businesses, several types of acts, and just a handful of Pittsburgh’s best neighborhoods. 🔗 See all concert times and locations

Downtown for the Draft | April 23 – April 25

Following a grand reopening of the newly renovated Square on April 22nd, Market Square will serve as a central hub for fans in Downtown. From Thursday through Saturday, enjoy music with Arie Cole, DJ Digital Dave and more, interactive attractions, a Steelers-themed bar tent, blacksmith demonstrations from Rivers of Steel, giveaways, and games. Take a short stroll to PPG Plaza to play Putt Putt mini-golf!

Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing | April 23 – April 25

Welcome Pitt fans, football lovers, and the entire community for the first major event at Arts Landing—the Cultural Trust’s soon-to-debut four-acre civic space in downtown’s Cultural District. The Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing will complement the Draft’s nearby location and schedule, alongside other “Picksburgh” attractions.

Learn more here. 

Draft Day 5K | April 25

The race invites local residents and visiting fans alike to run or walk through the North Shore and Downtown, crossing iconic bridges and taking in skyline views while immersed in the energy of one of the city’s biggest sporting events. 

Register and learn more.

Women Who Rock the Draft | April 20 – April 26

📍 Piatt Place | 301 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Women Who Rock is bringing a high-energy, immersive pop-up experience to Downtown Pittsburgh during one of the most exciting weeks in the city. More than a retail pop-up, this is an experience built for women who rock where guests can step inside and experience live music, shop exclusive merchandise, connect with the community, and be part of something bigger.

Learn more.

Confluence “Stronger than Steel: Art, Sport & Industry” | April 21

📍 Benedum – Trees Gallery | 223 Fourth Avenue

Catch this dynamic panel from 5pm – 7pm featuring Patterns of Meaning artists, Rivers of Steel historians, and storytellers, and a renowned professional sports photojournalist. All offering a multidisciplinary perspective on the region’s cultural intersections.

Learn More.

Red Zone High Energy Nightclub | April 23 & April 24

📍 August Wilson African American Cultural Center | 980 Liberty Avenue

The Red Zone is the weekend’s high-energy destination at the AWAACC, designed for those who value a dedicated dance floor and a heavy-hitting late-night atmosphere.

Buy Tickets!

5th Quarter Club | April 23 & April 24

📍 August Wilson African American Cultural Center | 980 Liberty Avenue

Secure your access to the premiere social destination of the 412 AfterDark residency. Located within the iconic August Wilson African American Cultural Center, The 5th Quarter Club is a signature lounge experience designed for those who value upscale connection and a refined social atmosphere.

Buy Tickets!

Sweat & Sacrifice Exhibition | Through Through May 1

📍 Emerald City (213 Smithfield St.)

View artworks, artifacts, memorabilia, media-based ephemera, and sports experiences as a way to celebrate teamwork, fanatic culture, personal well-being, and the integration of creative media into sports culture.

Exhibition Details

TO SHOP 🛍️

Cocoapreneur Market | April 23 – April 25

📍 213 Smithfield St.

Support local Black businesses and bring home unique goods at The Cocoapreneur Market sponsored by Greenwood Plan located at The Pitt Smithfield Building in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Learn more.

Heinz History Center Fan Zone & Museum Shop | April 23 – April 25

📍 Heinz History Museum

The History Center Museum Shop will offer official NFL Draft merchandise alongside items from hometown favorites like Mister Rogers and Heinz.

Learn more.

Black Cameo Boutique | April 21 – April 26

📍 August Wilson African American Cultural Center | 980 Liberty Avenue

During NFL Draft Week, step into the Black Cameo Boutique, a limited-time, in-person shopping experience at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Featuring a curated selection of vendors from across Pennsylvania, the boutique brings together art, design, and culture in one dynamic space.

Learn more.

TO EAT 🍜

The Draft Den in the Omni William Penn Hotel | April 17 – April 25

📍 Omni William Penn Hotel | 530 William Penn Pl

Celebrate every headline-making pick at The Draft Den in the Omni William Penn Hotel, where draft-day excitement meets elevated cocktails and refreshing beer selections. For a limited time, the Pop Up Bar becomes a high-energy hub filled with spirited fans, bold flavors and front-row vibes. Toast to the action with featured pours like the Overtime Old Fashioned, Hail Mary Margarita, Blitz Berry Mule, Victory Formation, and First Down Fizz—perfect for cheering on every selection. Big moments, strong drinks and an atmosphere worthy of the spotlight await.

Details.

Taste of the Draft | April 22

📍 The Tower at PNC Plaza | 300 Fifth Ave.

Celebrate the buzz of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh with an electric late-night atmosphere. Featuring live DJ sets from DJ Midas, DJ J-Spin, and DJ Breis spinning high-energy tracks all night just steps from the newly renovated Market Square, right in the heart of the action.

Details.

Revel PGH Draft Night After Hours Party | April 21 – April 25

📍 The Industrialist Hotel | 405 Wood St.

From Noon – 11pm each day, the hotel’s second floor lounge will host local distilleries that are recreating the Old Monongahela Rye and offer a specialty PA whiskey cocktail menu featuring creations from a host of mixologists. Each participating distillery will have a pop-up shop with merch and beverageware, in addition to whiskey tasting flights. Downstairs, The Rebel Room will offer a themed small bite pairing menu alongside tasting flights. With one television in the lounge and two in The Rebel Room, guests can keep tabs on the draft while enjoying an authentic Pittsburgh whiskey experience.

Details.

Revel PGH Draft Night After Hours Party | April 23 – April 25

📍 Revel | 242 Forbes Ave.

Celebrate the buzz of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh with an electric late-night atmosphere. Featuring live DJ sets from DJ Midas, DJ J-Spin, and DJ Breis spinning high-energy tracks all night just steps from the newly renovated Market Square, right in the heart of the action.

Details.