22 Things To Do In Pittsburgh at Night

Pennsylvania’s second-largest city is a thriving metropolis of around 1.7 million people. Pittsburgh is a city at the confluence of the Monongahela and the Allegheny Rivers in the state’s southwest. It’s known as the Steel City for its 300 plus steel-related businesses and the City of Bridges as there are more than 440 bridges in Pittsburgh.

Although the birthplace of Heinz tomato ketchup, Andy Warhol and the Ferris Wheel doesn’t fall in the category of cities that never sleep, night owls wanting to hit the hay late will find plenty of after-dark fun in Pittsburgh. So, enjoy these 20 things to do in Pittsburgh at night.

Pittsburgh At Night

20 Things To Do In Pittsburgh At Night

1- Gaze At The Stars At The Buhl Planetarium

Enjoy a virtual tour of the night sky and a guided tour of Pittsburgh from the observatory at the Carnegie Science Center, one of the city’s top 10 science institutions.

Visitors can observe the stars with the 16-inch Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope when there is a clear sky.

SkyWatch is a family-friendly project that enables visitors to experience the life of an astronomer.

The event takes place at the Buhl Planetarium in Carnegie Science Center every Friday at 7 pm and 9 pm.

Buhl Planetarium is at Carnegie Science Center, One Allegheny Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

2- Watch a Performance at Heinz Hall

When planning what to do in Pittsburgh at night, Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts stands out as a top choice for culture vultures.

In Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, the concert hall has hosted artists like Steely Dan, Lauryn Hill and The Four Seasons.

Heinz Hall has 2,700 seats, a Garden Plaza with a waterfall and water figure, a grand Mozart Room for events and the Garden Café, where diners can enjoy food anytime.

Heinz Hall is also home to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, presenting around 200 performances annually.

Heinz Hall is at 600 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

3- Drink Beer In A Church

Opened in 1996 in the historic neighbourhood of Lawrenceville, the Church Brew Works is the first and only pub in the USA in a historic church.

Church Brew Works won the award of the Best Large Brewpub in America at the Great American Beer Festival.

Built in 1902, the St John the Baptist Church was designed in the Northern Italian Architectural style but was damaged by fire in 1915.

The church building was converted into a microbrewery and restaurant with great attention to detail, making it a unique attraction in Pittsburgh.

Original pews were hand-cut and hand-finished to accommodate dining tables and oak from the pews were used to build the bar.

There are original Douglas Fir floors, original lanterns and bricks salvaged from the removal of the confessional were reused to renovate the brewery.

Steel and copper tanks gleam at the altar.

Church Brew Works is at 3525 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh.

4- Go Bowling At Arsenal Bowl

In the heart of Lawrenceville, Arsenal Bowls is a 22-lane bowling alley with a retro feel.

The popular local nightspot in Pittsburgh is an excellent place to meet locals, listen to music and have a drink.

Start with a game or two and stay on for karaoke, live music and a meal.

Arsenal Bowl is open from 5 pm to midnight every night and 1 am on Friday and Saturday at 4310 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201.

5- Cycle the Three Rivers Heritage Trail

Hop on a bike and cycle the Three Rivers Heritage Trail to get exercise and enjoy the beauty of Pittsburgh.

It is a 24-mile (38 km) trail with sections on both ends of Pittsburgh’s rivers.

The pedestrian trail passes through different neighbourhoods, running past business districts, attractions and parks.

Along the trail, signs mark important spaces and structures, historical events and local wildlife.

This multi-use trail is popular with bikers and hikers and links to other trail networks, such as the Great Allegheny Passage and the Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway.

For more exciting cities at night, read:

6- Enjoy the Panoramic View from Duquesne Incline

Duquesne Incline is one of the two uphill trolleys that has been carting visitors up Mt. Washington since 1877. The Monongahela Incline is the other incline and has yellow cars.

The Duquesne Incline’s original wooden cable cars are a Pittsburgh icon.

Step back in time and travel on the cable car up one of the few remaining inclines in the United States and enjoy what USA Today Weekend Magazine calls one of the 10 Most Beautiful Views in America.

You can see the machinery operating in the machine room and there’s a museum in the upper station with old photos and displays about other inclines worldwide.

Duquesne Incline operates from Monday to Saturday (5.30 am to 12.30 am), Sundays and holidays (7 am to 12.30 am) at 1197 West Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

7- Visit The Pittsburgh Glass Center

Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC) is an education centre, an art gallery and a state-of-the-art glass studio dedicated to teaching and promoting glass art.

Anyone can join a glass-blowing glass, explore the contemporary gallery, and catch the live hot glass demonstrations.

The centre showcases works by world-renowned glass artists, such as Dante Marioni, Paul Joseph Stankard, and Cesare Toffolo.

Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC) is open up to 7 pm most nights at 5472 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

8- Join A Neighbourhood Food Walking Tour

Eat your way through Pittsburgh at night on a fun food walking tour through the city’s diverse neighbourhoods.

Walking tours combine historical narrative of each area you visit, including Brookline, the Strip District, Allentown and Lawrenceville, while tasting food.

Pittsburgh is known for its sandwiches, pierogies and the Pittsburgh Salad with french fries.

9- Have A Laugh at Arcade Comedy Theater

A performing arts theatre in Pittsburgh, Arcade Comedy Theater is home to the city’s funniest, most innovative and affordable comedy.

It was founded in 2013 and is an intimate 75-seat theatre with an impressive schedule of plays, comedy classes and stand-up sessions.

The space has a couple of stages, a lounge, a classroom space, and free arcade games while waiting for a show to begin.

Arcade Comedy Theatre is at 943 Liberty Avenue.

10- Discover Point State Park

Check out the illuminated fountain in Point State Park and take photos of the passing boats from this landmark.

The park sits right on the downtown edge at the confluence of the Monongahela River and Allegheny River, attracting visitors with its lovely green gardens and riverfront promenade.

It’s also a historically important site where the Indian and French battles occurred during the late 18th century.

The Fort Pitt Museum is within the vicinity and displays the early history of Pittsburgh.

11- Enjoy Thrill Rides at Kennywood Amusement Park

Kennywood Amusement Park is a 125-year-old amusement park in West Mifflin, about 8 miles from downtown Pittsburgh.

The sprawling 150-acre amusement park became a National Historic Landmark in 1987, with three roller coasters from the 1920s, Jack Rabbit, Racer and Thunderbolt.

The park has three themed areas (Steelers Country, Thomas Town and Kiddieland), with roller coasters, bumper cars, water rides, carousels, paddle boats, 3D experiences and a 4D theatre.

Kennywood is at 4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin, PA 15122.

12- See the City from West End Overlook

The West End Overlook is another popular spot to admire the skyline of Pittsburgh, with three majestic rivers in full view.

It’s in the city’s Elliott neighbourhood on Elliott’s Buff and is a little more off the beaten path.

There are landscaped gardens, benches and a pavilion.

West End Overlook is on Marlow Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15220.

13- Explore The Historic Market Square

In the centre of Downtown Pittsburgh, Historic Market Square is the beating heart of the district.

It’s a hive of activity and houses a range of eateries, cafes, bars, boutiques and quirky stores.

The square was built during the 1890s and was the former home to the first courthouse, jail and newspaper.

Today, the square provides visitors with extensive shopping and dining options, holiday markets and pop-u[p events.

14- Visit The Cathedral of Learning

Located close to Schenley Park and in the heart of the main campus of the University of Pittsburgh is the Cathedral of Learning, which is one of the tallest buildings in the world.

The Gothic revival building has 42 floors and thousands of rooms.

Taking the elevator up to the University Honors College to enjoy the gorgeous view of Pittsburgh through windows is a common thing to do in Pittsburgh.

In addition to the university’s educational facilities, the building also has a food court where people can grab a bite while admiring the surrounding night views.

Cathedral of Learning is at 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

15- Have Fun At Mr Smalls

There’s a unique live-music venue in a former church called Mr Smalls in the Millvale neighbourhood.

The venue has stages, bars, a recording studio and an eating spot.

Since being established, Mr Smalls has hosted local, regional, and national artists and has been the live-music venue for famous acts including Muse, Fall Out Boy, Smashing Pumpkins, Kesha, Snoop Dogg, Interpol, and Bone Thugs N Harmony.

Mr Smalls is at 00 Lincoln Ave, Millvale, PA 15209.

16- Take a Trip to the Strip 

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Pittsburgh at night, you can’t go wrong at the Strip District.

It’s one of the famous neighbourhoods in the city that runs alongside the Allegheny River and measures half a square mile.

The area includes four main streets – Penn Avenue, Waterfront Place, Smallman Street, Liberty Avenue – and other side streets.

The neighbourhood has a fantastic range of international retailers, bars, grocery shops, boutiques and has some of the best eateries in Pittsburgh.

A must-visit place in the Strip District is the Heinz History Center, which offers rich insight into the city’s history.

17- Go On A Self-Guided Walk Hike Mount Washington

Take in the spectacular views of downtown from the highest elevation in Pittsburgh.

Originally called Coal Hill, Mount Washington is a beautiful hill on the southern banks of the Ohio River and Monongahela River.

The walk up to the hill is relatively easy, from where you can admire the sweeping panorama of the glittering downtown skyline in the embrace of rivers on three sides.

There are eating spots and bars to enjoy a meal with a stunning view of the downtown area.

18- Shop, Eat and Dance at Station Square

If you are looking for quality entertainment, Station Square is a fun place to visit in Pittsburgh at night.

Station Square is a 52-acre indoor and outdoor complex of dining, shopping, and entertainment in the South Shore neighbourhood of Pittsburgh.

It’s a fabulous place to shop, eat, and enjoy the breathtaking views as it all sits on the water.

Relax at the Grand Concourse for happy hour, enjoy the Waltzing Waters Liquid Fireworks Show in the Bessemer Court, or dance the night away at Buckhead Saloon.

Station Square is at 100 West Station Square Drive, Suite 1900 Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

19- Wander Around Mellon Square

Mellon Square is an urban oasis and has been a gathering spot since 1955, as it’s the first Modernist park established over the parking garage.

The park has a unique tree-lined black, green, and white geometric pavement, beautiful fountains, flower beds and a cascading waterfall.

Another striking feature of the Walled Garden is the memorial of Ann Katharine Seamans, a local who used to visit the park and watch stars at night.

The square is fringed by buildings like the Omni William Penn Hotel, Oliver Building, Regional Enterprise Tower and 525 William Penn Place.

It’s a popular downtown lunchtime spot for office workers.

Mellon Square is at Sixth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

20- Be Amazed At Liberty Magic

Liberty Magical on Liberty Avenue celebrates the art of prestidigitation, conjuring tricks performed to entertain.

The venue is a local performing arts centre that hosts some of the city’s great magic and illusion shows.

The space can accommodate around 70 people to show them magic shows performed by incredible magicians.

It’s recommended for ages 18 and above, and the centre has a speakeasy atmosphere (BYOB) and invites the audience to dress up in party attire for a fun experience at night.

Liberty Magic is at 811 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

21- Visit The Andy Warhol Museum

One of the four Carnegie Museums established in 1895, the Andy Warhol Museum is especially relevant as Pittsburgh is where Andy Warhol was born.

The museum displays the largest collection of the artist’s works and is an impressive museum dedicated to just one artist.

From paintings, drawings and sculptures to commercial illustrations, prints, photographs and wallpapers, the collection span Warhol’s entire career.

The museum stays open on Friday night until 10 pm and offers half-price museum admission after 5 pm.

Andy Warhol Museum is at 117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

22- Watch A Game At PNC Park

Cheer on the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, a Major League Baseball stadium.

PNC Park is at 115 Federal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.