As Pittsburgh steps into 2025, the city is redefining itself as a must-visit destination for travellers in search of unique experiences. Famous for its iconic bridges, world-class museums, and rich industrial heritage, the 'City of Champions' is introducing exciting new attractions, events, and developments in celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial.

AIRLIFT

1. Unveiling of the Pittsburgh International Airport Terminal Modernization Program
Pittsburgh International Airport is currently undergoing a Terminal Modernization Program – a $1.4 billion effort to transform the airport experience – which will be revealed in early 2025. As the front door and first impression for millions of annual travellers to the Pittsburgh region, the entirely new airport facilities will aim to comply with LEED® Silver certification, better reflect and serve the community, inspire the industry and advance the region's role as a world leader in innovation.

2. British Airways nonstop service goes daily in March 

Increasing from six services weekly to seven, the British Airways direct service from London Heathrow to Pittsburgh International goes daily from 31 March with return fares starting from £479 per person. 

ARTS & CULTURE  

3. All-New Pittsburgh Innovation District

The much-anticipated Pittsburgh Innovation District officially opens in 2025, showcasing cutting-edge technology, green spaces, and collaborative workspaces. Located in the Oakland neighbourhood, visitors can tour interactive exhibits, attend tech-inspired festivals, and explore how Pittsburgh is shaping the future while honoring its industrial past.

4. Art and Culture Expanded
While The Andy Warhol Museum's Pop District expansion started phase two in 2024, it is expected to be completed and available to the public later this year. The $60 million project will see the museum grow into six blocks of the North Shore, transforming the space to feature a multi-level venue which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests and will be available for corporate events. As well as boasting a workforce development programme, public art and murals, classroom space to train artists of the future and more. The Andy Warhol Museum is the largest museum dedicated to a single artist in North America. From May - September, make sure to check out the newest exhibit: Good Business: Andy Warhol's Screenprints. Explore how screenprinting allowed Warhol to experiment, repeat images and make art widely accessible.

5. New art at the Carnegie Museum of Art

Carnegie Museum of Art's vast collection comprises paintings, photographs and prints as well as film and digital media. Running until June, check out the newest exhibit, Gertrude Abercrombie: The Whole World is a Mystery. This marks the most thorough museum showcase of the artist's work to date

6. Broadway shows at The Benedum Center

Originally a cinema, The Benedum theatre and concert hall has seen impressive performers from Frank Sinatra, Prince and Bob Marley when  it was the Stanley Theater. Extensively renovated in the late 80s, this 2,800-seat venue is home to the Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Catch Broadway hits like Peter Pan and Annie this year, alongside exclusive post-show talks with cast members for a deeper fan experience.

7. The Frick welcomes new exhibitions 

The Frick Art Museum welcomes Kara Walker: Harper's Pictorial History of the Civil War, a powerful exhibition blending history and art through Walker's striking reinterpretations of Civil War imagery. Henry Clay Frick made his fortune on steel, but the successful industrialist was also an avid art collector. The Frick Pittsburgh is his legacy, incorporating several museums and acres of landscaped gardens. 

GASTRONOMY  

8. A culinary renaissance 

Pittsburgh's food scene is reaching new heights this year, with several Michelin-starred chefs opening restaurants in the Strip District and East Liberty. Don't miss the Taste of Pittsburgh Festival in June, highlighting the city's growing reputation as a culinary hotspot, from pierogi traditions to innovative farm-to-table dining.

9. It's kind of a big dill, Picklesburgh's 10th anniversary

A must-visit for foodies, Picklesburgh is a culinary celebration that holds the dill pickle high above the rest. Hosted in downtown Pittsburgh, local restaurants and budding chefs set up pop-up stalls selling all things pickled, from artisan cocktails to deep fried pickles on a stick and pickle-flavoured oreos. The festival also includes live music, how-to demos, author talks and pickled merch. A once-in-a-lifetime festival, the 10th anniversary is expected to be better than ever before. 

10. Try the tasty Pierogi at the Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival 

This year marks the 10th year of the Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival at the SouthSide Works. Indulge in pierogi-inspired dishes, shop the Pop-Up Pierogi Marketplace and snap some selfies at the special photo ops. During the Industrial Era, Eastern European immigrants flocked to Pittsburgh by the thousands to work in the steel industry, open businesses and settle in the USA. The most well-known dish is a heart-warming dumpling, the Pierogi. A Pittsburgh Pierogi is a crescent shaped dough that is filled with a mashed potato and cheese mixture.

RECREATION

11. Outdoor Adventures Elevated

The newly completed Three Rivers Greenway Expansion adds miles of biking and walking trails along Pittsburgh's iconic rivers, connecting neighborhoods like never before. Visitors can kayak from the Point to explore Pittsburgh's skyline or enjoy family-friendly activities at the revamped Point State Park Adventure Hub. Thanks to a collaborative effort by Riverlife, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny Riverfront Park's upper promenade will be complete by year-end—providing a reimagined, world-class experience.

SPORTS

12. US Open Championship to return to Pittsburgh for 125th anniversary

The US Open Championship will be back in Pittsburgh in 2025 for a record tenth time hosted at the Oakmont Country Club, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the country. Plus, it will be the US Open's 125th championship, making it an even more special event. Not to mention the newly-renovated greens, enhanced fan experiences and exclusive tours in this legendary venue.

13. Sports and Entertainment like never before

2025 will see Pittsburgh hosting the National Sports Heritage Festival, a tribute to the city's rich sports history and legendary teams. The new Pittsburgh Arena District promises an electric atmosphere with bars, restaurants, and live music surrounding PPG Paints Arena.

EVENTS & ANNIVERSARIES

14. Sustainability Initiatives take center stage

With its commitment to becoming a green city, Pittsburgh launches EcoPittsburgh 2025, a series of sustainability-focused programmes and events. The new Eco-Center at Frick Park offers interactive exhibits on renewable energy and urban gardening workshops.

15. Bike the Burgh turns 10

Bike the Burgh celebrates its 10th anniversary, offering guided bike tours that showcase Pittsburgh's history, architecture and dynamic neighbourhoods. There's no better way to experience the city than hopping on a bike and pedalling along the many river trails and spotting Pittsburgh's attractions. 

16. PNC Park's 25th year in '25

Celebrate PNC Park's 25th season with special throwback nights, fan events and giveaways while cheering for the Pirates at America's #1 ballpark. Head to a famed Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park and watch the sun go down above the Pittsburgh skyline and Roberto Clemente Bridge. Nestled along the Allegheny River, PNC Park offers one of the most beautiful views in baseball, whilst offering a night of entertainment. 

17. Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Kickoff and Rib Fest

Labor Day weekend comes alive with the 35th anniversary of BBQ, craft beer, live music and games at Acrisure Stadium's expanded Kickoff and Rib Fest. One of the most recognised NFL teams in the world, Acrisure Stadium is home to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Join the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in the famed yellow and black memorabilia on the South Side and enjoy city views with every touchdown.

18. Celebrate the 80th birthday of August Wilson House

Celebrate August Wilson's 80th birthday at the annual August Wilson Birthday Block Party—bringing more than 1,000 guests together for a lively afternoon of performances, vendors, food and family activities. August Wilson House is the restored childhood home of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson. Recently opened in Pittsburgh's Hill District neighbourhood, the house is now an arts centre for programming, workshops and panel discussions, while also offering resources related to the icon's life and work. 

19. Retreat to the rainforest at the National Aviary

The National Aviary's newest seasonal theme, Rainforest Retreat, will allow guests to explore immersive habitats and discover new sights and sounds that captivate and inspire visitors and bird-lovers of all ages. Located in Allegheny Commons Park, the National Aviary is the largest indoor bird zoo in North America. The popular attraction houses over 500 birds and more than 150 species, with large walk-through habitats that create an experience like no other – an intimate, up-close interaction between visitors and free-flying birds. 

 For more information, visitpittsburgh.com