2026 Draft Weekend is headed to Pittsburgh from Thursday, April 23 to Saturday, April 25, 2026, and Steel City is ready to roll out the red carpet for top draft picks and visitors alike. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or simply looking for an excuse to explore one of America’s premier sports cities, this guide covers everything you need to see, do, and eat for an unforgettable draft weekend in Pittsburgh. Header Image Credit: Pittsburgh Steelers
1. Run the Picksburgh Draft Day 5K
Channel your own inner athlete during the Picksburgh Draft Day 5K on Saturday, April 25. Starting at 7:30 a.m., this spirited one-time-only run takes participants through the heart of Pittsburgh to feel the electric buzz surrounding the Draft. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just in it for the fun atmosphere, the race is a great way to see the city, get your blood pumping, and join fellow fans in celebrating one of city's biggest weekends of the year. Although no specific "last day to register" is listed, this is a high-profile event and it is recommended to register early.
Photo Credit: Steelers
2. Embrace football history at the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum
The Steelers Hall of Honor Museum on the North Shore celebrates the team's incredible legacy with interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and tributes to the players and coaches who built the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty. The museum features six Super Bowl trophies and large displays honoring Steelers legends like Franco Harris, Terry Bradshaw, and Mean Joe Greene.
3. Cross the Roberto Clemente Bridge like a true Pittsburgh sports fan
No Pittsburgh sports experience is complete without walking across the Roberto Clemente Bridge. On game days and for special events like the Draft, this bright yellow bridge closes to traffic and becomes a pedestrian walkway connecting downtown to the North Shore. It's the same path thousands of Steelers fans take to Acrisure Stadium and, during Draft Weekend, you'll be following in their footsteps.
4. Set sail on Gateway Clipper's Three Rivers Cruise
Hop aboard a Gateway Clipper Fleet cruise and see Pittsburgh from a whole new perspective. For over 50 years, the Gateway Clipper has sailed the city’s rivers, offering sightseeing tours that highlight its skyline and rich history. The Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise is the perfect way to spend an afternoon during Draft weekend, taking in iconic landmarks and discovering why Pittsburgh is called the "City of Bridges"—all 446 of them!
5. Say hello to Visit Pittsburgh's #1 giraffe pick at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Take a walk on the wild side during Draft Weekend with a visit to the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, home to Visit Pittsburgh’s #1 giraffe pick. Located in Highland Park, this beloved attraction spans 77 acres and features more than 8,000 animals from around the world. The giraffes are a fan favorite, offering an up-close experience that’s perfect for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re strolling through the African Savanna or exploring the Aquarium, the zoo is an easy, family-friendly way to balance the high energy of Draft Weekend with something a little more laid-back.
Photo Credit: Julie Kahlbaugh
6. Sip your way behind the scenes on a Wigle Whiskey Distillery tour
Wigle Whiskey Distillery is the most awarded craft distillery in the country by the American Craft Spirits Association. This two-time James Beard-nominated spot offers Friday and Saturday distillery tours that walk you through Pittsburgh's whiskey-spiked history, from the Whiskey Rebellion to today's craft spirits renaissance. The tour includes tastings of their award-winning rye and bourbon whiskey, gin, and rum, which are all made from scratch using organic, local grains.
7. Get your heart racing at Kennywood Amusement Park
If you're looking for some thrills beyond the field, Kennywood Amusement Park opens for the 2026 season on April 18, just days before 2026 Draft Weekend. Located just a 30 minute drive from downtown in West Mifflin, this historic amusement park has been a Pittsburgh tradition since 1898, offering classic wooden roller coasters and modern thrill rides. Kennywood is home to some of the most iconic rides in the country, including Phantom's Revenge, a steel coaster that reaches speeds of 85 mph, and the Steel Curtain - PA's tallest roller coaster. Opening weekend at Kennywood is the perfect way to kick off the warmer months and add some extra excitement to your Draft weekend trip.
Photo Credit: Julie Kahlbaugh
8. Shop and eat your way through the Strip District
Pittsburgh's Strip District is a historic, vibrant neighborhood along the Allegheny River that is packed with specialty food shops, fresh markets, and some of the best restaurants in Pennsylvania. Start your morning at the bustling outdoor vendors where you can grab fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and Pittsburgh-made goods, then work your way through the neighborhood's incredible dining scene. The Strip District is also your spot for iconic Pittsburgh eats— be sure to grab a Primanti Bros sandwich stacked high with fries and coleslaw at the original location.
9. Stop and smell the season of flowers at Phipps Conservatory
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers a peaceful escape into nature right in the heart of Pittsburgh. This stunning Victorian glasshouse has been a Pittsburgh treasure since 1893, and its home to some of the most beautiful botanical displays you'll find anywhere. You'll be in town just in time to catch Phipps showcasing its annual Spring Flower Show: True Colors, on display daily from March 28 to April 26, 2026.
10. Go full pop-art at The Andy Warhol Museum
Did you know Pittsburgh is the birthplace of Pop Art legend Andy Warhol? The Andy Warhol Museum, located on the North Shore, is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist. This seven-story museum houses an incredible collection of Warhol's art, films, and archives from his iconic Campbell's Soup Cans to his Marilyn Monroe prints.
Photo Credit: Visit PITTSBURGH
11. Ride the Duquesne Incline to Mt. Washington for a skyline view
The Duquesne Incline, a historic cable car, has been carrying passengers up a steep hillside since 1877 to see the city's famous skyline. The incline itself is a piece of history, with wooden cars and original machinery that's been lovingly maintained for nearly 150 years. From the Mt. Washington overlook, you'll see the Golden Triangle where Pittsburgh's three rivers meet, the downtown cityscape, the North Shore sports stadiums, and the bridges that make Pittsburgh what it is today.
12. Make a night of exploring Lawrenceville
Spend an evening in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood hopping between nationally acclaimed restaurants like Apteka, where chefs Kate Lasky and Tomasz Skowronski serve inventive Central and Eastern European–inspired vegan dishes, before continuing your culinary tour at Pusadee’s Garden, known for its elevated Thai cuisine and enchanting garden patio. Between bites, browse indie boutiques or pop into local art galleries.
13. Take a day trip to Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater
Looking for an adventure before or after your Draft weekend? Make an easy drive to Fallingwater, one of the most famous houses and pieces of architecture in the world. Located only 90 minutes southeast of Pittsburgh via I-76 E, US-119, or I-376 E in the Laurel Highlands, this architectural masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright is built directly over a waterfall, creating a seamless blend of nature and design that is especially beautiful during spring season.
Learn more about how to get around and discover additional things to do during the 2026 Draft in Pittsburgh on Visit Pittsburgh’s website. Now is also the perfect time to start planning your America 250 getaway with our getaway guide.