10 Free Things to Do in Pittsburgh

You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a good time in the city of Pittsburgh. There are many things to do in Pittsburgh that won't cost you a penny. Check out these 10 free Pittsburgh activities.

Take a walk around one of the area's beautiful parks. There are over 15 miles of running and biking paths that run through the city and connect to the river fronts. With 2,500 acres of public parks, there's much to see and it's completely free.

Attend a poetry reading. Carnegie Library, Slaughterhouse Gallery, Hemingways, and City Books are just a few of the numerous venues that host poetry readings and open mic nights. Most of these scheduled activities are free.

Watch a movie in your favorite park. Cinema in The Park is a great event sponsored by Comcast. At dusk (usually around 9pm), Pittsburgh's favorite parks turn into outdoor movie theaters. Schenley Park, East Liberty, West End/Elliott Overlook, Brookline Memorial Park, Arsenal Park, Grandview Park, and Riverview Park all participate. Bring a blanket and enjoy a free movie.

Listen to a band at the Southside Works or Station Square. Throughout the summer, Southside Works hosts street parties that feature free live music. Every Friday in July and August Station Square hosts a 'Street Jam' which also offers free music and activities.

Visit one of the overlooks on Grandview Avenue in Mt. Washington. You can't put a price on the beautiful view of the city from Mt. Washington. Try to get there to watch the sun set and you won't regret it. In 2003, USA Today declared the nighttime view from Mt. Washington in Pittsburgh the second most beautiful sight in America.

Visit the Nationality Rooms in University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning. There are 26 Nationality rooms in the Cathedral of Learning. Designed by the various ethnic groups that live in the county, each room displays the crafts, culture and architecture that help make Pittsburgh such a diverse city.
(If you want a tour, it's $3.00-- almost free!)

Tailgate at a local sporting event. You don't have to have a ticket to the game to enjoy the numerous Pittsburgh sporting events. Tailgating can be just as fun! Whether you're cheering for the Pirates, Steelers, or Penguins, wear your black and gold and head to the stadium or arena. Pittsburgh fans are generous towards other Pittsburgh fans so you might get a free beer or hot dog.

Take a walk in the Strip District. There is always something going on in 'the strip'. Pittsburgh's warehouse district is known for its unique shops, so walk along the strip and take a look around. The best time to visit is a Saturday morning when all of the street vendors are out and about.

Visit the Carnegie Main Library. With varying free events, monthly book discussion groups, a film lounge, and thousands of titles under its roof there's always something to do at Carnegie Library.

Picnic at Point State Park. Pack a sandwich and head to the 'the point'-- the area where the three rivers meet. Eat in the park or around the fountain.