Artist markets and specialty events pop up around the region all the time. We’ve tracked down 12 great options for you to check out because life is full of art choices.
I Made It! Market – Bakery Square Summer Series
The I Made It! Market summer pop-up market series is in Bakery Square on select Saturdays through September. The events feature a mix of artists and the artists/vendors at each event can vary. Event Dates: Saturday, July 24 2P-7P | Saturday, August 21 2P-7P | Saturday, September 25 2P-7P. Free admission.
Pittsburgh Art Jam
The Pittsburgh Art Jam in Wilkinsburg is not actually an outdoor market, but it’s pretty unique which is why it’s worth including in our guide. At the art jam, the art is a live experience – artists from a variety of ages and backgrounds create art in real-time. The event “brings the community together using original art production for the catalyst for a fun experience.” There will be live bands, drum circles, fire dancers, and potluck food/beverages too. Event Date: Saturday, July 24 6P-11P. Tickets required.
Vandergrift Art Fest
There will be 75 artists and vendors at this year’s Vandergrift Art Fest. The event also includes live music, dance groups, family fun, and food. Event Date: Sunday, July 25 Noon-8P. Free admission.
Saturday Night Markets in Market Square
On Saturday nights head to Market Square for the Saturday Night Markets. It’s a pop-up shopping market mixed with a festival. There are vendors and entertainers from 5P-10P each Saturday until October 30. Free admission.
The Neighborhood Flea
Head down to the Strip (between 26h & Railroad St) on the second Sunday of each month through October 10 to enjoy The Neighborhood Flea. This is an open-air, curated flea market. Event Dates: Sunday, August 8 10A-3P | Sunday, September 12 10A-3P | Sunday, October 10 10A-3P. Free admission.
Picklesburgh
Lovers of all things pickle can head to Picklesburgh when it returns to the Andy Warhol (7th Street) Bridge. Take your pick-le of what to enjoy — from Pickled foods, pickled drinks, and pickle merch to live music and more. Event Dates: Friday, August 20 Noon–10P | Saturday, August 21 Noon–10P | Sunday, August 22 Noon-6P. Free admission.
The Art Festival on Walnut Street
Capping off the month of August is The Art Festival on Walnut Street in Shadyside. National and local artists take over Walnut Street for two days. Peruse their work for free and get tempted to purchase something for your personal collection. Event Dates: Saturday, August 28 10A-5P | Sunday, August 29 from 10A-5P. Free admission.
Squirrel Hill Night Market
The Squirrel Hill Night Market (located on Murray Ave) is a free, outdoor street festival featuring 75+ “I Made It!” Market artists where you’ll find live music, performers, art, food trucks, and kid activities. Event Dates: Saturday, August 28th 6P-10P | Saturday, October 2 6P-10P. Free admission.
Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Labor Day Festival
If you’re looking for a mega-sized arts and crafts event, head to the Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Labor Day Festival in Greensburg. Over 180 exhibits take over the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds for the 4-day long event featuring a marketplace, food, and live music. Event Dates: Friday, September 3 10A-5P | Saturday, September 4 10A-6P | Sunday, September 5 10A-6P | Monday, September 6 10A-5P. Tickets required.
A Fair in the Park
The Craftsman’s Guild of Pittsburgh’s A Fair in the Park takes place in Mellon Park in Shadyside. This contemporary fine art and craft festival features 100+ regional and national artists. The event is free and held rain or shine. Event Dates: Friday, September 10 1P-7P | Saturday, September 11 10A-7P | Sunday, September 12 10A-5P. Free admission.
Exhibit at Oglebayfest
Head down to Oglebay, West Virginia for the largest Wheeling area arts festival. Called “Oglebayfest” this event is two-pronged — with an Artists Market of artists and crafters from the tri-state region as well as a Gourmet Market of food vendors. Saturday will also feature a parade and fireworks. Event Dates: Friday, October 1 Noon-7P | Saturday, October 2 10A-7P | Sunday, October 3 10A-5P. Free admission.
Mount Lebanon Artists’ Market
The Mt. Lebanon Artists’ Market is a juried arts festival featuring between 60-80 booths of a variety of artists working in a variety of media. Food and entertainment are also planned. Event Dates: Saturday, October 2 10A-5P | Sunday, October 3 10A-5P. Free admission.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.