Three Rivers Arts Festival to be shorter this year

Downtown Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Arts Festival will be shorter this year.

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust spokesman Derek Scalzott confirmed the festival will be held June 5-8 — four days. The Arts Festival is typically 10 days.

“The Cultural Trust is committed to serving the community, and this free festival is a major part of that commitment,” Scalzott said.

“We’ll assess festival length for 2026 and beyond next year but the temporary logistical circumstances of 2025 — multiple exciting downtown renovation projects underway — mean the shorter duration is required to make it happen.”

The Cultural Trust will soon provide a location update, and additional details on the festival, Scalzott said.

Last year’s festival took place on Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Rachel Carson Bridge and surrounding streets. The Artist Market featured more than 300 regional and national artists. It also features food and drink vendors and live entertainment.

Officials are also looking to the future, which they say includes a new Eighth Street block civic space in the Cultural District. This could be ready by 2026.

“The Eighth Street Block Civic Space will be a brand-new, four-acre civic space in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District,” Scalzott said. “The private property will be designed for public use, in line with the Cultural Trust’s mission to serve the community.”

That upgrade was released by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh in June. It’s part of a Downtown revitalization plan announced by officials in anticipation of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

Scalzott said the Eighth Street space will host festivals and performances, exhibit public art and “offer a comfortable destination to relax with friends and family.”

Other amenities include a bandshell, and outdoor play area for families, and public restrooms. It could also feature temporary sports courts, pop-up markets, and food and beverage offerings, Scalzott said.

“We can’t wait to welcome the entire community to the new 8th Street Block Civic Space in 2026, which will provide a spectacular new destination for local residents and millions of annual visitors to Pittsburgh’s Cultural District,” said Kendra Whitlock Ingram, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.