All eyes are focused on Pittsburgh this year with the upcoming NFL Draft in April.
But what many people might not realize is that 2026 is set to be one of the biggest event years in the city yet, according to Jerad Bachar, president and CEO of VisitPittsburgh.
“The draft is a cornerstone for the entire year,” he said, alongside numerous other notable milestones.
Bachar emphasized the unique events and anniversaries happening in Pittsburgh in 2026.
Pittsburgh Glass Center’s 25th anniversary
In February, Pittsburgh Glass Center will begin its 25th anniversary celebration with an exhibition titled “Gathered Locally.”
Part of the center’s HOT Jam series, which occurs on the first Friday of every month, this exhibition will run from 6-9 p.m. on Feb. 6 — and showcase the artwork of 100 local artists. The event is free, according to its website.
The “Gathered Locally” exhibition itself will run from Feb. 2 through April 19, according to VisitPittsburgh.
Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Championship
This March, PPG Paints Arena will host the Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Championship.
Running from March 11 through March 15, the game times can be found on the Atlantic 10 website.
Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster. An all-session pass is available for purchase, as well as just a championship weekend pass for Saturday and Sunday.
2026 NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is expected to bring 500,000 to 700,000 fans over the three-day event, according to the tourism agency VisitPittsburgh.
Running from April 23-25, the draft is expected to be the largest tourist event in Pittsburgh’s history.
59th Carnegie International
Global arts will take center stage this May in Pittsburgh with the 59th Carnegie International at the Carnegie Museum of Art.
Running from May 2 through Jan. 3, 2027, the Carnegie International is the longest-running exhibition of international art in North America and is organized every four years by Carnegie Museum of Art.
It’s among the world’s most prestigious recurring art exhibitions, VisitPittsburgh said.
Morgan Wallen tour
In June, country singer Morgan Wallen will bring his “Still the Problem” tour to Acrisure Stadium.
There will be two nights of the tour in Pittsburgh: Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6.
Tickets are still on sale for both nights via Ticketmaster, with prices ranging from around $150 per seat to over $1,000 per seat.
Grand opening of Arts Landing
After a soft launch in April, Arts Landing is set to host its grand opening in June in the Cultural District, according to VisitPittsburgh.
The four-acre, multi-use venue includes a great lawn, a sculptural bandshell for live performances, a Garden Walk that will be used for public art installations, a family-friendly play area and more.
Anthrocon’s 20th anniversary
The furries will once again descend on Pittsburgh for Anthrocon. But this July will be special, as it’s Anthrocon’s 20th anniversary.
Anthrocon is the annual furry convention at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center that attracts thousands of people who don animal costumes. This year, the convention will run from July 2-5, according to its website.
Every summer, anthropomorphics, otherwise known as furries — people dressed as human-like animal characters — travel from all over the world to the city for the four-day event. The group is a collection of artists, animators, writers, costumers, puppeteers and anyone who enjoys cartoon animals.
America’s 250th birthday
On July 4, the United States will celebrate its Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The America250 national website has more details and lists events around the country.
Pennsylvania has its own America250 PA website as well, which will be updated with events and information in the state for the milestone.
America 250
In Pittsburgh, the city will hold its Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular to celebrate the 250th anniversary, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will host “America 250” at the Benedum Center, which will include George Balanchine’s patriotic and jubilant “Stars and Stripes Pas de deux,” and the Heinz History Center will celebrate with exhibits and stories of Western Pennsylvania’s impact on the American experience.
There will also be a free concert June 27 at Point State Park, according to Bachar.
