Pittsburgh Opens event aims to draw people Downtown

Editor’s note: The location of Thursday’s event was incorrect in the original version of this story.

The second Pittsburgh Opens event — one in a series of gatherings meant to bring people back to the city’s Downtown area — is scheduled to be held Thursday.

The event is slated to run from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at PPG Plaza. A parade celebrating the city’s minor-league basketball champions, the Steel City Yellow Jackets, will begin at 6 p.m. at the City-County Building on Grant Street and march to Market Square.

The Pittsburgh Opens series launched last month with a goal of revitalizing Downtown following the covid-19 pandemic.

”We are excited to be able to bring together this celebration of the Yellow Jackets victory with our Pittsburgh Opens celebration of music, arts, food and culture of Pittsburgh,” Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said.

In addition to the city, the event is being sponsored by Allegheny County, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and corporate sponsors.

Free, live music will feature NASH.V.ILL and Sierra Sellers. A variety of food and drink options will be available, including Gosia’s Pierogies, Atria’s and Pittsburgh Mobile Bars featuring Goodlander draft cocktails.

Activities will include oversize Jenga and Connect 4 games, cornhole, giveaways and a 360-degree photo booth. People will have a chance to win Pirates tickets, VIP batting practice access, autographed baseballs and other merchandise.

“The influx of Pirates fans to our city will have a positive impact on area businesses when it is needed more than any other time in recent memory,” Pirates President Travis Williams said.

Attendees also will be able to get a Downtown Pittsburgh EDGE card, which provides special offers and discounts at more than 40 Downtown restaurants and retailers.