About Pittsburgh
The Steel City may have a proud industrial past, but it’s a very different beast today from what it was like in the days of the Carnegies and Mellons. In fact, Pittsburgh is a vibrant city with a surprisingly diverse range of attractions on offer — no matter what your interests.
We’re talking museums covering everything from baseball to Andy Warhol, beautiful parks and gardens, a legendary food scene, and outdoor activities galore. Throw in a packed calendar of cultural events and festivals and it’s easy to see why Pittsburgh is so easy to love.
Here’s how to make your celebration a highly-anticipated inclusion on Pittsburgh’s annual events calendar.
Event Options in Pittsburgh
When you’re organizing an event, it’s important to find the best local professionals to help provide all the party essentials. Happily, in a city like Pittsburgh, there are plenty of great event companies to choose from.
- Catering
Whether you’re just looking for some basic finger food or a three-course meal with all the trimmings, finding the right caterer is crucial. Shop around to find a Pittsburgh catering company that can customize a menu to suit your taste and budget.
- Equipment Rental
If you’re lucky, the Pittsburgh event venue you choose will have everything you need for a smooth and seamless event. However, if you need extra supplies like seating, lighting, sound equipment, or even party games, check out what local event rental services have to offer.
- Event Planners
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the task in front of you, why not engage the services of an experienced Pittsburgh event planner? They can do everything from choosing the best event venues in Pittsburgh to organizing catering, decor, entertainment, and more, saving you a whole lot of time and stress.
Event Companies in Pittsburgh
Which companies can help you make your event memorable for all the right reasons? Here are a few options you may like to consider.
- Mosaic
Established in 2001, Mosaic is a linen rental service that can cater to a wide range of events. With more than 20 years of experience, the team can offer dinner napkins, table runners, pillows, throws, drapes, and a whole lot more.
- Remo’s Catering
Remo’s Catering has been servicing the Pittsburgh area for over 25 years. Whether you want a simple drop-off, a picnic, a pig roast, or full-service catering, Remo’s has menus to suit a variety of occasions.
- Windswept Entertainment & Event Rentals
An events rental company that has been servicing the Pittsburgh area since 1991, Windswept Entertainment & Event Rentals has equipment for everything from weddings and galas to corporate events. The range includes crockery, tents, tables, chairs, linens, and plenty more.
Pros and Cons of Events in Pittsburgh
Just like with every city, Pittsburgh has its good and bad points. But you just have to work around things to make your function a success.
Advantages
- Great cultural attractions
From the Andy Warhol Museum and the Roberto Clemente Museum to a packed calendar of festivals, Pittsburgh offers a huge range of cultural attractions.
- Abundant outdoor activities
If you love hiking, biking, or just being amongst nature, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy right on your doorstep. And if you’re holding an outdoor event, there’s no shortage of Pittsburgh event venues that can help you make the most of being outside.
- Excellent food scene
From sandwiches with fries and coleslaw to cuisines from all over the globe, Pittsburgh boasts a wonderful and diverse food scene. That’s good news when it comes time to find the best caterer for your Pittsburgh event.
- Four seasons
Pittsburgh is one of those cities lucky enough to experience all four seasons. This means a diverse range of scenery and experiences are on offer all year round, and means your event can have a completely different vibe depending on what time of year it’s held.
- Affordable
Pittsburgh is an affordable place to live, so putting on an event costs less here than it does in other parts of the country.
Disadvantages
- Cloudy weather
Pittsburgh is one of the cloudiest cities in the United States, with over 300 cloudy days each year. So if you’re planning an outdoor event, don’t count on it being a sunny day.
- Freezing winters
Winter in Pittsburgh can be bitingly cold, so keep the conditions in mind if any part of your event will be held outdoors.
- Traffic
Like many major cities, Pittsburgh has its own problems with traffic congestion. Remember to consider ease of access for drivers when choosing an event venue in Pittsburgh.
- Public transport
The public transport network in Pittsburgh is good in some areas but disappointing in others. Make sure you check out the public transport options available when selecting an event venue in Pittsburgh.
- Humid summers
Summer in Pittsburgh can be quite hot and humid, so you might want to look for a Pittsburgh event venue with quality A/C if holding your event at this time of year.
Famous Locations in Pittsburgh
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Fancy getting back to nature? This lush patch of greenery in the neighborhood of Oakland has been offering beautiful garden experiences since 1893. With 23 gardens and a glasshouse spread across 15 acres, it’s well worth exploring for a couple of hours or more. If you’d like to party amidst old-world style just a stone’s throw from the Botanical Gardens, book a charming library space nearby for your next event.
- Mount Washington
If you want to take in the best views of Pittsburgh, a visit to Mount Washington is a must. You’ll find sensational skyline views in this popular neighborhood, while your taste buds are also in for a treat along the area’s “Restaurant Row”.
- Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Located in Highland Park, this popular attraction is a must-visit for any animal lover. From penguins and polar bears to African elephants, giraffes, and red pandas, this zoo offers animal encounters of all shapes and sizes.