Kenny Chesney, Arts Festival Likely To Prompt Pittsburgh Parking Woes

PITTSBURGH, PA — Uh-oh.

The annual Three Rivers Arts Festival begins Friday and is expected to attract throngs to the Downtown Pittsburgh Cultural District this weekend. On Saturday, country music superstar Kenny Chesney is expected to draw more than 60,000 people for a concert at Acrisure Stadium on the North Shore.

The situation could create quite the parking conundrum, as seemingly contradictory advice is being given on how to secure a space in areas where few - if any - will be available. That's provided you're able to get Downtown or to the North Shore to hunt for one in the first place.

"Parking doesn't have to be an obstacle," the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, which organizes the arts festival, advises on the festival website.

"Thousands of parking spots are in the Cultural District alone. Don't forget about options on the North Shore, which is a beautiful walk over the Allegheny River away."

Not so fast, says the Acrisure Stadium website.

"There will be limited parking available on the North Shore to purchase on the day of the concert," the website states. "Please be aware that on-street parking (on the North Shore) is prohibited on Saturday and will result in your vehicle being towed."

Where and how best to park then? One option, according to the Acrisure website is to park Downtown and ride the T to the North Shore.

Both the Cultural Trust and stadium officials advise people to rely on Pittsburgh Regional Transit if possible.

The Cultural Trust also is urging the use of its real-time parking website, ParkPGH.org, where people can see precisely how many spaces are available in garages throughout the Cultural District and beyond.

Acrisure officials suggest parking at Station Square and then taking the Gateway Clipper Fleet to the North Shore for the Chesney show.

Patch's recommendation for getting Downtown or to the North Shore on Saturday no matter what your means of transportation: Allow yourself plenty of extra time.