Pittsburgh Weekend Guide: Steelers Party, Parade & More

PITTSBURGH, PA — The weather is expected to be perfect, so there's no reason to stay at home during an action-packed weekend in Pittsburgh. Multiple events will attract tens of thousands of people Downtown and the North Shore each day for a parade, musical events and the Steelers home opener.

Here are some fun events Patch recommends you attend:

• St. Patrick's Day Parade, Sept. 18, 10 a.m., Liberty Avenue at Grant Street, Downtown.

No, it's not March, but COVID-19 has caused conventionality to be tossed out the window. Pittsburgh has one of the nation's most popular St. Patrick's Day parades, usually with more than 20,000 participants and more than 250,000 spectators lining the Downtown parade route. How many people will turn out to watch this odd September affair is unknown.

• Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Sept. 17-19, various times, August Wilson African American Cultural Center and Benedum Center, Downtown.

The festival kicks off with the legendary Chaka Khan, leading into two full days of performances by jazz stars, Marcus Miller, Dianne Reeves, Kenny Garrett, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Patrice Rushen, and Eddie Palmieri. Also appearing will be artists such as Gregory Porter, Lakecia Benjamin, Jazzmeia Horn and others.

• Dan + Shay, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m., PPG Paints Arena.

The Grammy-award winning duo, featuring Pittsburgh-area native Dan Smyers, are touring in support of their new album "Good Things."

• Penn Brewery Oktoberfest, Sept. 17, 18, 5:30 p.m.-12 a.m.; Sept. 19, 12 p.m.-9 p.m., Penn Brewery, North Side.

Fresh beer, German food, and live oompah music always are a winning combination. You have to be 21 or older to attend Friday and Saturday; Sunday's festivities are for all ages. There's no cover charge, but VIP packages are available.

• Steelers Tailgate Zone, Sept. 19, 9 a.m., Stage AE, North Shore.

Open before every home game at Heinz Field, the region’s largest tailgate event is the place to be before watching the Steelers crush the Las Vegas Raiders. Stage AE offers free admission, live music, food and drink specials and the chance to win prizes and autographed items. Bon Journey will play from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

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