The Thaw: New 3-Weekend Festival To Debut In Market Square

PITTSBURGH, PA — A new free festival in Downtown Pittsburgh will debut over the next three weekends. Called The Thaw, the event will celebrate the changing of the seasons with music, immersive entertainment and community festivities.

“Each weekend offers a fresh experience with a unique theme, inviting everyone to embrace the season of renewal in style," said Jeremy Waldrup, CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, which is presenting the festival. "Whether you’re here to experience incredible live music, enjoy family-friendly activities, or unwind with a pub vibe, The Thaw has something for everyone.”

Here's what to expect:

WEEKEND 1 (March 8-9): ICE & SNOW CELEBRATION

The Thaw's first weekend will feature ice sculptures, live carvings, and an 18-foot ice luge for kids. From 12 p.m.-4 p.m., kids can enjoy a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, science experiments and an instrument petting zoo. Billy Price will perform March 8 from 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. and Beauty Slap will perform on March 9 from 6 p.m.-6:45 p.m. and 7 p.m.-7:45 p.m.

Other highlights include:

• Ice Creations: Watch the artists from Ice Creations carve intricate sculptures live at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day.
• The Lounge: Fun continues with drag shows (Saturday), plus pub trivia (Sunday).
• Photo Opportunities: Interactive ice sculptures and a large inflatable snow globe will offer the perfect backdrop for selfies.

WEEKEND 2 (March 15-17): SHAMROCK & ROLL

Opening at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, a celebration of Irish culture and music takes over Market Square, with performances from the best local Irish bands. There also will be Irish whiskey tastings, an authentic ‘Pub On The Square’ and a pop-up cocktail lounge.

The entertainment offerings:

• Saturday, March 15: The Low Kings (8 p.m.-10 p.m.)
• Sunday, March 16: Rich Patrick Trio (1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.), Bealtaine (3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.), Z Town Street Band (6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.)
• Monday, March 17: Michael Lindner (5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.), Bastard Bearded Irishmen (7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.)

WEEKEND 3 (March 21-23): WARM UP MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Thaw's final weekend will feature a ceremonial snowman burning to welcome the first days of spring. There also will be live music, fire pits and fire performances.

The weekend's entertainment:

• Friday, March 21: Paging Doctor Moon (6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.), Sneezy (8:30 p.m.-10 p.m.)
• Saturday, March 22: Posterchild (1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.), Tony from Bowling (3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.), Illiterate Light (8:30 p.m.-10 p.m.)
• Sunday, March 23: Melissa Quinn Fox (1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.), Hillbilly Biscuits (4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.), Dani Rose (6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.)

Kids can enjoy craft activities, face painting, and special educational programs from local organizations like the Pittsburgh Zoo, Carnegie Science Center and more.

The Lounge will have rotating drag performances, trivia, an Irish pub experience, specialty themed cocktails and more throughout each weekend.