As the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival kicks off, artists from across the region and around the country will gather in the 14-block cultural district starting Friday for 10 days of free art and music events.
Taking place from around Point State Park for the third year in a row, the festival will feature multiple stage performances, gallery exhibits, public art installations, activities for all ages and a lively artist market open daily from noon to 8 p.m. .
“We are excited to welcome visitors back to Pittsburgh’s Cultural District in this year’s festival’s updated layout,” Sarah Aziz, interim vice president of programs and DEAI program manager for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, said in a statement.
Aziz calls the free festival “a unique celebration in Pittsburgh every summer.”
The festival isn’t the only event happening this weekend, so prepare accordingly—country star Kenny Chesney will be in town on Saturday, which is also Pittsburgh Pride Weekend.
The good news is that the forecast looks dry for much of Friday and Saturday, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Tim Cermak. Temperatures should be in the 60s and 70s, with a chance of reaching the 80s on Saturday.
“That’s good news for the (rainy) weather we’ve been having lately,” Cermak said. “Showers are possible Saturday night and then during the day on Sunday.”
Parking/Traffic/Street Closures
The Trust recommends checking ParkPGH.org to find out which garages are open and how many parking spaces are available. There are thousands of parking spaces in the Cultural District and thousands more around the North Shore.
For those traveling by bicycle, visit BikePGH.org. Free bike valet parking is available at the Trust Oasis on Seventh Street downtown. Enter from Fort Duquesne Avenue or Payne Avenue.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is another mode of transportation that includes light rail, ramps, buses and rideshare paratransit. Find more information here.
During the festival, much of Fort Duquesne Avenue and surrounding streets will be closed throughout the weekend. The north side near Allegheny Commons Park is also closed for Pride events.
Artist Market/Gallery
The Artist Market will feature more than 300 regional and national artists selling glass, wood, fine art, jewelry and handbags, photography, pottery and ceramics, leather and more.
During these 10 days, the artist will be changed.
The trust’s multiple gallery spaces will be open daily from 12:30pm to 6:30pm.
SPACE Gallery will present Furry Friends, an exhibition that celebrates the many ways animals enrich lives, challenge perspectives and inspire creativity.
“Wind,” a public art project commissioned by internationally renowned Pittsburgh artists Lenka Clayton and Phillip Andrew Lewis, is on display. The exhibition contains 200 sculptures installed on the branches of more than 90 trees throughout the cultural district.
“40 Years Later: Revisiting the 1984 Three Rivers Art Festival” allows guests to experience the nostalgia of the summer of 1984 at 707 Penn Gallery.
“Life is Good, But Weird at the Same Time” is an exhibition of disabled artists from VaultArt Studio at 820 Liberty Gallery, featuring more than 100 works.
“Waves Wednesday: Where Does Your Christ Come From?” Located at 937 Liberty Gallery.
“Anthropology of Maternity,” an exhibition at the Byham Theater exploring the culture of caring, is making its ninth appearance at the festival.
on stage
The Dollar Bank Main Stage will be located at the intersection of Fort Duquesne Avenue and Ninth Street. Opening night included a performance by Illinois-born country singer, songwriter and actor Pokey LaFarge. Lafarge will take the stage on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The adjacent Ninth Street Rachel Carson Bridge will feature a Green Mountain Energy Stage halfway across the span. It will offer twice-daily entertainment such as live music, literary readings and other activities.
The Backyard Stage at Eighth and Pennsylvania Avenues will feature performances by local and regional artists.
detail: traf.trustarts.org
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the area’s diverse food scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. Award-winning journalist Edward R. Murrow began his career as a sportswriter. She has worked with the tribe for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” You can contact her at jharrop@triblive.com.
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