The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is excited to announce the featured line-up for the 2023 EQT Children’s Theater Festival taking place in the Cultural District May 19 - 21. Now in its 37th year, the EQT Children’s Theater Festival, a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, continues to foster imagination through high-quality professional theater performances from around the world. This year’s featured arts groups and performers hail from Australia, Canada, France, Madagascar, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States.
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2023 Featured Shows |
The Gruffalo | Byham Theater
Tall Stories | United Kingdom
Part of the 2023 Children’s Theater season
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Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. While searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?
A much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world, The Gruffalo now comes to the Byham Theater to bring songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups!
Age Recommendations: Best ages 3 and up
Fri, May 19, 2023 10:00 AM Get Tickets HERE
Sun, May 21, 2023 10:00 AM Get Tickets HERE
It’s Okay to Be Different | Byham Theater
Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia | Canada
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It’s Okay to Be Different, based on the classic stories of bestselling author Todd Parr, explores important and timely subjects with his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity. Join us for three stories full of color, wonder and fun as Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia blends innovative puppetry techniques with playful original music to demonstrate how to be kind to others, the world around us, and ourselves!
Age Recommendations: Best for ages 3 to 7 years
Sun, May 21, 2023 3:30 PM Get Tickets HERE *Sensory Friendly
Buoyant SEA | Trust Arts Education Center, Peirce Studio
Hiawatha Project, presented in partnership with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust | USA
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In “Buoyant Sea” a new show from the acclaimed theater-making company, Hiawatha Project, young children sing and splash together along with their grown-ups in a “water-table-play” about the joy of togetherness. Come along with the ever-exuberant character of MC, and the timid, yet wise character of CC, as they row together through misty rivers and explore the icy arctic with story, song, and participatory play. Together this pair of best friends discover that when the world changes around us, like water, we can adapt, flow, and float up again.
*Buoyant SEA takes place in an unconventional setting featuring a large water table with smaller basins that can accommodate 20-25 young children. Audience members should dress comfortably, and prepare for lots of fun and some splashing. Grownups and other audience members are able to sit further back from the stage to observe or if they do not wish to participate in the water play.
Age Recommendations: Best for ages 18 months to 4 years with Caregiver
Fri, May 19, 2023 10:30 AM Get Tickets HERE
Sun, May 21, 2023 10:00 AM Get Tickets HERE
Sun, May 21, 2023 10:00 AM
Hiccup | PNC Theatre at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse
Windmill Theatre Co | Australia
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It’s a perfect, balmy night in the outback. A sleep-deprived camper, a cheeky quokka, and an emu with a penchant for creating wild inventions awake to discover that a koala has come down with a stubborn and ear-shatteringly loud case of the hiccups.
The three embark on an epic journey throughout the night that sees them frantically eat, sing and invent their way towards a cure before the sun comes up.
Brought to the USA by Australia’s Windmill Theatre Co. and the designer of Bluey’s Big Play, Hiccup is a hilarious rocking musical extravaganza about working together, finding friendship, and how to – once and for all – stop the hiccups.
Age Recommendations: Best for ages 3 to 9 years
Fri, May 19, 2023 11:30 AM Get Tickets HERE
Sun, May 21, 2023 4:00 PM Get Tickets HERE
A Letter for Elena | Highmark Theatre at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse
A coproduction of Le Petit Théâtre de Sherbrooke & La [parenthèse] / Christophe Garcia | Quebec & France
Part of the 2023 Bridge Theater Series season
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On a summer morning in the countryside, Frank, Lucy, and Aïcha find a multitude of letters on the side of the road, left there just for them. There are messages from everyone, except Elena, their best friend and the fourth of the gang. She remained silent for a reason they could not explain themselves. There had to be a letter from her, and they needed to find it!
Throughout their research, Frank, Lucy, and Aïcha reveal to us, step by step, the words of a whole town saying goodbye: those of a little brother not yet born, with so many questions in his mind, those of a grandfather who’s already in heaven waiting for them, secret words, words that protest, neon words glowing with love… And slowly, they clear up some space.
At the crossroads of theater and dance, A Letter for Elena unfolds itself like a treasure hunt where the path of mourning is slowly drawn, and words take form to say goodbye.
*This show contains bright lights and moments of darkness. It includes themes of loss of a loved one and friendship. Due to the content of this show, tickets will not be sold for children under the age of 7.
Age Recommendations: Must be 7 years or older
Fri, May 19, 2023 11:45 AM Get Tickets HERE
Sun, May 21, 2023 11:45 AM Get Tickets HERE
Sakasaka | Outdoor Space at 7th Street & Penn Avenue
La Compagnie Zolobe | Madagascar
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Sakasaka (meaning “thirsty” in Malagasy) centers on water as its main theme. In this wordless physical comedy, three clowns use the poetry of motion to convey an entertaining story of trying to drink a glass of water while teaching us the importance of water conservation and scarcity. Laugh out loud and learn important lessons as they take you through a journey of dance, music, splashes and joy!
Age Recommendations: Best for ages 3 and up
Fri, May 19, 2023 11:45 AM Get Tickets HERE
Origami Tales | Outdoor Space at 7th Street & Penn Avenue
Kuniko Yamamoto | Japan
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Welcome to the infinite world of paper folding, Origami! Mythological character masks & puppets, amazing flowers and a six-foot-long dragon – all made from origami – set the stage while storyteller Kuniko shares heartfelt stories from ancient Japan. With origami, music and audience participation, you will explore into a magical entry of the East.
Age Recommendations: Best for ages 3 and up
Fri, May 19, 2023 10:00 AM Get Tickets HERE
Sun, May 21, 2023 10:00 AM Get Tickets HERE
Mr. Messado’s School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart
Liberty Magic | USA
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Forget everything you know about magicians pulling rabbits out of top hats. Mr. Messado brings a fresh new take on the age-old art of prestidigitation in Mr. Messado’s School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart. Time-tested through thousands of performances around the world and full of stunning magic and clean comedy, this 60-minute spectacular will fill both teens and adults with wonder! Get to know the mister behind the magic and the rabble-rousing raconteur behind the cape as superstar Mr. Messado engages your family with magic words, interactive tricks, and heartfelt memories in this hilarious performance about a love for entertainment and storytelling.
Age Recommendations: Best for ages 8 and up
Sun, May 21, 2023 2:00 PM Get Tickets HERE
50+ FREE Activities |
"Today I Feel ____": A Letter for Elena Post Show Q&A
Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh
Point Park Playhouse @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Saturday, May 20, 10:00am - 05:00pm
Lobby area - Sunday, May 21, 10:00am - 05:00pm
Lobby area - Friday, May 19, 10:00am - 02:00pm
Lobby area
WATCH Discuss "A Letter for Elena" and grief in an open Q&A with a licensed therapist.
Acetate Collage
Andy Warhol Museum
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
ALL AGES Make your own colorful collage art in the style of Andy Warhol!
Airbrush Tattoo Artist
Mike the Balloon Guy & Company
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 12:00pm - 04:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 12:00pm - 04:00pm
ALL AGES Enjoy amazing airbrush tattoos courtesy of Mike the Balloon Guy & Company!
Art Activities!
Mattress Factory Museum of Contemporary Art
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Friday, May 19 10:00am - 02:00pm
ALL AGES Enjoy a hands-on activity based on Mattress Factory museum exhibitions!
Art in Motion Pittsburgh
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Friday, May 19 10:00am - 02:00pm
ALL AGES Move, make, and learn through whimsical, creative movement!
Baby Zone
Buoyant SEA! Pre-Show
Trust Arts Education Center @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 09:30am - 10:00am
- Saturday, May 20 , 12:00pm - 12:30pm
- Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 10:30am
- Sunday, May 21 , 01:30pm - 02:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 03:00pm - 03:30pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 09:30am - 10:00am
MOVE Enjoy a pre-show play space designated for the smallest theater-goers!
Balloon Artist
Mike the Balloon Guy & Company
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 12:00pm - 04:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 12:00pm - 04:00pm
ALL AGES Enjoy crazy balloon creations courtesy of Mike the Balloon Guy & Company!
Buzzword PGH
Trust Oasis @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
LEARN Sing, dance, and create while learning new words & building vocabulary!
Cajon Drumming
with Vince Wallace
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Sunday, May 21 01:00pm - 01:30pm
ALL AGES Percussive drum performance from Vince Wallace of the Pittsburgh Steeline.
Collage & Color: An Exploration of Our Rivers
Riverlife Pittsburgh
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Friday, May 19 10:00am - 02:00pm
ALL AGES Art, nature and play combine to educate & inspire future riverfront projects.
Craft Time with PGH Park Rangers
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
ALL AGES Get creative & craft!
Create a Suncatcher!
Trust Oasis @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
LEARN Make your own suncatcher & learn about upcoming classes!
Dance! Spin! Play!
with Joanna Abel
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Saturday, May 20 12:15pm - 12:45pm
ALL AGES Enjoy & take part in a dance performance full of spins, kicks, and leaps!
Enchanted Experiences: Alice in Wonderland
Enchanted Experiences
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Friday, May 19 11:30am - 12:00pm
ALL AGES A fun storytime performance with Alice in Wonderland!
Enchanted Experiences: Rapunzel
Enchanted Experiences
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Sunday, May 21 11:30am - 12:00pm
ALL AGES Spread some magic with Rapunzel in this storytime performance.
Enchanted Experiences: Tinkerbell
Enchanted Experiences
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Saturday, May 20 11:30pm - 12:00pm
ALL AGES Live performance & story from Tinkerbell!
Everyone Plays!
Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00pm - 05:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
ALL AGES Enjoy spending time with those you care about with these classic games & building blocks.
Face Painting
Fairytale Princess Visits & Face Paint Pittsburgh
Multiple dates and times
- Saturday, May 20 , 12:00pm - 04:00pm
- Sunday, May 21 , 12:00pm - 04:00pm
ALL AGES Enjoy fast & friendly face painting at this year's EQT Children's Theater Festival.
Giant Puppet Dance Party
Throughout the Cultural District @ Cultural District
Sunday, May 21 12:45pm - 01:15pm
ALL AGES Dance along & take photos with Cheryl Capezzuti's Giant Puppets!
Giant Puppet Dance Party
Giant Puppet Dance Club from Falk Lab School
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Sunday, May 21 12:15pm - 12:45pm
ALL AGES Dance, party & take photos with giant puppets!
Hula Hooping Performance
with Paige Besse
Throughout the Cultural District @ Cultural District
Sunday, May 21 01:00pm - 04:00pm
ALL AGES Delightful & dazzling hula hooping!
Imagination Playground
Point Park Playhouse Courtyard @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
ALL AGES Stack and build with larger-than-life block systems!
Instrument Mini-Lessons
School of Rock South Hills
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Sunday, May 21 10:00am - 05:00pm
ALL AGES Enjoy mini-lessons from the music school training Pittsburgh's next generation of rockstars!
Interactive 3D Chalk Art
The Chalking Dad
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
ALL AGES Amazing three-dimensional chalk art in the Cultural District courtesy of The Chalking Dad!
LEGO Derby Track Races
Steel City LUG
Point Park Playhouse @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
Lobby area - Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
Lobby area - Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
Lobby area
ALL AGES Design, build & race your own LEGO race car!
Let's Play Chess!
Queens Gambit Institute of Pittsburgh
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
ALL AGES Players of all ages & skill levels can learn, play, and experience chess.
Make Your Own Rainbow Fish
Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media
Trust Oasis @ Cultural District
Sunday, May 21 10:00am - 05:00pm
ALL AGES Make a colorful and creative fish with PCA&M!
Message to the Moon!
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Saturday, May 20 10:00am - 05:00pm
ALL AGES Write or draw a message to the Moon!
Miss Cassidy's Music and Dance Party
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:45am - 11:15am
- Friday, May 19 , 10:45am - 11:15am
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:45am - 11:15am
ALL AGES Live dancing, performance, and games for the whole family.
Mission to the Moon!
Moonshot Museum
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Saturday, May 20 02:30pm - 03:00pm
ALL AGES A high-octane lunar science expedition with audience participation!
Moms Demand Action
Trust Oasis @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
ALL AGES Participate in a community art project & learn how to prevent gun violence.
Movement Workshop
Art in Motion Pittsburgh
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Friday, May 19 12:15pm - 12:45pm
ALL AGES Enjoy watching & moving along to a low-impact dance lesson!
Musical Instrument Petting Zoo
UniSound
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Friday, May 19 10:00am - 02:00pm
ALL AGES Learn how to hold and play a variety of brass and string instruments!
O'Ryan the O'Mazing!
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Friday, May 21 , 01:45pm - 02:15pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 01:45pm - 02:15pm
ALL AGES Learn how to face your fears and laugh at failures with O'Ryan the O'Mazing.
Origami Station
Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania
SPACE Gallery @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
ALL AGES Fold & crease your way to fun with origami projects for all ages & skill levels!
Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Sunday, May 21 02:30pm - 03:00pm
ALL AGES Enjoy the various musical stylings of soloists, duets & ensembles from the PYSO.
Princess Encounters
Enchanted Experiences
Throughout the Cultural District @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:30am - 11:30am
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:30am - 11:30am
- Friday, May 19 , 10:30am - 11:30am
ALL AGES Meet & take photos with magical storybook characters!
Rainbow Fish Storytime
Citiparks
Trust Oasis @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
WATCH Enjoy storytime readings of Rainbow Fish with Citiparks!
Roving Art Cart
Citiparks
Trust Oasis @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
MAKE Kids can create hats based on the Rainbow Fish story!
School of Rock South Hills
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Sunday, May 21 03:30pm - 04:30pm
ALL AGES Prepare to rock with Pittsburgh's rockstars of tomorrow!
See & Be Inspired!
with Emily McMahon
Point Park Playhouse @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Saturday, May 20 , 11:00am - 04:30pm
Lobby area - Sunday, May 21 , 11:00am - 04:30pm
Lobby area - Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
Lobby area
ALL AGES Enjoy two craft projects based on featured shows "Hiccup" and "A Letter for Elena"!
Sticker Hut
Point Park Playhouse Courtyard @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
ALL AGES Use fun & colorful stickers to decorate our EQT Children's Theater Festival sticker hut!
Story Corner: Carnival of the Animals
with Katalina Salcedo
Trust Oasis @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 01:30pm - 02:00pm
- Friday, May 19 , 12:30pm - 01:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 01:30pm - 02:00pm
ALL AGES Hop, prance, and sway in the magical story & song of "Carnival of the Animals".
Story Corner: Collaborative Storytelling
with Miss Cassidy
Trust Oasis @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Friday, May 19 , 11:45am - 12:15pm
- Sunday, May 21 , 11:45am - 12:15pm
WATCH Build a story in this interactive experience!
Story Corner: Giraffes Can't Dance
with Joanna Abel
Trust Oasis @ Cultural District
Saturday, May 20 11:30am - 12:00pm
ALL AGES Hear the special story of Gerald the Giraffe in this story time with Joanna Abel
Story Corner: Hair Love
with Miss Delana
Trust Oasis @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 02:30pm - 03:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 12:30pm - 01:00pm
ALL AGES Celebrate our differences with a reading of "Hair Love" by Matthew A. Cherry.
Street Magic with Mr. Messado
Throughout the Cultural District @ Cultural District
Saturday, May 20 03:30pm - 04:30pm
ALL AGES Liberty Magic's resident magician Mr. Messado delights with roaming street magic performances!
Strong Women Strong Girls
Point Park Playhouse @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
Lobby area - Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
Lobby area - Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
Lobby area
ALL AGES Explore mentorship & empowerment with Strong Women Strong Girls.
The Alloy School: Craft Party
Kelly Strayhorn Theater
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
ALL AGES All ages craft activity!
The Alloy School: Let's Move Dance Party!
Kelly Strayhorn Theater
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Friday, May 19 01:00pm - 01:30pm
ALL AGES All ages dance party!
The Collaboration Festival
A Celebration of the African Diaspora
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Saturday, May 20 03:15pm - 04:15pm
ALL AGES Celebrate African American culture & community in this interactive performance from local professional artists.
The Starry Messenger
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Saturday, May 20 01:00pm - 01:30pm
WATCH Explore a celestial circus in the stars!
Traveling While Black
Strongly Recommended for Audiences 12 & Older
820 Gallery @ Cultural District
Multiple dates and times
- Sunday, May 21 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
- Friday, May 19 , 10:00am - 02:00pm
- Saturday, May 20 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
LEARN Immersive VR experience discussing longtime restriction for Black Americans.
Venture Outdoors
Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District
Saturday, May 20 10:00am - 05:00pm
ALL AGES Inspire. Educate. Equip. We remove barriers to outdoor experiences.
Festival Food |
Food Trucks*
Don't miss food trucks on-site at the Festival:
Friday
Kona Ice
Saturday
Kona Ice
Hot Bunz
Goodeats
Aviva Brick Oven
Sunday
Kona Ice
Hot Bunz
Goodeats
Aviva Brick Oven
*Food truck offerings are subject to change.
Family Friendly Restaurants in the Cultural District and Beyond
Check out these family-friendly restaurants open during the Festival with a select few offering a special discount during Festival hours!
| Alihan's Mediterranean Cuisine 124 6th St $$ (412) 888-0630 Mediterranean | August Henry’s Burger Bar 946 Penn Avenue $$ 412-765-3270 American |
| Bae Bae’s Kitchen 951 Liberty Avenue $$ (412) 391-1890 Korean, Asian Fusion, Salad | Barcadia 25 Market Square $ (412) 586-7440 Arcade |
| Christos Mediterranean Grille 130 6th St $ 412-261-6442 Greek | City Works 2 PPG Place $$ (412) 448-2900 Contemporary American |
| The Eagle 737 Penn Ave Space 2 $$ (412) 688-6350 Fried Chicken | Fogo De Chao OFFERING 10% OFF DURING FESTIVAL HOURS! 525 Smithfield St $$$ (412) 312-5001 Brazillian |
| Redbeard's on Sixth 144 6th St $$ (412) 261-2324 American | Rosewater Middle Eastern Grill 808 Liberty Ave $ (412) 235-7880 Middle Eastern |
| Sly Fox OFFERING 10% OFF DURING FESTIVAL HOURS! 300 Liberty Ave #100 $ (412) 586-7474 Taphouse and Grill | The Yard 100 Fifth Ave $$ (412) 291-8182 American |
| Yuzu Kitchen OFFERING 10% OFF DURING FESTIVAL HOURS! 409 Wood Street $$ (412) 288-9900 Asian |
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