This week’s stroll through the East End from May 11-17 features forest bathing, local music, a sprawling garage sale and more.
Pittsburgh Community Events May 11-17
Pittsburgh Vegan Restaurant Week
May 11-17
Celebrate Pittsburgh’s burgeoning vegan food scene with curated meals at restaurants across the city. Hosted by Humane Action Pittsburgh, attendees pay a set price for multi-course, plant-based meals. Participating restaurants in the East End include Iron Root by City Kitchen at Bakery Square, Senyai Thai Kitchen, El Sabor Latin Kitchen, Esquina Cantina, Khalil’s Middle Eastern Restaurant, Spirit Lounge and Spice Delight. The full list of participating restaurants can be found on their website.
May 11
Did you know every neighborhood in Pittsburgh used to have a small Jewish community of its own before World War II? These “lost neighborhoods” were home to small synagogues, schools and Jewish-owned businesses. Utilizing materials from the Rauh Jewish Archives, the Heinz History Center will teach attendees about the history and culture of these neighborhoods; the free talk takes place from 2-3 pm at the Carnegie Library’s Squirrel Hill branch.
Spring Forest Bathing
May 14
Let’s face it: Most of us need to seriously destress. Take a breather with a calm walk through the park, led by certified forest bathing guides who will help you connect with the natural world and your surroundings. This free program, which takes place from 10-11:30 am at the Frick Environmental Center, is hosted in collaboration with 10.27 Healing Partnership. (Advanced registration is required.)
Millvale Music Festival
May 15-16
Music lovers from the region will descend on Millvale for the annual two-day festival featuring performers of all genres and plenty of food, drinks and non-musical entertainment. The free event packs more than 350 musicians, 60 visual artists, spoken word performers and comedians over 32 stages — all contained within a .6-mile footprint. The full lineup, venue listings and parking information are available on the festival website.
Regent Square 2026 Yard Sale
May 16
Stroll through one of Pittsburgh’s biggest community-driven yard sales, set for 8 am-2 pm throughout Regent Square. Browse furniture, tools, kids’ clothing, vintage kitchenware and more. Some houses will provide food and drink for guests. It’s the perfect way to meet the neighbors, explore the community and find some bargains. (Weather look menacing? The rain date is Sunday, May 17.)
Out of Hand: Forest of Delights
May 16
Animal print, flower crowns and forest-inspired finery are the encouraged costume themes for Contemporary Craft’s annual gala and auction at their Butler Street art center. The VIP prelude features hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails and mocktails, live music and early auction access. Then the true party begins with additional bars, food stations and dancing. Proceeds support Contemporary Craft’s free exhibitions, resources for artists and community programs.
Tree Maintenance Cleanup
May 17
Pittsburghers love their street trees, but they require a lot of behind-the-scenes work to keep them looking beautiful and pristine. Spend a portion of your Sunday tidying up Regent Square’s business district tree planters. Bring your gardening gloves and trowels (if you have any) and meet in front of Frick Park Tavern at 3 p.m. For more information, email Perry Recker — perreck48@gmail.com — and mention the Regent Square Community Association’s Garden Committee.
Story by Rachel Windsor
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy