Pittsburgh, the City of Bridges, is home to some of the most supportive and loyal fans. The city regularly hosts events and activities, with one of the most anticipated being 412 Fest, an annual celebration of Pittsburgh’s people, culture, and environment.
Held every year on April 12, this year’s event took place from noon to 4 p.m. at Bakery Square in Shadyside. The festival featured local food vendors, DJs, small businesses, meet-and-greets with Pittsburgh Steelers players, and more. Free parking was available in the Bakery Square North and South parking garages.
Local businesses sold items including stickers, keychains, jewelry, art, and clothing and offered services such as tattoos and face painting. Many of the goods represented Pittsburgh’s pride and lifestyle. Attendees were greeted with complimentary screen-printed tote bags, stickers, and mini bottles of Heinz Ketchup. Many vendors also offered free items with purchases.
Near the event entrance, the Steel City Ghostbusters set up a table with shirts, stickers, wristbands, and more, noting that all proceeds support local charities and toy drives for children.
All pop-ups at 412 Fest were interactive and family-friendly. VC2 Art hosted a live art station where attendees could contribute to a communal canvas. The Andy Warhol Museum offered an abstract photo booth, and the Carnegie Science Center featured a UV jewelry-making station.
Steelers players Zach Frazier, Joe Long, and Dustin McGrew participated in meet-and-greet sessions. DJ Arie Cole provided live music, and the Kidz Corner included a ball pit, airbrush face painting, a Steelers-themed bounce house, and balloon art.
GameFaces, the business behind the face painting, frequently works Pittsburgh’s home sporting events. A longtime employee at the booth said he has worked with the company for over 20 years and enjoys attending both public and private events.
At 1 p.m., the Pittsburgh Steeline, the city’s official drumline, performed live on the street, energizing the crowd with their music and hometown spirit.
Fans were especially excited to see mascots from the city’s professional sports teams, including Iceburgh, the Pirate Parrot, Steely McBeam, AMO, and Mrs. T’s Pierogies, all of whom posed for photos and mingled with attendees.
Local restaurants in Bakery Square: Alta Via Pizzeria, City Kitchen, and Tako Torta offered themed menu items for the festival. Alta Via Pizzeria sold pizza and fries for $4.12. City Kitchen featured Grandpa’s Pierogies, Pittsburgh salad, and the Black and Gold Burger. Tako Torta served themed cocktails, happy hour specials, and $4.12 beers.
412 Fest is a beloved tradition that offers something for everyone. With activities for all ages, the Pittsburgh-themed celebration continues to bring the community together each year on the same date.
