Ditch your car Saturday, and walk, run, or bike Open Street PGH’s longest route to date.

Hosted by BikePGH, Open Streets PGH is a community event that shuts down streets in the area from car traffic so visitors can get out, exercise and explore the areas by foot. 2019 is the event’s most ambitious year to date, with three Open Streets dates this summer across the city featuring different neighborhoods each month.

What is Open Streets PGH?

Open Streets is a free community event that temporarily closes the streets to car traffic and allows residents to bike, walk, run, skate or stroll through the neighborhood along the route. The open streets movement has been taking hold in other cities around the globe. The Paris Respire, which translates to Paris Breathes, closes certain roads to traffic on Sundays from 9am-5pm. Cyclovia Tuscon takes place twice a year and has quite a following. The first Open Streets Pittsburgh was held in 2014.

Open Streets Pittsburgh – 2019 Dates & Routes

• SATURDAY, May 25 – Homewood, Larimer, East Liberty, Shadyside, and North Point Breeze
• SUNDAY, July 30 – Downtown, Strip District, and Lawrenceville
• SUNDAY, July 28 – Downtown, Uptown, South Side

Open Streets – Route Guide for Homewood, Larimer, East Liberty, Shadyside, and North Point Breeze

https://www.facebook.com/openstreetspgh/photos/a.237647933111743/1055057561370772/?type=3&theater

From 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday, May 25, you can explore 4.4 miles of Homewood, Larimer, East Liberty, Shady Side, and Point Breeze by foot or wheel, or both. You can see the entire OPen Streets PGH schedule here. Keep reading for a block-by-block guide to the can’t miss Open Streets spots.

Meet me at the Bar(re)– Elwood St at Highland Ave

Pure Barre is offering four hour-long classes near its East Side studio. If you want to tuck, burn, and sweat, try one of these free ballet-inspired cardio classes right along the Open Street route.

SHAPE Up– Baum Blvd at Highland Ave

Local gym SHAPE Training is offering a boxing bootcamp just outside of its newly expanded studio space on Baum at Highland Ave.

Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream– 232 S Highland Ave

After all that sweating, slow down and snag a sweet treat from local favorite Millie’s. With flavors ranging from vanilla almond with spicy honey to hazelnut brownie, there’s bound to be something to please even the pickiest sweet tooth.

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Howe Springs- Fifth Ave

Thirsty? Look no further than the site of one of Pittsburgh’s natural springs. Howe Spring is just one of three notable historic springs in the city of Pittsburgh. Read more about Howe Springs here.

Pittsburgh Center for Creative Arts– 6300 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Located in a historic mansion on Pittsburgh’s classic “Millionaire’s Row,” the Center for Creative Arts hosts a variety of classes, exhibitions, and workshops for all ages. From 10am – 5pm, check out the Center’s New Member Exhibition, featuring the work of 33 new members of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh.

Mellon Park Hub

One of three hubs set up by Open Streets across the route, the Mellon Park hub features free Zumba, Pound and HIIT classes taught by Pittsburgh YMCA instructors.

Westinghouse Park- 7051 Thomas Blvd

Westinghouse Park is the former site of George Westinghouse’s estate. The house was razed in 1919, but was home to Westinghouse’s private laboratory, where he’d work on various personal projects. Fun Fact: Westinghouse hosted a variety of notable guests at his estate including Nikola Tesla, and President William McKinley.

Shiloh Community Baptist Church– 6940 Frankstown Ave

With kids and looking to take a break from the bustle of the streets? Shiloh Community Baptist Church is hosting a Youth Festival over the course of the event Saturday.

Everyday Cafe– 532 North Homewood Ave

Grab breakfast, lunch or a caffeinated beverage in this favorite Homewood hang. Take note, this eatery is cashless, so bring your credit card and come grab a bite.

Carnegie Library Homewood– 7101 Hamilton Ave

Opened in 1910, the Carnegie Library of Homewood was the last library Andrew Carnegie built in Pittsburgh. The recently renovated space with preserved historical touches has been serving the community for more than 100 years.

Homewood Hub

Ready for another exercise break? This Open Streets activity hub will host free Kettlebell, Insanity, and Zumba classes taught by Pittsburgh YMCA instructors.

Bennet Building- 7201-03 Frankstown Ave

Built in 1903, famed American architect designed and built this building that now hosts apartments and a one-stop shop.

Dance Break- N Lang Ave at Frankstown Ave

Ready to get moving? Essence Howze will teach a series of free dance classes including Hip Hop, African, and Caribbean dance over the course of Open Streets.

Athletic Trauma Unit Fitness Class– N Murtland St at Frankstown Ave

Athletic Trauma Unit is a supportive fitness community that teaches free classes for all ages across Pittsburgh. Check out one of their free classes during Open Streets.

Frankstown Overpass of the Brilliant Cut-Off Viaduct, 1902, Pennsylvania Railroad- Frankstown at La Schall Street

This overpass carries the Brilliant Branch, a small connector railway that was built in 1902. In 2003, it was added to the List of Pittsburgh Historic Landmarks.

Showcase Barbeque– 6800 Frankstown Avenue

True Story: I once stayed at a party far beyond it being interesting because I heard the mere rumor that someone was bringing food from Showcase. The food from Showcase never showed up and I went home with an empty stomach and sense of disappointment toward said friend. But on Saturday you’ll be able to stop and grab a bite from this Homewood barbeque institution.

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East End Brewing– 147 Julius Street

After all that exercise (okay and BBQ, ice cream, and sandwiches) you might want to wash everything down with a local brew. East End Brewing on Julius St. is one of Pittsburgh’s longest-running craft breweries with thirteen beers on draft. Take a load off and try a pint (or two). East End Brewing’s

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East Liberty Hub

Back to exercising! The third Open Streets hub has Family Zumba, Family Cardio Drum, and a Family Food Prep class taught by Pittsburgh YMCA instructors.

East Liberty Presbyterian Church– 116 S. Highland Avenue

This 200-year old Gothic-style church was designed by Ralph Adams Cram. If you like what you see, check out the church’s “Below Ground” tour of the catacombs and organ bellows offered on Sunday.

So grab your trusty pair of sneakers, bike, or your favorite unicycle and enjoy the offerings of 2019’s first Open Streets event. For an official schedule and more info, check out Open Streets.