GREEN SCENE

Green City Guide: Pittsburgh in Late Summer Edition

By Gemma Gurcak

August 12, 2025

As summer cools down in Pittsburgh, the city is still bursting with events that bring people together for music, food, fitness, and fun. Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting for the season, you can enjoy everything this great city has to offer while keeping sustainability in mind.

Pittsburgh’s end of summer lineup is packed with outdoor markets, fitness events, and community happenings. Now more than ever, it’s easy to enjoy these occasions in a sustainable way. By making small choices, such as carpooling with friends, using reusable containers, and supporting local businesses, you can reduce your environmental impact without missing a moment of the action.

The Downtown Farmers Market continues into the late summer season. This Pittsburgh open-air market features venders from regional farms and small businesses offering everything from organic produce and handmade baked goods to small-batch snacks. 

Shopping at farmers markets supports local agriculture, reduces your carbon footprint, and promotes a more sustainable food system, all while connecting you directly with the people who grow and make your food. Admission is free, and the market is easily accessible by car, bike, bus, or on foot.

Unwind and reconnect in the heart of downtown as Yoga in the Square – PPG Plaza Edition continues into late summer and early fall! Now through October 14, outdoor yoga classes are available every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m., led by some of Pittsburgh’s most inspiring instructors. 

Practicing yoga outside in a walkable, transit-accessible location supports a more sustainable lifestyle with no gym required, no electricity is needed or wasted. Just bring your own mat and a reusable water bottle. Get ready to breathe deeply and enjoy the fresh air surrounded by the iconic glass towers of PPG Plaza.

Dining in Pittsburgh can be about more than a great meal. At Revel, your dinner also supports important causes such as the Piatt Family Foundation’s Hope for Hospitality Workers Relief Fund, the Community Takeout Initiative, 412 Food Rescue, and the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. Choosing restaurants that give back is an easy way to support your community while enjoying a delicious meal in the heart of downtown.

When you're not attending downtown events or local festivals, take time to enjoy Pittsburgh’s beautiful green spaces. Schenley Park offers a peaceful escape with trails for hiking and biking, or a quiet spot to relax under the trees.

Some of the best summer memories come from simple moments spent in nature. Pack a picnic and be ready for amazing sunset views!

Wrapping up summer in Pittsburgh will be full of energy and opportunity. With just a few eco-conscious decisions, such as planning your mode of transportation with friends, avoiding single-use plastics, and shopping locally, you can experience everything the city has to offer while caring for the environment and supporting the people around you.

This season, focus on what matters most: community, nature, and sustainability. Whether you're roaming through the farmer’s market, working out in the sun, or enjoying delicious food at a festival, Pittsburgh has everything you need for a green and memorable end to the season.