Over the past three decades, Pittsburgh’s reputation has been going through a transformation. What was once thought of as a purely blue-collar, industrial city has undergone a change into a cultural center with a rich arts scene. Today, the city is full of world-class museums, music venues, and art galleries. In turn, more and more creative types have migrated here to hone their crafts among like-minded people.
While the national reputation may have only begun to change since the 1980s, Pittsburgh has actually been an artistic city since at least the 1960s. In 1960, the Woman’s Committee of the Carnegie Museum of Art founded the Three Rivers Arts Festival. This festival is held each June as a celebration of the region’s visual and performing arts scene. If you’re a parent looking to cultivate an appreciation for the arts in your children, a family trip to this free 10-day festival is a must. Some of the reasons why our Pittsburgh adoption professionals love the Three Rivers Arts Festival include:
Variety Of Art Styles Represented
The Three Rivers Arts Festival is an all-encompassing celebration of the arts, and virtually every major art medium is celebrated here. You’re sure to find aspects of the festival that appeal to the preferences of everyone in your family, and you’ll have the opportunity to introduce your children to all aspects of the diverse world of art. Over the past several decades, we’re sure countless children have been inspired to pursue their own artistic ambitions after first being exposed to certain mediums here. A few features you can expect to enjoy include:
- Free live music
- Theater performances
- Dance performances
- Public art installations
- Gallery exhibitions
- Visual artist market
- Creative interactive activities
Both local artists and internationally renowned ones make trips here to participate in this legendary festival. This ensures that not only are all art mediums represented, but that influences from all types of cultures are as well.
History Of Legendary Performances
Over the years, many legendary performers have taken the stage of the Three Rivers Arts Festival. A few of the household names in music, dance, and literature who have performed here include:
Musicians
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Ray Charles
- Smokey Robinson
- Phillip Glass
- Steven Reich
- Norah Jones
- The Avett Brothers
- Wilco
- Sonic Youth
- The Wailers
- The Black Keys
Literary Figures
- Allen Ginsberg
- Spalding Gray
Dance Artists
- Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane
- Lar Lubovitch
- Pucci:Sport
Visual Artists
- Otto Piene
- Louise Nevelson
- Keith Haring
- Nam June Paik
Three Picturesque Locations
The Three Rivers Arts Festival is located in downtown Pittsburgh and split between three idyllic locations, which include:
Point State Park
This beautiful park is famous for its fountain at the confluence of the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela Rivers. Even when the arts festival isn’t happening, Point State Park is a major tourist attraction in the city. During the 10-day festival, it provides a perfect backdrop for many main attractions.
Cultural District
Like the name suggests, Pittsburgh’s Cultural District is the center of the city’s arts and cultural scene. This section of the city is the project of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, which is a non-profit organization that produces the Three Rivers Arts Festival. People visit this district year-round to see theaters, art galleries, trendy restaurants, and more. During the festival, the area flourishes even more with the additional influx of performing and visual arts.
Gateway Center
The Gateway Center is located in between Point State Park and the Cultural District. Its features include several plazas, a beautiful fountain, trees, and walkways along a backdrop of office buildings. During the festival, this area is home to the Artist Market and Second Stage, among other attractions.
