What Is There to Do Besides Watch Picks?
This is the #1 question people ask. And it makes sense. If you've only seen the draft on TV, it looks like a guy walking to a podium and reading a name. Why would 500,000+ people show up for that?
Because the modern NFL Draft isn't a broadcast event. It's a full-blown festival that takes over the entire city. Think of it like a Super Bowl block party that lasts 3 days. There's a massive free fan zone with games and attractions. Live entertainment on the main stage. Ticketed concerts at The Plaza at North Shore. A drone show. A 5K race. A $845-per-plate food event. Watch parties at every bar within 2 miles. And Pittsburgh itself brings world-class museums, 90+ craft breweries, the best views in America, and a food scene that'll keep you busy between every pick.
You don't need to care about football to have a great weekend here. But if you do care about football, this is Disneyland.
NFL Draft Experience (Free Fan Zone at Point State Park)
The Draft Experience is the centerpiece of the whole weekend, and it's completely free. It takes over Point State Park (where Pittsburgh's three rivers meet) with interactive football activities, exhibits, and appearances.
Point State Park attractions:
- 40-yard dash with an official NFL timer and a giant LED wall showing you racing against digital NFL players
- Hail Mary throw over defenders into a drop-in net. Test your deep ball.
- Field goal challenge on a real setup
- Long snap station to try your hand at punt and field goal snaps
- Autograph stage with current and former NFL players. Schedule drops April 14 in the OnePass app with updates throughout the weekend.
- Steelers' Lombardi Trophies photo op. All six of them.
- First Overall Pick podium replica. Stand behind the podium like you just went #1.
- Taste of Pittsburgh food vendors from local restaurants on site. (Different from the $845 Taste of the Draft charity event.)
- NFL Shop with the largest assortment of draft and team merchandise
- Steelers Country fan zone — the Steelers' own fan-focused area inside the NFL Draft Experience, with team activations and Pittsburgh football history.
North Shore attractions (near Acrisure Stadium):
- Vertical jump to find out your combine differential, just like at the NFL Scouting Combine
- NFL Museum with a replica NFL locker room, Pro Football Hall of Fame busts, all 59 Super Bowl rings, and the Heisman Trophy
- Look Like A Pro photo station. Step inside a body-cast mold with your favorite team's uniform.
- Pepsi Team Helmets oversized replicas of all 32 NFL team helmets
- Bud Light Beer Hall with photo ops (21+ for drinks)
- Gear Up and Go (kids can try on NFL equipment)
- Fan viewing on Acrisure Stadium field for Rounds 1-3. Blankets are allowed on the field but must be in use at all times.
- Play Football Field with USA Football clinics for kids ages 6-14. First-come, first-served.
- Steelers Pro Shop (temporary location): Relocated to 275 North Shore Drive for draft week, steps from Acrisure Stadium. Open 7 days a week, 10 AM-5 PM (extended hours during the draft). Limited Edition 2026 Draft Poster and new merch arriving regularly.
NFL Films' "The Football Town"
A special NFL Films presentation narrated by Pittsburgh-area native Pat McAfee about the region's football heritage. Shown in a first-of-its-kind immersive large-screen format at the Rangos Giant Cinema inside the Kamin Science Center on the North Shore. Free with draft entry. Special evening showings have also been added in the weeks leading up to the draft. Tickets are selling out, so reserve ahead at kaminsciencecenter.org.
- Thu & Fri: 1:00, 2:30, 4:00, 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00, 11:30 AM, 1:00, 2:30 PM
Heads up: Kamin Science Center is closed to general walk-in visitors from April 13 through May 1 because of draft setup. Scheduled group visits and ticketed Football Town showings are still happening.
Hours & Admission
- Thursday & Friday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Cost: Free. Register for a free NFL OnePass(download the app ahead of time).
- Cash-free event. No cash accepted anywhere. Credit cards only. American Express is the NFL's official payments partner.
- Water bottles: You can bring an empty, reusable water bottle and fill it at free water refill stations inside the event.
Pro tip: Saturday morning is the least crowded time. Day 1 (Thursday) is the most packed. If you want to actually do the activities without waiting in long lines, go early on Saturday.
Concerts & Entertainment
The NFL Draft Entertainment Series is FREE at the Draft Theater (next to Acrisure Stadium). Just announced: Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels perform Friday, and Kane Brown headlines Saturday after the final picks. Register through NFL OnePass for free entry. First-come, first-served standing room. Separately, The Plaza at North Shore is hosting three ticketed concerts with major artists. These are paid events at a private venue, not part of the free draft experience. Tickets at gofevo.com.
NFL Draft Entertainment Series (FREE)
Presented by Bud Light. All free with OnePass registration.
- Thursday, April 23: KELS sings the national anthem. Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh performs.
- Friday, April 24: Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels at the Draft Theater after the picks.
- Saturday, April 25: Kane Brown headlines after the final picks wrap up.
Drone Show (After Day 2)
A massive drone light show over the rivers after the Friday night session. Free to watch from anywhere with a view of the North Shore. The Mt. Washington overlooks and Roberto Clemente Bridge are prime viewing spots.
Jason Aldean at Rivers Casino (April 22)
The night before Round 1. Aldean's also got a restaurant on the North Shore (Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Bar) that'll be packed all weekend. Rivers Casino is offering concert + hotel packages.
The Plaza at North Shore Concerts (Ticketed)
The Plaza at North Shore is a brand new 30,000 sq ft outdoor venue that opened April 2, right next to PNC Park. It's hosting three ticketed concerts during draft week: Nelly on Wednesday April 22 at 6 PM (Official Draft Opening Party), Steve Aoki on Thursday April 23 at 12 PM (The Ultimate Tailgate Party), and 2 Chainz on Saturday April 25 at 6 PM (Official Draft Closing Party). It also features SugarBird restaurant (chicken, donuts, ice cream, full bar). These are separate paid events, not part of the free draft. Tickets at gofevo.com.
Want to know where to go after the concerts? Check our bars and restaurants guide →
Market Square Activations (Free, All 3 Days)
Market Square just got a major renovation and it's reopening for draft week with the grand reopening on Wednesday, April 22. After that, activations run all three draft days. It's a 7-minute walk from Point State Park.
- Hours: Thu-Fri 10 AM-9 PM, Sat 9 AM-7 PM
- Steelers-themed bar
- Pittsburgh miniature golf
- Live blacksmithing demos by Rivers of Steel
- Photo stations, prizes, and games
- Live entertainment throughout the day
Market Square is always a good hang. During draft week, it's going to be the downtown gathering spot between venue visits.
Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing (Free)
Pitt Athletics and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust are hosting a free three-day celebration at Arts Landing, a brand new four-acre civic space in the Cultural District. It's walking distance from both draft venues and Point State Park.
- When: April 23-25, 9 AM-6 PM daily
- Cost: Free admission
- Pitt Football museum with interactive exhibits
- Live draft showcase so you can follow the picks without the main stage crowds
- Live music and entertainment
- Food trucks and beverages
- Local vendors
- Children's activity zone (great for families)
If you've got kids or just want a less intense draft experience, this is the spot. You get the draft atmosphere without the North Shore crush.
PicksBURGH 5K
P3R (the organization behind the Pittsburgh Marathon) is running a 5K race on Saturday morning of draft weekend. It's called the PicksBURGH 5K and the route goes through some of Pittsburgh's most scenic areas near the draft venues.
- When: Saturday, April 25 at 8:00 AM
- Organized by: P3R (Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon Inc.)
- Route: Starts on the North Shore, crosses 16th Street Bridge, winds through Downtown, finishes at Point State Park
- Registration: p3r.org/races/picksburgh-draft-day-5k
- Virtual option: Can't be in Pittsburgh? There's a virtual participation option for runners anywhere
- Swag: Every runner gets a commemorative race shirt and finisher medal
Even if you don't run, it's a cool atmosphere. Grab coffee, watch the runners, and then head to the Draft Experience when it opens at 9 AM.
Taste of the Draft (April 22)
This is the premium food event of draft week. Hosted by celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern at Tower at PNC Plaza the night before Round 1. It's a charity event benefiting GENYOUth's mission to end student hunger in Pennsylvania.
- When: Wednesday, April 22 (the night before the draft starts)
- Where: Tower at PNC Plaza, North Shore
- Tickets: $845 per person
- What you get: 20+ local chefs, open bar, past and present Steelers players, NFL Legends, live entertainment, surprise-and-delight moments
Yeah, $845 is steep. This one's for the splurge crowd. If you want great Pittsburgh food without the price tag, the restaurant guide has you covered.
Steelers Country at Point State Park (Free)
Inside the Draft Experience at Point State Park, the Steelers are hosting "Steelers Country," a two-day fan zone dedicated to the hometown team. Six Lombardi Trophies, Steelers legends, autograph sessions, and interactive throwback experiences. This is the spot if you want Steelers-specific content instead of the all-32-teams vibe of the main Draft Experience.
- When: April 23-24 (Thursday and Friday only, not Saturday)
- Where: Point State Park (inside the Draft Experience footprint)
- Cost: Free with NFL OnePass registration
- What to expect: All six Lombardi Trophies on display, Steelers Hall of Honor inductees, autograph sessions, photo ops
Women Who Rock Experience (Ticketed)
Pittsburgh-based Women Who Rock is hosting a three-day pop-up celebrating women in music, sports, and culture. It's a curated experience with live performances, panels, and merchandise.
- When: April 22-24
- Where: Piatt Place, 301 Fifth Ave, Suite 102, Downtown Pittsburgh
- Contact: (412) 576-7776
- Cost: Check with venue for ticket details
Pro Football Hall of Fame Pop-Up Exhibit
The Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton, OH) is bringing a pop-up exhibit to Pittsburgh's Heinz History Center for draft week. Artifacts and memorabilia from the Hall's collection on display in the Strip District. A good rainy-day or between-sessions stop.
- When: April 22-26
- Where: Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman Street, Strip District
- Cost: Regular museum admission
- Bonus: Heinz History Center itself has the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum (Steelers history, Mario Lemieux, Honus Wagner) on permanent display
Pittsburgh Attractions Worth Visiting
Between draft sessions, you've got hours to fill. Pittsburgh's got more to do than most visitors expect. Here are the highlights, all within a short ride (or walk) from the draft venues.
Duquesne Incline & Monongahela Incline
Two historic cable cars that take you up Mt. Washington for the best views in the entire city. USA Today named it the best overlook in America. $6 round trip. The Duquesne Incline is the more popular one, but both are worth it. Go at sunset if you can.
Right on the North Shore, walking distance from the draft venues. Great for families normally, but it's closed to walk-in visitors April 13 through May 1 for draft setup. The only way in during that window is a ticketed showing of NFL Films' "The Football Town" at the Rangos Giant Cinema or a pre-scheduled group visit.
The world's largest collection of Warhol's art, right on the North Shore. Seven floors of pop art from Pittsburgh's most famous artist. Walking distance from both draft venues.
A stunning botanical garden in Oakland (about 15 minutes from downtown by car or bus). Beautiful glass greenhouses, seasonal flower shows. One of the most beautiful buildings in Pittsburgh.
National Aviary (CLOSED Thu-Fri)
America's only independent indoor aviary with 700+ birds. Normally a must-visit, but it's closed Thursday and Friday during draft week because of the event footprint. Open Saturday and other days. Plan accordingly.
Steelers Hall of Honor Museum
Inside Acrisure Stadium. If you're a Steelers fan (or any football fan, honestly), this is a no-brainer since you're already right there for the draft.
Roberto Clemente Bridge Walk
The yellow bridge that connects the North Shore (Acrisure Stadium) to downtown (Point State Park). It's pedestrian-only during draft weekend, so you'll probably walk it multiple times. Enjoy the river views. It connects the two main draft venues.
A free, wildly colorful public art installation on the North Side. Covered in murals, sculptures, and random art everywhere. Great for photos. Totally free, totally unique. You won't see anything like it anywhere else.
A 42-story Gothic tower on the University of Pittsburgh campus in Oakland. Free to walk into the lobby. The Nationality Rooms on the first and third floors are incredible. About 15 minutes from downtown.
Strip District Saturday Morning
Pittsburgh's famous market neighborhood. Saturday mornings are the best time to go. Street vendors, fresh produce, meat markets, cheese shops, bakeries, and some of the best food in the city. It's a 10-15 minute walk from Point State Park. Hit Pamela's Diner or DeLuca's for breakfast if you don't mind a line.
Want to explore by neighborhood? See our neighborhood guide →
Family-Friendly Activities
Bringing the kids? Pittsburgh's actually a great draft weekend destination for families. There's plenty to do beyond the bars and late-night concerts.
- NFL Draft Experience is built for all ages. The 40-yard dash, field goal kick, and vertical jump are a blast for kids. Free with OnePass registration.
- Kennywood (Pittsburgh's beloved amusement park) opens for the season the same weekend. It's about 12 miles southeast of downtown. Perfect for a half-day if the kids need a break from football.
- Kamin Science Center is right on the North Shore, but it's closed to walk-in visitors April 13-May 1 for draft prep. The only way in is a ticketed Football Town showing at the Rangos Giant Cinema.
- Children's Museum of Pittsburgh is on the North Side. Interactive exhibits designed specifically for younger kids. Check their website for draft weekend hours.
- Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is about 7 miles from downtown in Highland Park. A solid option if you want a full day away from the draft crowds.
One heads-up: the National Aviary is closed Thursday and Friday because of the draft event footprint. It should be open Saturday and Sunday. Plan around that if the kids are animal lovers.
For Non-Football Fans
Coming with someone who's obsessed with the draft but you couldn't care less? Good news. Pittsburgh has more than enough to keep you busy without watching a single pick.
Here's a weekend that has nothing to do with football:
- Ride the Duquesne Incline to Mt. Washington for skyline views and dinner at Altius or Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
- Spend a morning in the Strip District eating your way through bakeries, cheese shops, and food halls (The PA Market is a newer standout)
- Visit the Andy Warhol Museum and the Mattress Factory (immersive installation art) on the North Side
- Do a brewery crawl in Lawrenceville. Church Brew Works (a brewery inside a converted church) is the headliner, but there are 8+ breweries within walking distance
- Walk through Phipps Conservatory in Oakland, then check out the Cathedral of Learning across the street
- Book a Gateway Clipper river cruise for views from the water
- Take a CulturvaTOUR Party Bus for a guided tour of Pittsburgh's food, history, and culture ($109, Black-owned business)
Honestly, Pittsburgh is underrated as a travel destination. The draft is just the excuse to visit. The city does the rest.
Things to Do FAQ
What is there to do at the NFL Draft besides watch picks?
The NFL Draft is a 3-day festival, not just a broadcast. The free Draft Experience at Point State Park has a 40-yard dash, field goal challenge, autograph stage, and the Lombardi Trophy. The NFL typically has free entertainment on the main draft stage, plus a drone show, the PicksBURGH 5K race, and the Taste of the Draft food event. The Plaza at North Shore also has ticketed concerts (Nelly, Steve Aoki, 2 Chainz). Pittsburgh itself has world-class museums, inclines, breweries, and restaurants within walking distance of the venues.
Is the NFL Draft Experience really free?
Yes. The NFL Draft Experience at Point State Park is completely free. You just need to register for a free NFL OnePass (download the NFL OnePass app). Hours are Thursday and Friday 12pm to 10pm, and Saturday 9am to 6pm.
What concerts are at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh?
The NFL Draft Entertainment Series is free at the Draft Theater. Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels perform Friday after the picks. Kane Brown headlines Saturday after the final picks. Thursday opens with KELS singing the national anthem and Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh. All free with OnePass registration, first-come first-served. There's also a drone show after Day 2. Separately, The Plaza at North Shore has ticketed concerts: Nelly on Wednesday April 22 (6 PM), Steve Aoki on Thursday April 23 (12 PM), and 2 Chainz on Saturday April 25 (6 PM). Tickets at gofevo.com. Jason Aldean is also playing Rivers Casino on April 22.
Is the NFL Draft good for families with kids?
Absolutely. The Draft Experience is built for all ages with interactive games and photo ops. Kennywood amusement park opens the same weekend. The Pittsburgh Zoo is about 7 miles away. Heads up: the National Aviary is closed Thursday and Friday for draft setup, and the Kamin Science Center on the North Shore is closed to walk-in visitors April 13 through May 1 (only ticketed Football Town showings and group visits during that window).
Plan the Rest of Your Weekend
Need help getting there?
Parking is a mess and road closures are everywhere. Read the transportation guide before you go.