Mon Wharf (1 Fort Pitt Blvd.)
July 31
3—8 p.m.
Situated along the historic northern bank of the Monongahela River—along Fort Pitt Boulevard at the base of the First Side section of downtown—the Mon Wharf has been transformed into a scenic, user-friendly and linear park and trail.
Thanks to the dedicated work of Riverlife, the former deteriorated five-acre parking lot now features flood-resistant native plants, water steps providing river access to the river, and improved infrastructure. Future plans for the Mon Wharf include a switchback ramp at its eastern end—to provide access to the historic Smithfield Street Bridge—and a connector at its western end that will lead into Point State Park.
On Sunday, you’re invited to party at the Mon Wharf and explore this revamped riverside amenity at the first annual Crosstown Cookout. Taking its cocktail bar, foodie and nightlife scene from Mt. Washington down to the water’s edge, event host The Summit Pittsburgh is teaming up with Riverlife and Fame15 Creative to stage a summer soirée showcasing locally crafted food and drink.
Attendees will be treated to fresh, grilled and homemade fare from Gaucho Parrilla Argentina, The Vandal, and Leena’s Food Truck, as well as creative libations from The Summit Pittsburgh and Popup Embury.
Wharf-goers can watch live spray paint art as it is being created by local artists Jeremy Raymer and A. Gaglia, and dance to tunes spun by Hot Honey—a.k.a. DJs Jeff Miskis and Brad Czapor, who run a weekly vinyl night at The Summit. Also performing will be The Lava Game, a local rock band featuring Michael Dunn (vocals, guitar), Frank Vilsack (bass, vocals), Aaron Hreczkosiej (guitar, vocals, keyboards), and Jeff Bucci (drums).
General admission tickets are a mere $5, and are currently available for purchase at all of the participating restaurants. For $40, VIPers will have access to an exclusive area, specialty drinks from Embury, private restrooms, food and drink vouchers, and a “local love swag bag.”
A portion of the event proceeds will support the activities and mission of Riverlife, a downtown-based public-private partnership that works to reconnect Pittsburgh with its rivers via recreation, ecological restoration and economic opportunity.
Looking for more events? Read our 10 Pittsburgh events not to miss in July, Everything you need to know about Pittsburgh concerts in July, and our Top 10 things for families to do in July in Pittsburgh feature articles.