Garfield
September 9, 10, 11
Various times
The best way to get to know Garfield is at Next 3 Days (N3D) this month.
In the latest installment of the roaming community initiative, N3D will set up shop throughout the East End community with events and entertainment spanning three days. A new series produced by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, City of Pittsburgh and NEXTpittsburgh, N3D showcases under-the-radar, emerging Pittsburgh neighborhoods and promotes affordable housing.
From the eclectic Penn Avenue Art District—along Pittsburgh’s oldest east-west thoroughfare—to lively Garfield Heights, this is your chance to meet the residents, artists, business owners, and community organizations who all call Garfield home and help make the neighborhood shine.
Whether you’re a Garfield native or new to town, or someone who wants to better know their city, you don’t want to miss this three-day happening packed with great ways to explore the distinct Pittsburgh community.
DAY 1
N3D kicks off on Friday, September 9, with an all-ages block party from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. at Alloy Studios. The festivities will also serve as the official Garfield Gators tailgate event.
Block partiers will enjoy cuisine, brews and cocktails from Garfield eateries, view neighborhood photography displays and locally produced art, and play old-school games with City of Play. Next, explore Garfield’s creative side during hands-on art activities and demonstrations led by Pittsburgh Glass Center, BOOM Concepts, and the Pittsburgh Buttoneer.
Friday night will also feature live performances by 1 Hood Media artists, Rhythm + Steel, Level Up Studios’ NBND Crew of Anqwenique Wingfield, Holly Hood, Amber Epps, and Ricarod Iamuri.
Don’t forget to grab some Garfield Gators merch and help local artists make colorful signs to support the home team at the big game.
Starting at 7:45 p.m., hop on the free shuttle from Alloy Studios to Fort Pitt Field to catch the Gator’s Alumni Charity Football game—featuring a special appearance by the Gatorettes.
After the game, head to new kid on the block, Mixtape on Penn Avenue, for the N3D official after-party taking place from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The Block Party & Gator’s Tailgate is open to all ages. Kids 8 and under are free. Buy tickets.
DAY 2
Continue your Garfield adventures on Saturday, September 10, when N3D teams up with the Penn-Ave-Anew Celebration to host an afternoon festival.
Running from noon to 4 p.m. at the corner of Winebiddle Street and Penn Avenue (adjacent to SPAK Brothers), the N3D Festival will feature a full slate of live entertainment and performances by the Obama Academy Eagles Marching Band, Garfield Gatorettes, Rhythm + Steel, Barrels to Beethoven, PK Delay, Joel Kellem, Joy KMT, Shad Ali, LAZYBLACKMAN, and 1 Hood Media artists.
Don’t miss the N3D “Dance Battle Finals” presented by Level Up Studios and DJ Dicey, as well as the community bake-off hosted by WQED’s own Rick Sebak. Calling all residents: Make Rick happy and sign up for theN3D Garfield community bake-off here.
Get your Garfield game on with family-friendly fun hosted by City of Play, and then hop into a Green Gears Pedicab for a free tour of local businesses, real estate, amenities and landmarks. Stroll the Avenue to shop for local art and unique wares, and then grab lunch or dinner from an array of Garfield restaurants.
Pop into the 21+ area hosted by Mixtape and The Livermore, get creative with local arts organizations, pick up free snacks for the kids, peruse home buyer resources, and more.
In conjunction with the Penn-Ave-Anew Celebration, N3D will also feature a special ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of Phase 1 of the Penn Avenue reconstruction project. The day will also feature activities taking place at Healcreast Urban Farm and the Garfield Jubilee Community Festival.
DAY 3
Looking to move to Garfield? Don’t miss the N3D Open House events and home tours taking place at select locations throughout Garfield on Sunday, September 11, from noon to 3 p.m.
Attendees can pick up a map at local Penn Avenue businesses.
Learn more about N3D here.
Read NEXTpittsburgh‘s guide to Garfield, and learn more about living in Garfield.
Looking for more events? Read our 12 Pittsburgh events not to miss in September, Everything you need to know about Pittsburgh concerts in September and 10 great family adventures in Pittsburgh this September feature stories.
