Bloomfield, Friendship, Garfield
October 10
Noon – 6 p.m.
If you’ve spent any time in cities such as New York, Chicago or Baltimore, then you’ve seen all sorts of activities taking place on front stoops—from stoop sitting and stoop sales, to stoop gossiping and stoop gardens.
Thanks to a first-of-its-kind festival spearheaded by Bloomfield Livable Streets, Pittsburgh’s charming stoops are ready for their closeup. Taking place throughout Bloomfield, Garfield and Friendship, the free festival is here to celebrate what is often an overlooked urban amenity—the welcoming front stoop. Porches will get in on the fun too.
Running from noon to 6 p.m., Stoop City will include live musical acts, lawn games, poetry readings, children’s puppet shows, mini street tests and more. Stoop-goers are invited to stroll down both residential and commercial streets to see how residents and businesses owners alike are activating their front spaces in both everyday and unexpected ways.
The daylong family-friendly event is divided into three geographical areas and three staggering time slots, with all activities and events within walking distance.
Stoop City kicks off between noon and 2 p.m. in the northeast section of Bloomfield, north of Liberty between Graham and Gross Streets. Starting at 2 p.m., homes north of Liberty, between Gross and 40th Streets, will show off their stoop and porch pride. For its third leg, Stoop City will culminate in the area south of Liberty Avenue, with activities taking place between 4 and 6 p.m.
Between 4 and 7 p.m., stoops along Main Street will host live acoustic performances by five local bands, all hosted by Pam Hanlin, bassist and vocalist for the Pittsburgh-based group, the Dumplings. Performers include City Steps, Midge Crickett, Matt Bennett, Colonel Eagleburger’s Highstepping Goodtime Band and more. Additional highlights include a block party along Comrie Way between Mathilda and Pearl Streets.
Some residents are even expected to share their stoops as host sites. The event aims to showcase stoops as both authentic community gathering places and iconic architectural features. Event organizers hope that the informal happening will inspire stronger communication between neighbors and community groups, inspire spontaneous neighborly gatherings and help to create safer and more livable and walkable streets.
View a complete Stoop City schedule and download a map here.