Photo courtesy of Thrival.

15 locations

September 21 – 27
Various times

Ready to exercise your right and left brain over the next seven days?

Photo courtesy of Thrival.
Photo courtesy of Thrival.

Thirty events, 25 musical acts, 15 locations and one massive brownfield are part of what’s in store during this week’s Thrival Innovation + Music Festival. For its third annual edition, the confluence of entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives and business leaders is expanding its footprint—both in terms of programming and geography. In addition to getting a look at the city’s innovation corridors and the significant work being done at our universities, attendees will also explore city neighborhoods and sites that might not be traditionally associated with startup culture.

Photo courtesy of Thrival.
Photo courtesy of Thrival.

Packed with immersive innovation-focused events, interactive programs and a music festival, this year’s Thrival’s itinerary spans six different “themes,” with weekday sessions focusing on everything from women in leadership and robotics, to city policy, education technology and clean energy. Dubbed “Thrival Marquee Events,” the festival’s evening programs include guest speakers, pitch showcases, PIT Talks, a block party and more. On day four, Thrival returns to its old stomping grounds at Bakery Square for programs at UPMC Enterprises, Google and TechShop. Additional festival venues peppered around town include the Heinz History Center, Wigle Whiskey, Work Hard PGH, City Theatre Company and the new Energy Innovation Center.

Photo courtesy of Thrival.
Photo courtesy of Thrival.

The action culminates with an all-ages outdoor concert at Hazelwood’s 178-acre Almono site—formerly home to LTV Coke Works—featuring 26 acts over two days. Headliners include Las Vegas-based pop-punk band Panic! at the Disco, legendary Wu-Tang rappers Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, Brooklyn ensemble San Fermin, indie rockers Manchester Orchestra and Timothy Showalter’s Strand of Oaks. Joining the headliners and national acts are Pittsburgh-based bands such as Grand Piano, Nevada Color and Beauty Slap.

Extra bonus? All innovation programs are free. View a complete schedule and purchase tickets.

Read our interview with Thrival’s executive producer Dan Law here and our music preview of Thrival here.

Jennifer has worked at the Mattress Factory, Brooklyn Museum of Art and SLB Radio Productions. She is co-author of the award-winning book, "Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania." For 15-plus years, she was co-coordinator and marketing director with Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh's first and largest independent craft fair. She makes music as The Garment District and is a founding member of Brooklyn's The Ladybug Transistor.