Steel City Soul – The Pittsburgh Blues & Roots Festival

In the land of steel and smoke, where the rivers roll and the bridges sing, the Pittsburgh Blues & Roots Festival brings the deep groove of America’s roots right to the heart of Western Pennsylvania. This festival isn't just about music — it’s about mission, memory, and carrying the blues forward with soul and purpose.

Held annually in the Pittsburgh metro area, this event blends big names, local legends, and grassroots energy into one unforgettable weekend of rhythm and connection.

Blues with a Purpose

For years, the Pittsburgh Blues Festival was a major force in the national scene. In its new form — the Pittsburgh Blues & Roots Festival — it continues that legacy with a renewed focus on inclusion, community, and compassion. The event supports local nonprofits such as Band Together Pittsburgh, an organization using music to uplift individuals on the autism spectrum.

• Past performers have included:
  • Ana Popović
  • Tinsley Ellis
  • The Jimmys
  • Billy Price
  • Southern Avenue

“It’s not just the music — it’s the mission. Blues heals, and this festival proves it.”
— Local blues fan, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Beyond the stage, the event features artist markets, craft beer, food trucks, and a kids' zone — making it a true all-ages experience rooted in the diverse threads of American music.

Pittsburgh’s Got the Blues

From warehouse roots to riverside stages, Pittsburgh’s long relationship with the blues runs deep — and this festival honors that tradition while celebrating its evolution.

• When: Mid-July
• Where: Pittsburgh Shrine Center Pavilion, Cheswick, PA
• Admission: Ticketed (proceeds support local charities)
• Website: pghbluesrootsfest.com

The Pittsburgh Blues & Roots Festival is more than a weekend of music — it’s a living, breathing tribute to the grit, grace, and groove of the blues. So whether you’re a seasoned fan or just stepping into the world of roots music, Steel City welcomes you with open arms and an open heart.

Let the guitars wail, the vocals testify, and the community rise. This is Pittsburgh — and this is the blues.

"Koko Taylor at Pgh Blues Festival" by ccbarr is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 .