The best things to do in Pittsburgh

“Nesbit's Lanes keeps it classic with league play, youth leagues, and tournaments like the Russ & Jeanne Memorial Tournament and the 2026 Nesbit's Lanes Open. Bring the crew for birthday parties or fundraisers, check live scoring, grab the snack bar essentials, even gear up at their pro shop.”

“New Great Valley Lanes brings 36 Brunswick synthetic lanes with automatic scoring, bumpers on every lane, a video arcade, snack bar, and the 7/10 Lounge, plus junior and summer leagues and Cosmic Bowling vibes that make even gutter balls feel like a party. Friendly staff keep things rolling smoothly.”

From the Monroeville newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Legacy Lanes keeps it classic with smooth bowling lanes you can book online, plus the extras that turn a random Wednesday into a win... arcade and laser tag, a bar/grill with music, karaoke and DJs, and party packages when the crew needs an excuse to celebrate.”

From the Penn Hills newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Row House Cinemas - Hollywood + MegaScreen keeps the single-screen, circa-1920s magic alive with balcony views, classics, and quirky festivals, plus Rocky Horror shows with callbacks and props. This month brings Persepolis on 35mm, Akira’s 4K restoration, and a 100th-birthday community celebration on September 26.”

From the Plum newsletter, September 9, 2026

“If the forecast looks like, well, Pittsburgh, Three Rivers Golf Club is Bethel Park’s indoor golf spot to keep your swing sharp without rainouts, divots, or lost balls. Pop in for a focused practice session or a friendly round with the crew, then walk out game-ready.”

From the Bethel Park newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Spacious arena with 2 NHL-style ice rinks, snack bar, arcade & pro shop with hockey gear.”

“Whether you're sneaking in a midweek game or corralling the entire crew, AMF Mt. Lebanon Lanes brings 52 lanes of classic bowling energy, a legit arcade, and a sports-bar menu that actually hits. League nights, party-ready lanes, easy online reservations...”

From the Penn Hills newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Whether Penn Hills weather is brutal or you just want data nerd bliss, Miller Mulligans lets you play over 230 iconic courses on Trackman-powered simulators, with shot-by-shot stats and games like Closest-to-the-Pin. Grab a bay with up to six friends, join a league, or book coaching to actually groove it.”

From the Penn Hills newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Cool Springs Golf is the local all-in-one setup, with a two-level, heated driving range packed with Toptracer, plus Full Swing and AboutGolf indoor sims when the weather stinks. Add mini golf, clinics, private lessons, and a legit pro shop with fittings, and you’ve got practice that actually sticks.”

From the Bethel Park newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Clover Hill Golf Course is a challenging 9-hole track with rolling greens, sly sand traps, and just enough water to make you think, rewarding precision more than power. Ideal for a quick local loop this week when you want real Pittsburgh golf without the fuss.”

From the Pittsburgh newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Bob O'Connor Golf Course is Pittsburgh’s walking-only, in-the-park escape with skyline views, The Bob 9 that suits beginners and accomplished golfers, the Palmer Loop to sharpen skills, and the Arnold Palmer Learning Center’s Trackman simulators when the weather is being... Pittsburgh.”

From the Pittsburgh newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Casual locale featuring three courses of indoor miniature golf along with a bar, drinks, food options, and friendly staff.”

“Tucked inside St. Nicholas Church in Millvale, Maxo Vanka Murals deliver 25 floor-to-ceiling gut punches painted in 1937 and 1941, mixing immigration, social justice, love, loss and war. Book a public or themed tour, then brag you finally saw our city's most under-the-radar masterpiece.”

From the Pittsburgh newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Contemporary cinema offering current films in theaters with leather recliners, plus snacks & a pub.”

“IMAX dome theater at Carnegie Science Center screening large-scale educational films for children.”

“Stylish venue for golfing enthusiasts of any level, featuring 11 simulators, a full bar and good eats.”

“When you just want a crisp, well-kept loop without burning your whole day, Mt. Lebanon Golf Course is a historic 9-hole that plays year-round when the weather cooperates and keeps the focus on smooth fairways and honest greens. Friendly vibes, tidy greens, and the perfect excuse to sneak in a quick nine after work.”

From the Pittsburgh newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Harris Theater is rolling a new 4K restoration of The Piano and Mark Jenkin’s Rose of Nevada on 35mm, plus today’s Celebrating Elvis! with an impersonator and fun snacks. If you miss megaplex noise, stay home.”

From the Pittsburgh newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Trade the algorithm for actual vibes at Row House Cinemas. This week’s The Show Must Go On series rolls through Inside Llewyn Davis, Black Swan, All That Jazz, and Phantom of the Paradise, with a live folk set before Llewyn Davis that makes the Coens hit even harder.”

From the Penn Hills newsletter, August 26, 2026

“When you need a quick nine or a full 18 without leaving the South Hills, South Park Golf Course delivers classic muni vibes, forgiving fairways, and just enough challenge to keep the group chat humble. Grab your sticks, set a friendly wager, and make par-ish your weekday therapy.”

From the Pittsburgh newsletter, August 24, 2026

“When you just want a relaxed loop close to home, Frosty Valley Golf Links in Upper St. Clair nails it with a friendly 9-hole track, a big grass driving range and putting green, lessons, and low-key leagues that feel more neighborhood hangout than hard-core grind.”

From the Pittsburgh newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Miniature golf course with an ice cream counter and driving range.”

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Manor Theatre in Squirrel Hill keeps the neighborhood tradition alive with a newly renovated theater and a lineup heavy on imaginative indie, documentary, and foreign films.”

From the Pittsburgh newsletter, August 12, 2026

“RMU Island Rapids Outdoor Miniature Golf is the laid-back course on Neville Island where your short game gets to show off, then you can head to the Golf Dome’s indoor driving range for cathartic swings. Kid-friendly, date-friendly, and perfect when you need low-stress fun close to the city.”

From the Pittsburgh newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Year-round 18-hole public golf course.”

“Level up your mini golf this week at Puttshack in the Strip District Terminal. Their tech-infused courses auto-score every ridiculous bank shot while you fuel up on chef-driven shareables and craft cocktails. Perfect for date night, friendly trash talk, or corralling the crew for something actually fun.”

From the Pittsburgh newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Quaint course for miniature golf, plus an ice cream shop with frozen custard.”