Pittsburgh Named World Festival & Event City
Published on October 06, 2026
Pittsburgh Named World Festival & Event City by International Festivals & Events Association for Third Consecutive Year
Pittsburgh continues to shine as a premier global destination for festivals and events
Pittsburgh, PA – The City of Pittsburgh and VisitPITTSBURGH today announced that Pittsburgh has been recognized with the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) World Festival & Event City Award.
This marks the third consecutive year Pittsburgh has received the prestigious designation. Awarded to a select group of destinations worldwide, the designation underscores Pittsburgh’s continued leadership as a hub for world-class festivals and events that attract visitors and strengthen the regional economy.
The award was presented to the City of Pittsburgh’s Film & Events Manager, Brian Katze, during the IFEA 71st Anniversary Convention & Expo in Tucson, AZ. The City of Pittsburgh was one of five municipalities in the United States to receive the designation in 2025.
"Pittsburgh is a city where our festivals and events bring residents, families and visitors together to be a part of the energy and vibrancy of our neighborhoods," said Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor. "We are proud to be named a 2026 IFEA World Festival & Event City and of the work of our city staff and event organizers who make events of all sizes possible. Whether it's a block party, festival, conference or other major event, Pittsburgh invites everyone to come and experience these great events in our city."
An international panel of experts evaluated applicants based on criteria including their commitment to supporting events, the economic impact generated, and events’ contributions to residents’ quality of life. Pittsburgh’s application highlighted beloved events such as the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, the Three Rivers Arts Festival, and the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.
“Earning this recognition for a third consecutive year is a remarkable achievement for Pittsburgh,” said VisitPITTSBURGH President & CEO Jerad Bachar. “In a landmark year for major events across our region—anchored by the tremendous undertaking of hosting the 2026 NFL Draft—this honor is a testament to the dedication of our event organizers, community partners, and stakeholders, whose efforts have elevated Pittsburgh on the global stage.”
As the city’s event industry has grown rapidly, the Office of Film & Event Management serves as the official permitting and consulting authority for all film and event projects within the City of Pittsburgh. The Office values the strong collaboration among all stakeholders that has helped secure this prestigious title.
Additionally, this designation supports VisitPITTSBURGH’s 10-Year Tourism Development Plan, which aims to enhance Pittsburgh’s capacity to host large-scale festivals and establish a county-wide strategy to promote events that reflect the city’s unique brand and cultural diversity.
Pittsburgh is proud to join the distinguished roster of 2026 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award recipients, alongside cities such as McAllen, TX; Historic Kailua Village, Hawai’i; and Philadelphia, PA. A list of this year’s award recipients can be found here.
For more information on Pittsburgh’s festivals and events, visit VisitPITTSBURGH.com.
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About the City of Pittsburgh, Office of Film & Event Management
The City of Pittsburgh's Office of Film & Event Management is responsible for consulting with both film and event permit applicants to ensure that industry standards, safety regulations, and city policies are followed and met. OFEM also works with all City departments to ensure the proper planning, coordination, and execution of all permitted events and film projects, as well as assists in the safe and effective planning of large-scale city-wide events. Additionally, OFEM ensures that events and film productions do not negatively impact the City’s operations and remain positive assets to the city and its residents.
About VisitPITTSBURGH
VisitPITTSBURGH is the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region. The organization is dedicated to generating business events, sports events, and leisure travel for Allegheny County.
Molly Onufer
Press Secretary
molly.onufer@pittsburghpa.gov