Pittsburgh named Global Festival and Event City
The award was presented to the City of Pittsburgh and VisitPITTSBURGH President & CEO, Jerad Bachar, during the 67th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat, which was held in Pittsburgh. This recognition is particularly significant, as Pittsburgh is one of only four U.S. cities to earn the distinction in 2024, further solidifying the city’s growing reputation as a hub for cultural and entertainment events on the global stage.
“The IFEA is pleased to recognize and highlight those cities and markets who have worked, through concerted efforts, to provide an environment conducive to successful festivals and events,” said IFEA President Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, during the presentations.
“Through this award, the IFEA hopes to create a continuing dialogue between events and cities around the world, at a time when each needs to be supporting the other more than ever. The quality of all the entries paints a bright picture for our industry and those cities recognised with this award are helping to build a strong foundation and example that we hope all cities, globally, will work to emulate.”
Experts commend Pittsburgh's thriving festival scene
City entries for the World Festival & Event City designation were evaluated by an international panel of experts based on a rigorous set of criteria. These included the city’s dedication to fostering and supporting festivals and events, the economic benefits these activities generate, and their contribution to enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors.
Pittsburgh’s application stood out for its impressive history of hosting impactful and successful events, such as the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Pittsburgh Irish Festival, the Pittsburgh Marathon, and the quirky yet beloved Picklesburgh. These events not only reflect the city’s vibrant cultural scene but also highlight its ability to attract and engage diverse audiences year-round.
Jerad Bachar and Ed Gainey declarations
“Pittsburgh’s recognition as a World Festival & Event City is a fantastic achievement that underscores our city’s welcoming spirit, cultural richness, and world-class hospitality.
It’s no secret that Pittsburgh is an events-driven destination year-round, so this designation solidifies our world-class line-up of events and celebrates the strong collaboration and event organisation across our community.”
“This designation only further solidifies that the City of Pittsburgh is a hub for entertainment and creativity.
As we work to reimagine Pittsburgh as a city for all, we welcome visitors, events, and festivals that will speak to and reflect the richness of diversity that exists here. I greatly appreciate the International Festivals & Events Association for presenting us with this prestigious award and look forward to cultivating relationships with festival and event professionals in the future.”
Through this initiative, VisitPITTSBURGH seeks to improve the city’s capacity to host large outdoor events, create programming that aligns with Pittsburgh’s destination branding, and foster ongoing collaboration with the City’s Office of Film & Event Management.
“This accolade marks a significant milestone in our strategic efforts to boost tourism and cultural engagement, and we’re grateful for Mayor Gainey’s shared commitment to strengthening the global appeal of our events and festivals,” said Bachar.
VisitPITTSBURG and the City of Pittsburgh, Office of Film & Event Management
VisitPITTSBURGH is the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region. The organisation is dedicated to generating business events, sports events, and leisure travel for Allegheny County.
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.
