Pittsburgh’s Floating Venue Returns for a Second Season
In its inaugural season last year, Shore Thing welcomed more than 50,000 visitors.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RIVERLIFE
Pittsburgh’s popular floating destination will soon drop an anchor in the Allegheny River.
Shore Thing, a free-to-enjoy public barge platform, welcomed more than 50,000 visitors during its pilot season in 2025. On May 22, it will return for another summer of floating fun, according to Riverlife.
“Nothing says summertime in Pittsburgh like getting out on our riverfronts,” Matthew Galluzzo, President and CEO of Riverlife, says in a statement. “We’re thrilled to bring back Shore Thing for a second season and look forward to welcoming Pittsburghers back on board for another summer of making memories.”
The riverside platform, composed of 10 steel barges, will be open six days per week through mid-October and offers a full slate of free programming. Upcoming events include Riverlife Chalk Fest on May 30-31,YogaRoots On Location each Sunday and a live music series every Thursday beginning June 4.
Arts and culture will feature prominently on Shore Thing this summer, too, including live jazz every third Saturday as part of The August Wilson African American Cultural Center Presents: jazzjAM.
Shore Thing will also welcome musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a performance on Tuesday, July 14.
Additionally, Shore Life will once again exhibit new public art, adding to Riverlife’s ArtWalk on the Allegheny initiative, which brings immersive artwork and engaging programming to the Allegheny riverfront.
This year, a unique shade canopy in the style of a stained glass mural will be featured. The canopy is the creation of La Vispera, a Pittsburgh-based collective of artists Kelly Jimenez and Alejandro Franco. A custom-painted mural by Pittsburgh artist Janel Young will remain featured on the surface of the barge.
Additional programs will include a monthly kayaking series with Venture Outdoors, family-focused programming with The Citizen Science Lab, game nights with Games Unlimited, special events with the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation and creative writing workshops.
BG Brewing will also return to offer food and drink service, with a menu featuring Pittsburgh classics with a Japanese-Hawaiian twist. Dishes include plate lunch, sandwiches and sides, while beverages feature BG beer, refreshing cocktails and a non-alcoholic selection of coffee, sodas, lemonade and juices. It’s all with a theme of “Pittsburgh to the Pacific,” organizers say.
“Shore Thing is a beautiful, equitable, sustainable riverfront experience in the heart of the City,” Matt Katase, CEO of BG Brewing, says in a statement. “For year two, our intent is to build on the momentum of last year’s successful launch, and, once again, showcase Allegheny Landing and the Allegheny River.”
Shore Thing will be open from 3 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; and from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. It will be closed each Monday. Admission to Shore Thing is free and open to the public, although entry may be paused when Shore Thing reaches capacity. Temporary closures will occur for safety during severe weather.
For more information about Shore Thing, visit Riverlife’s website and follow @riverlifepgh on Instagram and Facebook.
