AN EARLIER SIDEWALK MARKET ON CRAIG STREET IN OAKLAND | COURTESY PITTSBURGH INNOVATION DISTRICT

[Updated Wednesday, July 19, 2023: Due to inclement weather predictions, the first Corridor Market event will take place on Thursday, July 27, postponed from July 20.]

In a bid to foster community engagement and strengthen local businesses, Pittsburgh’s Innovation District is hosting for the first time a Corridor Market event on South Craig Street in North Oakland every third Thursday through Sept 21. 

It kicks off on Thursday, July 27, and will feature more than two dozen local artists, vendors and makers selling their goods from 5-9 p.m. Each market will be held here, featuring different Pittsburgh artists, creators and makers each week.

The initiative aims to bring residents together and showcase the diverse offerings in the area. ”We’re really hoping to get people out in the open to discover all that Oakland has to offer,” says Mollie Crowe, marketing and communications manager of the Business Improvement District in Oakland. 

The Innovation District, formed in 2017, includes the 1-square mile connecting the University of Pittsburgh to Carnegie Mellon University and aims to unify the mass of talent, university resources, transformative technology and cultural assets of that part of Oakland.

In conjunction with the Corridor Markets, the Carnegie Museum of Art’s Inside Out program holds events every Thursday and Saturday from 5-9 p.m. in the Sculpture Court, just a short walk from the market. The events feature free performances, food trucks, workshops and gatherings, DJs, art activities and more.

“All of these events are free and available to the public, so there’s no reason to not come out to Oakland,” says Crowe. 

A special promotion is being offered by the Business Improvement District to highlight the Innovation District’s event.  By sharing your favorite lyric or quote that encapsulates why you believe Oakland is poetic, you will receive a “Sidewalk Sweet” card. You can participate here. 

The “Sidewalk Sweet” card features Oakland businesses giving out free tasty treats. By presenting your card to any of the 15 participating establishments, you will receive a complimentary sample. Some of the participating establishments include Milkshake Factory, Rita’s, Pittsburgh Popcorn Company, Fuku Tea and more. The offer is only redeemable at locations in Central Oakland.