National Anti-Boredom Month: Fight Your Boredom With These 6 Activities Downtown
By Olivia Miller
Did you know that July is National Anti-Boredom month? With so many great activities, museums, programs, galleries, and restaurants, you could never be bored when you’re around the ‘Burgh. Here are 6 activities to do in The Golden Triangle to cure your boredom in July and beyond:
Explore Downtown’s Art Scene
Downtown has a vibrant art scene curated for your appreciation and interpretation. A great way to see it all is to grab a few friends, put on your walking shoes, and go on The Office of Public Art’s Art in Public Places walking tour of the Cultural District.
This tour spans four blocks but has 18 stops where you can simultaneously admire the art and the skyline. The tour begins on the fourth floor of the Convention Center with “For Pittsburgh”, an LED display with scrolling text showcasing novels written by notable Pittsburgers.
The tour continues along the Allegheny River with stops at the looming “Liberty Avenue Musicians”, the futuristic mural “Yesterday’s Tomorrow”, and the seasonally evergreen “Magnolias For Pittsburgh.”
Work on Your Golf Game
As of late, The Greater Downtown Area is becoming a refuge for golfers who want to practice their swing without sweating out on the golf course.
Five Iron Golf is located near Market Square and allows for all levels of golfers to perfect their game with their high-tech course simulators and swing analytics. Another simulator-focused indoor golfing spot is OnPar Now, located in The Terminal in the Strip District. With a focus on promoting women’s golf, the establishment offers monthly clinics and opportunities for private lessons.
If the twists, turns, and obstacles of a mini golf course are more your style, visit Puttshack or its Strip District neighbor The Puttery for drinks, food, and friendly competition.
Catch a Flick
Instead of watching Netflix at home, consider catching an indie movie at one of the movie theatres in The Greater Downtown Area. The Harris Theater is an intimate movie theater located in the Cultural District. Its vintage marquee and capacity of less than 200 patrons make it a great spot for couples who want to have a date night or local college students who want a break from their studies.
Also, be on the lookout for free movies in the region. The Pittsburgh Classic Movie Group, which sponsors free vintage movies from the early to mid 1900s, often sponsors movies at The Harris Theater and Row House Cinema. They are a great opportunity to step back in time without leaving the city.
Experience Live Music
Now that it is summer, it is the perfect time to enjoy local music, not to mention that July is also Love PGH Music Month.
On your way home from work, catch JazzLive in the Agnes Katz Plaza every Tuesday night. The smooth tunes, scenery, and libations from the mobile bar make this event a great mid-workweek pick-me-up. The event is held in Katz Plaza from June to September before it is moved indoors to Liberty Magic from October to May.
Late on a Saturday night, if you’re in the mood for jazz, stop into Con Alma. With their expansive bar, neon signs, and bold wallpaper, it is the perfect lowkey setting to enjoy a cocktail and some live music.
Picnic at The Point
Point State Park is one of the most iconic Pittsburgh destinations. With its expansive yard, monumental fountain, and breathtaking view of the Golden Triangle skyline, it makes for the perfect location for an impromptu picnic.
On your way down to the Point, pick up some grub at a Downtown restaurant. Boulevard Deli on Smithfield Street makes great sandwiches piled high with ingredients bearing the names of some of Pittsburgh’s classic landmarks. Alihan’s Coffee and Breakfast is a great place to stop if you’re craving a hearty meal finished with something sweet that won’t break the bank.
Expand Your Knowledge
Pittsburgh is rich in history. The next time you find yourself feeling bored, consider learning about the ‘Burgh’s history to gain a whole new appreciation for our city.
Conveniently located outside of Point State Park, learn more about Fort Pitt and the Fort Pitt Museum. Jam packed with dioramas and artifacts, the museum will give you insight about Pittsburgh’s role in major historical events like the American Revolution. Tickets are $10 and the museum is open everyday from 10 am - 5pm.
Even if you’ve lived in Pittsburgh for your whole life, consider taking a boat, bus, or guided walking tour. These programs, sponsored by organizations like Doors Open and Rivers of Steel, are led by professionals who know the city inside and out.
