FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: James Santelli – Communications Officer, Riverlife
james@riverlifepgh.org | 412.258.6636 x109
Shore Thing Returns to Allegheny River over Memorial Day Weekend
Riverlife’s free-to-enjoy public barge platform sets official 2026 opening date of May 22
PITTSBURGH, PA – Riverlife is getting ready to drop anchor for the return of Shore Thing.
The popular floating destination will be back on the Allegheny River this summer, opening for the season on Friday, May 22. The public barge platform will once again be nestled between the Roberto Clemente Bridge and Andy Warhol Bridge on the North Shore, free for all to access from Allegheny Landing.
Shore Thing was an instant hit for visitors in 2025, welcoming more than 50,000 people on board in less than four months of its pilot season. The riverside platform will be open six days per week until mid-October, offering a family-friendly space with free programming and events. BG Brewing will also make food and beverages available for purchase.
“At Riverlife, we are dedicated to connecting people through exceptional places and experiences on our rivers,” said Matthew Galluzzo, President and CEO of Riverlife. “Nothing says summertime in Pittsburgh like getting out on our riverfronts. 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.”
Visitors can also enjoy expanded public hours this year. Shore Thing will open from 10 AM to 10 PM every Friday and Saturday On Tuesday through Thursday, Shore Thing will continue to be open from 3 PM to 10 PM, and Sunday public hours will be Noon to 10 PM. Shore Thing is closed Mondays.
BG Brewing returns to offer food and drink service on board for purchase. The menu features Pittsburgh classics with Japanese-Hawaiian elements. 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.’
“Shore Thing is a beautiful, equitable, sustainable riverfront experience in the heart of the City,” said Matt Katase, CEO of BG Brewing. “The partnership between BG and Riverlife is a strong collaborative effort alongside talented contractors, artists, nonprofits, and cultural organizations who bring this project to life. In its inaugural season, Shore Thing transformed from idea to reality. 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 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.
FREE PROGRAMMING – ALL SUMMER LONG
Shore Thing will be the venue for more than 70 programs and events this summer, all of them free for the public to enjoy. Highlights for 2026 include:
- MAY 30 & 31 – Riverlife Chalk Fest – Pittsburgh’s most colorful kick-off to summer will include Shore Thing for the first time. This free, all-ages celebration will feature professional chalk artists from across the U.S., as well as activities, food, drink, live music and more. See more at riverlifepgh.org/chalkfest
- THURSDAYS – Live music series – Riverlife’s weekly live music series will put a spotlight on emerging individual artists, DJs, and bands. Every Thursday evening, beginning June 4, audiences will be able to enjoy live acts at one of the most picturesque venues in Pittsburgh.
- THROUGHOUT THE SEASON – Shore Thing Performing Arts Series presented by The Charity Randall Foundation – Arts and culture will feature prominently on Shore Thing this summer, 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.
- SUNDAYS – YogaRoots On Location – One of Shore Thing’s best-loved weekend activities returns for 2026. Each Sunday morning, beginning June 7, YogaRoots On Location will offer a community yoga class for every body. Pre-registration will be required for each class.
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, creative writing workshops, and more.
SHORE THING FAST FACTS
- Shore Thing is comprised of 10 steel barges, each 40 feet long and 10 feet wide, creating a space of 4,800 square feet.
- The roof of Shore Thing’s on-board shipping container holds 20 bifacial solar panels, which capture both direct sunlight and light reflected off the water. The specs: 9,000 watts of maximum solar output and 51.2 kWh of battery storage capacity, keeping Shore Thing off the grid. It’s all thanks to a custom off-grid power system designed by Pittsburgh’s own ZeroFossil.
- More than 120 days of operation are on the schedule for Shore Thing in 2026, with free public programming on more than half the dates.
Riverlife’s Shore Thing was made possible through the generous support of the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).
Additional contributions have been made through the Pennsylvania Waterfront Development Tax Credit Program. Participating companies include Duquesne Light Company, First National Bank, The Gateway Clipper, HM Insurance Group, United Concordia Dental, and UPMC Health Plan.
Programming for Riverlife’s Shore Thing is made possible through the generous support of The Charity Randall Foundation and the Opportunity Fund.
Riverlife’s Shore Thing also received support from Giant Eagle.
DAILY OPERATING HOURS
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | Open 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM |
| Friday, Saturday | Open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | Open Noon to 10:00 PM |
Admission to Shore Thing is free and open to the public. Entry may be paused when Shore Thing reaches capacity, and temporary closures will occur for safety during severe weather. For more information about Shore Thing, visit us at shorething.riverlifepgh.org and follow @riverlifepgh on Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT RIVERLIFE
Since 1999, Riverlife has worked to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s riverfronts. Riverlife has overseen a $150 million investment in the city’s waterfront transformation. This investment led to $3.1 billion in related economic development. Riverlife works at the intersection of community development, environment, and culture. Its award-winning “Completing the Loop” vision plan describes Riverlife’s service area as the “Loop.” The Loop is comprised of the 15 miles and 1,055 acres of trails and public spaces between the 31st Street, Hot Metal, and West End Bridges. “Completing the Loop” won awards from the American Planning Association and American Institute of Architects. Riverlife’s goal is to close the Loop’s physical and experiential gaps. Riverlife believes riverfronts belong to everyone. Learn more at riverlifepgh.org.
