The City of Pittsburgh is expanding opportunities for local artists to participate in vendor markets at major city-wide events throughout 2026 and LGBTQ+ artists are encouraged to consider applying.
The City’s Department of Parks and Recreation (CitiParks), in partnership with the Office of Special Events, is currently accepting applications for its Artist Market program. Selected artists will have the opportunity to vend at high-attendance public events including Farmers Markets, Concerts in the Parks, Independence Day celebrations, and the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting.
Recognized as a “World Festival & Event City” by the International Festivals & Events Association in both 2024 and 2025, CitiParks events draw tens of thousands of attendees each season. The addition of pop-up artist markets is part of the City’s effort to elevate local creatives and expand access to Pittsburgh-made art.
The Artist Market program is open to artists and makers working in a wide range of categories, including: visual arts (2D and 3D), functional and decorative ceramics and pottery, fiber arts and textiles, woodworking, glass, modern and trending crafts, and small-scale and giftable items.
While prior market experience is preferred, the City states it is committed to fostering diversity across genres, mediums, and demographics. There is no application fee, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through the end of the year.
Public city-sponsored events provide rare, high-visibility platforms for artists to reach broad audiences outside of traditional gallery spaces. For LGBTQ+ artists, particularly those who are emerging, self-taught, or working independently, these markets can offer direct access to new customers, increased public visibility, expanded sales opportunities, and marketing support through City promotional channels.
At a time when LGBTQ+ expression and visibility continue to face political pushback in many parts of the country, participation in large-scale civic events can serve as both an economic opportunity and a visible affirmation of queer presence in Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape.
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Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ artists have long contributed to the region’s creative vitality from grassroots zine culture to established gallery work, and this program presents another avenue for that work to reach broader audiences.
Artists interested in participating in CitiParks’ 2026 event season can complete the Artist Market Application online. Applications are open now and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through the end of the year.
There is no cost to apply.