The Pittsburgh Passport is the region’s marquee retention program for college-aged talent, created and incubated by the Allegheny Conference started in 2019. In partnership with the Conference, PUMP has taken the lead on managing the program.
Through a combination of immersions in regional amenities and corporate and peer-focused networking – all designed for college students, recent grads, and early career professionals – the nationally recognized Pittsburgh Passport has been focused on engaging and retaining more of this demographic group in the Pittsburgh region to support a globally competitive workforce.
For participants, it’s a series of free, exclusive, and general community events that give them a chance to explore what Pittsburgh has to offer, make social connections, and learn about the area.
For employers and universities, it’s a way to augment the summer internship, fellowship, or early career period with extra civic, recreational, and social opportunities.
Stay Tuned Here For Pittsburgh Passport Events As They Are Announced
June 11th Kick off summer with the Pittsburgh Passport
Meet Mayor Corey O’Connor, local leaders, summer interns, and college students from across the country and around the world with free refreshments. Enjoy early exclusive access to gorgeous FNB Stadium, learn about the Riverhounds and Riveters, meet their team members, and learn about what we have in store for the program this summer – all sorts of adventures around the City all summer long!
Registration: 2026 Pittsburgh Passport Kickoff
Questions? Reach us at: passport@pump.org
June 17th Heinz History Center Film Screening
Community Partner Passport Event – Heinz History Center
In a Pittsburgh Passport partner debut, the Heinz History Center is inviting Passport participants to two events in honor of the 250th celebration of the United States. First, a special invitation to a free in-person screening of “American Dignity.”
This in-person screening is free with advance registration. Please register in advance to reserve your spot. The program will take place in the museum’s fifth floor Mueller Center.
This program is part of the History Center’s year-long commemoration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in partnership with America250PA.
Heinz History Center programs commemorating America’s 250th anniversary are supported by Nimick Forbesway Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Visit PA, and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).
Learn more: American Dignity
Register: RSVP – ticket required for entry
June 19th Celebrate Juneteenth Across Pittsburgh with a Free POGOH Day Pass
NEW! Community Partner Offering
Did you know Pittsburgh has a bikeshare organization and network? Check out POGOH for free on June 19th! Juneteenth in Pittsburgh is one of the city’s biggest celebrations of community, culture, music, and Black excellence — with events happening across Downtown, Point State Park, Mellon Park, Market Square, and beyond throughout the weekend.
This year, you can celebrate while exploring the city by bike with a free POGOH Day Pass on June 19.
Simply use code JUNE19 in the PBSC app to unlock free rides and easily travel between Juneteenth events happening across Pittsburgh.
Thursday, Jun. 25 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Learn more: POGOH
June 25th History After Hours: America 250
Community Partner Passport Event – Heinz History Center
Happy 250th birthday, America!
For one night only, join the History Center as we toast to the nation’s 250th anniversary with five floors of revolutionary revelry.
Choose your own museum adventure filled with cocktails, crafting, vintage shopping, American history, and interactive experiences at this special 21+ birthday bash.
Thursday, Jun. 25 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Learn more: History After Hours: America 250
Register: Use this link and enter code Passport26 for free admittance
June 27th Picnic with PGH Social Club
Community Partner Passport Event
In a Pittsburgh Passport debut, we are excited to be working with PGH Social Club on a picnic at Schenley Park! Come hang out and picnic with one of the fastest growing social clubs in Pittsburgh. Learn more about their events and membership, meet other young professionals, and enjoy one of Pittsburgh’s many great parks with incredible views!
Learn more and register: PGH Social Club Picnic
June 28th OpenStreets hosted by BikePGH
General Pittsburgh Community Event
OpenStreetsPGH is back in action for Summer 2026! Hosted by BikePGH, this free community event that opens miles of Pittsburgh streets for people to walk, run, bike, and explore spaces that are usually taken up by motor vehicles. Join anytime from 10 am – 2 pm on event days – the streets will be yours!
Saturday, June 28th from 10a – 2pm
Learn more: OpenStreetsPGH
July 2nd Kayaking with the Pittsburgh Passport
Returning Pittsburgh Passport Collaboration
Experience a unique view of Downtown with Kayak rentals in Pittsburgh via Venture Outdoors! Use code PUMP2026 at the link below or in person at the dock from 1pm to 7pm that day for free admittance (you’ll need to sign a waiver however you sign up). Single and tandem kayaks available. We recommend a leisurely paddle down to the Point and bank for some incredible views!
Thursday, July 2nd from 1pm -7pm
Register online: Kayak with the Pittsburgh Passport
Learn more about Venture Outdoors: Venture Outdoors
July 7th 2026 Pittsburgh Passport Pirates Game
Meet college students from across the country and around the world, enjoy baseball, and of course, free food, drinks, and a night on the three rivers.
Tuesday, July 7th at 5:30pm
Registration: Coming Soon
Questions? Reach us at: passport@pump.org
July 16th – July 19th 2026 Picklesburgh
General Pittsburgh Community Event
Over the past decade, Picklesburgh has drawn millions to the city’s core, elevated Pittsburgh’s profile, and provided a vital platform for local artisans, food vendors, and entrepreneurs, all reinforcing the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s ongoing work to revitalize Downtown through bold placemaking and cultural vibrancy. Spanning two of Pittsburgh’s iconic Sister Bridges, Allegheny Landing, Fort Duquesne Boulevard, PPG Plaza, Market Square, 6th Street and Heinz Hall Garden, this milestone year reflects the festival’s evolution from a quirky celebration to a nationally recognized economic driver for Downtown.
Learn more: Picklesburgh
July 16th Mad About the Movies with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
We are pleased to be once again partnering with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on a Passport Event! Grab your popcorn for a night of unforgettable cinematic music, performed live by the Pittsburgh Symphony with no screen required. As part of the Cinematic Soundtrack Festival, the orchestra brings the magic of the movies to life through thrilling adventures, fantastical worlds, and haunting classics. This concert features iconic scores from The Shining, Apocalypse Now, Death in Venice, Star Wars, A Clockwork Orange, There Will Be Blood, Indiana Jones, and more, offering a program that will delight movie lovers of all ages.
Registration: Coming Soon
Questions? Reach us at: passport@pump.org
July 26th Kayaking with the Pittsburgh Passport
Pittsburgh Passport Collaboration
Experience a unique view of Downtown with Kayak rentals in Pittsburgh via Venture Outdoors! Use code PUMP2026 at the link below or in person at the dock from 11am to 5pm that day for free admittance (you’ll need to sign a waiver however you sign up). Single and tandem kayaks available. We recommend a leisurely paddle down to the Point and bank for some incredible views!
Thursday, July 26th from 11am to 5pm
Register online: Kayak with the Pittsburgh Passport
Learn more about Venture Outdoors: Venture Outdoors
More to come
Kayaking, Shore Thing, Quantum Theatre, and Other Fun in Store! Stay Tuned!
If you’d like to host or partner on a Passport event, reach out to us at passport@pump.org
Past events in 2025
Science, Chilled & Distilled
Can your gut microbiome make or break cancer treatment? Join us at Science, Chilled & Distilled for an evening of bold ideas and great conversation at Kingfly Spirits. Dr. Abby Overacre-Delgoffe from UPMC Hillman Cancer Center will unpack the link between artificial sweeteners and immunotherapy-and how it could influence the effectiveness of certain types of cancer care. This event is free to attend and we hope to see you there!
Questions? Reach us at: passport@pump.org
Bike through Pittsburgh History
Join Point State Park, PUMP, and the park educator on an interpretive bike ride around town! We will explore different sites and sights along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail to Washington’s Landing, then loop back to the Point along the Allegheny River. Along the way, we will stop at a few historical spots and landmarks to learn about their connection to the city. The initial meeting spot will be shared upon registration. This is a free program, but registration is required. Please bring your own bike if you have one. If you need to borrow a bike, please include that in the comments of the registration link. The bike ride will last approximately 2 and a half hours, and riders must be able to bike about 10 miles over that time frame with intermittent stops. The ride will mostly be along a dedicated biking and walking path with slight elevation gains, but there will be a few times where we will ride on the road for short moments. The age limit is 12 years and older.
Questions? Reach us at: passport@pump.org
July 27th Point State Park with PA Ranger Jack Lachendro
Did you know that there’s a Pennsylvania State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh? Curious to learn more about its history, current projects in the park, the Commonwealth park system, and local flora and fauna? Pennsylvania Park Ranger Jack Lachendro will lead a curated walking tour, present, and answer questions. This event is in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
Learn more: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr.html
Questions? Reach us at: passport@pump.org
July 27th OpenStreets hosted by BikePGH
General Community Event
OpenStreetsPGH is back in action for Summer 2025! Hosted by BikePGH, this free community event that opens miles of Pittsburgh streets for people to walk, run, bike, and explore spaces that are usually taken up by motor vehicles. Join anytime from 10 am – 2 pm on event days – the streets will be yours!
Saturday, June 29th from 10a – 2pm
Learn more: OpenStreetsPGH
July 27th Quantum Theatre Sunday Q&A and Seagull
Join us with Quanum Theatre making its Pittsburgh Passport debut to see part of the world premier of Seagull.
Chekhov’s tragi-comedy, with its pantheon of longing lovers, experienced on the banks of a pond straight out of Tolstoy’s Russian dachas (and under the glittering windows of the Mellon Center façade).
Seagull is a story of spiraling unrequited love. At its center is aspiring playwright Constantine, who falls for the beautiful Nina. Can she escape the circus of her mother, the famous, now-fading actress, Arkadina, and give the world a clarion new artistic voice?
Questions? Reach us at: passport@pump.org
July 30th Get To Know Gecko Robotics
Gecko Robotics is hosting an open house on Wednesday, July 30th for local interns to see our office and team, and meet other interns in the Pittsburgh area. The evening includes a peek into our cutting-edge facilities coupled with the opportunity to interact with other interns living in Pittsburgh. There will be office tours, robot demos, and of course food and drink provided! We will be open from 5:30-7:30pm, and you are welcome to stay for the full or partial time. The last office tour and robot demo will start at 7pm.
Registration: Stay Tuned
Questions? Reach us at: passport@pump.org
August 2nd – Frick Park with PA Ranger Jack Lachendro
Have you heard of the Frick Environmental Center? Curious to learn more about the newly completed Sensory Nature Trail? Pennsylvania Park Ranger Jack Lachendro will lead a curated walking tour, present, and answer questions.
This event is in partnership with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
Questions? Reach us at: passport@pump.org
PUMP Through the Years
History
PUMP has been working with young people in Pittsburgh since 1995. Starting in 2003, we began holding local interest forums, including political debates for mayor and county executive, forums on transportation, healthcare, city-county consolidation, energy policy, and more. Many people don’t know that PUMP originally stood for Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project. When we began, our mission was to help encourage young and talented people, both those who had lived here all their lives and those who were new to the region, to stay here. On some measures, Pittsburgh has made significant progress since that time as more and more young people choose to come or remain here. Yet, for all of the well earned and deserved accolades attributed to Pittsburgh’s latest renaissance, we are keenly aware of the fact that the benefits are not enjoyed equally by all. The work of PUMP is no less important today than it was at our founding. We now focus our renewed advocacy efforts on fostering equity in the region and helping a diverse group of young people get connected to one another. We seek to build a Pittsburgh for ALL. Read more about our history here
