Pittsburgh’s vibrant music scene is expanding its footprint this summer with the launch of Turn It Upstream Music Festival, a new event set to take place in Frick Park on June 26. The festival isn’t just about the music; it’s a fundraiser for UpstreamPgh, a local nonprofit dedicated to restoring and protecting the city’s waterways. This unique blend of entertainment and environmental advocacy aims to draw crowds even as supporting a vital cause.
The inaugural festival will feature a lineup of Pittsburgh-based bands, including Beauty Slap and NASH.V.ILL, alongside DJ Buscrates, the anonymous chronicles and Colatura. Hosting the evening will be Pittsburgh filmmaker and local personality Rick Sebak, known for his documentaries celebrating the city’s unique character and everyday life. The event promises a full evening of music, food, and activities, all within the natural setting of Frick Park.
A Festival Rooted in Restoration
Turn It Upstream will be held in Frick Park Hollow, a clearing near the intersection of the Tranquil Trail and Falls Ravine Trail. This location is particularly significant as it lies along Nine Mile Run, a stream that has undergone extensive restoration efforts over the past two decades. According to UpstreamPgh’s website, the organization grew out of the Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, which completed a two-mile restoration of the stream, including 10 acres of wetland habitat, in 2006.
The choice of location isn’t accidental. “The earliest documents about the Nine Mile Run restoration called for the creation of an organization that could sit at the intersection of art, environmental activism, and community engagement to develop and steward watershed perform in Pittsburgh,” said UpstreamPgh executive director Mike Hiller in a statement. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by throwing a music festival at the physical nexus of our past and future work.” The festival site also marks the uppermost boundary of the original ecosystem restoration project and the downstream end of the forthcoming Fern Hollow Vision Plan, further emphasizing the connection between the event and ongoing environmental initiatives.
More Than Just Music: A Community Gathering
Beyond the musical performances, Turn It Upstream aims to be a community-focused event. Attendees can expect food trucks, a beer vendor, and interactive activities like eco-friendly screen printing. Educational walking tours will also be offered, providing insights into the watershed restoration efforts and the ecological importance of Frick Park. Organizers are encouraging attendees to embrace a festival aesthetic reminiscent of iconic events like Woodstock, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Coachella, suggesting a spirit of free expression and environmental consciousness.
Practical considerations are also being addressed. Attendees are encouraged to park on adjacent city streets and walk to the festival site, and to bring flashlights for the return trip. This approach aims to minimize traffic congestion within the park and promote a more sustainable event experience.
Supporting Watershed Protection
All proceeds from Turn It Upstream will directly benefit UpstreamPgh’s ongoing work. The organization’s efforts extend beyond stream restoration to include government advocacy and regular stream cleanups. According to their website, UpstreamPgh works to protect the watershed ecosystem through a variety of initiatives, ensuring the health and vitality of Pittsburgh’s waterways for future generations. The festival represents a new and innovative fundraising avenue for the organization, allowing them to expand their reach and impact.
Ticket Information and Details
Tickets for Turn It Upstream Music Festival will go on sale in mid-April. General admission tickets are priced at $20, with a reduced rate of $10 for patrons under 18. VIP packages are available for $100. The festival is scheduled for the evening of June 26 in Frick Park Hollow, Regent Square. More information, including the full music lineup and ticket purchasing details, will be available on the UpstreamPgh website in the coming weeks.
The festival’s organizers hope to establish Turn It Upstream as an annual event, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s summer music calendar and a significant fundraiser for local environmental protection. The event’s unique combination of music, community engagement, and environmental advocacy positions it as a promising addition to the city’s cultural landscape.
UpstreamPgh will continue to provide updates on the festival’s planning and logistics through their website and social media channels. Attendees are encouraged to follow UpstreamPgh for the latest information and to learn more about their ongoing watershed restoration efforts.
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