Pittsburgh has been recognized with the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) World Festival & Event City Award for the third consecutive year. The city was one of five U.S. municipalities to receive the designation in 2025.
An international panel of experts evaluated applicants based on their commitment to supporting events, the economic impact generated, and events' contributions to residents' quality of life. Pittsburgh's application highlighted the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, the Three Rivers Arts Festival, and the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.
The award was presented to the city's Film & Events Manager, Brian Katze, during the IFEA 71st Anniversary Convention & Expo in Tucson, Arizona. The City of Pittsburgh's Office of Film & Event Management serves as the official permitting and consulting authority for film and event projects within the city.
The designation supports VisitPITTSBURGH's 10-Year Tourism Development Plan, which aims to enhance Pittsburgh's capacity to host large-scale festivals and establish a county-wide strategy to promote events reflecting the city's unique brand and cultural diversity. Pittsburgh joins McAllen, Texas; Historic Kailua Village, Hawaii; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as 2026 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award recipients.